thedailyexpress--2020-08-11--Lord Hague sets out three-point plan to remove Nicola Sturgeon and save the Union

The former leader of the Tories said when Boris Johnson visited Scotland at the end of last month , nationalists were quick to say he was “ in a panic ” about the future of the Union .
It comes amid support for Nicola Sturgeon has surged to 66 percent according to the most recent YouGov polls , as revealed by Express.co.uk .
Mr Hague claimed the Conservatives north of the border are in “ a much stronger position ” compared to when he visited Scotland in the 1990s .
Writing in The Telegraph , Mr Hague admitted the SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next February .
However , he gave three pro-union points which could scupper Ms Sturgeon ’ s party next May .
The former Tory leader said the new Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross needs “ all the support he can get to show that there is a strong alternative to nationalism ” .
He added : “ His resignation as a minister over the Dominic Cummings affair shows he can strike out on his own , and he will need to continue in that vein.
” Secondly , he claimed UK ministers needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement they make on the future of the UK ” .
Mr Hague continued : “ Too often in recent months the devolved administrations have been able to complain that they have not been consulted about changes in policy .
“ That has given them easy excuses for their own opportunism while glossing over the immense support they have received from Treasury funds provided by the UK taxpayer as a whole.
” READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon humiliated as SNP set for major U-turn Finally , he stressed Westminster was meant to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review by Lord Dunlop into how to make the Union work better ” .
He suggested the report should be published soon with the ideas taken forward immediately .
Mr Hague claims that the report was rumoured to include appointing a very senior cabinet minister to oversee co-operation between the four nations and “ tackling more issues as a joint endeavour.
” Mr Hague concluded : “ These are all necessary moves on the chessboard of politics .
DO N'T MISS : Fears Nicola Sturgeon 's new hate crime law could criminalise writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rage at ‘ £1.8bn Brexit funding gap ' [ LATEST ] Boris Johnson on alert as support for Nicola Sturgeon skyrockets [ INSIGHT ]

Boris Johnson warned over David Frost appointment by expert
The former leader of the Tories said when Boris Johnson visited Scotland at the end of last month, nationalists were quick to say he was “in a panic” about the future of the Union. It comes amid support for Nicola Sturgeon has surged to 66 percent according to the most recent YouGov polls, as revealed by Express.co.uk.
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Mr Hague claimed the Conservatives north of the border are in “a much stronger position” compared to when he visited Scotland in the 1990s. Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Hague admitted the SNP are “well-positioned” to take Holyrood next February. However, he gave three pro-union points which could scupper Ms Sturgeon’s party next May. The former Tory leader said the new Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross needs “all the support he can get to show that there is a strong alternative to nationalism”.
William Hague has hit out at Nicola Sturgeon
Former Tory Leader William Hague has spoken out
He added: “His resignation as a minister over the Dominic Cummings affair shows he can strike out on his own, and he will need to continue in that vein.” Secondly, he claimed UK ministers needed to “weigh the presentation of every announcement they make on the future of the UK”. Mr Hague continued: “Too often in recent months the devolved administrations have been able to complain that they have not been consulted about changes in policy. “That has given them easy excuses for their own opportunism while glossing over the immense support they have received from Treasury funds provided by the UK taxpayer as a whole.” READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon humiliated as SNP set for major U-turn
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Nicola Sturgeon has enjoyed record support
Finally, he stressed Westminster was meant to be considering the “recommendations of an independent review by Lord Dunlop into how to make the Union work better”. He suggested the report should be published soon with the ideas taken forward immediately. Mr Hague claims that the report was rumoured to include appointing a very senior cabinet minister to oversee co-operation between the four nations and “tackling more issues as a joint endeavour.” Mr Hague concluded: “These are all necessary moves on the chessboard of politics. DON'T MISS:
Fears Nicola Sturgeon's new hate crime law could criminalise writing [REVEAL]
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Boris Johnson on alert as support for Nicola Sturgeon skyrockets [INSIGHT]
William Hague in 2001 during his time as Tory leader


thedailyexpress--2020-08-11--Brexit LIVE: Macron poised to sink last minute Brexit deal over furious fishing row

A UK government official added to Bloomberg : “ The EU continues to insist on access to U.K. fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state.
” It comes as President Macron ’ s ratings have started to suffer with the next Presidential election less than two years away .
French officials claim that Macron could think there are “ votes to be had in standing up to the British '' in a bid to save his mandate .
He is hoping to regain some support following a visit by German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit President Macron at his summer residence on the Mediterranean around August 20th .
The meeting between Macron and Merkel , fresh from striking a game-changing deal for the European Union to raise debt for the first time to fund recovery from the coronavirus pandemic , is another sign of renewed vigour for the Franco-German engine .
Some European diplomats have said a reinvigorated relationship between the EU 's two most powerful leaders could help bring new momentum to other stumbling blocks in the EU , such as a digital tax or US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much could be achieved while Merkel neared the end of her mandate next year .
Macron has received only a few notable guests at his presidential mansion of Fort de Bregancon in southern France in the past , including Russian President Vladimir Putin and former British Prime Minister Theresa May 1.15pm update : Is Britain 'losing interest ' in Northern Ireland due to Brexit ?
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said she is disappointed to hear that the Irish PM 's office is preparing for Britain to `` lose interest '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unit was set up in Micheal Martin 's office earlier this year to `` work towards a consensus on a shared island '' .
The Irish Premier said it is preparing for the possibility that Britain may get `` turned off '' Northern Ireland .
Mr Martin acknowledged there are `` two distinct political jurisdictions '' on the island , adding `` we have to acknowledge the reality of that '' .
However , he went on to speculate around the potential impact of English nationalism , Brexit and the possibility of Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's membership of the union .
Liz Truss has stood her ground in post-Brexit trade talks with Japan after the UK Trade Secretary halted negotiations because of a row over blue cheese .
Britain was on track for an early trade victory as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to sign an ambitious post-Brexit trade deal with Japan in a matter of weeks - the UK ’ s first trade deal after more than 40 years following its departure from the EU .
But trade talks have come to a halt after Ms Truss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , with particular emphasis on Stilton cheese .
She hopes a “ win ” on Stilton will send a message to the world the UK is able to secure better trade agreements than those by the EU .
Guy Verhofstadt 's `` lack of knowledge '' about Irish politics , and particularly the border which separates the Republic from Northern Ireland , has been laid bare in a new Brexit-themed book .
Mr Verhofstadt , the European Parliament 's Brexit representative , became a familiar figure in the referendum campaign , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertain terms after Britain voted to quit the bloc in 2016 .
However , in his new book 'Ireland and the EU Post Brexit ' , Ray Bassett , the country 's former ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , reveals gaps in the former Belgian Prime Minister 's knowledge of Anglo-Irish relations .
10:45am update : Post-Brexit data sharing with EU at risk over UK privacy concerns Data sharing between the UK and the EU could be at serious risk after the Brexit transition period as the bloc has concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy issues .
Conexus Law warned there was a “ strong possibility ” that the EU will consider the UK not to have an “ adequate data protection regime ” required under GDPR .
This will mean that the EU will need to develop an alternative data transfer methodology .
10am update : Migrant crossing issues are `` the hollowness of the rhetoric of 'Taking Back Control '' Lord Ricketts has claimed that migrant crossing issues are showing up `` the hollowness of the rhetoric of 'Taking Back Control ' '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adviser slated plans by Boris Johnson to change the law post-Brexit to make it easier to return migrants attempting to cross the English Channcel .
The crossbench peer rejected the idea that it could be solved through a unilateral move .
He told BBC Radio Four 's Today programme that Westminster should work `` in cooperation with the French '' .
He added : `` For years the French have cooperated very well with us ...
It is not unreasonable that the French should ask for help policing what is after all a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit would allow the UK to draw up a new framework for dealing with migrants .
It comes as immigration minister Chris Philp is to hold talks with French counterparts in Paris in an attempt to stem a fresh upsurge in migrants crossing the Channel in small boats .
The Government has been facing increasing pressure from Conservative MPs after fine weather and calm seas saw hundreds take to the water in an attempt to reach the UK .
More than 4,000 migrants have made it so far this year after completing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipping lane , with at least 597 arriving between Thursday and Sunday .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example , there is a time limit placed on returns , it 's something which can be abused by both migrants and their lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here .
`` At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own returns agreement .
`` The Home Office continue to look at all available options to tackle this issue . ''
8:30am update : Scottish nationalists could ‘ prise the UK apart ’ in post-Brexit chaos claims Hague Brexit may give Scottish nationalists the opportunity to `` prise the UK apart '' , claims William Hague .
The former Tory leader accused Scottish nationalists of creating obstacles in future post-Brexit trade deals .
He described how they wanted to argue for different standards and regulations in Scotland than in other parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foodstuffs .
Mr Hague said : `` The SNP say they have the right to set rules on such matters as food standards in Scotland .
`` They say that London ’ s proposals for mutual recognition of standards inside the UK are a power grab . ''

