thedailyexpress--2020-05-14--Sadiq’s threat: London Mayor warns 'TfL will cut services' unless Boris pays up TODAY

Transport for London has been using its cash reserves to meet the £600 million monthly bill of operating services - and says it needs around £3.2 billion to balance its proposed emergency budget for 2020/21 .
London Mayor , Mr Khan , said without immediate financial support the transport body would be forced to make cuts to its underground and bus networks .
Because TfL is legally treated like a local authority , `` we have to be able to balance the books '' , Mr Khan told LBC radio .
He added : `` We 'd have to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 'd have to reduce the Tube services we provide to save money .
`` If we do n't get the deal done today , the chief financial officer of TfL has legal duties that he has to follow .
`` At a time when the Government is wanting us to increase services to get into the recovery phase , we might be required to cut services because the Government is failing to give us the grant support we need . ''
Mr Khan said TfL has been negotiating with the Government for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm unclear about why the Government are waiting until the 11th hour to agree a deal .
It is really bad form . ''
READ MORE : 'Do something ! '
Fishing fury as Scotland accused of failing to act '' We remain in close contact with the mayor and TfL to look at how we can support them .
`` Our priority is on reaching an agreement which keeps critical services running for those passengers who must use public transport to get work , ensuring we keep London moving safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rapidly increasing the number of services available and protecting the interests of taxpayers in the long term . ''
In March , Mr Khan faced criticism after reports of packed tube trains as workers crammed on to services after the lockdown was imposed , with TfL having reduced the number of services .
One NHS worker , Rachel Baines , tweeted a picture , commenting : `` I am a frontline NHS worker and this is how I have to travel to work due to @ TfL reducing their service and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgusting ... '' Another message aimed at TfL said : `` Operating a special service DOES NOT help social distancing .

Sadiq Khan warns Government 'TFL's cash reserve is running out'
Transport for London has been using its cash reserves to meet the £600 million monthly bill of operating services - and says it needs around £3.2 billion to balance its proposed emergency budget for 2020/21. London Mayor, Mr Khan, said without immediate financial support the transport body would be forced to make cuts to its underground and bus networks. Because TfL is legally treated like a local authority, "we have to be able to balance the books", Mr Khan told LBC radio.
We'd have to reduce the Tube services we provide to save money Sadiq Khan
He added: "We'd have to reduce the bus services we provide. "We'd have to reduce the Tube services we provide to save money. "If we don't get the deal done today, the chief financial officer of TfL has legal duties that he has to follow.
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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued an ultimatum
A packed tube train earlier this year
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"At a time when the Government is wanting us to increase services to get into the recovery phase, we might be required to cut services because the Government is failing to give us the grant support we need." Mr Khan said TfL has been negotiating with the Government for around six weeks. He said: "I'm unclear about why the Government are waiting until the 11th hour to agree a deal. It is really bad form." READ MORE: 'Do something!' Fishing fury as Scotland accused of failing to act
Commuters wearing masks wait to board a tube train
Boris Johnson, the UK's Prime Minister
Health Secretary Matt Hancock
"We remain in close contact with the mayor and TfL to look at how we can support them. "Our priority is on reaching an agreement which keeps critical services running for those passengers who must use public transport to get work, ensuring we keep London moving safely. "That means protecting key routes, rapidly increasing the number of services available and protecting the interests of taxpayers in the long term."
Lockdown relaxation stages
In March, Mr Khan faced criticism after reports of packed tube trains as workers crammed on to services after the lockdown was imposed, with TfL having reduced the number of services. One NHS worker, Rachel Baines, tweeted a picture, commenting: "I am a frontline NHS worker and this is how I have to travel to work due to @TfL reducing their service and people ignoring the #StayHome message. Absolutely disgusting..." Another message aimed at TfL said: "Operating a special service DOES NOT help social distancing.
UK coronavirus map
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-14--SNP boasts Boris Johnson's coronavirus 'incompetence' means 'road to independence is open'

Scotland 's First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has been at odds with Westminster over the handling of COVID-19 north and south of the border .
