thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Labour's Diane Abbott breaks down live on-air in 'tragic' Michael Portillo interview

Diane Abbott did not respond to Michael Portillo for an entire minute during a tragic interview on Times Radio on Friday evening .
Ms Abbott was questioned about her childhood , which appeared to trigger the break down from the Labour MP .
The interview cut to a commercial break as Ms Abbott 's silence continued .
The interview was described as both `` tragic '' and `` sad '' by listeners , after the clip of the silence went viral .
At the time , Ms Abbott had been speaking of her childhood , and the expectations her parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Had I left school and become a nurse , they would have been very pleased .
`` They had no expectation that I would go to Cambridge and become a member of Parliament . ''
Portillo responded : `` They were living in Harrow , in the catchment area .
`` That 's not a terribly poor area .
Are you saying they were poor , your parents ? ''
JUST IN : Keir Starmer CRISIS : Boris Johnson surges ahead of Labour - POLL After a prolonged silence , Ms Abbott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much money . ''
Portillo said : `` You were able to dress properly and so on ? ''
After ten seconds of silence , Portillo added : `` I think I may have upset you , Diane .
Let 's move on . ''
The Times Radio host then tried to change the subject onto a joint school production of Romeo & Juliet that they had both appeared in as school children .
However , Ms Abbott still remained silence , prompting Portillo to say : `` Um .
I 'm going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past here .
`` Diane , could we get you a glass of water ? ''
The interview then went to a commercial break , before the interview was understood to have `` resumed with a friendly tone '' .
Reaction to the interview was swift , with many describing it was `` so awkward , '' with others describing it as `` excruciating '' and `` sad '' .
One person tweeted : `` This strikes me not as awkward but as sad .
Being asked to reflect on her parents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer around , clearly upset her .
`` Some people in these replies are very cruel .
Anybody can be caught off guard by a reflection like that , it ’ s called grief . ''
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[ POLL ] Another questioned : `` What on earth happened ?
Why did she just go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` That 's quite possibly the most awkward pause/silence I 've ever heard in my life . ''
Paul Waugh , editor at the Huffington Post , tweeted : `` All I can hear here is a really human moment where Diane Abbott is remembering her parents , her justified irritation at the suggestion they were somehow wealthier than they were + the patronising Q about being able to 'dress properly ' .
`` Who knows what memories were set off by that question about poverty but it clearly affected her deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` gotcha '' is disgusting .
To his credit , Portillo immediately saw the impact of his remarks and tried to move on .
The interview resumed with a friendly tone within minutes . ''

Diane Abbott admits Labour had ‘catastrophic defeat’ in election
Diane Abbott did not respond to Michael Portillo for an entire minute during a tragic interview on Times Radio on Friday evening. Ms Abbott was questioned about her childhood, which appeared to trigger the break down from the Labour MP. The interview cut to a commercial break as Ms Abbott's silence continued.
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The interview was described as both "tragic" and "sad" by listeners, after the clip of the silence went viral. At the time, Ms Abbott had been speaking of her childhood, and the expectations her parents had for her. She said: "Had I left school and become a nurse, they would have been very pleased. "They had no expectation that I would go to Cambridge and become a Member of Parliament." Portillo responded: "They were living in Harrow, in the catchment area. "That's not a terribly poor area. Are you saying they were poor, your parents?" JUST IN: Keir Starmer CRISIS: Boris Johnson surges ahead of Labour - POLL
Diane Abbott refused to respond to Michael Portillo for an entire minute during an awkward interview
The Times Radio host then tried to change the subject onto a joint school production of Romeo & Juliet that they had both appeared in as school children
After a prolonged silence, Ms Abbott responded: "They didn't have much money." Portillo said: "You were able to dress properly and so on?" After ten seconds of silence, Portillo added: "I think I may have upset you, Diane. Let's move on." The Times Radio host then tried to change the subject onto a joint school production of Romeo & Juliet that they had both appeared in as school children. However, Ms Abbott still remained silent, prompting Portillo to say: "Um. I'm going back quite a long way in your past here. "Diane, could we get you a glass of water?"
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The interview then went to a commercial break, before the interview was understood to have "resumed with a friendly tone"
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The interview then went to a commercial break, before the interview was understood to have "resumed with a friendly tone". Reaction to the interview was swift, with many describing it was "so awkward," with others describing it as "excruciating" and "sad". One person tweeted: "This strikes me not as awkward but as sad. Being asked to reflect on her parents, who I’m guessing are no longer around, clearly upset her. "Some people in these replies are very cruel. Anybody can be caught off guard by a reflection like that, it’s called grief." DON'T MISS: Buckingham Palace decision shows Queen's confidence in Sophie Wessex [VIDEO]
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Reaction to the interview was swift, with many describing it was "so awkward," with others describing it as "excruciating" or "sad"


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Sturgeon warning: Disaster for Scotland as 'personal debt 'timebomb' alert issued

A Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research survey commissioned by Citizens Advice Scotland ( CAS ) showed 27 per cent were concerned about making debt repayments during the coronavirus crisis .
Meanwhile , a quarter of Scots remain concerned about paying utility bills and paying their rent ( 24 percent and 26 percent respectively ) .
As well as this , 20 percent were concerned about paying for food and essentials and 35 percent about their income .
CAS Scotland warned as the furlough scheme is reduced , debt payment holidays end and job losses become more significant , it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people being unable to manage their debts .
Myles Fitt , CAS financial health spokesman , warned while support schemes during the lockdown have been welcome , managing the situation as these begin to lift will `` require thoughtful and significant intervention '' .
Following the survey , he added : `` The issue is most often a result of insecure or low incomes which are simply not able to keep pace with the cost of living .
`` While concerns about unemployment have understandably replaced it for the time being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real challenge in the coming months and years .
`` An income shock from a job loss or reduced pay , combined with the cost of arrears such as council tax , housing or energy bulls built up due to COVID-19 payment holidays , will put individual and household finances under extreme pressure .
`` Our fear is that many households will fall into unmanageable debt , causing financial hardship and pushing more people into poverty , or exacerbate existing poverty . ''
Kate Forbes MSP , Scottish Finance Secretary has asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support Scotland ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` For households , this means working with lenders to ensure that loan , mortgage and rent holidays can be extended to those experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and that alternative payment plans are put in place to help prevent people losing their homes.
” Ms Forbes also wrote to the Treasury to ask to borrow up to £500million more to deal with the impact of coronavirus , as well as having greater flexibility over its capital budget as Holyrood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come after figures show that Scottish GDP fell by 18.9 percent in April , the highest drop on record .
Political poll expert Mark Diffley , who undertook the survey , added : “ Of additional concern is the finding that , once again , it is apparent that the highest levels of concern are recorded from those in the poorest socio-economic groups who are least likely be able to bear the financial burdens which they are facing as a result of the virus . ''

Nicola Sturgeon explains ‘changes’ to weddings and funerals
A Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research survey commissioned by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) showed 27 per cent were concerned about making debt repayments during the coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile, a quarter of Scots remain concerned about paying utility bills and paying their rent (24 percent and 26 percent respectively).
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As well as this, 20 percent were concerned about paying for food and essentials and 35 percent about their income. CAS Scotland warned as the furlough scheme is reduced, debt payment holidays end and job losses become more significant, it could cause a large increase in the number of people being unable to manage their debts. Myles Fitt, CAS financial health spokesman, warned while support schemes during the lockdown have been welcome, managing the situation as these begin to lift will "require thoughtful and significant intervention". Following the survey, he added: "The issue is most often a result of insecure or low incomes which are simply not able to keep pace with the cost of living.
1 in 4 Scots are worried about personal debt.
The SNP say there is a £500m blackhole in essential funding for Holyrood.
"While concerns about unemployment have understandably replaced it for the time being, the issue of personal debt will become a real challenge in the coming months and years. "An income shock from a job loss or reduced pay, combined with the cost of arrears such as council tax, housing or energy bulls built up due to COVID-19 payment holidays, will put individual and household finances under extreme pressure. "Our fear is that many households will fall into unmanageable debt, causing financial hardship and pushing more people into poverty, or exacerbate existing poverty." Kate Forbes MSP, Scottish Finance Secretary has asked for a National Debt Plan to help support Scotland’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. READ MORE: Scotland TERRIFIED: Fears of Brexit economic chaos
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Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has also asked for more powers from Westminster.
1,135 Scots were surveyed.
"For households, this means working with lenders to ensure that loan, mortgage and rent holidays can be extended to those experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and that alternative payment plans are put in place to help prevent people losing their homes.” Ms Forbes also wrote to the Treasury to ask to borrow up to £500million more to deal with the impact of coronavirus, as well as having greater flexibility over its capital budget as Holyrood suffers a funding shortfall. The calls come after figures show that Scottish GDP fell by 18.9 percent in April, the highest drop on record. Political poll expert Mark Diffley, who undertook the survey, added: “Of additional concern is the finding that, once again, it is apparent that the highest levels of concern are recorded from those in the poorest socio-economic groups who are least likely be able to bear the financial burdens which they are facing as a result of the virus."
Money is a constant worry for Scots due to COVID-19.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Rishi Sunak RIPPED OFF as fraudsters take advantage of £4BILLION of coronavirus funding