Brexit: Macron and Merkel 'increasing scepticism' claims MEP
If the party is to win the next election, they must embrace Brexit and "bite the bullet", Brendan Chilton has claimed. Only then will the party reclaim the red wall seats lost during the 2019 election. Emmanuel Macron could scupper a last-minute trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union over access to UK fishing waters, officials on both sides fear. Sources claim that the French president could “scupper an agreement” at the last minute if he believes that a deal does not go in his favour. It comes amid the latest talks reaching a stalemate with Fishing Waters and “the level playing field” being controversial points of contention. A UK government official added to Bloomberg: “The EU continues to insist on access to U.K. fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state.” It comes as President Macron’s ratings have started to suffer with the next Presidential election less than two years away. THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Click HERE for your latest Brexit updates
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French officials claim that Macron could think there are “votes to be had in standing up to the British" in a bid to save his mandate. He is hoping to regain some support following a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel who is planning to visit President Macron at his summer residence on the Mediterranean around August 20th. The meeting between Macron and Merkel, fresh from striking a game-changing deal for the European Union to raise debt for the first time to fund recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, is another sign of renewed vigour for the Franco-German engine. Some European diplomats have said a reinvigorated relationship between the EU's two most powerful leaders could help bring new momentum to other stumbling blocks in the EU, such as a digital tax or US tariffs.
President Macron could the key to securing a trade deal
The UK's Brexit timeline
But others have questioned whether much could be achieved while Merkel neared the end of her mandate next year. Macron has received only a few notable guests at his presidential mansion of Fort de Bregancon in southern France in the past, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and former British Prime Minister Theresa May For the latest Brexit updates - Follow Express.co.uk's live blog:
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7.42am update: THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Click HERE for your latest Brexit updates 06:40am update: British industry warns US against further tariffs amid post-Brexit trade talks British industrial figures have warned the US that maintaining tariffs on the UK would be a step backwards amid ongoing post-Brext trade talks. The US said in June this year it could slap tariffs up to 100 percent on a range of UK and EU goods including gin, beer, and whisky. It follows a wider dispute between the EU and the US about subsidies granted to airliners. A letter from trade association BritishAmerican Business reads: “Imposing additional tariffs on UK products at a time when all energies should be focused on advancing transatlantic trade negotiations sends all the wrong signals to our business community and beyond.” 04:19am update: Joe Biden more likely to pursure EU trade deal before a UK post-Brexit one - expert A post-Brexit trade deal with the US could be hit if presidential opponent Joe Biden is elected in November, an expert has said. Dalibor Rohac, a research fellow at the London School of Economics’ American Enterprise Institute, said the current president Donald Trump is not looking for “meaningful” trade agreements. Mr Trump is looking for an “easy” gesture with the US-UK trade deal, while Mr Biden’s leadership would put preference on an updated Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership deal with the EU, Mr Rohac told the New European. Indeed, Mr Biden served as Vice President to former US president Barack Obama, who said the UK could end up “back of the queue” if Brexit went ahead. However, sources have claimed recently Boris Johnson is trying to “distance” himself from Donald Trump.
Joe Biden may prioritise an EU trade deal over a UK post-Brexit one, an expert has said.
0:40am update: Hard Brexit will actually make it harder to return migrants across the Channel, expert says A hard Brexit will actually make it harder to return migrants across the Channel, an expert has said. This is because the government does not appear to have agreed on any replacement to the Dublin regulation – which allows people travelling across the channel to be returned to countries such as France or Germany from which they came, often in small boats. This is because the regulation places responsibility on the EU member state into which a migrant first enters the EU, analysts say. Immigration lawyer Colin Yeo said: “As far as we can tell from this short thread, the UK government still has zero idea of how to negotiate a successor to the Dublin Regulation we have decided to leave because we opted for a hard Brexit.” A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said: “At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU’s laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement.” Edward Browne takes over live reporting from Bill McLoughlin 9.51pm update: Economist details why UK-EU won't collapse overnight The deadline to agree a trade agreement between Brexit Britain and Brussels looms closer and closer but an economist has claimed a no deal outcome will not collapse UK-EU trade overnight. Economist Catherine McBride said: "The idea that trade or financial ties between the EU and the UK would ‘collapse overnight’ without an agreement is not something you would expect to read in the financial media. “Trade agreements do not generate trade - consumer demand and business suppliers do. “Trade agreements can make trade easier but if consumers want to buy something, then that demand will be supplied with or without a trade agreement - even if the product is banned by the government.” 8.06pm update: Gibraltar preparing for no deal Brexit
Gibraltar is stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit as Michel Barnier and David Frost lack of progress in trade talks thus far have caused fears to mount. Next week the two negotiators will meet for yet another round of meetings following last month's talks which Mr Barnier bemoaned as resulting in "no progress" on key issues. Gibraltarians are wasting no time in planning for a hard Brexit and Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia last week chaired a meeting of the Brexit Strategic Group set up by the Government of the Rock.
Diane Abbott labels Tory MPs ‘deluded’ over migrant crossings
6.22pm update: Labour must accept Brexit Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he must accept Brexit if he is to have a chance of regaining the Red Wall seats lost during the 2019 election. General secretary of Labour Leave, Brendan Chilton has claimed the Labour leader must "bite the bullet" and accept the UK's new future. He wrote: "From opposition can continue to protest and shout outrage, but the party cannot implement its fairly popular progressive and radical social agenda. "To win, Labour is going to have to bite the bullet and embrace Brexit in reality and in the values it represents. "For the party and for many MPs it will be painful and contrary to all they believe, but if they do it, power will be within reach." 6.04pm update: "I stopped Brexit Party destroying Tories now Boris must stand-up for Brexit" - Nigel Farage The Brexit Party leader has written a comment piece for Express.co.uk, you can read it here.
Brexit Live: Nigel Farage
5.05pm update: Lib Dems comment on UK-Japan negotiations Negotiations have stalled between the two as the two sides look to pursue an agreement as quickly as possible. Commenting on the news, Liberal Democrat trade spokeswoman Sarah Olney said: "Given the complexities of trade negotiations, it's no surprise that the UK-Japan trade deal has hit a stumbling block. "But the struggle to secure a trade deal with Japan must not distract from the fact that our most important trading partner is, and will remain, the European Union. "The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Conservative Government to do everything in its power to secure the best possible deal with the EU. Failure to do so will put thousands of people's livelihoods at risk." 4.42pm update: MP's fury over supertrawlers Supertrawlers which enter British waters to plunder the UK's fish stocks have been branded "hoovers" by an MP who has backed a comprehensive ban to stop them from entering designated Marine Protected Areas aimed at protecting the marine environment. Sir Roger Gale, Tory MP for North Thanet told Express.co.uk: "We have this absurd situation where we have these protected zones around our coast but we are not protecting them from the predations of supertrawlers. "It's as simple as that - there is no point having protected zones if you don't protect them. "These things are huge, massive - they are hoovers. "I thing we need to start taking a firm grip on this now, irrespective of any agreement which might be reached on fishing.
UK-EU negotiations
4.12pm update: Who is responsible for protecting migrants cross the channel? In a YouGov poll released today, the polling website asked, "Do you think the UK does or does not have a responsibility to help protect migrants who are arriving in England after travelling across the channel from France?" Of the 3,163 adults surveyed today, 50 percent said the UK does not hold the responsibility. In contrast, 35 said it does while 15 were not sure. This comes as Immigration minister Chris Philp is to hold talks with French counterparts in Paris in an attempt to stem a fresh upsurge in migrants crossing the Channel. 3.06pm update: Italy, France, Spain and Germany reveal true extent of anti-EU sentiment In new research, Italy would be the most likely to leave the EU if Brexit is found to have a positive effect on the UK economy. The findings were made in a recent poll by Redfield and Wilton Strategies, which quizzed 1,500 people in each of the four countries, 6,000 people in total, between July 17-18. Italians were most in favour to leave the EU, with 45 percent either agreeing or strongly agreeing with the idea of an "Italexit." France came second with 38 percent, followed by Spain at 37 percent. Bill McLoughlin takes over from Richard Percival.
The latest Brexit talks have stalled
2pm update: EU Expert: Ireland told to get out now as Macron and Merkel plot military wing of EU There is "growing support" on the continent for an EU army with enthusiastic backing from Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and France's President Emmanuel Macron, a former top diplomat has claimed. With the UK no longer a member of the bloc, the push to create a joint military force may be impossible to stop, said Ray Bassett, Ireland's former ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas. The warning was sounded by Mr Bassett in the course of his new book, Ireland and the EU Post Brexit, in which he considers Ireland's place in the bloc after the departure of the UK. 1.15pm update: Is Britain 'losing interest' in Northern Ireland due to Brexit? Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said she is disappointed to hear that the Irish PM's office is preparing for Britain to "lose interest" in Northern Ireland. The Shared Island Unit was set up in Micheal Martin's office earlier this year to "work towards a consensus on a shared island". The Irish Premier said it is preparing for the possibility that Britain may get "turned off" Northern Ireland. Mr Martin acknowledged there are "two distinct political jurisdictions" on the island, adding "we have to acknowledge the reality of that". However, he went on to speculate around the potential impact of English nationalism, Brexit and the possibility of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom on Northern Ireland's membership of the union. 12:30pm update: Row over Blue Cheese stalls post-Brexit trade talks with Japan Liz Truss has stood her ground in post-Brexit trade talks with Japan after the UK Trade Secretary halted negotiations because of a row over blue cheese. Britain was on track for an early trade victory as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to sign an ambitious post-Brexit trade deal with Japan in a matter of weeks - the UK’s first trade deal after more than 40 years following its departure from the EU. But trade talks have come to a halt after Ms Truss insisted British food be part of the deal, with particular emphasis on Stilton cheese. She hopes a “win” on Stilton will send a message to the world the UK is able to secure better trade agreements than those by the EU.
Migrants are of severe concern Post-Brexit
11:30am update: Guy Verhofstadt SHAMED: EU chief's 'Irish border ignorance' condemned by expert Guy Verhofstadt's "lack of knowledge" about Irish politics, and particularly the border which separates the Republic from Northern Ireland, has been laid bare in a new Brexit-themed book.
Mr Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit representative, became a familiar figure in the referendum campaign, and continued to voice his opinion in no uncertain terms after Britain voted to quit the bloc in 2016.
However, in his new book 'Ireland and the EU Post Brexit', Ray Bassett, the country's former ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, reveals gaps in the former Belgian Prime Minister's knowledge of Anglo-Irish relations.
10:45am update: Post-Brexit data sharing with EU at risk over UK privacy concerns Data sharing between the UK and the EU could be at serious risk after the Brexit transition period as the bloc has concerns with the UK when it comes to privacy issues. Conexus Law warned there was a “strong possibility” that the EU will consider the UK not to have an “adequate data protection regime” required under GDPR. This will mean that the EU will need to develop an alternative data transfer methodology. 10am update: Migrant crossing issues are "the hollowness of the rhetoric of 'Taking Back Control" Lord Ricketts has claimed that migrant crossing issues are showing up "the hollowness of the rhetoric of 'Taking Back Control'". The former ambassador to France and National Security Adviser slated plans by Boris Johnson to change the law post-Brexit to make it easier to return migrants attempting to cross the English Channcel. The crossbench peer rejected the idea that it could be solved through a unilateral move. He told BBC Radio Four's Today programme that Westminster should work "in cooperation with the French". He added: "For years the French have cooperated very well with us...It is not unreasonable that the French should ask for help policing what is after all a British border."


