thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--BBC host blasts Sinn Fein politician calling for United Ireland - 'You just can't do it!'

BBC Today programme presenter Mishal Husain slammed newly-elected Sinn Fein TD Ruairí Ó Murchú over his insistence Dublin and Belfast come together to discuss the possibility of a united Ireland .
Sinn Fein defied expectations by topping first preference polls in Saturday 's election in Ireland , with the nationalist party now expected to win over support from other parties to form a coalition government for the first time in its history .
But Ms Husain questioned whether Sinn Fein had secured the mandate to call for a referendum on a united Ireland despite the policy not `` being in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I just wanted to move on to the idea of having a referendum on a united Ireland , a border poll which your leader has been calling for .
`` But in a sense , even if you were part of a government , it ’ s not in your gift , isn ’ t it ?
`` A crucial part of that vote would be Northern Ireland and that would be up to the Government in Westminster . ''
Mr Ó Murchú insisted Brexit was a `` game-changer '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland should rejoin the Republic is `` already out there . ''
JUST IN : Election humiliation may spell end for Varadkar , says expert 'Time to go , Leo' The Sinn Fein TD said : `` The reality is Brexit has been a game-changer in relation to Irish unity .
`` People still don ’ t know what the workings are going to be and we ’ re looking at December 31 as a possible date for whatever .
We don ’ t know exactly what Brexit is going to look like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement has mitigated some of the worse effects of Brexit , we ’ ve also had instances from Boris Johnson that we don ’ t know exactly how things are going to work out .
`` The conversation has started in every part of Ireland in relation to Irish unity , it ’ s already out there – the genie is out of the bottle . ''
READ MORE : Break up of UK feared after Irish election but NI warned no ‘ bailout ’ Ms Husain however intervened to point out unionists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a referendum from Sinn Fein due to the party 's deep-rooted connection to the IRA .
The BBC presenter said : `` But not for unionists in Northern Ireland , though , is it ?
`` Many of them will remember…they will look at Sinn Fein , they will look at your historic links with the IRA and that won ’ t be easily forgotten . ''
Mr Ó Murchú hit back : `` What we ’ re talking about is that the Government needs to plan for the possibility of change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humiliation looms [ NEWS ] Oh dear , Leo !
Irish election humiliation looms for Varadkar - poll [ VIDEO ] Leo Varadkar shamed over use of ’ provocative ’ language against Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] '' What they need to do is have a citizens ’ assembly and involve all stakeholders .
`` That will include unionists , that includes everybody because we need to have a discussion on what Irish unity would look like . ''
Results of Ireland ’ s elections began to trickle in on Sunday after an exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar ’ s Fine Gael as well as the biggest opposition party , Fianna Fail , and Sinn Fein .
Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail ruled out governing with Sinn Fein , the former political wing of the IRA , which presented itself as a left-wing alternative to the centrist consensus .
Despite the closeness of the predicted result , Sinn Fein is in a weaker position than its two main rivals , because it fielded only 42 candidates for the 159 seats being contested in the 160-seat @ @

Irish election: Ruairí Ó Murchú slammed over United Ireland plans
BBC Today programme presenter Mishal Husain slammed newly-elected Sinn Fein TD Ruairí Ó Murchú over his insistence Dublin and Belfast come together to discuss the possibility of a united Ireland. Sinn Fein defied expectations by topping first preference polls in Saturday's election in Ireland, with the nationalist party now expected to win over support from other parties to form a coalition government for the first time in its history. But Ms Husain questioned whether Sinn Fein had secured the mandate to call for a referendum on a united Ireland despite the policy not "being in their gift".
The BBC presenter said: "I just wanted to move on to the idea of having a referendum on a united Ireland, a border poll which your leader has been calling for. "But in a sense, even if you were part of a government, it’s not in your gift, isn’t it? "A crucial part of that vote would be Northern Ireland and that would be up to the Government in Westminster." Mr Ó Murchú insisted Brexit was a "game-changer" and said the debate on whether Northern Ireland should rejoin the Republic is "already out there." JUST IN: Election humiliation may spell end for Varadkar, says expert 'Time to go, Leo'
BBC host Mishal Husain challenged Ó Murchú over Sinn Fein's support for a border poll
Mishal Husain pointed out Sinn Fein will need Westminster to agree to have a referendum on a united Ireland
The Sinn Fein TD said: "The reality is Brexit has been a game-changer in relation to Irish unity. "People still don’t know what the workings are going to be and we’re looking at December 31 as a possible date for whatever. We don’t know exactly what Brexit is going to look like. "While we believe the withdrawal agreement has mitigated some of the worse effects of Brexit, we’ve also had instances from Boris Johnson that we don’t know exactly how things are going to work out. "The conversation has started in every part of Ireland in relation to Irish unity, it’s already out there – the genie is out of the bottle." READ MORE: Break up of UK feared after Irish election but NI warned no ‘bailout’
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Irish election: Vote counting gets underway
Sinn Fein's Ruairí Ó Murchú said the new Irish Government must plan for "change"
Ms Husain however intervened to point out unionists across Northern Ireland would not accept proposals for a referendum from Sinn Fein due to the party's deep-rooted connection to the IRA. The BBC presenter said: "But not for unionists in Northern Ireland, though, is it? "Many of them will remember…they will look at Sinn Fein, they will look at your historic links with the IRA and that won’t be easily forgotten." Mr Ó Murchú hit back: "What we’re talking about is that the Government needs to plan for the possibility of change. DON'T MISS: Irish election panic: Leo Varadkar humiliation looms [NEWS]
Oh dear, Leo! Irish election humiliation looms for Varadkar - poll [VIDEO]
Leo Varadkar shamed over use of ’provocative’ language against Brexit [ANALYSIS]
Leo Varadkar's Fina Gael party did not secure a overall majority in Ireland's election
Sinn Fein argued the post-Brexit border arrangement have reopened the debate on a united Ireland
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Brexit LIVE: How Theresa May's selfish act stopped Boris Johnson sorting Brexit YEARS AGO