Boris Johnson has started easing lockdown restrictions in England and has ditched the `` stay at home '' slogan from Government messaging , which has remained in place in Scotland .
Kenny MacAskill , a former Holyrood justice secretary who is now an MP , claimed the coronavirus crisis has shown Prime Minister Mr Johnson to be `` utterly hapless '' .
He even contrasted this with what he claimed has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicola Sturgeon so far during the outbreak of the virus .
But Mr MacAskill argued the virus outbreak could further the SNP 's calls for Scottish independence , which the party had pushed heavily before the outbreak began .
He suggested the current crisis could give the SNP the opportunity to pursue a `` more radical agenda that 's wanted by the wider membership '' .
The SNP MP also claimed the Scottish public will be looking for a `` better way '' forward as opposed to being part of the UK - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Commenting directly on the Prime Minister , Mr MacAskill said : `` A man who can not even safely look after his own country ca n't restrict the forward march of another .
The road to independence is open . ''
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack argued the county has benefited from the `` financial strength '' of the UK Treasury during the coronavirus crisis .
He said : `` We 're a very powerful economic machine in the UK and I know it is a bit of a unionist message , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I am not embarrassed to say it .
`` But because Scotland is part of the United Kingdom we have benefited enormously from that financial strength of the Treasury . ''
However , Mr MacAskill claimed the `` hope , if not expectation , of leading unionists was that the Bank of England 's unlimited printing of money would show the bounty of being British and the utter dependency of Scotland '' had not been the case .
He added : `` Instead more and more it 's showing up the incompetence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland can most certainly do better .
`` Folk are deciding that there 's got to be a better way and there lies the difficulty for the union .
`` With the Tories firmly in charge there 's little sign of change or even moderation .
It 's full on for Brexit and ever closer links with the USA .
DO N'T MISS Sturgeon facs demands to hand regions power to split from lockdown [ COMMENT ] Piers Morgan 's brutal swipe at Nicola Sturgeon revealed - 'Disaster ' [ OPINION ] Nicola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming SNP not consulted [ VIDEO ] '' The demands that there has to be a better way , and indeed a diverging way , from the UK path are only going to increase . ''
The latest push for Scottish independence comes as senior SNP figures draw up plans for a second referendum , which they are planning to unveil when the coronavirus crisis ends .
Scotland 's ruling party are eyeing plans ahead of the Holyrood election next year , where they hope to strengthen their majority in the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Ian Blackford grilled over 'nationalist' pandemic response
Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has been at odds with Westminster over the handling of COVID-19 north and south of the border. Boris Johnson has started easing lockdown restrictions in England and has ditched the "stay at home" slogan from Government messaging, which has remained in place in Scotland. Kenny MacAskill, a former Holyrood justice secretary who is now an MP, claimed the coronavirus crisis has shown Prime Minister Mr Johnson to be "utterly hapless".
He even contrasted this with what he claimed has been a "virtually flawless" performance from SNP Nicola Sturgeon so far during the outbreak of the virus. But Mr MacAskill argued the virus outbreak could further the SNP's calls for Scottish independence, which the party had pushed heavily before the outbreak began. He suggested the current crisis could give the SNP the opportunity to pursue a "more radical agenda that's wanted by the wider membership". The SNP MP also claimed the Scottish public will be looking for a "better way" forward as opposed to being part of the UK - once they emerge from the current pandemic.