thedailyexpress--2020-08-11--Brexit key dates: Every date left as clock ticks down on transition period - TIMELINE

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Negotiations for a trade deal have so far failed to provide either side with a suitable agreement , and as the end of the transition period draws closer and closer , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to end Brexit with or without a trade deal in place .
Brexit represents the most important constitutional shake-up the UK has known since it joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way back in 1973 .
The UK voted to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent in June 2016 .
While the UK formally left the EU on January 31 , but there is still a lot to talk about and more negotiations to come .
While the UK has agreed on the terms of its EU departure , both sides still need to decide what their future relationship will look like .
This will need to be worked out during the transition period , which began immediately after Brexit day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 31 , 2020 .
There are a few key dates left in the Brexit saga before the UK is fully shot of the institution - and as the legal deadline for signing of an extension has already passed , it 's do or die on December 31 , 2020 .

Brexit withdrawal plan at odds with Johnson says Widdecombe
Negotiations for a trade deal have so far failed to provide either side with a suitable agreement, and as the end of the transition period draws closer and closer, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to end Brexit with or without a trade deal in place. Brexit represents the most important constitutional shake-up the UK has known since it joined the six-nation European Economic Community all the way back in 1973.
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The UK voted to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent in June 2016. While the UK formally left the EU on January 31, but there is still a lot to talk about and more negotiations to come. While the UK has agreed on the terms of its EU departure, both sides still need to decide what their future relationship will look like. This will need to be worked out during the transition period, which began immediately after Brexit day in January and is due to end on December 31, 2020. There are a few key dates left in the Brexit saga before the UK is fully shot of the institution - and as the legal deadline for signing of an extension has already passed, it's do or die on December 31, 2020.
Brexit timeline: There are mere months left until the UK finishes the transition period
Brexit timeline: Boris Johnson won the 2019 election on his promise of getting Brexit done
READ MORE EU shamed: MEP attacks bloc’s ‘worthless promises’ August 17: Brexit talks resume Talks failed to reach an agreement in July and will begin again on August 17 following a break. The deadline for negotiations has been pushed back to October following the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The UK wants as much access as possible for its goods and services to the EU, but the EU argues that such an agreement defeats the point of leaving the EU in the first place.
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Brexit timeline: Economic loss per EU member state in case of hard Brexit
Both sides say there are still significant areas of disagreement - for example, on EU proposals for a so-called "level playing field", which would see the UK and EU maintain similar minimum standards on things like workers' rights and environmental protection. But the Government has made clear the UK must leave the customs union and single market and end the overall jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. One of the main disputes in the negotiations is fishing as the EU wants to maintain its rights to Britain's fishing waters. Under the controversial Commons Fisheries Policy, all member states are given access to EU waters via quotas. As the UK has a large coastal area, critics have often argued the system is unfair. DON'T MISS
Brexit Trade Deal: Why are EU and UK in deadlock? [INSIGHT]
Brexit divorce bill: How much is UK paying EU in 2020? [EXPLAINER]
Blue passport: How to get a new blue Brexit passport [REPORT]
READ MORE Lord Hague sets out three-point plan to remove Nicola Sturgeon October 15 - 16: European Council The European Council will next meet in October, and again in December. Contents of meetings will likely be decided by the outcome of the remainder of the trade negotiations. The European Council is the EU’s supreme political authority and its key strategic and crisis-solving body – the place where EU member states interact at the highest political level. It helps define the long term goals of the EU and discussions about how the EU will move on from Brexit will no doubt be on the agenda. Despite its seniority, the European Council does not have any formal legislative powers and does not make law.
Brexit timeline: Michel Barnier has negotiated on the EU side


thedailyexpress--2020-08-11--Nicola Sturgeon's new hate crime law 'could criminalise writing books' - furious backlash

The Hate Crime and Public Order ( Scotland ) Bill introduced by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf looks to extend the law on ‘ hate crime ’ covering particular characteristics , including religion , sexual orientation and transgender identity .
If the law is passed by Holyrood , it means that words or behaviour considered to be “ abusive ” and “ likely ” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence .
However , the controversial legislation has already faced criticism from the Scottish Police Federation , Catholic Church in Scotland and the Law Society of Scotland .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals and organisations in the world of arts , journalism , literature , comedy , politics and human rights advocacy fear that free expression including writing would be severely restricted .
Among the signatories include comedian Rowan Atkinson , writer Val McDermid and playwright Alan Bissett .
In the letter , the 20 individuals and organisations fear that the stirring up hatred part of the offence could even be applied to “ being in possession of materials produced by someone else , where sharing the material could stir up hatred.
” The letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of individuals and organisations concerned about the impact on freedom of expression of the proposed Hate Crime and Public Order Bill as currently drafted .
“ The unintended consequences of this well-meaning Bill risk stifling freedom of expression .
“ As currently worded , the Bill could frustrate rational debate and discussion which has a fundamental role in society including in artistic endeavour .
“ The arts play a key part in shaping Scotland ’ s identity in addition to being a significant economic contributor .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon humiliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The right to critique ideas , philosophical , religious and others must be protected to allow an artistic and democratic society to flourish.
” Lisa Clark , project manager at Scottish PEN , which campaigns defends the freedom of writers and their readers , added : “ We know that for many writers , the realisation of the right to freedom of expression is put at risk because they live with a fearful awareness - and often , direct experience - of hate crime .
“ This Bill proposes much that could help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diversity of creative works we see from writers in protected groups .
“ However , we are also keenly aware that some offences proposed in the Bill could induce a climate of self-censorship and suppression of writing that challenges power or subverts societal norms.
” DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon SNUBBED : SNP rage at ‘ £1.8bn Brexit funding gap ' [ LATEST ] Boris Johnson on alert as support for Nicola Sturgeon skyrockets [ INSIGHT ] Scotland economy warning : Recovery could be ‘ derailed ’ by lockdowns [ REVEAL ] Fraser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland , said : “ The Bill as proposed has behind it some sound intentions , however , it is clear from the broad support to our joint letter that concerns remain about poorly drafted provisions .
“ The failure of the Bill to require intent to be proven in court on some offences risks a significant chilling effect on free expression .
“ This is why the UN Rabat Plan has six tests on controlling hate speech including that any laws must ensure intent is proven .
“ This strikes a sensible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protecting freedom of expression and the Bill needs amending to properly achieve this.
” He added : “ From artists to lawyers , politicians to people in the street , the feeling is that this draft bill is a threat to free speech – the keystone of democracy .
“ This letter is just the latest opposition to a deeply flawed bill , which would criminalise the arts as well as well-intentioned members of the public who pose no threat.
” It comes after a similar piece of legislation known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012 .
This law made it a criminal offence for football fans to discriminate against certain traits such as religion , ethnic identity , class , or region at matches .
However , it was scrapped in 2018 following severe concerns over freedom of speech and claims that it unfairly targeted Scottish football fans .
In response , a Scottish Government spokesperson said : “ As the Justice Secretary has made clear , we will continue to work with stakeholders and opposition where there are genuine concerns raised about the implications of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bill does not seek to stifle criticism or rigorous debate in any way , people can express controversial , challenging or offensive views as long as this is not done in a threatening or abusive way that is intended or likely to stir up hatred .
`` The Bill includes explicit provisions on protection of freedom of expression .
“ The law should protect vulnerable groups and minorities and this Bill – which follows an independent , judge-led review and is backed by a number of organisations – will increase confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime .
“ We will fully consider the views collected in the consultation and continue to engage with Police Scotland , the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service , stakeholders and the opposition as the Bill progresses through Parliamentary scrutiny .
”