In an interview with the Institute for Government , he said : “ It was a deliberate decision to take Brexit out of the hands of the Foreign Office while Boris was Foreign Secretary .
That was what No .
10 intended .
“ When I became Foreign Secretary , we got a bit more involved , but obviously structurally it was the job of the DExEU Secretary of State to do the negotiations with Brussels , but I was reasonably closely involved.
” In a separate interview with the Institute for Government , David Lidington , who served as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ I don ’ t think that there was sufficient recognition of , you know , how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be .
He also claimed “ it was a mistake ” to create DExEU “ as a separate department ” .
11.45am update : May ’ s former deputy reveals critical 'mistakes ' made 'early on ' by ex-PM Theresa May failed to realise how difficult Brexit would be and refused a possible breakthrough deal with the Labour Party until it was too late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has claimed .
He said “ mistakes were made early on ” in Theresa May 's premiership , adding “ every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their Government ” .
Sir David criticised her hardline approach to negotiations with the European Union and suggested the former Prime Minister should have “ reached out ” to Labour as early as 2016 .
Mrs May ’ s former deputy was speaking at an event organised by political think tank the Institute for Government .
When asked whether she was to blame for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , I mean , I think look , ultimately every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their government .
“ I do think the mistakes were made early .
If you go back to 2016 , I don ’ t think that there was sufficient recognition of how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be .
“ I think it is possible – you never know , we are looking at it with hindsight , but it is possible – what I think should happen is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the negotiations at the start because I think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier .
“ Possibly , you know , an attempt to reach out to other parties early on , saying : 'This is a national decision , we have had a vote in the referendum , now we need to move forward together ' .
“ I think probably she ( Theresa May ) felt that , you know , having supported Remain , that she had to demonstrate her credentials as committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update : 'We 'll keep the EU flag flying ! '
Remainers mocked for 'shameful and disgraceful ' stunt Brexiteers have hit out at a west London council for refusing to take down an EU flag , with social media users branding the move `` shameful and disgraceful '' .
Hounslow Council insisted it would continue to display the blue and gold stars outside the town hall to show solidarity with European citizens who call the borough their home .
In a tweet posted on Brexit Day , the council said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hounslow House - a ‘ symbol that we remain an internationalist borough , a gateway to London for people and business , a place which embraces diversity and which EU citizens can call home.
’ ” The tweet included a snap of council leader Steve Curran holding the EU flag .
10.11am update : Pound slips to two-and-a-month low against US dollar Sterling briefly fell to its lowest level in two-and-a-half months against the US dollar this morning .
In early Monday trade , the pound slipped to as low as $ 1.2873 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pence per euro .
Last week , the British currency notched up its biggest weekly fall against the dollar in seven weeks .
This came after investors priced in the risk of Britain failing to agree a trade deal with the European Union in the 11 months left of the Brexit transition period .
Scottish salmon faces `` huge unnecessary burdens '' due to the Brexit deal being pursued by the UK Government , the trade body for the sector has warned .
Exports to the EU do not need Export Health Certificates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement of goods within the union .
But the UK Government 's decision not to align with EU regulations in the future has caused concerns that EHCs will be needed once the transition period ends on December 31 .
The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation ( SSPO ) has said the cost of the added measures for Scottish farmed salmon will be between £1.3million and £8.7million per year .
SSPO chief executive Julie Hesketh-Lair said : Scottish farmed salmon is the UK 's biggest food export .
`` We now send more than £190 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third of our total exports .
`` Once in the main French markets , the salmon can then be dispatched to almost anywhere in the EU .
`` We deal in a perishable product so it is crucial for the thousands of loyal customers we have in the EU that we get our fresh fish to key markets as quickly and smoothly as possible . ''
Italian MEP Antonio Maria Rinaldi told Express.co.uk about Ursula von der Leyen 's shock reaction to his pro-Brexit speech on the day of Britain 's withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become a known face among Brexiteers and eurosceptics , after he issued a stunning speech in the EU Parliament in support of Brexit on January 31 .
Speaking in Brussels , Mr Rinaldi , who is one of the League ’ s 28 European parliamentarians , said : “ We know that sovereignty to people is a great achievement .
“ I am sure history will be extremely severe with Barnier .
“ Barnier was the worst negotiator ever .
`` In 2016 he said , ‘ I will succeed in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so hard on the British that they will want to stay in the EU ’ .
“ And I am sorry but I am going to have to say , now , God save the Queen !
” Plans to introduce up to 10 new freeports across the country have been defended by a senior treasury minister , who has dismissed allegations they will boost tax avoidance as a `` red herring '' .
The Government says the ports , where UK taxes and tariffs will not apply , will create thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can be used to dodge tax .
Chief secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak told Sky News : `` I absolutely do n't think they do and obviously you have stringent rules .
`` It 's worth pointing out that the EU is pretty much the only place in the world that does n't use freeports , for example there are over 200 in the US , employing several hundred thousand people , hundreds , billions of dollars of trade happens in those areas and that 's replicated around the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ border protection told me a while ago he thinks their free trade zones are actually more secure than their regular ports , because they go through vetting with the customs bodies before they get given freeport status , and they have dedicated agents in the freeports , so I think that 's a bit of a red herring . ''
Theresa May ’ s de-facto deputy David Lidington said : `` I think that , I do think the mistakes were made early .
I think that if you go back to 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sufficient recognition of , you know , how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be .
`` And I think it is possible - you never know , we are looking at it with hindsight , but it is possible - what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to the negotiations at the start , because I think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier .
`` And possibly , you know , an attempt to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying : 'This is a national decision , we have had a vote in the referendum , now we need to move forward together . ''
' 8.09am update : Tory and Labour talks on Brexit came ‘ pretty close ’ to finding solution Cross-party talks between the Conservatives and Labour Party `` pretty close '' to finding a compromise over Brexit .
Theresa May ’ s de-facto deputy David Lidington said : `` I think , at the end of the day , perhaps late in the day , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides , I think , to make the final leap .
`` The two issues on which it broke down were customs and a second referendum , where we could n't quite get agreement.
” Theresa May ’ s de-facto deputy has claimed it was a mistake to create a separate department to deal with Brexit .
David Lidington said the Department for Exiting the European Union ( DExEU ) should have been `` an annex to the Cabinet Office and Number 10 '' .
The former Cabinet Office minister added that with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the process `` it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier '' .
DExEU was closed on Friday 31 January , Brexit deadline day .
He told the Institute for Government : “ I think that , as is now recognised , it was a mistake to create DExEU ( The Department for Exiting the European Union ) as a separate department .
`` Now , that 's not to denigrate the officials or the ministers who work there , but the fact you had then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 and the Cabinet trying to do things as well ... and the contingency planning as a function sits in the Cabinet Office anyway , because all this stuff about the reasonable worst-case scenario , that is standard civil contingency planning language .
`` That was how the Cabinet Office was looking at , well , what happens if your DExEU mitigation does n't work , what happens then ?
`` But trying to knit that together just took more energy and time than should have been necessary .
`` So in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invented DExEU as a department .
`` I would have had a big unit , but I would have located it as , you know , an annex to the Cabinet Office and Number 10 , because the Prime Minister was going to be driving the negotiation.
” 7.45am update : Britain ‘ reasonably confident ’ of US trade deal despite Huawei concerns - Raab The UK is confident a trade deal with the United States will be among its first after leaving the European Union , Dominic Raab has said .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be affected by Britain 's decision last month to grant Huawei a limited role in its 5G mobile network .
Foreign Secretary Mr Raab said in response to a question about the issue during a visit to Singapore : `` We listened and take the concerns of our American friends very seriously .
`` We are reasonably confident that we can do a free trade agreement ( with America ) in that first wave of post-Brexit trade deals .
`` We have had a good conversation about Huawei and the one thing we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure in terms of high-trust vendors being able to provide telecoms infrastructure . ''