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Research by the think tank Policy Exchange - backed by former home secretaries Sajid Javid and David Blunkett - found criminals had exploited the furlough system to prevent jobs , loans to firms and other initiatives .
The report was published following an arrest in the Midlands in connection with a suspected £495,000 fraud offence involving Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s Job Retention Scheme .
Tory MP and former Cabinet minister Mr Javid said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job of highlighting the challenge faced by the Government in preventing fraudsters from taking advantage of the unprecedented package of measures to support individuals and businesses during this crisis .
“ Sadly , a number of individuals have sought to exploit the Treasury ’ s interventions , and sums involved are likely to be significant .
The government has been alive to this issue , however , and now is a good time to join up counter fraud measures to keep it to an absolute minimum.
” In a foreword to the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid-19 crisis to “ dip below the radar in order to be able to take advantage of unusual and unforeseen circumstance , and bank on attention and resources being focused elsewhere ” .
The Labour peer also warned the Chancellor ’ s mini-budget earlier this week was likely to create more opportunities “ for those willing to defraud the nation .
Entitled “ Daylight Robbery ” , the report estimated that fraud and error during the coronavirus crisis will cost the Government around £4.6billion .

Research by the think tank Policy Exchange - backed by former home secretaries Sajid Javid and David Blunkett - found criminals had exploited the furlough system to prevent jobs, loans to firms and other initiatives. The report was published following an arrest in the Midlands in connection with a suspected £495,000 fraud offence involving Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Job Retention Scheme.
Tory MP and former Cabinet minister Mr Javid said: “Policy Exchange has done a fantastic job of highlighting the challenge faced by the Government in preventing fraudsters from taking advantage of the unprecedented package of measures to support individuals and businesses during this crisis.
“Sadly, a number of individuals have sought to exploit the Treasury’s interventions, and sums involved are likely to be significant. The government has been alive to this issue, however, and now is a good time to join up counter fraud measures to keep it to an absolute minimum.”
In a foreword to the report, Lord Blunkett said criminals had used the Covid-19 crisis to “dip below the radar in order to be able to take advantage of unusual and unforeseen circumstance, and bank on attention and resources being focused elsewhere”.
The Labour peer also warned the Chancellor’s mini-budget earlier this week was likely to create more opportunities “for those willing to defraud the nation.
Entitled “Daylight Robbery”, the report estimated that fraud and error during the coronavirus crisis will cost the Government around £4.6billion.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--SNP shamed: Thousands of British Troops to be compensated by Boris for Sturgeon tax hikes

The Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) has agreed to permanently reimburse 7,000 armed forces personnel who have been subject to higher tax rates in Scotland after an initial two year pilot .
An annual payment will now be permanently provided to serving personnel earning £28,443 or more a year with an average annual payment of £850 .
Mitigation of between £12 and £2,200 will be paid , with payments grossed up to take account of income tax and national insurance .
This would be provided regardless of where the soldiers are deployed or where their families are based , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns were raised by the department that the Scottish Government tax rates , which are higher than in England , could create low morale .
At a cost of £6.8 million a year , the MoD stressed it would “ protect nearly two-thirds of all armed forces personnel liable for Scottish Income Tax and required to pay more in tax ” .
They added it would also help with recruitment and retention of personnel , many of whom are in specialist engineering roles .
Among the locations where troops are stationed in Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Britain ’ s nuclear deterrent and hunter-killer submarines and RAF Lossiemouth , home to half of the UK ’ s Typhoon force and submarine hunting maritime patrol aircraft .
Currently , in the present tax year , people in Scotland pay a tax rate of 20 percent between £14,585 and £25,158 and 21 percent up to £43,430 .
A starter rate of 19 percent applies above £12,500 and below £14,585 .
READ MORE : EU rejected : Scottish taxpayers to no longer foot cost of free uni This is higher than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earnings between £12,501 and £50,000 .
Alister Jack MP , Scotland Secretary , said : “ The UK ’ s Armed Forces make a huge contribution to Scottish communities and our economy .
“ I welcome the UK Government decision to permanently protect them from the Scottish Government ’ s decision to make Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK .
“ The professionalism , dedication and bravery of our servicemen and women can be seen throughout Scotland , the whole of the UK and across the globe , not least through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
” DO N'T MISS : Last laugh ?
Fears Sturgeon 's new hate crime law will ‘ restrict ’ jokes [ OPINION ] Boris warned : Sturgeon deputy will 'hold him to account ’ [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon humiliated : Rees-Mogg says independent Scotland bankrupt [ INSIGHT ] Minister of State for Defence , Baroness Goldie , added : “ Our Armed Forces serve the whole of the UK , so it is only right that they are treated equally and fairly wherever they are based .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops that they won ’ t be penalised for simply doing their duty by having to pay higher taxes in a certain part of the UK and they will be properly compensated in their payslips each year.
” In response to the concerns , a Scottish Government spokesperson , said : “ As a result of the Scottish Government ’ s progressive tax system , 56 percent of all Scottish taxpayers – including many armed forces personnel – will pay less income tax than they would if they lived elsewhere in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to supporting the armed forces community .
Scotland continues to be an attractive place to live , work and do business , with armed forces families in Scotland able to access many services and benefits – for instance , free prescriptions – that are not available elsewhere in the UK.
” MoD figures reveal that they spent nearly £1.76-billion with Scottish businesses in 2018/19 and an average of £320 expenditure per person each year .

PMQs: Raab pays tribute to 'heroic' armed forces in pandemic
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has agreed to permanently reimburse 7,000 armed forces personnel who have been subject to higher tax rates in Scotland after an initial two year pilot. An annual payment will now be permanently provided to serving personnel earning £28,443 or more a year with an average annual payment of £850.
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Mitigation of between £12 and £2,200 will be paid, with payments grossed up to take account of income tax and national insurance. This would be provided regardless of where the soldiers are deployed or where their families are based, the MoD said. It comes after concerns were raised by the department that the Scottish Government tax rates, which are higher than in England, could create low morale. At a cost of £6.8 million a year, the MoD stressed it would “protect nearly two-thirds of all armed forces personnel liable for Scottish Income Tax and required to pay more in tax”.
7,000 armed forces personnel will be covered.
Westminster will reimburse thousands of soliders who have paid Scottish tax rates.
They added it would also help with recruitment and retention of personnel, many of whom are in specialist engineering roles. Among the locations where troops are stationed in Scotland include HM Naval Base Clyde, home to Britain’s nuclear deterrent and hunter-killer submarines and RAF Lossiemouth, home to half of the UK’s Typhoon force and submarine hunting maritime patrol aircraft. Currently, in the present tax year, people in Scotland pay a tax rate of 20 percent between £14,585 and £25,158 and 21 percent up to £43,430. A starter rate of 19 percent applies above £12,500 and below £14,585. READ MORE: EU rejected: Scottish taxpayers to no longer foot cost of free uni
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RAF Lossiemouth is a major UK armed forces base.
This is higher than the England rate which is 20 percent on earnings between £12,501 and £50,000. Alister Jack MP, Scotland Secretary, said: “The UK’s Armed Forces make a huge contribution to Scottish communities and our economy. “I welcome the UK Government decision to permanently protect them from the Scottish Government’s decision to make Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK. “The professionalism, dedication and bravery of our servicemen and women can be seen throughout Scotland, the whole of the UK and across the globe, not least through their tireless work to support the UK-wide effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic.” DON'T MISS:
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Alister Jack has slammed the Scottish Government.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Emmanuel Macron blow: Irish eurozone victory 'a slap in face' for French President