Hate crime: Expert raises concerns over proposed law in Scotland
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill introduced by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf looks to extend the law on ‘hate crime’ covering particular characteristics, including religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. If the law is passed by Holyrood, it means that words or behaviour considered to be “abusive” and “likely” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence.
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However, the controversial legislation has already faced criticism from the Scottish Police Federation, Catholic Church in Scotland and the Law Society of Scotland. But in a jointly signed letter from 20 individuals and organisations in the world of arts, journalism, literature, comedy, politics and human rights advocacy fear that free expression including writing would be severely restricted. Among the signatories include comedian Rowan Atkinson, writer Val McDermid and playwright Alan Bissett. In the letter, the 20 individuals and organisations fear that the stirring up hatred part of the offence could even be applied to “being in possession of materials produced by someone else, where sharing the material could stir up hatred.”
The new laws could severely impact on writers work
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf put forward the bill
The letter added: “We represent a diverse group of individuals and organisations concerned about the impact on freedom of expression of the proposed Hate Crime and Public Order Bill as currently drafted. “The unintended consequences of this well-meaning Bill risk stifling freedom of expression. “As currently worded, the Bill could frustrate rational debate and discussion which has a fundamental role in society including in artistic endeavour. “The arts play a key part in shaping Scotland’s identity in addition to being a significant economic contributor. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon humiliated as SNP set for major U-turn
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The bill is currently under consultation
“The right to critique ideas, philosophical, religious and others must be protected to allow an artistic and democratic society to flourish.” Lisa Clark, project manager at Scottish PEN, which campaigns defends the freedom of writers and their readers, added: “We know that for many writers, the realisation of the right to freedom of expression is put at risk because they live with a fearful awareness - and often, direct experience - of hate crime. “This Bill proposes much that could help to defend these groups and increase the diversity of creative works we see from writers in protected groups. “However, we are also keenly aware that some offences proposed in the Bill could induce a climate of self-censorship and suppression of writing that challenges power or subverts societal norms.” DON'T MISS:
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Possessing books or material with hate speech in could also be an offence
Fraser Sutherland, Chief Executive of Humanist Society Scotland, said: “The Bill as proposed has behind it some sound intentions, however, it is clear from the broad support to our joint letter that concerns remain about poorly drafted provisions. “The failure of the Bill to require intent to be proven in court on some offences risks a significant chilling effect on free expression. “This is why the UN Rabat Plan has six tests on controlling hate speech including that any laws must ensure intent is proven. “This strikes a sensible balance between protecting individuals from hate crime and protecting freedom of expression and the Bill needs amending to properly achieve this.”
Rowan Atkinson was among the signers of the letter
Liam Kerr MSP Scottish Conservative justice spokesman told Express.co.uk that the legislation needed rethinking. He added: “From artists to lawyers, politicians to people in the street, the feeling is that this draft bill is a threat to free speech – the keystone of democracy. “This letter is just the latest opposition to a deeply flawed bill, which would criminalise the arts as well as well-intentioned members of the public who pose no threat.” It comes after a similar piece of legislation known as the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act was introduced in 2012.
Authors have concerns about the new bill


thedailyexpress--2020-08-11--No10 vows action on illegal French fishers -'Independence WILL be respected!'

THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED - Today 's blog can be found here Boris Johnson 's official spokesperson has said the Government will ensure the UK 's `` status as an independent coastal state is properly respected '' from next year .
When quizzed how Britain will prevent illegal fishing in UK waters , the Downing Street official said : `` We will ensure whatever agreement we reach with the EU on fishing rights , or indeed if we are unable to reach one , we will make sure our status as an independent coastal state is properly respected.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the former Tory leader , said it was vital David Frost continues to champion UK sovereignty in the talks , as the issue was fundamental to many Brexit voters .
The Brexiteer highlights this in a recent Express.co.uk comment piece , where he points out most people who voted to leave the EU did so to return sovereignty to the UK .
The Tory MP said a poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft on the day of the 2016 EU referendum found nearly half of leave voters said the biggest single reason for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principle that decisions about the UK should be taken in the UK .
The survey found only a third said the main reason was to regain control over immigration and its own borders .
When discussing the current trade talks , Sir Iain wrote : “ Importantly , David Frost , Boris ’ s chief negotiator made it clear he agreed when he wrote that in the negotiations , the UK places sovereignty above all else .
“ It is in that context that the issue of how these outstanding payments to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty which matter now.
” The Brexiteer urges Mr Frost to walk away from the talks if the UK ’ s sovereignty risks being impinged .
He said : “ The WA was always work in progress as at the end of this year , the UK has a right to a comprehensive agreement , one which treats the UK as a sovereign partner .
“ A failure to observe this must lead to a rejection of the WA.
” 4:30am update : EU horror as Greece confirms second wave of coronavirus EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Greece announces it is “ formally ” in a second wave of coronavirus .
The country has recorded 203 infections on Sunday , its highest figure since the start of the pandemic .
Gkikas Magiorkinis , assistant professor of hygiene and epidemiology at Athens University , said : “ We can say that Greece has formally entered a second wave of the epidemic .
“ This is the point that we could win or lose the battle.
” 3:30am update : Trump claims G7 will take place after US election US President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay the annual G7 meeting until after the presidential election .
It came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel declined Mr Trump ’ s invitation to a Washington summit .
Trade unions have voiced their concerns as the EU begins to roll back emergency wage-support schemes implemented to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
According to the European Trade Union Confederation , 45 million Europeans are currently furloughed and receiving at least part of their salaries through government support schemes .
Stefano Scarpetta , director of labor , employment and social affairs at the Organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ You can ’ t keep the economy on steroids for too long , because this is not viable and you have to allow some reorganisation.
” But Luca Visentini , chief of ETUC , the European trade unions ’ lobby , is insisting wage support schemes need to remain until the end of the year .
He added : `` Taking a decision like that now will be very , very counterproductive.
” MEPs are calling on the EU to impose sanctions on Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko as violent protests over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Polish MEP Robert Biedroń , chair of the European parliament ’ s Belarus delegation , said the EU needs to rethink its policy towards Belarus ’ s president of 26 years .
He said : “ We should introduce sanctions on Belarusian officials responsible for grave violations of human rights and fundamental rights .
9.30pm update : As businesses open again in Northern Ireland , employment levels fall creating insecurity about future amid post-Brexit condtions .
Business activity in Northern Ireland picked up last month , but employment levels are continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about output , staffing levels and exports amid uncertainty over Brexit .
9.00pm update : University numbers for 2020 and 2021 are predicted to collapse .
There will be a large amount of overseas students not wishing to travel to the UK .
There is also a reluctance amoungst UK based students opting to not wish to pay tuition fees for online courses .
8.00pm update : Brexit may offer the UK the opportunity to draw up new laws for dealing with migrants crossing the Channel illegally .
More than 4,000 people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far this year , some of them vulnerable individuals including young children , pregnant women and disabled people .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid , for example , there is a time limit placed on returns , it 's something which can be abused by both migrants and their lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here . ''
Institute for Government has suggested a lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ priorities ” meant that other countries had the upper hand at the negotiating table .
6.30pm update : UK-EU have still some way off from reaching a post-Brexit trade agreement .
After the latest negotiations in London EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier declared a deal looked `` at this point unlikely '' given the UK position on fishing rights and post-Brexit competition rules .
6.00pm UK Japan trade deal could increase Britain 's trade with the country by £15bn per year .
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said there was `` substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and digital services .
4.40pm update : The UK Government has pledged £355 million help Northern Irish businesses adjust to Brexit .
A support package has been unveiled to help firms with bureaucracy of moving goods across Irish Sea .
Michael Gove said £200m would be spent on a trader support service to help firms handle new bureaucracy to move goods across the Irish Sea , turning the government into a de facto customs agent for traders .
A further £155m will be spent on digital technology to streamline processes required by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to shrink the UK 's GDP by 21percent in second quarter .
This is the first time the UK has slipped into recession since the 2008 financial crisis .
2.44pm update : Brexit will allow UK to draw up a new framework for dealing with migrants The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example , there is a time limit placed on returns , it 's something which can be abused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the returns of those who have no right to be here .
`` At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU 's laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement .
`` The Home Office continue to look at all available options to tackle this issue . ''
1.53pm update : Brexit POLL : Should UK form 'superpower ' alliance with Australia , Canada and New Zealand ?
Britain could form a “ superpower ” alliance with the old Commonwealth allies of the UK , Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit , a historian has claimed .
The UK could be one step closer to forming the “ CANZUK Union '' , the acronym for Canada , Australia , New Zealand , and the UK after it finally unshackle itself from the bloc , four years after it voted to leave .
Historian Andrew Roberts described how the “ superpower ” nations whose majority of people speak English could form an alliance to be a free trade zone with the free movement of people .
Express.co.uk is asking you should the UK form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Canada and New Zealand ?
VOTE HERE .
1pm update : Tony Blair convinced Ireland to join euro - but now it must get out , says expert Ireland was convinced to join the euro by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair - but now it needs to show courage to free itself from the `` straitjacket '' of the single European currency , an Irish diplomat has claimed .
Ray Bassett , the former Irish ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , believes Ireland needs to give serious consideration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irexit .
He says a courageous decision will be required to deliver financial independence in parallel .
Mr Bassett outlines his ideas about Irexit , and the eurozone , in his new book , Ireland and the UK Post Brexit .
Boris Johnson ’ s promise of lucrative post-Brexit trade deal is on course to fail , a study has warned .
The Institute for Government said Britain has failed to agree what it wants from trade negotiations , giving other countries the other hand .
The think tank criticises the “ unforced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks before ministers have decided what they want their post-Brexit regulations to be .
Maddy Thimont Jack , a senior researcher , said : “ Three years ago , we warned that the Government had not set up the necessary structures for effective decision making on key trade policy issues .
“ The government did not heed that warning then , but it now needs to move urgently to put them in place .
`` Otherwise it will find itself losing control of trade and regulatory policy to better-prepared partners.
” The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as the EHIC , are included in a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU .
Sam Lowe , a senior research fellow a the eCentre for European Reform , wrote on Twitter : `` The thing is , yes - the UK absolutely should be trying to negotiate reciprocal healthcare provisions as part of the future partnership between the EU and UK .
`` UK has decided to take the bizarre approach to the negotiations of claiming it doesn ’ t really want anything special from the agreement when it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commentators have warned that without such a scheme in place British holidaymakers with existing health conditions may have to fork out hundreds of pounds for travel insurance .
Travellers over 65 can also expect an increase in premiums .
9.33am update : Brexit Britain could form NEW ‘ superpower ’ alliance with Australia , Canada and New Zealand Brexit Britain could form a federation with Canada , Australia , and New Zealand to create a ” superpower '' after fully cutting ties with the EU , a historian has claimed .
Historian Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of people speak English could be a free trade zone with the free movement of people .
The idea is based on the concept of the `` CANZUK Union '' , this being the acronym for Canada , Australia , New Zealand , and the United Kingdom .
The union could have a mutual defence organisation and combined military capabilities , the historian claimed .
According to Mr Roberts , the `` CANZUK '' union would be the fourth-largest economy in the world .
London-listed shares rose on Monday , due in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal with the EU .
The FTSE-100 was up 0.8 percent , with the mid-cap FTSE-250 also up 0.7 percent - a seven-week high .
Traders are hopeful of a Brexit trade deal after Britain 's top minister overseeing negotiations said on Friday he was confident of an agreement with the EU .
Stocks also rose in response to optimism around a post-pandemic economic rebound in China .
8.07am update : Ireland must take ‘ a long hard look ’ at Brussels membership Ireland has been tipped to follow the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former Irish diplomat who called for `` a long hard look '' at whether the country 's membership of the bloc was worth it .
Ray Bassett pulls no punches in his new book , 'Ireland and the EU Post Brexit ' , suggesting the benefits bestowed on Dublin by Brussels are drying up , with `` difficult choices '' on the horizon .
In his book , he writes : `` We need a long hard look at our EU membership and pose the question , is it worth the price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Soros , an ardent europhile , has accepted the inevitable and predicted that unless the EU reforms it will perish .
`` The pipe dreams of Emmanuel Macron and his proposals for even a more centralised EU are vanishing against the cold reality of the desire for the citizenry of EU Member States for national sovereignty .
`` The disastrous showing of the establishment centre-right and centre-left parties in the 2019 European Parliament elections demonstrated this in a very direct way . ''