Brexit: EU’s priority is ‘fish and security’ says John Curtice
According to The Daily Telegraph, the list of measures against Britain post-Brexit could see Brussels the power to prevent British airlines from touching down in EU airports en route to non-EU destinations. Boris Johnson had Brexit taken out of his hands years ago by Theresa May when she was Prime Minister and he was Foreign Secretary, potentially delaying the UK's departure from the European Union by several months. Former Prime Minister Theresa May dramatically resigned last June following a series of humiliating defeats in the House of Commons, which saw MPs continue to vote down her much-criticised Brexit deal.
Boris Johnson, who served as Foreign Secretary for two years from July 2016-2018, took over as Prime Minister and delivered Brexit as promised on January 31. But former political rival Jeremy Hunt has revealed the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) was set up as “a deliberate decision to take Brexit out of the hands of the Foreign Office while Boris (Johnson) was Foreign Secretary". In an interview with the Institute for Government, he said: “It was a deliberate decision to take Brexit out of the hands of the Foreign Office while Boris was Foreign Secretary. That was what No. 10 intended. “When I became Foreign Secretary, we got a bit more involved, but obviously structurally it was the job of the DExEU Secretary of State to do the negotiations with Brussels, but I was reasonably closely involved.” In a separate interview with the Institute for Government, David Lidington, who served as Mrs May’s de-facto deputy, said: “I don’t think that there was sufficient recognition of, you know, how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be. He also claimed “it was a mistake” to create DExEU “as a separate department”. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit latest: Boris Johnson had Brexit taken out of his hands when he was Foreign Secretary
9.05pm update: Michel Barnier lashes out at Boris Johnson The EU's chief negotiator today accused the Prime Minister of taking "two or three steps backwards" by attempting to break from the EU's laws after Brexit. The Brussels negotiator continued his demands for the European Court of Justice to be handed an unprecedented role in policing any future trade agreement. Speaking in Luxembourg, Mr Barnier suggested the Prime Minister was backtracking on previous negotiating commitments agreed in the political declaration on the future relationship. He said: "It is on this basis and only on this basis that we are ready to negotiate. "In a time that is necessarily constrained, if we want to move forward, we must avoid taking two or three steps back at the outset. "We must be clear: the Political Declaration, which was agreed word-for-word, line-for-line, with Boris Johnson last October, remains and will remain the foundation of all negotiations.” 8.03pm update: Michael Gove warns businesses The Duchy of Lancaster warned businesses who trade with Europe, they need to prepare for "significant change" with "inevitable" border checks. In a Cabinet Office event on Monday, he said: "You have to accept we will need some friction. "We will minimise it but it is an inevitability of our departure. “I don’t underestimate the fact that this is a significant change, but we have time now to make that change.” 6.41pm update: EU looks to punish Brexit Britain EU governments want the power to suspend any agreement with the UK as part of the measures against Britain post-Brexit. According to The Daily Telegraph, the move could give Brussels the power to stop British airlines landing in EU airports en route to non-EU destinations. 5.35pm update: "Bang on Owen Paterson" Former BrexitParty MEP for the West Midlands, Rupert Lowe hits out at EU ahead of the negotiations. He said: "The EU continually bangs on about how we can’t have the supposed ‘benefits’ of being a full member. "Well it works both ways! They can’t pretend we’re still full members and have our money, laws, fish etc. "The UK will do just fine out!"
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Brexit: Darren Grimes slams Remainers for using 'scare tactic'
4.44pm update: Sir John Curtice reveals EU's two priorities Speaking to Express.co.uk, Sir John revealed how the EU is most concerned over security and fishing. Although he stated the pressure will soon kick in for both the UK and EU, he said: "With the post-Brexit trade deal, the pressure will kick in very quickly. "The European Union has its priorities. “The EU’s priorities are fish and security because those are the areas where they have things they want. “They do not want the UK to simply be in charge of its own fishing waters." 3.50pm update: Brexit gives UK farmers a chance
Brexit could give Britain the chance to lead the way in meat and dairy products an industry expert has claimed. National Farmers Union vice-president Stuart Roberts said: "There are a number of benefits, actually. "If we talk about trade, there are certain parts of the world where I think we can have some real positive trade deals. "Our dairy products, for example, are ones that we can really lead the world on, we can really add value to. "When you look at our sustainable meat production in this country, people are crying out for this around the world. I think there are some opportunities in trade." 3.28pm update: Tories promises "hard t deliver" Nicola Sturgeon has today hit out at Boris Johnson's plans to secure British waters and withdraw from the Common Fisheries Policy. Speaking today, Scotland's first minister said an independent Scotland would look for reform. She also added Tory promises to defend Scottish fishermen will be "very hard to deliver". Additional reporting by Paul Withers.
Brexit LIVE: Nicola Sturgeon hits out at Tory fisheries plan
2.44pm update: Sturgeon shamed - EU stunt reported to Brussels police - humiliation after Remain plot Nicola Sturgeon was today snubbed by Brussels after it emerged the European Commission reported the SNP's Brexit day stunt to the Belgian police. On January 31 as Britain left the bloc after 47 years of membership, the Scottish government beamed a “Europe loves Scotland” message onto the Brussels-based executive’s Berlaymont headquarters. The illumination was funded by the SNP despite claims from the party that the Commission was behind it. But today, a Commission spokeswoman confirmed the institution had nothing to do with the Remainer stunt, and it, in fact, was reported to the local police. She said: "In relation to the message projected on the Berlaymont on the 31st of January I can confirm it seems that this had nothing to do with the Commission we were not in the knowledge of that. This is something that is between those stakeholders, those third parties and the Belgian police so we had nothing to do with that action or with the message that was projected. We have just one interlocutor in relation to the future partnership with the UK and that is of course London. "This was part of our ongoing discussions with the Belgian police which is in charge of many aspects linked to the Berlaymont and I know that it was taken up with them as we checked actually about the incidents so I can again confirm that it had nothing to do with us and it was simply a matter for the Belgian police. "We are not talking here about the message itself the content of that message we were only talking about procedures for projecting an image with any message on a building such as the Berlaymont and this is what the discussion referred to and I simply said that in relation to projecting such messages on building that was a matter for the Belgian police it wasn't something which was for us we are not in the business of being requested or granting authorisations for people from outside for projecting messages on our building. This is what the discussion was about." 2.11pm update: Pound bounces back against US dollar after slumping to two-and-a-half month lows The pound has bounced back after falling to two-and-a-half month lows against the US dollar. Last week, sterling posted its biggest weekly fall against the dollar in seven weeks as investors priced in the risk of Britain failing to agree a trade deal with the European Union in the 11 months left of the Brexit transition period. In early Monday trade, the British currency had fallen to $1.2873 but soon recovered to $1.2924. The pound was also a third of a percent stronger at 84.70 pence per euro. Francesco Pesole, a currency strategist at ING in London said: "What we're seeing is probably just a rebound after a big downturn last week. "Looking ahead we're going to have data tomorrow and there could be some movements, and then the rest of the week will be about sentiment towards trade negotiations with the EU."
Brexit latest: Jeremy Hunt lost out to Boris Johnson in the Tory leadership contest
1.30pm update: Sturgeon receives huge boost after worrying Scottish independence poll Boris Johnson faces a showdown with Nicola Sturgeon after a shock poll found more than half of Scots want the Scottish Government to plough ahead with its desperate plans for a second independence vote - without Westminster's permission. The poll found 56 percent of respondents believe the Scottish Parliament should go ahead with plans to hold a ‘wildcat’ referendum even if Westminster doesn’t agree to it. The plans would put Holyrood on a collision course with Westminster after Prime Minister Boris Johnson repeatedly refused a Section 30 order, which transfers the power to hold a second vote from Westminster to Holyrood. It could result in a court battle between Holyrood and Westminster if Mr Johnson decides to take the Scottish Government to court over their actions. 12.53pm update: UK’s ‘close relationship’ with Ireland will remain regardless of election result - Downing Street The Irish general election at the weekend has seen Sinn Fein emerge as the most popular party in the country. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "We are of course following the results of the Irish election carefully. "The UK and Ireland are close neighbours and friends and we look forward to continuing to work together. "The close relationship between the UK and Ireland will continue regardless of the election result."
Brexit news: Nicola Sturgeon has received a boost from a new poll on Scottish independence
11.45am update: May’s former deputy reveals critical 'mistakes' made 'early on' by ex-PM Theresa May failed to realise how difficult Brexit would be and refused a possible breakthrough deal with the Labour Party until it was too late, her former deputy Sir David Lidington has claimed. He said “mistakes were made early on” in Theresa May's premiership, adding “every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their Government”. Sir David criticised her hardline approach to negotiations with the European Union and suggested the former Prime Minister should have “reached out” to Labour as early as 2016. Mrs May’s former deputy was speaking at an event organised by political think tank the Institute for Government. When asked whether she was to blame for what happened, he said: “Well, I mean, I think look, ultimately every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their government. “I do think the mistakes were made early. If you go back to 2016, I don’t think that there was sufficient recognition of how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be. “I think it is possible – you never know, we are looking at it with hindsight, but it is possible – what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to the negotiations at the start because I think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier. “Possibly, you know, an attempt to reach out to other parties early on, saying: 'This is a national decision, we have had a vote in the referendum, now we need to move forward together'. “I think probably she (Theresa May) felt that, you know, having supported Remain, that she had to demonstrate her credentials as committed to delivering the referendum result.” 11.07am update: 'We'll keep the EU flag flying!' Remainers mocked for 'shameful and disgraceful' stunt Brexiteers have hit out at a west London council for refusing to take down an EU flag, with social media users branding the move "shameful and disgraceful". Hounslow Council insisted it would continue to display the blue and gold stars outside the town hall to show solidarity with European citizens who call the borough their home. In a tweet posted on Brexit Day, the council said: “The EU flag will keep flying at Hounslow House - a ‘symbol that we remain an internationalist borough, a gateway to London for people and business, a place which embraces diversity and which EU citizens can call home.’” The tweet included a snap of council leader Steve Curran holding the EU flag.
Brexit latest: Sir David Lidington said “mistakes were made early on” in Theresa May's premiership
10.11am update: Pound slips to two-and-a-month low against US dollar Sterling briefly fell to its lowest level in two-and-a-half months against the US dollar this morning. In early Monday trade, the pound slipped to as low as $1.2873. It was broadly steady around 84.93 pence per euro. Last week, the British currency notched up its biggest weekly fall against the dollar in seven weeks. This came after investors priced in the risk of Britain failing to agree a trade deal with the European Union in the 11 months left of the Brexit transition period. 10.03am update: Huge fears raised over Brexit impact on Scottish salmon Scottish salmon faces "huge unnecessary burdens" due to the Brexit deal being pursued by the UK Government, the trade body for the sector has warned. Exports to the EU do not need Export Health Certificates (EHCs) because of the free movement of goods within the union. But the UK Government's decision not to align with EU regulations in the future has caused concerns that EHCs will be needed once the transition period ends on December 31. The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) has said the cost of the added measures for Scottish farmed salmon will be between £1.3million and £8.7million per year. SSPO chief executive Julie Hesketh-Lair said: Scottish farmed salmon is the UK's biggest food export. "We now send more than £190 million worth of salmon to France, a third of our total exports. "Once in the main French markets, the salmon can then be dispatched to almost anywhere in the EU. "We deal in a perishable product so it is crucial for the thousands of loyal customers we have in the EU that we get our fresh fish to key markets as quickly and smoothly as possible."
Brexit latest: Michel Barnier has been branded 'the worst negotiator ever'
9.22am update: Italy MEP reveals von der Leyen’s shock reaction to Brexit speech Italian MEP Antonio Maria Rinaldi told Express.co.uk about Ursula von der Leyen's shock reaction to his pro-Brexit speech on the day of Britain's withdrawal from the bloc. Mr Maria Rinaldi has become a known face among Brexiteers and eurosceptics, after he issued a stunning speech in the EU Parliament in support of Brexit on January 31. Speaking in Brussels, Mr Rinaldi, who is one of the League’s 28 European parliamentarians, said: “We know that sovereignty to people is a great achievement. “The UK has embodied this principle. “I am sure history will be extremely severe with Barnier. “Barnier was the worst negotiator ever. "In 2016 he said, ‘I will succeed in my task if the agreement with the UK is so hard on the British that they will want to stay in the EU’. “And I am sorry but I am going to have to say, now, God save the Queen!” 8.25am update: Senior treasury minister denies post-Brexit free ports plan will aid tax avoidance Plans to introduce up to 10 new freeports across the country have been defended by a senior treasury minister, who has dismissed allegations they will boost tax avoidance as a "red herring". The Government says the ports, where UK taxes and tariffs will not apply, will create thousands of jobs, but there are concerns they can be used to dodge tax. Chief secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak told Sky News: "I absolutely don't think they do and obviously you have stringent rules. "It's worth pointing out that the EU is pretty much the only place in the world that doesn't use freeports, for example there are over 200 in the US, employing several hundred thousand people, hundreds, billions of dollars of trade happens in those areas and that's replicated around the world. "The US head of customs and border protection told me a while ago he thinks their free trade zones are actually more secure than their regular ports, because they go through vetting with the customs bodies before they get given freeport status, and they have dedicated agents in the freeports, so I think that's a bit of a red herring."
Brexit news: The UK left the EU on January 31
8.11am update: ‘Mistakes were made early’ in Brexit talks - Lidington Theresa May’s de-facto deputy David Lidington said: "I think that, I do think the mistakes were made early. I think that if you go back to 2016, I don't think that there was sufficient recognition of, you know, how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be. "And I think it is possible - you never know, we are looking at it with hindsight, but it is possible - what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to the negotiations at the start, because I think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier. "And possibly, you know, an attempt to reach out to the other parties early on, saying: 'This is a national decision, we have had a vote in the referendum, now we need to move forward together."' 8.09am update: Tory and Labour talks on Brexit came ‘pretty close’ to finding solution Cross-party talks between the Conservatives and Labour Party "pretty close" to finding a compromise over Brexit. Theresa May’s de-facto deputy David Lidington said: "I think, at the end of the day, perhaps late in the day, it was just there was an unwillingness on both sides, I think, to make the final leap. "The two issues on which it broke down were customs and a second referendum, where we couldn't quite get agreement.”
Brexit latest: Dominic Raab is ‘reasonably confident’ of a trade deal with the US
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-11--‘Never going to happen!’ Britons furious as Sturgeon unveils plots to rejoin the EU