The SNP is continuing to push for a second referendum on Scottish independence
Nicola Sturgeon pushed for Scottish independence before the coronavirus outbreak
Commenting directly on the Prime Minister, Mr MacAskill said: "A man who cannot even safely look after his own country can't restrict the forward march of another. The road to independence is open." Scottish Secretary Alister Jack argued the county has benefited from the "financial strength" of the UK Treasury during the coronavirus crisis. He said: "We're a very powerful economic machine in the UK and I know it is a bit of a unionist message, and I am not shying away from that, I am not embarrassed to say it. "But because Scotland is part of the United Kingdom we have benefited enormously from that financial strength of the Treasury." READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: Terrifying study shows TRUE scale of infection
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Boris Johnson has continued to reject calls from the SNP for a second referendum on Scottish independence
However, Mr MacAskill claimed the "hope, if not expectation, of leading unionists was that the Bank of England's unlimited printing of money would show the bounty of being British and the utter dependency of Scotland" had not been the case. He added: "Instead more and more it's showing up the incompetence of the UK Government and that actually Scotland can most certainly do better. "Folk are deciding that there's got to be a better way and there lies the difficulty for the union. "With the Tories firmly in charge there's little sign of change or even moderation. It's full on for Brexit and ever closer links with the USA. DON'T MISS
Sturgeon facs demands to hand regions power to split from lockdown [COMMENT]
Piers Morgan's brutal swipe at Nicola Sturgeon revealed - 'Disaster' [OPINION]
Nicola Sturgeon's deputy hits out at Boris claiming SNP not consulted [VIDEO]
Kenny MaCaskill lashed out at Boris Johnson over his response to the coronavirus crisis
Kenny MaCaskill claimed Scottish public will be looking for a 'better way' forward
"The demands that there has to be a better way, and indeed a diverging way, from the UK path are only going to increase." The latest push for Scottish independence comes as senior SNP figures draw up plans for a second referendum, which they are planning to unveil when the coronavirus crisis ends. Scotland's ruling party are eyeing plans ahead of the Holyrood election next year, where they hope to strengthen their majority in the country's parliament and their mandate for independence.
The Prime Minister has announced the steps being taken to ease the lockdown in the UK
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-14--'No going back' Economist explains key reason why Brexit is final - UK won't return to EU!

And Prof Patrick Minford predicted the UK will become a low-tax , competitive nation on the international stage once it quits at the end of the transition period on December 31 - regardless of whether a free trade deal with the bloc has been struck .
Asked about the possibility of the UK returning to the fold , Prof Minford told German business magazine Economy Week : `` I do n't see a chance for that , at least for a generation .
`` The desire for a new referendum is low .
And the Johnson government is very popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for EU membership again , Brussels will probably require the British to forego premium discounts and to commit themselves to joining the euro .
`` But there is no majority in the British population for this . ''
Prof Minford also dismissed suggestions that the barriers to a UK/EU trade deal purely stem from Britain 's reluctance to comply with the bloc 's regulatory standards .
He said : `` If it were only about the current standards and regulations , we would have no problem .
`` Great Britain has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area of the environment , state aid or competition policy .
`` On the contrary , the government in London has an environmentally friendly policy , and the UK has high standards of working conditions and competition . ''
It was rather a case of Brussels expecting Britain to continue to adhere to all EU standards which it sets .
JUST IN : No chance !
Economist reveals why UK will NEVER request Brexit delay He added : `` The British are not ready for this .
We have not regained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in the future in the wake of regulatory requirements from Brussels .
`` No country with a sovereign government can allow a foreign authority to dictate how it should shape politics .
`` This also applies to fishing rights , which are another point of contention in the negotiations .
An agreement with Brussels in this area is quite possible .
`` But Britain must be able to set the conditions under which fishermen from other EU countries are allowed to fish in British waters .
DO N'T MISS : Coronavirus POLL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU ?
VOTE HERE [ POLL ] EU ’ s top scientist quits over bloc ’ s coronavirus response [ INSIGHT ] Coronavirus threat : Experts warn mafia bosses will exploit fears [ ANALYSIS ] '' If Brussels insists that Great Britain will comply with all EU regulatory requirements in the future , there will be no agreement . ''
Looking to the future , Prof Minford said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic would inevitably shape UK trade policy .
He explained : `` The coronavirus crisis is driving up the UK budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduces the scope for rapid tax cuts .
However , the UK economy must grow to bring the debt ratio back to a sustainable level .
`` The government in London will , therefore , do everything possible to improve the site conditions .