Brexit: Expert predicts a 'win-win' result for UK and EU
THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED - Today's blog can be found here Boris Johnson's official spokesperson has said the Government will ensure the UK's "status as an independent coastal state is properly respected" from next year. When quizzed how Britain will prevent illegal fishing in UK waters, the Downing Street official said: "We will ensure whatever agreement we reach with the EU on fishing rights, or indeed if we are unable to reach one, we will make sure our status as an independent coastal state is properly respected.”
Trending
It comes as Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, said it was vital David Frost continues to champion UK sovereignty in the talks, as the issue was fundamental to many Brexit voters. The Brexiteer highlights this in a recent Express.co.uk comment piece, where he points out most people who voted to leave the EU did so to return sovereignty to the UK. The Tory MP said a poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft on the day of the 2016 EU referendum found nearly half of leave voters said the biggest single reason for wanting to leave the EU was the principle that decisions about the UK should be taken in the UK. The survey found only a third said the main reason was to regain control over immigration and its own borders.
Boris Johnson has vowed to take action against illegal French fishermen
When discussing the current trade talks, Sir Iain wrote: “Importantly, David Frost, Boris’s chief negotiator made it clear he agreed when he wrote that in the negotiations, the UK places sovereignty above all else. “It is in that context that the issue of how these outstanding payments to the EU impinge on the UK’s sovereignty which matter now.” The Brexiteer urges Mr Frost to walk away from the talks if the UK’s sovereignty risks being impinged. He said: “The WA was always work in progress as at the end of this year, the UK has a right to a comprehensive agreement, one which treats the UK as a sovereign partner. “A failure to observe this must lead to a rejection of the WA.” FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
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4:30am update: EU horror as Greece confirms second wave of coronavirus EU countries have reacted with shock and fear as Greece announces it is “formally” in a second wave of coronavirus. The country has recorded 203 infections on Sunday, its highest figure since the start of the pandemic. Gkikas Magiorkinis, assistant professor of hygiene and epidemiology at Athens University, said: “We can say that Greece has formally entered a second wave of the epidemic. “This is the point that we could win or lose the battle.” 3:30am update: Trump claims G7 will take place after US election US President Donald Trump has said he wants to delay the annual G7 meeting until after the presidential election. It came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel declined Mr Trump’s invitation to a Washington summit. 1am update: EU begins rolling back COVID-19 wage support scheme Trade unions have voiced their concerns as the EU begins to roll back emergency wage-support schemes implemented to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. According to the European Trade Union Confederation, 45 million Europeans are currently furloughed and receiving at least part of their salaries through government support schemes. Stefano Scarpetta, director of labor, employment and social affairs at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, said: “You can’t keep the economy on steroids for too long, because this is not viable and you have to allow some reorganisation.” But Luca Visentini, chief of ETUC, the European trade unions’ lobby, is insisting wage support schemes need to remain until the end of the year. He added: "Taking a decision like that now will be very, very counterproductive.”
EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
12am update: EU urged to sanction Belarus after election protests MEPs are calling on the EU to impose sanctions on Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko as violent protests over Sunday’s election result rage on. Polish MEP Robert Biedroń, chair of the European parliament’s Belarus delegation, said the EU needs to rethink its policy towards Belarus’s president of 26 years. He said: “We should introduce sanctions on Belarusian officials responsible for grave violations of human rights and fundamental rights. 11pm update: Dylan Donnelly takes over from Brian McGleenon 9.30pm update: As businesses open again in Northern Ireland, employment levels fall creating insecurity about future amid post-Brexit condtions. Business activity in Northern Ireland picked up last month, but employment levels are continuing to fall. Private sector firms are asked about output, staffing levels and exports amid uncertainty over Brexit. 9.00pm update: University numbers for 2020 and 2021 are predicted to collapse. There will be a large amount of overseas students not wishing to travel to the UK. There is also a reluctance amoungst UK based students opting to not wish to pay tuition fees for online courses. 8.00pm update: Brexit may offer the UK the opportunity to draw up new laws for dealing with migrants crossing the Channel illegally. More than 4,000 people are believed to have made the journey so far this year, some of them vulnerable individuals including young children, pregnant women and disabled people. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid, for example, there is a time limit placed on returns, it's something which can be abused by both migrants and their lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here." 7.00pm Boris Johnson’s "lucrative" post-Brexit trade deals cast into doubt, study claims Institute for Government has suggested a lack of vision by Westminster over its post-Brexit trade “priorities” meant that other countries had the upper hand at the negotiating table.
Brexit timeline
6.30pm update: UK-EU have still some way off from reaching a post-Brexit trade agreement. After the latest negotiations in London EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier declared a deal looked "at this point unlikely" given the UK position on fishing rights and post-Brexit competition rules. 6.00pm UK Japan trade deal could increase Britain's trade with the country by £15bn per year. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said there was "substantial" agreements in areas such as financial and digital services. 4.40pm update: The UK Government has pledged £355 million help Northern Irish businesses adjust to Brexit. A support package has been unveiled to help firms with bureaucracy of moving goods across Irish Sea. Michael Gove said £200m would be spent on a trader support service to help firms handle new bureaucracy to move goods across the Irish Sea, turning the government into a de facto customs agent for traders. A further £155m will be spent on digital technology to streamline processes required by the new internal border. 4.00pm update: Major recession warning for the UK. Coronavirus lockdown is set to shrink the UK's GDP by 21percent in second quarter. This is the first time the UK has slipped into recession since the 2008 financial crisis. 2.44pm update: Brexit will allow UK to draw up a new framework for dealing with migrants The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example, there is a time limit placed on returns, it's something which can be abused by both migrants and their lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here. "At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU's laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement. "The Home Office continue to look at all available options to tackle this issue." 1.53pm update: Brexit POLL: Should UK form 'superpower' alliance with Australia, Canada and New Zealand? Britain could form a “superpower” alliance with the old Commonwealth allies of the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand after Brexit, a historian has claimed. The UK could be one step closer to forming the “CANZUK Union", the acronym for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK after it finally unshackle itself from the bloc, four years after it voted to leave. Historian Andrew Roberts described how the “superpower” nations whose majority of people speak English could form an alliance to be a free trade zone with the free movement of people. Express.co.uk is asking you should the UK form new “superpower” alliance with Australia, Canada and New Zealand? VOTE HERE.
The next round of Brexit trade talks will commence next week
1pm update: Tony Blair convinced Ireland to join euro - but now it must get out, says expert
Ireland was convinced to join the euro by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair - but now it needs to show courage to free itself from the "straitjacket" of the single European currency, an Irish diplomat has claimed.
Ray Bassett, the former Irish ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, believes Ireland needs to give serious consideration following in the UK's footsteps with Irexit.
He says a courageous decision will be required to deliver financial independence in parallel.
Mr Bassett outlines his ideas about Irexit, and the eurozone, in his new book, Ireland and the UK Post Brexit. 11.27am update: Boris will struggle to secure lucrative trade deals, study warns Boris Johnson’s promise of lucrative post-Brexit trade deal is on course to fail, a study has warned. The Institute for Government said Britain has failed to agree what it wants from trade negotiations, giving other countries the other hand. The think tank criticises the “unforced error” of launching into complex trade talks before ministers have decided what they want their post-Brexit regulations to be. Maddy Thimont Jack, a senior researcher, said: “Three years ago, we warned that the Government had not set up the necessary structures for effective decision making on key trade policy issues. “The government did not heed that warning then, but it now needs to move urgently to put them in place. "Otherwise it will find itself losing control of trade and regulatory policy to better-prepared partners.” 9.53am update: UK urged to protect healthcare rights post-Brexit The UK has been urged to ensure healthcare arrangements, such as the EHIC, are included in a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU. Sam Lowe, a senior research fellow a the eCentre for European Reform, wrote on Twitter: "The thing is, yes - the UK absolutely should be trying to negotiate reciprocal healthcare provisions as part of the future partnership between the EU and UK. "UK has decided to take the bizarre approach to the negotiations of claiming it doesn’t really want anything special from the agreement when it should (and it does)." Commentators have warned that without such a scheme in place British holidaymakers with existing health conditions may have to fork out hundreds of pounds for travel insurance. Travellers over 65 can also expect an increase in premiums.
Michel Barnier visited the UK last month for the latest round of talks


thedailyexpress--2020-08-12--Brexit shock: Boris Johnson loses the trust of Britons to deliver post-Brexit trade deals

Britons are sceptical about their benefits and are becoming concerned about deals which might reduce environmental and animal welfare standards in the UK , a government public attitudes study has found .
Support for a trade deal with the US fell by 10 percent over a year .
About a third of the public are concerned that a US trade deal would reduce food standards in the UK and undermine the NHS .
The study also found that for the first time a majority of people no longer thought trade deals would lead to more jobs in the UK .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to more jobs which is down from 51 percent last year .
Seventeen percent said they believed more free trade would lead to lower quality of goods and services .
This figure has increased from 12 percent a year ago .
The study was conducted for the Department for International Trade before the lockdown began in the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The research used more than 2,000 face-to-face interviews with voters in the UK .
The questions were formed from a survey in 2018 .
READ MORE : Economist details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse overnight Support for establishing free trade deals with countries including Australia , New Zealand and the US has remained relatively high .
But for each country , there has been a decline in the number of people supporting a free trade agreement .
The research also highlighted how people believed Japan produced good quality consumer goods compared with the other countries listed including the US and India .
Almost two in three respondents said the quality of consumer goods from Japan is good .
This comes as it was revealed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , backed away from signing a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan .
Last week Ms Truss was expected to announce the deal to protect £14.8 billion of UK exports to Japan following negotiations with the country ’ s foreign minister .
The deal was not signed after Ms Truss demanded better terms for the UK ’ s stilton cheese producers .

Brexit: Widdecombe says Johnson has 'created another' problem
Britons are sceptical about their benefits and are becoming concerned about deals which might reduce environmental and animal welfare standards in the UK, a government public attitudes study has found. Support for a trade deal with the US fell by 10 percent over a year.
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About a third of the public are concerned that a US trade deal would reduce food standards in the UK and undermine the NHS. The study also found that for the first time a majority of people no longer thought trade deals would lead to more jobs in the UK. Only 42 percent thought trade agreements would lead to more jobs which is down from 51 percent last year. Seventeen percent said they believed more free trade would lead to lower quality of goods and services.
Boris Johnson is losing the trust of the public to deliver important trade deals with countries
Brexit news: Support for a trade deal with the US fell by 10 percent over a year
This figure has increased from 12 percent a year ago. The study was conducted for the Department for International Trade before the lockdown began in the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic. The research used more than 2,000 face-to-face interviews with voters in the UK. The questions were formed from a survey in 2018. READ MORE: Economist details exactly why UK-EU trade WON’T collapse overnight
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Brexit news: The majority of people no longer thought trade deals would lead to more jobs in the UK
Brexit news: Liz Truss backed away from signing a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan
Support for establishing free trade deals with countries including Australia, New Zealand and the US has remained relatively high. But for each country, there has been a decline in the number of people supporting a free trade agreement. The research also highlighted how people believed Japan produced good quality consumer goods compared with the other countries listed including the US and India. Almost two in three respondents said the quality of consumer goods from Japan is good.
Brexit TImeline
This comes as it was revealed that the UK International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, backed away from signing a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan. Last week Ms Truss was expected to announce the deal to protect £14.8 billion of UK exports to Japan following negotiations with the country’s foreign minister. The deal was not signed after Ms Truss demanded better terms for the UK’s stilton cheese producers.
Brexit news: Liz Truss demanded better terms from Japan for the UK’s stilton cheese producers


thedailyexpress--2020-08-12--Nicola Sturgeon’s attempts to keep Scotland linked to Brussels post-Brexit in tatters