The Scottish National Party leader told a think-tank event in the Belgian capital that she will propose new devolved legislation to mirror Brussels ’ regulations north of the border .
Ms Sturgeon said : “ The right to diverge will come at a cost , a very cost .
And in my view , a cost that is too heavy .
“ We ’ re also looking in Scotland to what we can do within our devolved powers to maintain as close as possible ties with Europe .
“ For example , we will attempt to introduce legislation that enables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards where we have the power to do so .
“ It is a way in which we can protect the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland , maintain the international reputation of businesses in Scotland and make it easier when the time comes , as I believe it will , for Scotland to return to the European Union.
” However , the plan has caused anger amongst Britons One Facebook user blasted the Scottish First Minister ’ s response saying : “ Look , Nicola , the Westminster Parliament is sovereign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power to shut down any or all of the devolved assemblies .
“ You could find that you ’ ll lose the devolved powers which you want to misuse.
” Another furious Briton said : “ She has to acquire permission from Westminster to actually hold a referendum first .
A third Facebook user posted : “ Loosing the Barnett formula will plunge the country into a deep recession unless of course other EU states offer aid and somehow I can ’ t see that.
” Others pointed out the national debt issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom .
One said : “ Cant see the EU making amendments to its criteria to join the EU just so Scotland can join , unless she somehow manages to the national debt from 17 percent to 10 percent as some are led to believe , good luck with that one.
” Another user pointed out the difficulties of a border between Scotland and England .
They said : “ Does she not realise that there would need to be border crossings , a change of currency.
” Ms Sturgeon was in Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outline her stance on Brexit .
She has vowed to hold a new Scottish independence referendum before the country then rejoins the EU .
She added : “ There is goodwill towards Scotland in Europe , we want to build on that goodwill in order to outline a clear route to that accession and to demonstrate we have much to offer.
” Ms Sturgeon believes she will eventually be able to secure a second Scottish independence referendum because of an “ overwhelming ” support for EU membership north of the border .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ballot with a “ sound legal basis ” to avoid any international security , such as the Catalonian referendum of 2017 , which was deemed illegal by the Spanish government .
She said : “ I ’ ve made very clear I ’ m interested in having a legal referendum on a sound legal basis so that the outcome of it is accepted domestically and internationality .

Nicola Sturgeon: Keith Brown grilled over SNP's tax plans
The Scottish National Party leader told a think-tank event in the Belgian capital that she will propose new devolved legislation to mirror Brussels’ regulations north of the border. Ms Sturgeon said: “The right to diverge will come at a cost, a very cost. And in my view, a cost that is too heavy.
“We’re also looking in Scotland to what we can do within our devolved powers to maintain as close as possible ties with Europe. “For example, we will attempt to introduce legislation that enables Scotland to keep pace with EU regulatory standards where we have the power to do so. “It is a way in which we can protect the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland, maintain the international reputation of businesses in Scotland and make it easier when the time comes, as I believe it will, for Scotland to return to the European Union.” However, the plan has caused anger amongst Britons
Nicola Sturgeon
One Facebook user blasted the Scottish First Minister’s response saying: “Look, Nicola, the Westminster Parliament is sovereign. “Meaning that it has the power to shut down any or all of the devolved assemblies. “You could find that you’ll lose the devolved powers which you want to misuse.” Another furious Briton said: “She has to acquire permission from Westminster to actually hold a referendum first.
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“Never going to happen!” A third Facebook user posted: “Loosing the Barnett formula will plunge the country into a deep recession unless of course other EU states offer aid and somehow I can’t see that.” Others pointed out the national debt issue if Scotland were to leave the United Kingdom. One said: “Cant see the EU making amendments to its criteria to join the EU just so Scotland can join, unless she somehow manages to the national debt from 17 percent to 10 percent as some are led to believe, good luck with that one.”
Nicola Sturgeon
Another user pointed out the difficulties of a border between Scotland and England. They said: “Does she not realise that there would need to be border crossings, a change of currency.” Ms Sturgeon was in Brussels as she met with Michel Barnier to outline her stance on Brexit. She has vowed to hold a new Scottish independence referendum before the country then rejoins the EU.
Nicola Sturgeon
She added: “There is goodwill towards Scotland in Europe, we want to build on that goodwill in order to outline a clear route to that accession and to demonstrate we have much to offer.” Ms Sturgeon believes she will eventually be able to secure a second Scottish independence referendum because of an “overwhelming” support for EU membership north of the border. The SNP leader said she would only organise a ballot with a “sound legal basis” to avoid any international security, such as the Catalonian referendum of 2017, which was deemed illegal by the Spanish government. She said: “I’ve made very clear I’m interested in having a legal referendum on a sound legal basis so that the outcome of it is accepted domestically and internationality.
Nicola Sturgeon and Kate Forbes
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-11--Labour on brink of ANNIHILATION: Voters warn they will take YEARS to forgive ‘smug’ Corbyn

Polling found Jeremy Corbyn was the key reason for support draining away in the Labour heartlands that turned blue at the election .
The Opposition was seen as a smug and arrogant party for students , the unemployed and middle-class radicals .
Just one in five who turned their back on the party said it was a one-off based on a specific reason , the Diagnosis of Defeat of report found .
More than half of Labour defectors , three quarters of who chose the Conservatives , said that Labour would “ need to change very significantly ” before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson they are prepared to switch if they are taken for granted by any party .
The report by Lord Ashcroft , based on a poll of more than 10,000 voters as well as focus groups in traditional Labour seats that switched .
He wrote : “ As far as many of these former supporters were concerned , the Labour Party they rejected could not be trusted with the public finances , looked down on people who disagreed with it , was too left-wing , failed to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to represent , was incompetent , appallingly divided , had no coherent priorities , did not understand aspiration or where prosperity comes from , disapproved of their values and treated them like fools.
” Of Mr Corbyn ’ s potential successors , Sir Keir Starmer was the most popular , with the public describing him as competent and a potential election winner .
Rival Rebecca Long-Bailey , below , was described as “ Jeremy in a skirt ” and was viewed as out of touch and out of her depth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Conservative Party , said he understood why some might be “ suspicious ” of his motives but told critics to look at the results of the research .
As well as rejecting Mr Corbyn , defectors looked elsewhere because they did not believe Labour would be able to deliver on its promises and it no longer represented people like them .
They also wanted Brexit to be delivered but have lasting anger over the party refusing to implement the result of the referendum .
A report into Labour ’ s humiliating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by Corbynista MPs Andrew Gwynne and Ian Lavery , exonerated the leader last month .
But Lord Ashcroft ’ s report lays bare the feelings over voters about Mr Corbyn ’ s leadership .