Mr Donohoe 's election also marked the end to the days when former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar offered `` tough anti-Brexit lectures , with the new man in Brussels likely to push hard for a better relationship with the UK .
The election was mired in controversy after Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calvino , Mr Macron 's preferred candidate , accused one unnamed EU finance minister of not keeping his pledge to support her .
Ray Bassett , former Irish ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , told Express.co.uk : `` I think it is a real feather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland .
`` Pascal is very personable and no doubt but that contributed to his election victory .
Even the Opposition regard him as capable . ''
One person who was likely to be less happy was the French President , Mr Bassett said .
Mr Bassett , whose book , Ireland and the EU Post Brexit , is published later this month , explained : `` His win is a slap in the face for Macron who championed the Spanish Finance Minister and is probably a testament to the French President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I do n't think it will have much of a direct effect as the Eurozone group will be concentrating on internal matters and the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 .
`` However having an Irish President of the Finance Ministers will mean that behind the scenes , Paschal will be pushing for an accommodation with the UK .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to issue Barnier with deal warning '' Ireland desperately needs a deal so Paschal will be a moderating influence on the more hardline elements in Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Mr Varadkar , who last month stepped aside for new Taoiseach Micheal Martin , leader of rivals Fianna Fail , Mr Bassett said : `` The days of Leo giving tough anti-Brexit lectures are long gone as the cold prospect of a No Deal outcome becomes more likely , as I outline in my forthcoming book , Ireland and the EU , Post Brexit .
However , he added : `` While undoubtedly this appointment represents an honour for the country , there are some who wonder whether this is the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Finance while he works in Brussels . ''
DO N'T MISS EU farming farce : France gets nearly THREE times more funding than UK [ STATISTICS ] Brexit alarm bells ring as Lagarde makes bleak prediction for EU [ COMMENT ] Furious Brexit row erupts on Jeremy Vine as guests in heated clash [ VIDEO ] Speaking today on radio station SER , Ms Calvino said : `` We had ten votes secured .
`` Someone did n't do what he said he was going to do .
`` The vote is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote . ''
She refused to say who she thinks the person was - and with 19 members of the Eurogroup , and given she is the only woman , there are 17 possibilities , assuming Mr Donohoe himself had not promised her his vote .
In the event Mr Donohoe defeated Ms Calvino by one vote , even though Ms Calvino had secured the support of France , Germany , Italy and Portugal .
The countries supporting her represented more than 80 percent of the euro zone population and economies , she @ @

Brexit: BBC host grills Irish Finance Minister on customs checks
Mr Donohoe's election also marked the end to the days when former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar offered "tough anti-Brexit lectures, with the new man in Brussels likely to push hard for a better relationship with the UK. The election was mired in controversy after Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calvino, Mr Macron's preferred candidate, accused one unnamed EU finance minister of not keeping his pledge to support her.
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Ray Bassett, former Irish ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, told Express.co.uk: "I think it is a real feather in the cap for the pro-EU people in Ireland. "Pascal is very personable and no doubt but that contributed to his election victory. Even the Opposition regard him as capable." One person who was likely to be less happy was the French President, Mr Bassett said.
Paschal Donohoe's election is a slap in the face for Emmanuel Macron, said Mr Bassett
Nadia Calvino, Spain's economy minister, had been Mr Macron's preferred candidate
His win is a slap in the face for Macron Ray Bassett
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Mr Bassett, whose book, Ireland and the EU Post Brexit, is published later this month, explained: "His win is a slap in the face for Macron who championed the Spanish Finance Minister and is probably a testament to the French President's declining influence. "On Brexit, I don't think it will have much of a direct effect as the Eurozone group will be concentrating on internal matters and the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. "However having an Irish President of the Finance Ministers will mean that behind the scenes, Paschal will be pushing for an accommodation with the UK. READ MORE: Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to issue Barnier with deal warning
Leo Varadkar and Paschal Donohoe are both members of Fine Gael
"Ireland desperately needs a deal so Paschal will be a moderating influence on the more hardline elements in Brussels." With reference to Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar, who last month stepped aside for new Taoiseach Micheal Martin, leader of rivals Fianna Fail, Mr Bassett said: "The days of Leo giving tough anti-Brexit lectures are long gone as the cold prospect of a No Deal outcome becomes more likely, as I outline in my forthcoming book, Ireland and the EU, Post Brexit. However, he added: "While undoubtedly this appointment represents an honour for the country, there are some who wonder whether this is the best time to have a part-time Irish Minister for Finance while he works in Brussels." DON'T MISS
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Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Leo Varadkar, pictured with Michel Barnier, has been outspoken on Brexit
Speaking today on radio station SER, Ms Calvino said: "We had ten votes secured. "Someone didn't do what he said he was going to do. "The vote is secret and, in this case, remote."
Jean-Claude Juncker is a former Eurogroup President
She refused to say who she thinks the person was - and with 19 members of the Eurogroup, and given she is the only woman, there are 17 possibilities, assuming Mr Donohoe himself had not promised her his vote. In the event Mr Donohoe defeated Ms Calvino by one vote, even though Ms Calvino had secured the support of France, Germany, Italy and Portugal. The countries supporting her represented more than 80 percent of the euro zone population and economies, she said.
Mario Centeno, Mr Donohoe's predecessor as President of the Eurogroup


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--EU PANIC: Barnier 'realises leverage has dramatically shifted' – UK no longer 'soft touch'

The former MEP said Brussels has finally accepted Britain will walk away with or without a deal when the transition period ends .
Mr Tice added that the UK has a “ very strong hand ” and is no longer a “ soft touch ” with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Europe adviser David Frost compared to Theresa May and her chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins .
The Brexiteer said : “ The truth is the EU now know we are serious , they know we are going to leave with or without a deal .
“ And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has dramatically shifted in the last few months .
The UK has got a very strong hand .
“ We have been completely robust on fishing and what we are basically asking for in the various different components of a potential trade deal is similar to what the likes of Norway have with fishing or that Canada has with issues around the level playing field and rules and regulations on their deal .
“ We are asking for international norms and the EU tried to leg us over and they ’ ve realised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch we were under Theresa May and Olly Robbins.
” He added that while there is likely to be a “ range of compromises ” he would be “ astonished ” if the UK crosses its red lines .
Mr Tice said : “ I think what we will probably end up with is what I call a partial deal .
“ So there won ’ t be everything done but on key issues they arrive at the bones of a deal and that will be phase one and then there might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said that he expects some progress to be made in trade talks between the UK and the EU by the end of July READ MORE : Michel Barnier warns of ‘ inevitable ’ changes to UK deal But the ex-MEP warned negotiations are likely to “ involve last minute brinkmanship right up to the wire ” .
Mr Tice said : “ The reality is that most negotiations whether its trade talks or anything else with the EU will always involve last minute brinkmanship right up to the wire .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost has batted brilliantly for Britain and the EU during the course of this year have understood that we weren ’ t going to extend and they ’ ve understood that actually if there is no deal then that ’ s fine .
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[ INSIGHT ] Brexit row : James O'Brien 's 'car crash ' interview with Brexiteer MP [ VIDEO ] Trade expert reveals why FTA between UK and EU is in sight [ ANALYSIS ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no deal is better than a bad deal .
We are delighted with how solid he has been .
“ The EU now realise that we haven ’ t extended the transition before the deadline of June 30 so again that ’ s a clear mark in the sand that the instruction from the people in the election last December was get Brexit done .
“ The Conservatives committed not to extend the transition .
They ’ ve stuck to their word which is good and I think they will continue to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michel Barnier travelled to London this week for “ informal ” talks with his UK counterpart Mr Frost .

Brexit: Barnier ‘losing charm’ in negations says Richard Tice
The former MEP said Brussels has finally accepted Britain will walk away with or without a deal when the transition period ends. Mr Tice added that the UK has a “very strong hand” and is no longer a “soft touch” with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Europe adviser David Frost compared to Theresa May and her chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins.
The Brexiteer said: “The truth is the EU now know we are serious, they know we are going to leave with or without a deal. “And I think they realise actually the negotiating leverage has dramatically shifted in the last few months. The UK has got a very strong hand. “We have been completely robust on fishing and what we are basically asking for in the various different components of a potential trade deal is similar to what the likes of Norway have with fishing or that Canada has with issues around the level playing field and rules and regulations on their deal. “We are asking for international norms and the EU tried to leg us over and they’ve realised we are no longer the dreadful soft touch we were under Theresa May and Olly Robbins.”
The EU has realised the UK is no longer a “soft touch”, according to Richard Tice
The former MEP said Brussels has finally accepted Britain will walk away with or without a deal when the transition period ends
He added that while there is likely to be a “range of compromises” he would be “astonished” if the UK crosses its red lines. Mr Tice said: “I think what we will probably end up with is what I call a partial deal. “So there won’t be everything done but on key issues they arrive at the bones of a deal and that will be phase one and then there might be a phase two which might follow.” He said that he expects some progress to be made in trade talks between the UK and the EU by the end of July READ MORE: Michel Barnier warns of ‘inevitable’ changes to UK deal
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The ex-MEP warned negotiations are likely to “ involve last minute brinkmanship right up to the wire”
But the ex-MEP warned negotiations are likely to “involve last minute brinkmanship right up to the wire”. Mr Tice said: “The reality is that most negotiations whether its trade talks or anything else with the EU will always involve last minute brinkmanship right up to the wire. “The really good news is that excellent David Frost has batted brilliantly for Britain and the EU during the course of this year have understood that we weren’t going to extend and they’ve understood that actually if there is no deal then that’s fine. DON'T MISS
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Trade expert reveals why FTA between UK and EU is in sight [ANALYSIS]
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier travelled to London this week for “informal” talks with his UK counterpart Mr Frost
Mr Johnson has insisted he will not allow trade talks to drag on into the autumn
“We stand true to our word no deal is better than a bad deal. We are delighted with how solid he has been. “The EU now realise that we haven’t extended the transition before the deadline of June 30 so again that’s a clear mark in the sand that the instruction from the people in the election last December was get Brexit done. “The Conservatives committed not to extend the transition. They’ve stuck to their word which is good and I think they will continue to. “ The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier travelled to London this week for “informal” talks with his UK counterpart Mr Frost.
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--SNP civil war: Sturgeon ally slams rival who urged nationalists to vote for OTHER parties