Constitution Secretary Mike Russell MSP said the new Bill will mean , on devolved matters , Scottish law can keep in line with those in Europe `` when appropriate and practicable to do so '' .
But the Scottish Government ’ s Chief Constitution Manager admitted she could struggle to see how the published legislation would work .
The UK Withdrawal from the European Union ( Continuity ) ( Scotland ) Bill will provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost with Brexit .
The discretionary power will come into effect after the transition period ends on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure EU environmental principles and governance can continue in Scotland .
Part of this would see a new body called Environmental Standards Scotland set up to ensure compliance with environmental law .
These new laws will also make it much easier for Scotland to rejoin the EU after the country gained independence from the UK , should the Scottish people wish to do so , Mr Russell said .
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell claimed the Scottish Government had reassurance from the EU Commission that the new laws could allow Scotland to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ smooth path to re-accession.
” But Emma Lopinska , Scottish Government ’ s Constitutional Policy Manager today at Holyrood ’ s Environment , Climate Change and Land Reform Committee denied this .
She added at Holyrood ’ s Environment , Climate Change and Land Reform Committee : “ The power to align is a discretionary power so it ’ s not about maintaining absolute alignment with the EU on every subject .
READ MORE : Fears Nicola Sturgeon 's new hate crime law could criminalise writing “ We couldn ’ t really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that comes out of the EU is in reserved areas so the Scottish Parliament can not legislate .
“ We have to recognise there ’ s a lot of EU legislation that only makes sense if you are an EU member state.
” Ms Lopkinska stressed a variety of factors including economic and financial factors would have to be taken into consideration as well as a potential deal with the UK and the EU .
She added : “ This bill isn ’ t about the Scottish ministers having to align everywhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as SNP set for major U-turn [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon SNUBBED : SNP rage at ‘ £1.8bn Brexit funding gap ' [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson on alert as support for Nicola Sturgeon skyrockets [ LATEST ] “ I don ’ t think I could say that this bill is what will enable us to remain entirely aligned with the EU so that we can become a member state.
” Referring to the proposed UK internal market bill which would create an efficient trade system between all four UK nations post-Brexit , SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland puts forward could force Westminster to work with Holyrood .
He said : “ The White Paper talks about accepting and respecting standards set by other jurisdictions .
“ If Scotland is the first mover to lay some legislation in a particular area , whether that then legislatively forces the UK government to work within what Scotland has set .
“ I ’ m leaving aside , of course , the Westminster view of the overriding primacy of Parliament and that they can basically do what they like .
“ But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is that how it would work or is it your view that we would always have to fall in behind what the UK government does.
” Ms Lopinska responded by saying that the UK Government ’ s “ proposals are only proposals ” .
She stressed they “ would have to look at the detail of any bill ” to understand how the Scottish Parliament would be constrained by it .
Ms Lopkinska stressed the UK internal market bill wasn ’ t “ necessary ” claiming there needs to be “ proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We would oppose any UK internal market bill ” claiming it may “ not be consented to.
” The Scottish Government ’ s Constitution Secretary criticised Boris Johnson ’ s Westminster Government for what he claimed was a lack of engagement with the devolved UK nations over the Brexit deadline .
Mr Russell added : `` It is completely unacceptable that Scotland has been taken out of the EU but this Bill will enable us , in devolved areas at least , to 'keep pace ' with Europe , when appropriate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required as a direct result of the UK 's withdrawal from the EU , and is more urgent because of the UK Government 's reckless refusal to ask for an extension to the Brexit transition period.
” `` The Bill 's proposals on environmental principles and governance will also help us to maintain high standards , in line with the EU , in Scotland.
” However , Murdo Fraser MSP , Scottish Tories Constitution spokesman , said : `` This is a power grab by the SNP - taking powers away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels .
`` It is at best a distraction from their failures in government and Ms Lopinska has rightly seen right through it .
`` Nicola Sturgeon should be working with the UK Government to rejuvenate Scotland 's economy and protect jobs .
`` Rather than focusing on post-Covid recovery , improving education or restarting NHS services , she looks to create constitutional grievance . ''
But a Scottish Government source told Express.co.uk : `` There is only one power grab being attempted – and that is the one the Tories are mounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will oppose tooth and nail .
“ But Murdo Fraser ’ s hysterical comments simply betray how panicked the Tories are – they can see support for independence soaring and they have no idea how to stem that rising tide.
” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford had previously written to Boris Johnson to request an extension to the Brexit process earlier this summer .
Ms Sturgeon believes that more time is required to complete negotiations and support businesses through recovery from the coronavirus pandemic however Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .

UK internal market bill is a ‘political ploy’ says Michael Russell
Constitution Secretary Mike Russell MSP said the new Bill will mean, on devolved matters, Scottish law can keep in line with those in Europe "when appropriate and practicable to do so". But the Scottish Government’s Chief Constitution Manager admitted she could struggle to see how the published legislation would work.
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The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill will provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost with Brexit. The discretionary power will come into effect after the transition period ends on December 31. The Bill also includes provisions to ensure EU environmental principles and governance can continue in Scotland. Part of this would see a new body called Environmental Standards Scotland set up to ensure compliance with environmental law.
Scotland could join the EU if it gains independence under IndyRef2
But UK chief negotiator David Frost declined a two year Brexit extension
These new laws will also make it much easier for Scotland to rejoin the EU after the country gained independence from the UK, should the Scottish people wish to do so, Mr Russell said. Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell claimed the Scottish Government had reassurance from the EU Commission that the new laws could allow Scotland to realign with the EU to enable a “smooth path to re-accession.” But Emma Lopinska, Scottish Government’s Constitutional Policy Manager today at Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee denied this. She added at Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee: “The power to align is a discretionary power so it’s not about maintaining absolute alignment with the EU on every subject. READ MORE: Fears Nicola Sturgeon's new hate crime law could criminalise writing
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Michael Russell spoke about the Bill in Holyrood recently
“We couldn’t really do that because some of the legislation that comes out of the EU is in reserved areas so the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate. “We have to recognise there’s a lot of EU legislation that only makes sense if you are an EU member state.” Ms Lopkinska stressed a variety of factors including economic and financial factors would have to be taken into consideration as well as a potential deal with the UK and the EU. She added: “This bill isn’t about the Scottish ministers having to align everywhere. DON'T MISS:
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62 percent of Scots wanted to stay in the EU
“I don’t think I could say that this bill is what will enable us to remain entirely aligned with the EU so that we can become a member state.” Referring to the proposed UK internal market bill which would create an efficient trade system between all four UK nations post-Brexit, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson asked whether any laws Scotland puts forward could force Westminster to work with Holyrood. He said: “The White Paper talks about accepting and respecting standards set by other jurisdictions. “If Scotland is the first mover to lay some legislation in a particular area, whether that then legislatively forces the UK government to work within what Scotland has set.
The EU is rumoured to have engaged with the Scottish government
“I’m leaving aside, of course, the Westminster view of the overriding primacy of Parliament and that they can basically do what they like. “But in terms of how they are tackling this, is that how it would work or is it your view that we would always have to fall in behind what the UK government does.” Ms Lopinska responded by saying that the UK Government’s “proposals are only proposals”. She stressed they “would have to look at the detail of any bill” to understand how the Scottish Parliament would be constrained by it.
The actions have put pressure on the SNP
Ms Lopkinska stressed the UK internal market bill wasn’t “necessary” claiming there needs to be “proper functioning on intergovernmental relations” established. “We would oppose any UK internal market bill” claiming it may “not be consented to.” The Scottish Government’s Constitution Secretary criticised Boris Johnson’s Westminster Government for what he claimed was a lack of engagement with the devolved UK nations over the Brexit deadline. Mr Russell added: "It is completely unacceptable that Scotland has been taken out of the EU but this Bill will enable us, in devolved areas at least, to 'keep pace' with Europe, when appropriate and practicable to do so.
Brexit: Scotland to have ‘stronger future’ says Miles Briggs
"It is required as a direct result of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, and is more urgent because of the UK Government's reckless refusal to ask for an extension to the Brexit transition period.” "The Bill's proposals on environmental principles and governance will also help us to maintain high standards, in line with the EU, in Scotland.” However, Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Tories Constitution spokesman, said: "This is a power grab by the SNP - taking powers away from Holyrood so they can hand them to Brussels. "It is at best a distraction from their failures in government and Ms Lopinska has rightly seen right through it.
It comes amid surging support for independence


thedailyexpress--2020-08-11--Brexit LIVE: Labour Leavers turn on Starmer - 'Bite the bullet and embrace independence!'