It was the Corb wot lost it – voters blamed Mr Corbyn for Labour's election loss
Polling found Jeremy Corbyn was the key reason for support draining away in the Labour heartlands that turned blue at the election. The Opposition was seen as a smug and arrogant party for students, the unemployed and middle-class radicals.
Just one in five who turned their back on the party said it was a one-off based on a specific reason, the Diagnosis of Defeat of report found. More than half of Labour defectors, three quarters of who chose the Conservatives, said that Labour would “need to change very significantly” before they would return to the fold. But they warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson they are prepared to switch if they are taken for granted by any party. The report by Lord Ashcroft, based on a poll of more than 10,000 voters as well as focus groups in traditional Labour seats that switched.
Sir Keir Starmer is the favourite to replace Corbyn
He wrote: “As far as many of these former supporters were concerned, the Labour Party they rejected could not be trusted with the public finances, looked down on people who disagreed with it, was too left-wing, failed to understand or even listen to the people it was supposed to represent, was incompetent, appallingly divided, had no coherent priorities, did not understand aspiration or where prosperity comes from, disapproved of their values and treated them like fools.” Of Mr Corbyn’s potential successors, Sir Keir Starmer was the most popular, with the public describing him as competent and a potential election winner. Rival Rebecca Long-Bailey, below, was described as “Jeremy in a skirt” and was viewed as out of touch and out of her depth. Lord Ashcroft, a former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said he understood why some might be “suspicious” of his motives but told critics to look at the results of the research.
Cobyn in a skirt – Rebecca Long Bailey, right
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Emily Thornberry is unlikely to be the next Labour leader
As well as rejecting Mr Corbyn, defectors looked elsewhere because they did not believe Labour would be able to deliver on its promises and it no longer represented people like them. They also wanted Brexit to be delivered but have lasting anger over the party refusing to implement the result of the referendum. A report into Labour’s humiliating election defeat, the worst since 1935, by Corbynista MPs Andrew Gwynne and Ian Lavery, exonerated the leader last month. But Lord Ashcroft’s report lays bare the feelings over voters about Mr Corbyn’s leadership.
Voters just did not take to Jeremy Corbyn or his brand of politics


thedailyexpress--2020-02-11--Boris unveils £5billion bus route expansion in bid to help boost local transport links

He will promise at least 4,000 “ zero emission ” vehicles to make journeys “ easier , greener and more convenient.
” Towns and cities will also benefit from significant new investment to create over 1,000 miles of new safe cycle routes to be announced by the Prime Minister , who is a keen cyclist .
Mr Johnson 's announcement of a five-year funding package to overhaul bus and cycle links in every English region will seek to repeat his expansion of public transport in the capital during his time as London Mayor .
It will come as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spread economic growth and opportunities far beyond London and the South East to every region of the country .
He is also set to give the go-ahead to the first phase of the HS2 high-speed rail project at a special Cabinet meeting this morning .
Mr Johnson said last night : “ As Mayor of London I saw how important a decent bus service is and the investment that is needed to ensure the service is reliable , affordable and green .
“ As Prime Minister I want the whole country to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services that Londoners experienced during my time as Mayor .
“ Investing in transport connections will have a truly transformative effect in levelling up infrastructure across the country .
“ By overhauling bus services and making cycling easier than ever we will spread opportunity , boost businesses and unlock economic growth across this great country.
” He added : “ Local transport connections have a truly transformative role to play in levelling up infrastructure across the country .
“ Our daily journeys for work or leisure are about so much more than just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the key to accessing skilled jobs and opportunities , boosting businesses and unlocking economic growth for towns , cities and regions across this country .
“ That ’ s why improving connectivity by overhauling bus services and making cycling easier than ever is such an important step forward , to make sure every community has the foundations it needs to thrive.
” Mr Johnson ’ s plans include thousands of new buses , simpler fares , improved routes and more frequent services including at weekends .
He wants many areas to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where commuters often only have to wait a few minutes in between each bus arriving on key routes .
Part of the £5billion investment is to be spent on new priority schemes to make bus routes more efficient to avoid congestion .
His plan for 4,000 Zero Emission Buses aims to expand the UK ’ s bus fleet by around 10 percent .
Details of how the cash will be distributed are to be set out in the forthcoming National Bus Strategy due , to be published later this year .
The move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to support more electric buses , increase rural mobility and trial new “ Superbus ” services .
Mr Johnson also wants to extend the cycling revolution he led in London across the country , where he pioneered a bike hire scheme and presided over the widespread construction of cycle lanes .
He plans more than 1,000 miles of new , high-quality separated cycle routes along with safe junctions as part of the Government ’ s commitment to double cycling by 2025 .
Dozens of new ‘ Mini-Holland schemes ’ - which seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety for cyclists and pedestrians - are planned in the shake up .
Ministers are also expected to work with local councils to reduce lorry traffic while maintaining the vehicle access people need to get around .
They will seek to set tough new design standards on new cycle routes to ensure improved safety for cyclists .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said : “ We want everyone across this country to have the transport services they need to improve their lives and opportunities – to do that , we must invest in the @ @ @ @

Boris wants the country to have a bus service like London's
He will promise at least 4,000 “zero emission” vehicles to make journeys “easier, greener and more convenient.” Towns and cities will also benefit from significant new investment to create over 1,000 miles of new safe cycle routes to be announced by the Prime Minister, who is a keen cyclist. Mr Johnson's announcement of a five-year funding package to overhaul bus and cycle links in every English region will seek to repeat his expansion of public transport in the capital during his time as London Mayor.
It will come as part of a colossal programme of infrastructure improvements designed to spread economic growth and opportunities far beyond London and the South East to every region of the country. He is also set to give the go-ahead to the first phase of the HS2 high-speed rail project at a special Cabinet meeting this morning. Mr Johnson said last night: “As Mayor of London I saw how important a decent bus service is and the investment that is needed to ensure the service is reliable, affordable and green. “As Prime Minister I want the whole country to have access to the same great bus services that Londoners experienced during my time as Mayor. “Investing in transport connections will have a truly transformative effect in levelling up infrastructure across the country.
London buses arrives every 2-3 minutes on the most popular routes
“By overhauling bus services and making cycling easier than ever we will spread opportunity, boost businesses and unlock economic growth across this great country.” He added: “Local transport connections have a truly transformative role to play in levelling up infrastructure across the country. “Our daily journeys for work or leisure are about so much more than just getting from A to B – they are the key to accessing skilled jobs and opportunities, boosting businesses and unlocking economic growth for towns, cities and regions across this country. “That’s why improving connectivity by overhauling bus services and making cycling easier than ever is such an important step forward, to make sure every community has the foundations it needs to thrive.” Mr Johnson’s plans include thousands of new buses, simpler fares, improved routes and more frequent services including at weekends.
He wants many areas to have as good a service as London, where commuters often only have to wait a few minutes in between each bus arriving on key routes. Part of the £5billion investment is to be spent on new priority schemes to make bus routes more efficient to avoid congestion. His plan for 4,000 Zero Emission Buses aims to expand the UK’s bus fleet by around 10 percent. Details of how the cash will be distributed are to be set out in the forthcoming National Bus Strategy due, to be published later this year. The move follows the allocation of £170 million last week to support more electric buses, increase rural mobility and trial new “Superbus” services.
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Mr Johnson also wants to extend the cycling revolution he led in London across the country, where he pioneered a bike hire scheme and presided over the widespread construction of cycle lanes. He plans more than 1,000 miles of new, high-quality separated cycle routes along with safe junctions as part of the Government’s commitment to double cycling by 2025. Dozens of new ‘Mini-Holland schemes’ - which seek to create low-traffic neighbourhoods with improved street safety for cyclists and pedestrians - are planned in the shake up. Ministers are also expected to work with local councils to reduce lorry traffic while maintaining the vehicle access people need to get around. They will seek to set tough new design standards on new cycle routes to ensure improved safety for cyclists. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We want everyone across this country to have the transport services they need to improve their lives and opportunities – to do that, we must invest in the here and now.


thedailyexpress--2020-02-11--Boris Johnson to say full steam ahead with controversial HS2 risking Tory civil war

Has the controversial HS2 got the go-ahead ?
Officials expect him to announce the decision in the Commons shortly afterwards .
But he is also expected to try to appease critics of the 250mph rail project , recently estimated at costing more than £100billion , by ordering a review of the proposed second phase of the project with lines connecting Birmingham with Leeds and Manchester .
Tory MPs in the north of England hope his announcement will be accompanied by a pledge to accelerate the Northern Powerhouse rail proposal to improve East-West links with a link stretching from Hull to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spiralling cost of HS2 , which was initially forecast to cost £56billion in 2015 but has not been put at between £88billion and £106billion .
He recently admitted the management of the project had been “ profligate ” but suggested the way to deal with a “ big hole ” was to “ keep digging.
” Chancellor Sajid Javid threw his weight behind the project a fortnight ago after Treasury analysis said no alternative could provide the same regional benefits .
Backbench Tories are deeply divided over the project because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the route .
One backbencher said : “ My constituency will suffer 27 years of blight if this goes ahead .
”

Has the controversial HS2 got the go-ahead?
Officials expect him to announce the decision in the Commons shortly afterwards. But he is also expected to try to appease critics of the 250mph rail project, recently estimated at costing more than £100billion, by ordering a review of the proposed second phase of the project with lines connecting Birmingham with Leeds and Manchester. Tory MPs in the north of England hope his announcement will be accompanied by a pledge to accelerate the Northern Powerhouse rail proposal to improve East-West links with a link stretching from Hull to Liverpool.
Mr Johnson has repeatedly criticised the spiralling cost of HS2, which was initially forecast to cost £56billion in 2015 but has not been put at between £88billion and £106billion.
He recently admitted the management of the project had been “profligate” but suggested the way to deal with a “big hole” was to “keep digging.”
Chancellor Sajid Javid threw his weight behind the project a fortnight ago after Treasury analysis said no alternative could provide the same regional benefits.
Backbench Tories are deeply divided over the project because of the spiralling cost and potential impact on communities along the route.
One backbencher said: “My constituency will suffer 27 years of blight if this goes ahead.”


thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--WATCH Jeremy Corbyn caught picking his nose in Parliament... before wiping it on his beard

The Labour Party leader can be seen sitting on the front bench in the House of Commons picking at his nose during a debate on the flooding crisis .
As Labour MP Luke Pollard spoke his leader seemed more interested in his nose than the words of his colleague .
After Mr Corbyn removed his finger from his nose he then causally slid it under his chin appearing to wipe it on his beard .
This is not the first time Mr Corbyn has made a huge blunder in the House of Commons .
In September 2019 eagle-eyed social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erection '' instead of `` direction '' during a heated debate with Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
The Labour leader was savaged online for his on-air slip up as he leaned across the table to give a scathing attack to Mr Johnson following hours of debates in Commons .
Mr Corbyn ’ s mispronunciation sparked some online backlash as Twitter users asked if they had heard him correctly .
READ MORE : ‘ We got absolutely SMASHED ’ Ashworth admits Corbyn campaign failed He said : “ Tonight he will be attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prorogations there has ever been .
“ Shutting down parliament , shutting down democracy , avoiding questions , taking this country over a cliff of a no deal exit with all the damage that will do to the poorest and most vulnerable communities in our society and all the damage it will do to trade and jobs .
“ All because he wants to take this country into the erection ( direction ) of a trade deal solely with the USA than anybody else.
” The Labour Party are currently conducting a contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rebecca Long-Bailey , Emily Thornberry , Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir Starmer are still in contention to become the next Labour Party leader .
The winner of the leadership contest will be announced on April 4 2020 .
Jeremy Corbyn led the Labour Party to their second-worst general election result in history .
The Labour Party secured just 203 seats during the 2019 general election .
DO N'T MISS Two callers clash in fierce row over Corbyn 's stance on US killing of [ VIDEO ] Rebecca Long Bailey astonishingly says Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Corbyn dodges question when asked if Soleimani was a terrorist [ INSIGHT ]

Jeremy Corbyn appears to pick his nose during Commons debate
The Labour Party leader can be seen sitting on the front bench in the House of Commons picking at his nose during a debate on the flooding crisis. As Labour MP Luke Pollard spoke his leader seemed more interested in his nose than the words of his colleague. After Mr Corbyn removed his finger from his nose he then causally slid it under his chin appearing to wipe it on his beard.
This is not the first time Mr Corbyn has made a huge blunder in the House of Commons. In September 2019 eagle-eyed social media users noticed him appear to say "erection" instead of "direction" during a heated debate with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Labour leader was savaged online for his on-air slip up as he leaned across the table to give a scathing attack to Mr Johnson following hours of debates in Commons. Mr Corbyn’s mispronunciation sparked some online backlash as Twitter users asked if they had heard him correctly. READ MORE: ‘We got absolutely SMASHED’ Ashworth admits Corbyn campaign failed
Jeremy Corbyn was caught picking his nose
Jeremy Corbyn then appeared to wipe his finger on his beard
He said: “Tonight he will be attempting to prorogue Parliament for one of the longest prorogations there has ever been. “Shutting down parliament, shutting down democracy, avoiding questions, taking this country over a cliff of a no deal exit with all the damage that will do to the poorest and most vulnerable communities in our society and all the damage it will do to trade and jobs. “All because he wants to take this country into the erection (direction) of a trade deal solely with the USA than anybody else.” The Labour Party are currently conducting a contest to find a successor to Mr Corbyn.
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Labour had ‘too many’ policies in manifesto says McCluskey
The 2019 general election result
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--It’s over, Leo! Varadkar urged to resign after Irish election - 'It might humble you!'

Leo Varadkar ’ s Fine Gael party came third in the popular vote , with the PM himself only securing reelection at the fifth count - a major humiliation in Ireland ’ s electoral system , in which multiple MPs are elected per constituency .
Paudie Coffey , a former Fine Gael TD [ Irish MP ] has urged the Mr Varadkar to reconsider his position for the future of the party .
The news comes after Fine Gael got just under 20.9 percent of the vote – its worst ever election result - trailing behind rivals Fianna Fail and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio station WLRfm Mr Varadkar should step down to allow the “ re-building of the party ” .
He said : `` I think Leo should reflect on his position , I think he 's done his best .
`` He did n't achieve what he set out to do unfortunately - I think he should step aside as leader of Fine Gael and allow a new re-building of the party from the grassroots up again .
`` I believe politics is built from the grassroots .
`` People are elected from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you lose the connection with that grassroots well then you lose the vote and you lose the chance of getting back to do what you want to do.
” He was joined by an army of disgruntled Twitter users who also called for the Irish premier to resign .
One said : “ Leo Varakadar just resign ye f****** embarrassment.
” Another said : “ I 'm 99 % sure that Leo Varadkar is gon na resign after this ...
He called an election thinking he 'd boss it and FG have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N'T MISS Irish election POLL : Sinn Féin WINS crunch vote - are you worried ?
[ POLL ] Varadkar humiliated : Cringeworthy moment Irish PM realises he lost [ VIDEO ] Varadkar humiliated : How shock Irish election pact could doom PM [ INSIGHT ] A Twitter user wrote : “ How embarrassing for him .
It might humble a bit .
Now I think it ’ s time to resign.
” Another one added : “ Do us all a favour and resign Leo , you have failed .
Thought nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ireland game .
You are a snake.
” The Irish leader is scrambling for a coalition after all the major parties failed to get a majority in the historic general election .
With all first preferences counted Sinn Féin secured 24.5 percent compared to 22.2 percent for Fianna Fáil and 20.9 percent for Mr Varadkar ’ s party Fine Gael .
Embarrassing footage shows the moment Mr Varadkar realised he had been elected in his constituency on the fifth count , after Sinn Féin ’ s Paul Donnelly secured top-spot .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears saying Mr Varadkar would continue as party leader .
Mr Donohoe told the ‘ The Pat Kenny Show ’ he would “ absolutely ” support Mr Varadkar .

Irish election: Leo Varadkar finds out he is not elected
Leo Varadkar’s Fine Gael party came third in the popular vote, with the PM himself only securing reelection at the fifth count - a major humiliation in Ireland’s electoral system, in which multiple MPs are elected per constituency. Paudie Coffey, a former Fine Gael TD [Irish MP] has urged the Mr Varadkar to reconsider his position for the future of the party.
The news comes after Fine Gael got just under 20.9 percent of the vote – its worst ever election result - trailing behind rivals Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein. Mr Coffey told Irish radio station WLRfm Mr Varadkar should step down to allow the “re-building of the party”. He said: "I think Leo should reflect on his position, I think he's done his best.
"He didn't achieve what he set out to do unfortunately - I think he should step aside as leader of Fine Gael and allow a new re-building of the party from the grassroots up again. "I believe politics is built from the grassroots. "People are elected from the grassroots and elected by the people - if you lose the connection with that grassroots well then you lose the vote and you lose the chance of getting back to do what you want to do.” READ MORE: Varadkar nightmare: Brexit making election ‘difficult’ for Irish PM
Leo Varadkar is under pressure to resign
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A Twitter user wrote: “How embarrassing for him. It might humble a bit. Now I think it’s time to resign.” Another one added: “Do us all a favour and resign Leo, you have failed. Thought nobody would turn up to voting and watch the Ireland game. You are a snake.” The Irish leader is scrambling for a coalition after all the major parties failed to get a majority in the historic general election. With all first preferences counted Sinn Féin secured 24.5 percent compared to 22.2 percent for Fianna Fáil and 20.9 percent for Mr Varadkar’s party Fine Gael.
Embarrassing footage shows the moment Mr Varadkar realised he had been elected in his constituency on the fifth count, after Sinn Féin’s Paul Donnelly secured top-spot. But Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe dismissed resignation fears saying Mr Varadkar would continue as party leader. Mr Donohoe told the ‘The Pat Kenny Show’ he would “absolutely” support Mr Varadkar.
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Brexit LIVE: EU plots to hold UK holidaymakers to RANSOM as it outlines trade deal demand