The Deputy First Minister spoke out saying he “ did n't agree ” with Kenny MacAskill ’ s comments about voting for the SNP .
Mr MacAskill said voting solely for the SNP `` just does n't work '' if Scotland wants to gain independence from the UK .
The MP for East Lothian has become a critic of Nicola Sturgeon ’ s leadership and added : “ The focus of the election is almost certainly going to be on the constitution .
“ What better way of allowing Scottish voters a choice than a specific 'independence ' option on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Holyrood electoral system “ was itself designed to stop an SNP majority ” .
Holyrood uses the Additional Member system meaning voters have two votes in elections .
In the first vote , a voter chooses a candidate to represent one of Scotland ’ s 73 constituencies and each constituency elects one MSP .
A second vote is used to select 56 additional members who represent eight different parliamentary Regions .
However , in the second vote , the voter votes for a party rather than a candidate .
Mr MacAskill added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it was the cunning plan of its Westminster designers .
“ That ’ s gross hypocrisy , nevermind that it was also considered by some in Labour , who floated the idea of running Co-operative Party candidates on the list .
“ So , when Boris Johnson and his cohorts deny Scotland the right to hold a referendum , despite electoral mandates aplenty , why play by the rules of a rigged system ?
“ With success on the constituency basis resulting in limited progress on the list , ‘ Both Votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But Mr Swinney stressed that he could not “ understand the logic ” of Mr MacAskill ’ s argument .
DO N'T MISS : SNP shamed : Thousands of British Troops to be compensated by Boris [ INSIGHT ] Disaster for Scotland as 'personal debt 'timebomb looms [ JUST IN ] Last laugh ?
Fears Sturgeon 's new hate crime law will ‘ restrict ’ jokes [ OPINION ] Speaking on the BBC Good Morning Scotland Programme , he added : “ I come from the very simple point of view that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish National Party you should argue and urge people to vote for the Scottish National Party.
” He added : “ In 2011 , I was part of a ministerial team , including Kenny MacAskill , that successfully put a message to the people of Scotland , under the current system , that resulted in an overall majority for the Scottish National Party in the 2011 elections .
“ That seems to me to be the reliable and substantial way for us to deliver Scottish independence , and that ’ s the reliable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to vote for it .
”

Kenny MacAskill on why he released the Lockerbie bomber
The Deputy First Minister spoke out saying he “didn't agree” with Kenny MacAskill’s comments about voting for the SNP. Mr MacAskill said voting solely for the SNP "just doesn't work" if Scotland wants to gain independence from the UK.
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The MP for East Lothian has become a critic of Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership and added: “The focus of the election is almost certainly going to be on the constitution. “What better way of allowing Scottish voters a choice than a specific 'independence' option on the list." Mr MacAskill stressed the Holyrood electoral system “was itself designed to stop an SNP majority”. Holyrood uses the Additional Member system meaning voters have two votes in elections.
The MP has been critical of Nicola Sturgeon's party.
Campaigning for IndyRef2 has been put on hold for now.
In the first vote, a voter chooses a candidate to represent one of Scotland’s 73 constituencies and each constituency elects one MSP. A second vote is used to select 56 additional members who represent eight different parliamentary Regions. However, in the second vote, the voter votes for a party rather than a candidate. Mr MacAskill added: “That may have failed spectacularly but it was the cunning plan of its Westminster designers. READ MORE: Scotland TERRIFIED: Fears of Brexit economic chaos
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John Swinney spoke out this week.
SNP MP Kenny MacAskill.
Speaking on the BBC Good Morning Scotland Programme, he added: “I come from the very simple point of view that if you are a member of the Scottish National Party you should argue and urge people to vote for the Scottish National Party.” He added: “In 2011, I was part of a ministerial team, including Kenny MacAskill, that successfully put a message to the people of Scotland, under the current system, that resulted in an overall majority for the Scottish National Party in the 2011 elections. “As a consequence, we secured a referendum on independence. “That seems to me to be the reliable and substantial way for us to deliver Scottish independence, and that’s the reliable way for the SNP to argue for people to vote for it.”
Kenny MacAskill comments have been dismissed by John Swinney.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Brexit news: Michel Barnier row as he mocks ‘added value’ of leaving EU

He replied : `` No one has ever demonstrated to me the added value of remaining in the EU and @ @ @ @ @ of unelected commissioners .
It seems 17.4 million UK citizens felt similarly .
As you @ @ @ @ @ now a free country - and indeed very happy to be so .
The Political @ @ @ @ @ legally binding - as you well know .
Nevertheless , I 'm delighted that further @ @ @ @ @ `` As you often remind us , 'The clock is ticking ' .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ want the supremacy of the European Court of Justice , which we can not accept @ @ @ @ @ said talks were ongoing but insisted the UK will regain political and economic independence leaving @ @ @ @ @ union .
More guidelines are to be set out to businesses to `` help them @ @ @ @ @ the transition period '' .

He replied: "No one has ever demonstrated to me the added value of remaining in the EU and being governed by a bunch of unelected commissioners. It seems 17.4 million UK citizens felt similarly. As you rightly acknowledged, we are now a free country - and indeed very happy to be so. The Political Declaration is indicative and not legally binding - as you well know. Nevertheless, I'm delighted that further talks are now agreed.
"As you often remind us, 'The clock is ticking'. That's standard EU practice to always want the supremacy of the European Court of Justice, which we cannot accept."
A Government spokesman said talks were ongoing but insisted the UK will regain political and economic independence leaving the single market and customs union.
More guidelines are to be set out to businesses to "help them prepare for the end of the transition period".


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Priti Patel issues warning to crime kingpins: ‘We’ll come for you!’

The Home Secretary and the director general of the National Crime Agency ( NCA ) , in a message to the upper echelon of British criminals , said `` justice will be served - be ready for the knock '' .
Their first ever joint newspaper article for the Daily Express comes after more than 700 suspected criminals were arrested in Britain 's biggest ever operation into serious and organised crime .
The `` Mr and Mrs Bigs '' of the criminal underworld were among those arrested , while many more were from the middle tiers of the criminal gangs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a military-grade communications network used by criminals to plot murders , deal drugs and smuggle weapons .
An international team then started spying on criminals , triggering a wave of arrests across the continent .
Police in the UK arrested more than 700 suspects , seized £54million in cash and tonnes of drugs in the `` game-changing '' Operation Venetic .
Guns , ammunition and grenades were also seized , with more criminals snared every week .
In their article , Ms Patel and Ms Owen declare : `` Britain 's largest ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminals sent a resounding message to offenders .
`` To the people pushing drugs on our streets , to the gang leaders fighting a violent turf war , to the kingpins responsible for deaths and suffering and to the mob bosses attempting to manipulate and intimidate : We are coming after you .
`` It is no exaggeration to say this is a game-changing moment in our fight to tackle serious and organised crime .
`` Parasitic gang leaders used these hidden channels to operate their extensive crime networks , trading weapons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They thought encryption would help them escape justice - but they thought wrong . ''
Hundreds of staff analysed the data and identified EncroChat users , working through millions of messages and hundreds of thousands of images .
Nikki Holland , the NCA 's director of investigations , compared the deciphering to `` having an inside person in every top organised crime group in the country '' .
Criminals paid £1,500 for a mobile phone on a six-month contract with a secure operating system , encrypted messaging and calls , self-destructing texts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ function .
As gangsters were rounded up across the UK , crime lords hit the panic button and the NCA monitored their messages .
Among the texts , underworld figures were discovered warning associates that `` the police are having a field day '' .
One said : `` These b******s had intel on everything '' and `` so many ppl been took [ sic ] down here , NCA been clearing up '' .
Another crook even messaged about his plot to move abroad : `` I 'm moving my family from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to [ sic ] smart . ''
Ms Patel and Ms Owens added : `` We are winning .
More than 500 NCA officers and thousands of others from forces all across the law enforcement system made this happen .
`` And now they are going after the other criminal gangs exploiting the vulnerable . ''
The pair urged social media giants , including Facebook , to ditch their encryption plans amid fears it will put paedophiles grooming children `` beyond our reach '' .
They added : `` While we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it has shone a light like never before on the dangers of certain types of encrypted technology .
`` Beyond the Encrochat operation , we need to ensure that technology companies across the board take the necessary precautions to stop vile child sex offenders exploiting their platforms .
`` Without end-to-end encryption Facebook made 16.8 million global reports of child sexual abuse material in 2018 .