If the party is to win the next election , they must embrace Brexit and `` bite the bullet '' , Brendan Chilton has claimed .
Only then will the party reclaim the red wall seats lost during the 2019 election .
Emmanuel Macron could scupper a last-minute trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union over access to UK fishing waters , officials on both sides fear .
Sources claim that the French president could “ scupper an agreement ” at the last minute if he believes that a deal does not go in his favour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stalemate with Fishing Waters and “ the level playing field ” being controversial points of contention .
A UK government official added to Bloomberg : “ The EU continues to insist on access to U.K. fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state.
” It comes as President Macron ’ s ratings have started to suffer with the next Presidential election less than two years away .
French officials claim that Macron could think there are “ votes to be had in standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid to save his mandate .
He is hoping to regain some support following a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel who is planning to visit President Macron at his summer residence on the Mediterranean around August 20th .
The meeting between Macron and Merkel , fresh from striking a game-changing deal for the European Union to raise debt for the first time to fund recovery from the coronavirus pandemic , is another sign of renewed vigour for the Franco-German engine .
Some European diplomats have said a reinvigorated relationship between the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring new momentum to other stumbling blocks in the EU , such as a digital tax or US tariffs .
0:40am update : Hard Brexit will actually make it harder to return migrants across the Channel , expert says A hard Brexit will actually make it harder to return migrants across the Channel , an expert has said .
This is because the government does not appear to have agreed on any replacement to the Dublin regulation – which allows people travelling across the channel to be returned to countries such as France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often in small boats .
This is because the regulation places responsibility on the EU member state into which a migrant first enters the EU , analysts say .
Immigration lawyer Colin Yeo said : “ As far as we can tell from this short thread , the UK government still has zero idea of how to negotiate a successor to the Dublin Regulation we have decided to leave because we opted for a hard Brexit.
” A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said : “ At the end of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the EU ’ s laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement.
” The deadline to agree a trade agreement between Brexit Britain and Brussels looms closer and closer but an economist has claimed a no deal outcome will not collapse UK-EU trade overnight .
Economist Catherine McBride said : `` The idea that trade or financial ties between the EU and the UK would ‘ collapse overnight ’ without an agreement is not something you would expect to read in the financial media .
“ Trade agreements do not generate trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Trade agreements can make trade easier but if consumers want to buy something , then that demand will be supplied with or without a trade agreement - even if the product is banned by the government.
” Gibraltar is stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit as Michel Barnier and David Frost lack of progress in trade talks thus far have caused fears to mount .
Next week the two negotiators will meet for yet another round of meetings following last month 's talks which Mr Barnier bemoaned as resulting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gibraltarians are wasting no time in planning for a hard Brexit and Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia last week chaired a meeting of the Brexit Strategic Group set up by the Government of the Rock .
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he must accept Brexit if he is to have a chance of regaining the Red Wall seats lost during the 2019 election .
General secretary of Labour Leave , Brendan Chilton has claimed the Labour leader must `` bite the bullet '' and accept the UK 's new future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can continue to protest and shout outrage , but the party can not implement its fairly popular progressive and radical social agenda .
`` To win , Labour is going to have to bite the bullet and embrace Brexit in reality and in the values it represents .
`` For the party and for many MPs it will be painful and contrary to all they believe , but if they do it , power will be within reach . ''
6.04pm update : `` I stopped Brexit Party destroying Tories now Boris must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Brexit Party leader has written a comment piece for Express.co.uk , you can read it here .
Negotiations have stalled between the two as the two sides look to pursue an agreement as quickly as possible .
Commenting on the news , Liberal Democrat trade spokeswoman Sarah Olney said : `` Given the complexities of trade negotiations , it 's no surprise that the UK-Japan trade deal has hit a stumbling block .
`` But the struggle to secure a trade deal with Japan must not distract from the fact that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain , the European Union .
`` The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Conservative Government to do everything in its power to secure the best possible deal with the EU .
Failure to do so will put thousands of people 's livelihoods at risk . ''
Supertrawlers which enter British waters to plunder the UK 's fish stocks have been branded `` hoovers '' by an MP who has backed a comprehensive ban to stop them from entering designated Marine Protected Areas aimed at protecting the marine environment .
Sir Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Express.co.uk : `` We have this absurd situation where we have these protected zones around our coast but we are not protecting them from the predations of supertrawlers .
`` It 's as simple as that - there is no point having protected zones if you do n't protect them .
`` These things are huge , massive - they are hoovers .
`` I thing we need to start taking a firm grip on this now , irrespective of any agreement which might be reached on fishing .
4.12pm update : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the channel ?
In a YouGov poll released today , the polling website asked , `` Do you think the UK does or does not have a responsibility to help protect migrants who are arriving in England after travelling across the channel from France ? ''
Of the 3,163 adults surveyed today , 50 percent said the UK does not hold the responsibility .
In contrast , 35 said it does while 15 were not sure .
This comes as Immigration minister Chris Philp is to hold talks with French counterparts in Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upsurge in migrants crossing the Channel .
In new research , Italy would be the most likely to leave the EU if Brexit is found to have a positive effect on the UK economy .
The findings were made in a recent poll by Redfield and Wilton Strategies , which quizzed 1,500 people in each of the four countries , 6,000 people in total , between July 17-18 .
Italians were most in favour to leave the EU , with 45 percent either agreeing or strongly agreeing with the idea of an `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38 percent , followed by Spain at 37 percent .
2pm update : EU Expert : Ireland told to get out now as Macron and Merkel plot military wing of EU There is `` growing support '' on the continent for an EU army with enthusiastic backing from Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel and France 's President Emmanuel Macron , a former top diplomat has claimed .
With the UK no longer a member of the bloc , the push to create a joint military force may be impossible to stop , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas .
The warning was sounded by Mr Bassett in the course of his new book , Ireland and the EU Post Brexit , in which he considers Ireland 's place in the bloc after the departure of the UK .
1.15pm update : Is Britain 'losing interest ' in Northern Ireland due to Brexit ?
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said she is disappointed to hear that the Irish PM 's office is preparing for Britain to `` lose interest '' in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in Micheal Martin 's office earlier this year to `` work towards a consensus on a shared island '' .
The Irish Premier said it is preparing for the possibility that Britain may get `` turned off '' Northern Ireland .
Mr Martin acknowledged there are `` two distinct political jurisdictions '' on the island , adding `` we have to acknowledge the reality of that '' .
However , he went on to speculate around the potential impact of English nationalism , Brexit and the possibility of Scotland leaving the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the union .
Liz Truss has stood her ground in post-Brexit trade talks with Japan after the UK Trade Secretary halted negotiations because of a row over blue cheese .
Britain was on track for an early trade victory as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to sign an ambitious post-Brexit trade deal with Japan in a matter of weeks - the UK ’ s first trade deal after more than 40 years following its departure from the EU .
But trade talks have come to a halt after Ms Truss insisted British food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular emphasis on Stilton cheese .
She hopes a “ win ” on Stilton will send a message to the world the UK is able to secure better trade agreements than those by the EU .
Guy Verhofstadt 's `` lack of knowledge '' about Irish politics , and particularly the border which separates the Republic from Northern Ireland , has been laid bare in a new Brexit-themed book .
Mr Verhofstadt , the European Parliament 's Brexit representative , became a familiar figure in the referendum campaign , and continued to voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain voted to quit the bloc in 2016 .
However , in his new book 'Ireland and the EU Post Brexit ' , Ray Bassett , the country 's former ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , reveals gaps in the former Belgian Prime Minister 's knowledge of Anglo-Irish relations .
10:45am update : Post-Brexit data sharing with EU at risk over UK privacy concerns Data sharing between the UK and the EU could be at serious risk after the Brexit transition period as the bloc has concerns with the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conexus Law warned there was a “ strong possibility ” that the EU will consider the UK not to have an “ adequate data protection regime ” required under GDPR .
This will mean that the EU will need to develop an alternative data transfer methodology .
10am update : Migrant crossing issues are `` the hollowness of the rhetoric of 'Taking Back Control '' Lord Ricketts has claimed that migrant crossing issues are showing up `` the hollowness of the rhetoric of 'Taking Back Control ' '' .
The former ambassador to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Boris Johnson to change the law post-Brexit to make it easier to return migrants attempting to cross the English Channcel .
The crossbench peer rejected the idea that it could be solved through a unilateral move .
He told BBC Radio Four 's Today programme that Westminster should work `` in cooperation with the French '' .
He added : `` For years the French have cooperated very well with us ...
It is not unreasonable that the French should ask for help policing what is after all a British border .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK to draw up a new framework for dealing with migrants .
It comes as immigration minister Chris Philp is to hold talks with French counterparts in Paris in an attempt to stem a fresh upsurge in migrants crossing the Channel in small boats .
The Government has been facing increasing pressure from Conservative MPs after fine weather and calm seas saw hundreds take to the water in an attempt to reach the UK .
More than 4,000 migrants have made it so far this year after completing the dangerous voyage across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with at least 597 arriving between Thursday and Sunday .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example , there is a time limit placed on returns , it 's something which can be abused by both migrants and their lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here .
`` At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU 's laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Home Office continue to look at all available options to tackle this issue . ''
8:30am update : Scottish nationalists could ‘ prise the UK apart ’ in post-Brexit chaos claims Hague Brexit may give Scottish nationalists the opportunity to `` prise the UK apart '' , claims William Hague .
The former Tory leader accused Scottish nationalists of creating obstacles in future post-Brexit trade deals .
He described how they wanted to argue for different standards and regulations in Scotland than in other parts of the United Kingdom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hague said : `` The SNP say they have the right to set rules on such matters as food standards in Scotland .
`` They say that London ’ s proposals for mutual recognition of standards inside the UK are a power grab . ''