Boris Johnson , who served as Foreign Secretary for two years from July 2016-2018 , took over as Prime Minister and delivered Brexit as promised on January 31 .
But former political rival Jeremy Hunt has revealed the Department for Exiting the European Union ( DExEU ) was set up as “ a deliberate decision to take Brexit out of the hands of the Foreign Office while Boris ( Johnson ) was Foreign Secretary '' .
In an interview with the Institute for Government , he said : “ It was a deliberate decision to take Brexit out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Foreign Secretary .
That was what No .
10 intended .
“ When I became Foreign Secretary , we got a bit more involved , but obviously structurally it was the job of the DExEU Secretary of State to do the negotiations with Brussels , but I was reasonably closely involved.
” In a separate interview with the Institute for Government , David Lidington , who served as Mrs May ’ s de-facto deputy , said : “ I don ’ t think that there was sufficient recognition of , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choices in the negotiations would be .
He also claimed “ it was a mistake ” to create DExEU “ as a separate department ” .
The EU 's chief negotiator today accused the Prime Minister of taking `` two or three steps backwards '' by attempting to break from the EU 's laws after Brexit .
The Brussels negotiator continued his demands for the European Court of Justice to be handed an unprecedented role in policing any future trade agreement .
Speaking in Luxembourg , Mr Barnier suggested the Prime Minister was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political declaration on the future relationship .
He said : `` It is on this basis and only on this basis that we are ready to negotiate .
`` In a time that is necessarily constrained , if we want to move forward , we must avoid taking two or three steps back at the outset .
`` We must be clear : the Political Declaration , which was agreed word-for-word , line-for-line , with Boris Johnson last October , remains and will remain the foundation of all negotiations.
” The Duchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , they need to prepare for `` significant change '' with `` inevitable '' border checks .
In a Cabinet Office event on Monday , he said : `` You have to accept we will need some friction .
`` We will minimise it but it is an inevitability of our departure .
“ I don ’ t underestimate the fact that this is a significant change , but we have time now to make that change.
” EU governments want the power to suspend any agreement with the UK as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to The Daily Telegraph , the move could give Brussels the power to stop British airlines landing in EU airports en route to non-EU destinations .
Former BrexitParty MEP for the West Midlands , Rupert Lowe hits out at EU ahead of the negotiations .
He said : `` The EU continually bangs on about how we can ’ t have the supposed ‘ benefits ’ of being a full member .
`` Well it works both ways !
They can ’ t pretend we ’ re still full members and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The UK will do just fine out ! ''
Speaking to Express.co.uk , Sir John revealed how the EU is most concerned over security and fishing .
Although he stated the pressure will soon kick in for both the UK and EU , he said : `` With the post-Brexit trade deal , the pressure will kick in very quickly .
`` The European Union has its priorities .
“ The EU ’ s priorities are fish and security because those are the areas where they have things they want .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to simply be in charge of its own fishing waters . ''
Brexit could give Britain the chance to lead the way in meat and dairy products an industry expert has claimed .
National Farmers Union vice-president Stuart Roberts said : `` There are a number of benefits , actually .
`` If we talk about trade , there are certain parts of the world where I think we can have some real positive trade deals .
`` Our dairy products , for example , are ones that we can really lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value to .
`` When you look at our sustainable meat production in this country , people are crying out for this around the world .
I think there are some opportunities in trade . ''
Nicola Sturgeon has today hit out at Boris Johnson 's plans to secure British waters and withdraw from the Common Fisheries Policy .
Speaking today , Scotland 's first minister said an independent Scotland would look for reform .
She also added Tory promises to defend Scottish fishermen will be `` very hard to deliver '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it emerged the European Commission reported the SNP 's Brexit day stunt to the Belgian police .
On January 31 as Britain left the bloc after 47 years of membership , the Scottish government beamed a “ Europe loves Scotland ” message onto the Brussels-based executive ’ s Berlaymont headquarters .
The illumination was funded by the SNP despite claims from the party that the Commission was behind it .
But today , a Commission spokeswoman confirmed the institution had nothing to do with the Remainer stunt , and it , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
She said : `` In relation to the message projected on the Berlaymont on the 31st of January I can confirm it seems that this had nothing to do with the Commission we were not in the knowledge of that .
This is something that is between those stakeholders , those third parties and the Belgian police so we had nothing to do with that action or with the message that was projected .
We have just one interlocutor in relation to the future partnership with the UK and that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of our ongoing discussions with the Belgian police which is in charge of many aspects linked to the Berlaymont and I know that it was taken up with them as we checked actually about the incidents so I can again confirm that it had nothing to do with us and it was simply a matter for the Belgian police .
`` We are not talking here about the message itself the content of that message we were only talking about procedures for projecting an image with any message on a building such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussion referred to and I simply said that in relation to projecting such messages on building that was a matter for the Belgian police it was n't something which was for us we are not in the business of being requested or granting authorisations for people from outside for projecting messages on our building .
This is what the discussion was about . ''
2.11pm update : Pound bounces back against US dollar after slumping to two-and-a-half month lows The pound has bounced back after falling to two-and-a-half month lows against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted its biggest weekly fall against the dollar in seven weeks as investors priced in the risk of Britain failing to agree a trade deal with the European Union in the 11 months left of the Brexit transition period .
In early Monday trade , the British currency had fallen to $ 1.2873 but soon recovered to $ 1.2924 .
The pound was also a third of a percent stronger at 84.70 pence per euro .
Francesco Pesole , a currency strategist at ING in London said : `` What we 're seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big downturn last week .
`` Looking ahead we 're going to have data tomorrow and there could be some movements , and then the rest of the week will be about sentiment towards trade negotiations with the EU . ''
Boris Johnson faces a showdown with Nicola Sturgeon after a shock poll found more than half of Scots want the Scottish Government to plough ahead with its desperate plans for a second independence vote - without Westminster 's permission .
The poll found 56 percent of respondents believe the Scottish Parliament should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ wildcat ’ referendum even if Westminster doesn ’ t agree to it .
The plans would put Holyrood on a collision course with Westminster after Prime Minister Boris Johnson repeatedly refused a Section 30 order , which transfers the power to hold a second vote from Westminster to Holyrood .
It could result in a court battle between Holyrood and Westminster if Mr Johnson decides to take the Scottish Government to court over their actions .
12.53pm update : UK ’ s ‘ close relationship ’ with Ireland will remain regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election at the weekend has seen Sinn Fein emerge as the most popular party in the country .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : `` We are of course following the results of the Irish election carefully .
`` The UK and Ireland are close neighbours and friends and we look forward to continuing to work together .
`` The close relationship between the UK and Ireland will continue regardless of the election result . ''
11.45am update : May ’ s former deputy reveals critical 'mistakes ' made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to realise how difficult Brexit would be and refused a possible breakthrough deal with the Labour Party until it was too late , her former deputy Sir David Lidington has claimed .
He said “ mistakes were made early on ” in Theresa May 's premiership , adding “ every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their Government ” .
Sir David criticised her hardline approach to negotiations with the European Union and suggested the former Prime Minister should have “ reached out ” to Labour as early as 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was speaking at an event organised by political think tank the Institute for Government .
When asked whether she was to blame for what happened , he said : “ Well , I mean , I think look , ultimately every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their government .
“ I do think the mistakes were made early .
If you go back to 2016 , I don ’ t think that there was sufficient recognition of how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you never know , we are looking at it with hindsight , but it is possible – what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to the negotiations at the start because I think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier .
“ Possibly , you know , an attempt to reach out to other parties early on , saying : 'This is a national decision , we have had a vote in the referendum , now we need to move forward together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Theresa May ) felt that , you know , having supported Remain , that she had to demonstrate her credentials as committed to delivering the referendum result.
” 11.07am update : 'We 'll keep the EU flag flying ! '
Remainers mocked for 'shameful and disgraceful ' stunt Brexiteers have hit out at a west London council for refusing to take down an EU flag , with social media users branding the move `` shameful and disgraceful '' .
Hounslow Council insisted it would continue to display the blue and gold stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with European citizens who call the borough their home .
In a tweet posted on Brexit Day , the council said : “ The EU flag will keep flying at Hounslow House - a ‘ symbol that we remain an internationalist borough , a gateway to London for people and business , a place which embraces diversity and which EU citizens can call home.
’ ” The tweet included a snap of council leader Steve Curran holding the EU flag .
10.11am update : Pound slips to two-and-a-month low against US dollar Sterling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-and-a-half months against the US dollar this morning .
In early Monday trade , the pound slipped to as low as $ 1.2873 .
It was broadly steady around 84.93 pence per euro .
Last week , the British currency notched up its biggest weekly fall against the dollar in seven weeks .
This came after investors priced in the risk of Britain failing to agree a trade deal with the European Union in the 11 months left of the Brexit transition period .
Scottish salmon faces `` huge unnecessary burdens '' due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK Government , the trade body for the sector has warned .
Exports to the EU do not need Export Health Certificates ( EHCs ) because of the free movement of goods within the union .
But the UK Government 's decision not to align with EU regulations in the future has caused concerns that EHCs will be needed once the transition period ends on December 31 .
The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation ( SSPO ) has said the cost of the added measures for Scottish farmed salmon will be between £1.3million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive Julie Hesketh-Lair said : Scottish farmed salmon is the UK 's biggest food export .
`` We now send more than £190 million worth of salmon to France , a third of our total exports .
`` Once in the main French markets , the salmon can then be dispatched to almost anywhere in the EU .
`` We deal in a perishable product so it is crucial for the thousands of loyal customers we have in the EU that we get our fresh fish to key markets as quickly and smoothly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Rinaldi told Express.co.uk about Ursula von der Leyen 's shock reaction to his pro-Brexit speech on the day of Britain 's withdrawal from the bloc .
Mr Maria Rinaldi has become a known face among Brexiteers and eurosceptics , after he issued a stunning speech in the EU Parliament in support of Brexit on January 31 .
Speaking in Brussels , Mr Rinaldi , who is one of the League ’ s 28 European parliamentarians , said : “ We know that sovereignty to people is a great achievement .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Barnier .
“ Barnier was the worst negotiator ever .
`` In 2016 he said , ‘ I will succeed in my task if the agreement with the UK is so hard on the British that they will want to stay in the EU ’ .
“ And I am sorry but I am going to have to say , now , God save the Queen !
” Plans to introduce up to 10 new freeports across the country have been defended by a senior treasury minister , who has dismissed allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` red herring '' .
The Government says the ports , where UK taxes and tariffs will not apply , will create thousands of jobs , but there are concerns they can be used to dodge tax .
Chief secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak told Sky News : `` I absolutely do n't think they do and obviously you have stringent rules .
`` It 's worth pointing out that the EU is pretty much the only place in the world that does n't use freeports , for example there are over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundred thousand people , hundreds , billions of dollars of trade happens in those areas and that 's replicated around the world .
`` The US head of customs and border protection told me a while ago he thinks their free trade zones are actually more secure than their regular ports , because they go through vetting with the customs bodies before they get given freeport status , and they have dedicated agents in the freeports , so I think that 's a bit of a red herring . ''
Theresa May ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think that , I do think the mistakes were made early .
I think that if you go back to 2016 , I do n't think that there was sufficient recognition of , you know , how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be .
`` And I think it is possible - you never know , we are looking at it with hindsight , but it is possible - what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to the negotiations at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier .
`` And possibly , you know , an attempt to reach out to the other parties early on , saying : 'This is a national decision , we have had a vote in the referendum , now we need to move forward together . ''
' 8.09am update : Tory and Labour talks on Brexit came ‘ pretty close ’ to finding solution Cross-party talks between the Conservatives and Labour Party `` pretty close '' to finding a compromise over Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Lidington said : `` I think , at the end of the day , perhaps late in the day , it was just there was an unwillingness on both sides , I think , to make the final leap .
`` The two issues on which it broke down were customs and a second referendum , where we could n't quite get agreement.
” Theresa May ’ s de-facto deputy has claimed it was a mistake to create a separate department to deal with Brexit .
David Lidington said the Department for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have been `` an annex to the Cabinet Office and Number 10 '' .
The former Cabinet Office minister added that with a different approach to Brexit negotiations at the start of the process `` it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier '' .
DExEU was closed on Friday 31 January , Brexit deadline day .
He told the Institute for Government : “ I think that , as is now recognised , it was a mistake to create DExEU ( The Department for Exiting the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Now , that 's not to denigrate the officials or the ministers who work there , but the fact you had then DExEU try to do things and Number 10 and the Cabinet trying to do things as well ... and the contingency planning as a function sits in the Cabinet Office anyway , because all this stuff about the reasonable worst-case scenario , that is standard civil contingency planning language .
`` That was how the Cabinet Office was looking at , well , what happens if your DExEU mitigation does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But trying to knit that together just took more energy and time than should have been necessary .
`` So in my ideal world , I would not have invented DExEU as a department .
`` I would have had a big unit , but I would have located it as , you know , an annex to the Cabinet Office and Number 10 , because the Prime Minister was going to be driving the negotiation.
” 7.45am update : Britain ‘ reasonably confident ’ of US trade deal despite Huawei concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal with the United States will be among its first after leaving the European Union , Dominic Raab has said .
U.S. officials have hinted future trade talks could be affected by Britain 's decision last month to grant Huawei a limited role in its 5G mobile network .
Foreign Secretary Mr Raab said in response to a question about the issue during a visit to Singapore : `` We listened and take the concerns of our American friends very seriously .
`` We are reasonably confident that we can do a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that first wave of post-Brexit trade deals .
`` We have had a good conversation about Huawei and the one thing we all recognise is there has been market failure in terms of high-trust vendors being able to provide telecoms infrastructure . ''


thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Sinn Fein surge will NOT contribute to the break up of the UK - poll

Out of a total of 3,970 votes , just 889 voted that they feared Sinn Fein ’ s surge would contribute to the break-up of the United Kingdom .
But , many more voters took the opposite view and thought that Mary Lou McDonald ’ s would not contribute to the break-up of the United Kingdom , this was the opinion of 2,999 voters .
Just 82 voters said they didn ’ t know .
In percentage terms this works out as 76 percent of Express.co.uk readers voting that they were not worried about the break-up of the UK after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish general election .
Sinn Fein , the left-wing republican party , won 24.5 percent of the vote , with Fianna Fail winning 22 percent and Fine Gael 21 percent .
The last Irish election saw no single party win a majority and it took 70 days for a government to be formed .
None of the three main parties will win the 80 seats needed to form their own governme This means that a coalition government of some form will have to be negotiated .
The landmark Good Friday Agreement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision for a border poll .
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith is required to call one “ if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland ” .
If he opts to do so , votes would need to be held in the North and the South , with majorities required in both for Irish unification to take place .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leo !
Varadkar urged to resign after Irish election Speaking after the polls closed yesterday , Mrs McDonald said : “ We want to talk to anyone who is interested in delivering a programme for government .
“ That is about getting to grips with the housing crisis and solving it , getting to grips with the crisis in health and giving families and workers a break and giving a new lease of life to government .
“ A government that people relate to , that is in tune with the realities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that is aloof and adrift from the experiences of citizens .
“ This campaign has been about change and giving Sinn Fein a chance to demonstrate what it feels like when it is led by or has a party of the people in it , that has been the theme of our discussions and conversations .
Who won Ireland election ?
Is Leo Varadkar still prime minister ?
[ EXPLAINED ] “ This vote for Sinn Fein is for Sinn Fein to be in government , for Sinn Fein to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested , for Sinn Fein to deliver.
” Mrs McDonald is likely to take a harder line on trade negotiations with the UK than Mr Varadkar ’ s party did previously , and should they be offered a seat at the table , talks with Britain are likely to become more difficult .
Sinn Fein is committed to a policy whereby Northern Ireland is designated special status within the EU , with the whole of the island of Ireland to remain within the EU together .
The party was also hugely critical of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit deal struck between the UK and the EU , arguing he had made far too many concessions to Prime Minister Boris Johnson .

Mary Lou McDonald on how Brexit could impact Ireland in 2019
Out of a total of 3,970 votes, just 889 voted that they feared Sinn Fein’s surge would contribute to the break-up of the United Kingdom. But, many more voters took the opposite view and thought that Mary Lou McDonald’s would not contribute to the break-up of the United Kingdom, this was the opinion of 2,999 voters. Just 82 voters said they didn’t know.
In percentage terms this works out as 76 percent of Express.co.uk readers voting that they were not worried about the break-up of the UK after Sinn Fein’s latest success in the Irish general election. Sinn Fein, the left-wing republican party, won 24.5 percent of the vote, with Fianna Fail winning 22 percent and Fine Gael 21 percent. The last Irish election saw no single party win a majority and it took 70 days for a government to be formed. None of the three main parties will win the 80 seats needed to form their own governme
Mary Lou McDonald
This means that a coalition government of some form will have to be negotiated. The landmark Good Friday Agreement, which was signed in 1997, includes provision for a border poll. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith is required to call one “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland”. If he opts to do so, votes would need to be held in the North and the South, with majorities required in both for Irish unification to take place. READ MORE: It’s over, Leo! Varadkar urged to resign after Irish election
Leo Varadkar
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Speaking after the polls closed yesterday, Mrs McDonald said: “We want to talk to anyone who is interested in delivering a programme for government. “That is about getting to grips with the housing crisis and solving it, getting to grips with the crisis in health and giving families and workers a break and giving a new lease of life to government. “A government that people relate to, that is in tune with the realities of people’s day-to-day lives, not one that is aloof and adrift from the experiences of citizens. “This campaign has been about change and giving Sinn Fein a chance to demonstrate what it feels like when it is led by or has a party of the people in it, that has been the theme of our discussions and conversations. DON'T MISS Varadkar nightmare: Brexit making election ‘difficult’ for Irish PM [INSIGHT] Who won Ireland election? Is Leo Varadkar still prime minister? [EXPLAINED] BBC host blasts Sinn Fein politician calling for United Ireland [WATCH]
Mary Lou McDonald and Gerry Adams
“This vote for Sinn Fein is for Sinn Fein to be in government, for Sinn Fein to make a difference, for Sinn Fein to be tested, for Sinn Fein to deliver.” Mrs McDonald is likely to take a harder line on trade negotiations with the UK than Mr Varadkar’s party did previously, and should they be offered a seat at the table, talks with Britain are likely to become more difficult. Sinn Fein is committed to a policy whereby Northern Ireland is designated special status within the EU, with the whole of the island of Ireland to remain within the EU together. The party was also hugely critical of Mr Varadkar in the wake of the Brexit deal struck between the UK and the EU, arguing he had made far too many concessions to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Michael Martin Fianna Fail leader
Mary Lou McDonald Sinn Fein leader
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