Priti Patel says there can be ‘no excuses’ for unsolved crimes
The Home Secretary and the director general of the National Crime Agency (NCA), in a message to the upper echelon of British criminals, said "justice will be served - be ready for the knock". Their first ever joint newspaper article for the Daily Express comes after more than 700 suspected criminals were arrested in Britain's biggest ever operation into serious and organised crime.
The "Mr and Mrs Bigs" of the criminal underworld were among those arrested, while many more were from the middle tiers of the criminal gangs. Law enforcement agencies in Europe accessed a military-grade communications network used by criminals to plot murders, deal drugs and smuggle weapons. An international team then started spying on criminals, triggering a wave of arrests across the continent. Police in the UK arrested more than 700 suspects, seized £54million in cash and tonnes of drugs in the "game-changing" Operation Venetic. Guns, ammunition and grenades were also seized, with more criminals snared every week. In their article, Ms Patel and Ms Owen declare: "Britain's largest ever law enforcement operation against serious and organised criminals sent a resounding message to offenders. "To the people pushing drugs on our streets, to the gang leaders fighting a violent turf war, to the kingpins responsible for deaths and suffering and to the mob bosses attempting to manipulate and intimidate: We are coming after you.
Priti Patel issues warning to crime kingpins
Police in the UK arrested more than 700 suspects, seized £54million in cash and tonnes of drugs in the 'game-changing' Operation Venetic
"It is no exaggeration to say this is a game-changing moment in our fight to tackle serious and organised crime. "Parasitic gang leaders used these hidden channels to operate their extensive crime networks, trading weapons, dealing drugs, and plotting murder. "They thought encryption would help them escape justice - but they thought wrong." Hundreds of staff analysed the data and identified EncroChat users, working through millions of messages and hundreds of thousands of images. Nikki Holland, the NCA's director of investigations, compared the deciphering to "having an inside person in every top organised crime group in the country". Criminals paid £1,500 for a mobile phone on a six-month contract with a secure operating system, encrypted messaging and calls, self-destructing texts and even a "panic wipe" function. As gangsters were rounded up across the UK, crime lords hit the panic button and the NCA monitored their messages.
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Guns, ammunition and grenades were seized, with more criminals snared every week
Among the texts, underworld figures were discovered warning associates that "the police are having a field day". One said: "These b******s had intel on everything" and "so many ppl been took [sic] down here, NCA been clearing up". Another crook even messaged about his plot to move abroad: "I'm moving my family from UK this year because NCA is getting to [sic] smart." Ms Patel and Ms Owens added: "We are winning. More than 500 NCA officers and thousands of others from forces all across the law enforcement system made this happen. "And now they are going after the other criminal gangs exploiting the vulnerable." The pair urged social media giants, including Facebook, to ditch their encryption plans amid fears it will put paedophiles grooming children "beyond our reach". They added: "While we have been consistently clear that we support strong encryption, it has shone a light like never before on the dangers of certain types of encrypted technology. "Beyond the Encrochat operation, we need to ensure that technology companies across the board take the necessary precautions to stop vile child sex offenders exploiting their platforms. "Without end-to-end encryption Facebook made 16.8 million global reports of child sexual abuse material in 2018.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Keir Starmer CRISIS: Boris surges ahead of Labour even after Corbyn departure - POLL

The latest Times/YouGov voting intention results suggest the race between the UK 's two dominant political parties has now stabilised after Labour had appeared to close the gap on the Tories over recent weeks .
The poll of of 1,614 adults from July 8-9 shows Conservatives have now increased their lead to 10-points .
When asked who they would vote for if there was a general election tomorrow , the results showed the Tories would receive 46 percent of the vote compared to 36 percent who said Labour .
Prior to this , they had stood at 45 percent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the gap between Britain 's two ruling parties had been a huge 20-points in the same Times/YouGov poll .
This came six weeks after Jeremy Corbyn led Labour to a crushing defeat in the general election on December 19 , with Mr Johnson and his Conservatives gaining a huge 80-seat majority in the House of Commons .
Millions of UK voters turned against Labour , with the party 's infamous 'Red Wall ' , which had held the party steady for several decades , collapsing around the opposition .
A humiliated Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was replaced by former Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir on April 4 following a lengthy party election contest .
Two days before his appointment as Labour leader , the same Times/YouGov poll showed the Tories with a massive 24-point lead , pulling in 52 percent of the vote compared to the opposition 's 28 percent .
But as the Government came under increased pressure over its handling of the coronavirus crisis , and was accused of not doing enough to curb the spread of the killer virus by enforcing lockdown measures early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Labour had closed the gap to the Tories to just six points in the same poll on May 26 , pulling in 38 percent of the vote compared to 44 percent for Mr Johnson 's party .
Sir Keir used Prime Minister 's Questions ( PMQs ) in the House of Commons to pick apart the strategy of Mr Johnson and his Government , targeting different lockdown measures , deaths in care homes and missed targets on coronavirus testing .
But over the past six weeks , Sir Keir has seen that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extending into double figures .
Elsewhere in the latest Times/YouGov poll , the Liberal Democrats have six percent of the vote ( from five percent ) the Greens have three percent ( from four percent ) and and Nigel Farage 's Brexit Party are unchanged on two percent .
Last week , Sir Keir was told by political experts he faces a challenge of `` Everest proportions '' if the Labour Party is to have any chance of wresting the keys to 10 Downing Street from Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new job , the magnitude of the task ahead of Sir Keir is already evident , as would have to create British political history to topple the Prime Minister and the Tories .
DO N'T MISS Ex-Labour leader shamed as 'red wall ' voters praise Sunak [ COMMENT ] BBC Andrew Neil savages Labour 's Dodds with old car crash interview [ VIDEO ] Kay Burley puts Dodds on spot over Labour demands from Sunak [ INTERVIEW ] John Macdonald , Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute think tank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only in not being Corbyn , but in demonstrating a degree of competency at the opposition dispatch box not seen in a Labour leader for a long time .
`` However , no major party has ever increased their number of MPs by over 60 percent , which Starmer would need to accomplish to win in 2024 .
`` To do what no opposition party has done before is no ordinary mountain to climb .
`` Sir Keir is facing a challenge of Everest proportions .
Time will tell if he , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one to make it to the top . ''

Keir Starmer slammed by caller over criticism of Johnson
The latest Times/YouGov voting intention results suggest the race between the UK's two dominant political parties has now stabilised after Labour had appeared to close the gap on the Tories over recent weeks. The poll of of 1,614 adults from July 8-9 shows Conservatives have now increased their lead to 10-points. When asked who they would vote for if there was a general election tomorrow, the results showed the Tories would receive 46 percent of the vote compared to 36 percent who said Labour. Prior to this, they had stood at 45 percent and 37 percent respectively.
Trending
On January 26, the gap between Britain's two ruling parties had been a huge 20-points in the same Times/YouGov poll. This came six weeks after Jeremy Corbyn led Labour to a crushing defeat in the general election on December 19, with Mr Johnson and his Conservatives gaining a huge 80-seat majority in the House of Commons. Millions of UK voters turned against Labour, with the party's infamous 'Red Wall', which had held the party steady for several decades, collapsing around the opposition. A humiliated Mr Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader, and was replaced by former Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir on April 4 following a lengthy party election contest.
Keir Starmer is facing a major crisis after Labour fell further behind the Tories in a leading poll
Sir Keir Starmer has seen his Labour Party fall further behind the Tories
Two days before his appointment as Labour leader, the same Times/YouGov poll showed the Tories with a massive 24-point lead, pulling in 52 percent of the vote compared to the opposition's 28 percent. But as the Government came under increased pressure over its handling of the coronavirus crisis, and was accused of not doing enough to curb the spread of the killer virus by enforcing lockdown measures early enough. In just under two months, Labour had closed the gap to the Tories to just six points in the same poll on May 26, pulling in 38 percent of the vote compared to 44 percent for Mr Johnson's party. Sir Keir used Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons to pick apart the strategy of Mr Johnson and his Government, targeting different lockdown measures, deaths in care homes and missed targets on coronavirus testing. READ MORE: Labour's Hilary Benn demands post-Brexit border plan 'urgently'
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Boris Johnson's Conservative Party has extended its lead over Labour
But over the past six weeks, Sir Keir has seen that progress quickly eroded, with it now extending into double figures. Elsewhere in the latest Times/YouGov poll, the Liberal Democrats have six percent of the vote (from five percent) the Greens have three percent (from four percent) and and Nigel Farage's Brexit Party are unchanged on two percent. Last week, Sir Keir was told by political experts he faces a challenge of "Everest proportions" if the Labour Party is to have any chance of wresting the keys to 10 Downing Street from Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party. They warned just three months into his new job, the magnitude of the task ahead of Sir Keir is already evident, as would have to create British political history to topple the Prime Minister and the Tories. DON'T MISS
Ex-Labour leader shamed as 'red wall' voters praise Sunak [COMMENT]
BBC Andrew Neil savages Labour's Dodds with old car crash interview [VIDEO]
Kay Burley puts Dodds on spot over Labour demands from Sunak [INTERVIEW]
Sir Keir Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader
Jeremy Corbyn led Labour to a humiliating general election defeat
John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute think tank, told Express.co.uk "Sir Keir has benefited not only in not being Corbyn, but in demonstrating a degree of competency at the opposition dispatch box not seen in a Labour leader for a long time. "However, no major party has ever increased their number of MPs by over 60 percent, which Starmer would need to accomplish to win in 2024. "To do what no opposition party has done before is no ordinary mountain to climb. "Sir Keir is facing a challenge of Everest proportions. Time will tell if he, or another Labour leader, is the one to make it to the top."
Main reason for not sticking with Labour


thedailyexpress--2020-07-12--UK taking back control with or without Brexit deal: £750m border plan to transform Britain

It is investing hundreds of millions in border control in a clear indication Britain will be ready for no deal if necessary .
It comes as Home Secretary Priti Patel prepares to announce the next stage of the overhaul of immigration rules with publication of a points based system aimed at attracting the brightest and the best to the UK .
In a further move , the Sunday Express has learnt that Mr Johnson is set to drop Chinese tech company Huawei as a supplier for the new 5G network at a National Security Council meeting on Tuesday - when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing 3G and 4G networks could also be agreed .
The investmentment in border infrastructure , jobs and technology will include £470 million on new border control posts and £235 million on IT systems .
There will also be more than £100 million to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders , alongside additional investment in technology to ensure that new controls can be fully implemented in the “ Roll On , Roll Off ” environment .
Another £15 million will be spent to build new data infrastructure to enhance border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to the world ’ s most effective border by 2025 .
This package is on top of the £84 million already provided in grants to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the customs intermediary sector to support traders .
READ MORE : Brexit news : Brexiteer shuts down Lib Dem leader over tweet Speaking ahead of the announcement , Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove , who is coordinating Brexit strategy , made it clear that the announcement will ready Britain for no deal .
Mr Gove said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders , and leaving the single market and the customs union at the end of this year bringing both changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare.That is why we are announcing this major package of investment today .
“ With or without further agreement with the EU , this £705 million will ensure that the necessary infrastructure , tech and border personnel are in place so that our traders and the border industry are able to manage the changes and seize the opportunities as we lay the foundations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure border.
” His comments are a warning to Brussels and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier that Britain is serious about walking away from talks if they persist on insisting the UK signs up to their rules and regulations in so called “ level playing field measures ” and demand access to UK fishing grounds .
David Frost , the UK ’ s chief negotiator , said last month that if major progress was not completed by the end of July then the talks will end .
According to the Government , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build new border infrastructure inland where there is no space at ports .
Where ports have space to build on-site they will get one-off financial support to ensure the right infrastructure is in place .
The Government has been “ intensively engaging with industry ” in recent months to ensure that the processes we introduce and the infrastructure we develop is fit for purpose , and that they are ready to manage changes and capitalise on opportunities at the end of the transition period .
Meanwhile , the Home Secretary will unveil details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Patel will unveil the NHS visa for health workers as well as a Global Talent Scheme to attract the brightest and the best particularly aimed at highly skilled scientists and researchers .
She said : “ The British people voted to take back control of our borders and introduce a new points-based immigration system .
“ Now we have left the EU , we are free to unleash this country ’ s full potential and implement the changes we need to restore trust in the immigration system and deliver a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 January 2021 .
“ Britain is open for business and ready to welcome the best and brightest global talent.
” Labour last night hinted that it will oppose the new scheme .
A recording of shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has emerged telling the Labour Tribune MPs group that she was “ heartbroken ” freedom of movement from the EU is ending .
Responding to Ms Patel ’ s announcement , Nick Thomas-Symonds MP , Labour ’ s Shadow Home Secretary said : “ There are real concerns that this will cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care sector , at a time when we are still waiting for the Government to make good on their promise to scrap the unfair immigration health surcharge for workers who were being charged to access the very services they were keeping going to help others during the toughest of times.
” DO N'T MISS Nicola Sturgeon 's 'appalling record ' laid bare : ‘ nowhere to hide ' [ OPINION ] Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to issue Barnier with deal warning [ INSIGHT ] Fishing chief erupts at EU 's demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: EU to compromise on the ECJ claims expert
It is investing hundreds of millions in border control in a clear indication Britain will be ready for no deal if necessary. It comes as Home Secretary Priti Patel prepares to announce the next stage of the overhaul of immigration rules with publication of a points based system aimed at attracting the brightest and the best to the UK. In a further move, the Sunday Express has learnt that Mr Johnson is set to drop Chinese tech company Huawei as a supplier for the new 5G network at a National Security Council meeting on Tuesday - when a review into Chinese involvement in the existing 3G and 4G networks could also be agreed.
Trending
The investmentment in border infrastructure, jobs and technology will include £470 million on new border control posts and £235 million on IT systems. There will also be more than £100 million to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders, alongside additional investment in technology to ensure that new controls can be fully implemented in the “Roll On, Roll Off” environment. Another £15 million will be spent to build new data infrastructure to enhance border management and flow helping us on our way to the world’s most effective border by 2025 . This package is on top of the £84 million already provided in grants to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the customs intermediary sector to support traders. READ MORE: Brexit news: Brexiteer shuts down Lib Dem leader over tweet
Brexit news: UK will seize back control of its borders by the end of the year
Brexit news: the UK investing hundreds of millions in border control
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove, who is coordinating Brexit strategy, made it clear that the announcement will ready Britain for no deal. Mr Gove said: “We are taking back control of our borders, and leaving the single market and the customs union at the end of this year bringing both changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare.That is why we are announcing this major package of investment today. “With or without further agreement with the EU, this £705 million will ensure that the necessary infrastructure, tech and border personnel are in place so that our traders and the border industry are able to manage the changes and seize the opportunities as we lay the foundations for the world’s most effective and secure border.” His comments are a warning to Brussels and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier that Britain is serious about walking away from talks if they persist on insisting the UK signs up to their rules and regulations in so called “level playing field measures” and demand access to UK fishing grounds. David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, said last month that if major progress was not completed by the end of July then the talks will end.
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EU has had a ‘wake up call’ during pandemic claims Tice
According to the Government, it is “taking exceptional action” to build new border infrastructure inland where there is no space at ports. Where ports have space to build on-site they will get one-off financial support to ensure the right infrastructure is in place. The Government has been “intensively engaging with industry” in recent months to ensure that the processes we introduce and the infrastructure we develop is fit for purpose, and that they are ready to manage changes and capitalise on opportunities at the end of the transition period. Meanwhile, the Home Secretary will unveil details of her points-based immigration system on Monday. Ms Patel will unveil the NHS visa for health workers as well as a Global Talent Scheme to attract the brightest and the best particularly aimed at highly skilled scientists and researchers.
Boris Johnson discusses Brexit
She said: “The British people voted to take back control of our borders and introduce a new points-based immigration system. “Now we have left the EU, we are free to unleash this country’s full potential and implement the changes we need to restore trust in the immigration system and deliver a new fairer, firmer, skills-led system from 1 January 2021. “Britain is open for business and ready to welcome the best and brightest global talent.” Labour last night hinted that it will oppose the new scheme. A recording of shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has emerged telling the Labour Tribune MPs group that she was “heartbroken” freedom of movement from the EU is ending. Responding to Ms Patel’s announcement, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary said: “There are real concerns that this will cause major problems for our NHS and our care sector, at a time when we are still waiting for the Government to make good on their promise to scrap the unfair immigration health surcharge for workers who were being charged to access the very services they were keeping going to help others during the toughest of times.” DON'T MISS
Nicola Sturgeon's 'appalling record' laid bare: ‘nowhere to hide' [OPINION]
Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to issue Barnier with deal warning [INSIGHT]
Fishing chief erupts at EU's demand for access to UK waters [VIDEO]
Brexit in Daily Express front pages


thedailyexpress--2020-07-12--Brexit deal WARNING as hidden 'poison pills' could undermine sovereignty and cost £165bn

The 100-page analysis by the Centre for Brexit Policy ( CBP ) has warned that the deal mostly negotiated by Theresa May ’ s government contains “ poison pills ” which will undermine British sovereignty and could cost the country £165 billion .
The document comes just a few weeks after Boris Johnson ’ s chief negotiator David Frost admitted that the government was trying to put right flaws in the Withdrawal Agreement which allowed the UK to have an orderly exit on January 31 this year .
Mr Frost explained that there had not been enough time to renegotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson took over from Theresa May in order to get Brexit done .
The CBP has agreed with his analysis and laid out a blueprint for the items which need to be resolved in the trade and security deal currently being negotiated .
These include the Northern Ireland Protocol , EU citizens ’ rights , the controversial £39 billion divorce payments , future financial liabilities , EU data protection laws , EU geographical indications of origin which are not reciprocal , and provisions relating to UK sovereign bases in countries like Cyprus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU demands to be allowed to fish in British waters and to take control of British regulations through so-called “ level playing field ” provisions .
John Longworth , Director-General of the CBP , said : “ The British public repeatedly voted to ‘ take back control ’ and to ‘ get Brexit done ’ .
“ But we are now in the fine print stage of our departure from the EU and close examination of the terms agreed by former Prime Minister Theresa May and only partially improved so far by Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still long way from fully restoring our national independence .
“ We must ensure that our future relationship with the EU does not undermine our right to take our place on the world stage like other independent nations , free to cooperate with friendly countries but not to be controlled by them.
” Nobel Prizewinner and former Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble pointed out in his foreword , “ the Withdrawal Agreement clearly rips the Good Friday Agreement apart ” by undermining the principle of consent , handing law-making power over Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no way in which the people affected by those decisions will even have a say in the making or application of them.
” Meanwhile , writing for the Sunday Express , former charity boss and Brexit Party MEP Matthew Patten said : “ To regain our sovereignty , Boris Johnson is going to have to rip up and replace the agreement he signed just 6 months ago that enabled us to withdraw from the EU , set up the transition period , and describe the possible parameters of a future trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the British public is in no doubt that Brexit must mean a full restoration of sovereignty .
By a margin of 49 percent to 26 percent , people in so-called battleground ‘ Red Wall ’ seats won off Labour by the Conservatives in December polled by Savanta ComRes for the study agreed with the statement : “ Leaving the EU in 2020 , rather than later , will mean that Britain recaptures the national independence it had before it joined the Common Market in 1973 sooner.
” This level of agreement rises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ residents who voted Labour in the 2017 general election then switched to the Conservatives in the 2019 election – and nearly three quarters of people who voted Conservative in both elections .

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement 'failed UK' claims Ben Habib
The 100-page analysis by the Centre for Brexit Policy (CBP) has warned that the deal mostly negotiated by Theresa May’s government contains “poison pills” which will undermine British sovereignty and could cost the country £165 billion. The document comes just a few weeks after Boris Johnson’s chief negotiator David Frost admitted that the government was trying to put right flaws in the Withdrawal Agreement which allowed the UK to have an orderly exit on January 31 this year.
Mr Frost explained that there had not been enough time to renegotiate the whole agreement with the EU after Mr Johnson took over from Theresa May in order to get Brexit done. The CBP has agreed with his analysis and laid out a blueprint for the items which need to be resolved in the trade and security deal currently being negotiated. These include the Northern Ireland Protocol, EU citizens’ rights, the controversial £39 billion divorce payments, future financial liabilities, EU data protection laws, EU geographical indications of origin which are not reciprocal, and provisions relating to UK sovereign bases in countries like Cyprus. This is on top of resisting EU demands to be allowed to fish in British waters and to take control of British regulations through so-called “level playing field” provisions. John Longworth, Director-General of the CBP, said: “The British public repeatedly voted to ‘take back control’ and to ‘get Brexit done’.
Brexit deal WARNING as hidden 'poison pills' could undermine sovereignty and cost £165bn
Brexit negotiator David Frost
“But we are now in the fine print stage of our departure from the EU and close examination of the terms agreed by former Prime Minister Theresa May and only partially improved so far by Prime Minister Johnson reveals that we are a still long way from fully restoring our national independence. “We must ensure that our future relationship with the EU does not undermine our right to take our place on the world stage like other independent nations, free to cooperate with friendly countries but not to be controlled by them.” Nobel Prizewinner and former Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble pointed out in his foreword, “the Withdrawal Agreement clearly rips the Good Friday Agreement apart” by undermining the principle of consent, handing law-making power over Northern Ireland to the EU so that “there is no way in which the people affected by those decisions will even have a say in the making or application of them.”
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-12--Labour wealth tax raid on homeowners could cost 6m Brits £2,500 a YEAR, analysis suggests

The so-called `` wealth tax '' would hit many middle income earners as well as pensioners but in recent weeks has been suggested by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds .
New analysis by the Conservative Research Department has looked at what the impact of a wealth tax would have on individuals based on the model of the one used in Norway which is one of the few to have the extra levy .
Currently more than 500,000 Norwegians pay a 0.85 per cent charge on their assets every year above the value of around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and savings as well as other assets such as cars and furniture are used when calculating how much they have to pay .
UK tax experts like Paul Falvey , a tax partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO , have concluded that “ a UK wealth tax would probably take account of homes ” .
According to the Conservative Research Department , if the same type of system was applied in the UK , at least 6 million could be forced to pay .
On average , Norwegians face a bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top of other taxes like income tax and VAT – Brits could see something similar under Labour .
Tory chairwoman Amanda Milling said : “ Sir Keir Starmer has admitted a tax raid on homes and savings has ‘ got to be ’ something ‘ we look at .
“ This new analysis reveals just how much hardworking people could be hit by Labour ’ s plans .
“ Labour need to be honest about what they ’ re calling for , rather than just saying what they think people want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the tax grab proposals follow recent interviews given by Sir Keir and Ms Dodds .
The two have highlighted their demands that Boris Johnson considers imposing the tax in recent interviews .
Speaking to LBC on July 6 , Sir Keir said : “ We are saying to the government , look at the idea of a wealth tax , we certainly support the principle that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden , but at this stage four years before an election , I 'm not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another interview , Ms Dodds said : “ I think the government does need to look at this area , I don ’ t think we ’ re in a fair situation .
“ Of course for the very , very best-off people quite a bit of their money coming in is derived from wealth .
I think we do need to have that new settlement and actually much of the opinion data has indicated that has a lot of support among the UK population as well.
” ’ Labour have not formally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the leadership insisted : `` We are not proposing a wealth tax , the shadow Chancellor made that clear this week .
`` We just argue that the government should look at these options with the resources in the civil service that they have available . ''
The Labour source added : “ It 's baffling .
Labour has not proposed this or anything like it and has no plans to .
”

Keir Starmer urges government to look at introducing ‘wealth tax’
The so-called "wealth tax" would hit many middle income earners as well as pensioners but in recent weeks has been suggested by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds. New analysis by the Conservative Research Department has looked at what the impact of a wealth tax would have on individuals based on the model of the one used in Norway which is one of the few to have the extra levy.
Currently more than 500,000 Norwegians pay a 0.85 per cent charge on their assets every year above the value of around £126,000. The value of their homes and savings as well as other assets such as cars and furniture are used when calculating how much they have to pay. UK tax experts like Paul Falvey, a tax partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, have concluded that “a UK wealth tax would probably take account of homes”. According to the Conservative Research Department, if the same type of system was applied in the UK, at least 6 million could be forced to pay. On average, Norwegians face a bill of around £2,500 – and that is on top of other taxes like income tax and VAT – Brits could see something similar under Labour.
Labour wealth tax raid on homeowners could cost 6m Brits £2,500 a year
Labour shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds
Tory chairwoman Amanda Milling said: “Sir Keir Starmer has admitted a tax raid on homes and savings has ‘got to be’ something ‘we look at. “This new analysis reveals just how much hardworking people could be hit by Labour’s plans. “Labour need to be honest about what they’re calling for, rather than just saying what they think people want to hear without giving any details.” The concerns about the tax grab proposals follow recent interviews given by Sir Keir and Ms Dodds. The two have highlighted their demands that Boris Johnson considers imposing the tax in recent interviews. Speaking to LBC on July 6, Sir Keir said: “We are saying to the government, look at the idea of a wealth tax, we certainly support the principle that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden, but at this stage four years before an election, I'm not going to start setting out tax.”
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-12--Boris Johnson rejects pressure from BLM to redesign honours system emblem

Demands had been made for the insignia on the Order of St Michael and St George to be changed because it shows the Archangel crushing Lucifer under his foot .
Because Lucifer was depicted as dark coloured , critics , including comedian Michael Palin who received the order of knighthood , said it was similar to George Floyd ’ s killing in the US and now “ inappropriate ” and “ racist ” .
But in a written response , the government pointed out that the emblem had been in fact changed in 2011 to remove any suggestion of racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 were entitled to an updated version .
Responding to a question on behalf of the government , cabinet office minister Lord True said : “ We are aware of a petition on the Order of St Michael and St George .
The premise of this petition is factually incorrect – the insignia for the Order of St Michael and St George was updated in 2011 , and the design referred in the petition is no longer used .
Any current recipient of a pre-2011 insignia is able to receive one with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matters regarding insignia are for the Committee on the Grant of Honours , Decorations and Medals ( also known as the ‘ HD Committee ’ ) .
The independent Officers of the Order of St Michael and St George may advise the Committee in relation to their Order .
The Committee then gives advice to the Sovereign .
“ In light of the change in 2011 , it is the view of Ministers in Her Majesty 's Government that there is no need for any specific review.
” The campaign had followed demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled down and has raised concerns that there is an “ attempt to rewrite British history ” .
The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George was founded in 1818 by the Prince Regent later George IV .
It was originally created to recognise those who held high military commands or civilian responsibilities in the Mediterranean during the Napoleonic Wars .
These days it awarded to men and women who hold high office or who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country , and can also be conferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to foreign and Commonwealth affairs .

Boris Johnson grilled by Ferrari on taking the knee for BLM
Demands had been made for the insignia on the Order of St Michael and St George to be changed because it shows the Archangel crushing Lucifer under his foot. Because Lucifer was depicted as dark coloured, critics, including comedian Michael Palin who received the order of knighthood, said it was similar to George Floyd’s killing in the US and now “inappropriate” and “racist”.
But in a written response, the government pointed out that the emblem had been in fact changed in 2011 to remove any suggestion of racism and said recipients of the award before 2011 were entitled to an updated version. Responding to a question on behalf of the government, cabinet office minister Lord True said: “We are aware of a petition on the Order of St Michael and St George. The premise of this petition is factually incorrect – the insignia for the Order of St Michael and St George was updated in 2011, and the design referred in the petition is no longer used. Any current recipient of a pre-2011 insignia is able to receive one with the updated design, on request.
Boris Johnson rejects pressure from BLM to redesign honours system emblem
Michael Palin who received the order of knighthood, said it was similar to George Floyd’s killing
“Matters regarding insignia are for the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (also known as the ‘HD Committee’). The independent Officers of the Order of St Michael and St George may advise the Committee in relation to their Order. The Committee then gives advice to the Sovereign. “In light of the change in 2011, it is the view of Ministers in Her Majesty's Government that there is no need for any specific review.” The campaign had followed demands by leftwing activists for statues to be pulled down and has raised concerns that there is an “attempt to rewrite British history”.
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-12--Keir Starmer urges to discipline 16 MPs including Jeremy Corbyn for ‘consistently failing’

The Labour leader has received a letter from former Labour MP and trade union official Michael McCann who now heads up the Israel British Alliance .
The list includes former leader Jeremy Corbyn , former shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Rebecca Long-Bailey , who was recently sacked from the shadow cabinet for sharing an article on social media with a false anti-Semitic claim that Israeli police were indirectly responsible for George Floyd ’ s death .
Mr McCann has claimed that since 2016 a group of leftwing MPs have not responded to any correspondence from constituents involved with his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on other issues .
The ex-East Kilbride MP has linked the problem to the ongoing concerns with antisemitism in Labour which Sir Keir has insisted he wants to stamp out .
He said : “ We have discovered that [ these ] Labour MPs have consistently failed to respond to correspondence that seeks an intervention or response on matters that portray Israel , or the Anglo-Israel relationship , in a positive light .
“ Most worryingly , our supporters have further advised that these same MPs have provided responses on non-Israel related topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetence.
” He went on : “ As a former member of the PLP , I know that MPs receive correspondence on myriad issues , many of them conflicting , however , in a constituency based parliamentary democracy it is the duty of MPs to respond , for good or ill , to their constituents .
“ With healthy staff budgets being provided via IPSA and the knowledge that most MPs do fulfil their responsibilities , we can also rule out any suggestion that this is a resource issue .
“ The only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these MPs are discriminating about the issues they choose to respond to their constituents about .
He added : “ I reached the conclusion some time ago that antisemitism inside the PLP was driven by a visceral hatred of Israel.
” The list included former shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon who refused to sign 10 antisemitism pledges produced by the Jewish Board of Deputies when he ran for Labour leader and has admitted to regret describing Zionism as “ the enemy of peace ” in 2016 .
Another on the list was Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he changed the lyrics to the iconic Beatles song “ Hey Jude ” to “ Hey Jews ” .
A further MP is newly elected controversial Labour MP Zarah Sultana who has been criticised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism for her past comments , including describing Zionism as “ a racist ideology.
” However , Mr McDonnell pointed out that Mr McCann was one of several anti-Corbyn ex-Labour MPs who had called on Labour voters to back the Tories in the last election .
He said : “ This is an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs who are standing up against the illegal plans of the Israeli state to annex the West Bank . ''
The Sunday Express has attempted to approach all the MPs named in the letter , four , who have not been named in this article , denied the allegations .
A Labour spokesman said : “ The leader has only just received the letter and will need time to consider it and will then respond to the IBA .
“ It is up to individual MPs to respond themselves .
”

Rebecca Long-Bailey: Keir Starmer on why he sacked MP
The Labour leader has received a letter from former Labour MP and trade union official Michael McCann who now heads up the Israel British Alliance. The list includes former leader Jeremy Corbyn, former shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Rebecca Long-Bailey, who was recently sacked from the shadow cabinet for sharing an article on social media with a false anti-Semitic claim that Israeli police were indirectly responsible for George Floyd’s death.
Mr McCann has claimed that since 2016 a group of leftwing MPs have not responded to any correspondence from constituents involved with his campaign group on Israel but they have responded on other issues. The ex-East Kilbride MP has linked the problem to the ongoing concerns with antisemitism in Labour which Sir Keir has insisted he wants to stamp out. He said: “We have discovered that [these] Labour MPs have consistently failed to respond to correspondence that seeks an intervention or response on matters that portray Israel, or the Anglo-Israel relationship, in a positive light. “Most worryingly, our supporters have further advised that these same MPs have provided responses on non-Israel related topics. So, we can rule out incompetence.” He went on: “As a former member of the PLP, I know that MPs receive correspondence on myriad issues, many of them conflicting, however, in a constituency based parliamentary democracy it is the duty of MPs to respond, for good or ill, to their constituents.
Keir Starmer urges to discipline 16 MPs including Jeremy Corbyn for ‘consistently failing’
Former leader Jeremy Corbyn
“With healthy staff budgets being provided via IPSA and the knowledge that most MPs do fulfil their responsibilities, we can also rule out any suggestion that this is a resource issue. “The only conclusion that can be reached is that these MPs are discriminating about the issues they choose to respond to their constituents about. He added: “I reached the conclusion some time ago that antisemitism inside the PLP was driven by a visceral hatred of Israel.” The list included former shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon who refused to sign 10 antisemitism pledges produced by the Jewish Board of Deputies when he ran for Labour leader and has admitted to regret describing Zionism as “the enemy of peace” in 2016. Another on the list was Dan Carden, who last year denied allegations that he changed the lyrics to the iconic Beatles song “Hey Jude” to “Hey Jews”. A further MP is newly elected controversial Labour MP Zarah Sultana who has been criticised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism for her past comments, including describing Zionism as “a racist ideology.”
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-11--Britons FURIOUS over Sturgeon's 'bitter and divisive' plan which cost tourism sector £11m

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The First Minister chose July 15 as the date to allow tourism businesses including pubs , restaurants and hotels to welcome back customers .
Next Wednesday 's reopening will come nearly two weeks after Boris Johnson gave the green light for England 's dormant tourism sector to start up again .
The SNP leader 's lockdown lifting plan has been torn apart by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called it `` damaging '' to the Scottish economy .
Ms Hamilton told Express.co.uk : `` There was also a two-week delay to opening up the Scottish tourism industry which is estimated to come at a cost of £11million in revenue with half a million fewer visitors coming to Scotland .
`` It is damaging and these policies need to be thought through very carefully to make sure we protect the tourism industry . ''
Ms Hamilton also hit out at Ms Sturgeon for failing to take a stronger stance against recent `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are determined to deter visitors .

Nicola Sturgeon explains ‘changes’ to weddings and funerals
The First Minister chose July 15 as the date to allow tourism businesses including pubs, restaurants and hotels to welcome back customers. Next Wednesday's reopening will come nearly two weeks after Boris Johnson gave the green light for England's dormant tourism sector to start up again.
Trending
The SNP leader's lockdown lifting plan has been torn apart by Scottish Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton, who called it "damaging" to the Scottish economy. Ms Hamilton told Express.co.uk: "There was also a two-week delay to opening up the Scottish tourism industry which is estimated to come at a cost of £11million in revenue with half a million fewer visitors coming to Scotland. "It is damaging and these policies need to be thought through very carefully to make sure we protect the tourism industry." Ms Hamilton also hit out at Ms Sturgeon for failing to take a stronger stance against recent "nationalistic protesters" at the border who are determined to deter visitors.
Sturgeon has come under fire for her lockdown lifting plan in the midst of a border row
Pubs in Scotland are set to reopen next week
Express.co.uk readers backed Ms Hamilton's assessment of the situation. One sign at the border read "Stay the **** out". Ms Sturgeon only said her party does not endorse such rhetoric at the border. One reader accused Ms Sturgeon of behaving in a "bitter" way by not calling out the protesters. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon’s ‘divisive’ independence plot ‘makes no sense’
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A coronavirus warning in Edinburgh
Bartenders in Scotland serve drinks in a beer garden
Beer gardens in Scotland were allowed to reopen this week
And a third reader said the problem would be exacerbated if there was a hard border between Scotland and England. They wrote: "What did they expect? "Just imagine what a border would do." But others said they supported Ms Sturgeon's cautious plan to allow Scots to return to normal life.
Nicola Sturgeon compares wearing face masks to seat belts
One argued that a delay in reopening watering holes would reduce the chances of a second wave. They said: "Or saves a lot more for the Scottish NHS by having a stricter slower opening up." Earlier this week a small gathering of protesters were spotted on a stretch of the A1 holding foul signs.
A woman serves drinks in a beer garden in Scotland