`` This includes the lowest possible taxes with which London attracts companies from the EU to Great Britain . ''
There were also benefits to the EU from Brexit , Prof Minford stressed .
He said : `` Competition is not harmful , not even with taxes .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes , the EU will also benefit .

PMQs: Boris Johnson vows to keep Brexit argument ‘settled’
And Prof Patrick Minford predicted the UK will become a low-tax, competitive nation on the international stage once it quits at the end of the transition period on December 31 - regardless of whether a free trade deal with the bloc has been struck. Asked about the possibility of the UK returning to the fold, Prof Minford told German business magazine Economy Week: "I don't see a chance for that, at least for a generation. "The desire for a new referendum is low. And the Johnson government is very popular.
If you apply for EU membership again, Brussels will probably require the British to forego premium discounts and to commit themselves to joining the euro Professor Patrick Minford
"In addition, if you apply for EU membership again, Brussels will probably require the British to forego premium discounts and to commit themselves to joining the euro. "But there is no majority in the British population for this." Prof Minford also dismissed suggestions that the barriers to a UK/EU trade deal purely stem from Britain's reluctance to comply with the bloc's regulatory standards.
Having left under Boris Johnson, the UK will not try to rejoin the EU, said Prof Minford
Re-entry to the EU would come with a requirement to join the euro, Prof Minford said
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He said: "If it were only about the current standards and regulations, we would have no problem. "Great Britain has no interest in undermining the applicable EU standards in the area of the environment, state aid or competition policy. "On the contrary, the government in London has an environmentally friendly policy, and the UK has high standards of working conditions and competition." It was rather a case of Brussels expecting Britain to continue to adhere to all EU standards which it sets. JUST IN: No chance! Economist reveals why UK will NEVER request Brexit delay
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
He added: "The British are not ready for this. We have not regained our sovereignty in order to lose it again in the future in the wake of regulatory requirements from Brussels. "No country with a sovereign government can allow a foreign authority to dictate how it should shape politics. "This also applies to fishing rights, which are another point of contention in the negotiations. An agreement with Brussels in this area is quite possible. "But Britain must be able to set the conditions under which fishermen from other EU countries are allowed to fish in British waters. DON'T MISS:
Coronavirus POLL: Could pandemic spell the end for the EU? VOTE HERE [POLL]
EU’s top scientist quits over bloc’s coronavirus response [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus threat: Experts warn mafia bosses will exploit fears [ANALYSIS]
Then-UKIP leader Nigel Farage celebrates the referendum result in 2016
Boris Johnson's Brexit stance explained
"If Brussels insists that Great Britain will comply with all EU regulatory requirements in the future, there will be no agreement." Looking to the future, Prof Minford said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic would inevitably shape UK trade policy. He explained: "The coronavirus crisis is driving up the UK budget deficit and government debt. "This reduces the scope for rapid tax cuts. However, the UK economy must grow to bring the debt ratio back to a sustainable level.
Five key Brexit moments
"The government in London will, therefore, do everything possible to improve the site conditions. "This includes the lowest possible taxes with which London attracts companies from the EU to Great Britain." There were also benefits to the EU from Brexit, Prof Minford stressed. He said: "Competition is not harmful, not even with taxes. If the UK economy grows due to lower taxes, the EU will also benefit.
The impact of a hard Brexit - before taking into account the coronavirus pandemic
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-15--Brexit crisis: David Frost blows top at Barnier as talks judder to halt - furious update

Mr Frost was speaking following the third round of talks with the EU as they try to strike an agreement on a post-Brexit free trade agreement .
But the UK 's chief negotiator has been left furious by the lack of progress being made in talks , with London wanting a deal agreed before the end of the transition period in December .
He raged the EU is insisting on including a set of `` novel and unbalanced proposals '' on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would `` bind this country to EU law or standards '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration '' .
The UK 's chief negotiator warned that until Brussels changes its stance on this , further progress ca n't be made .
Mr Frost said : “ We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU , once again by videoconference .
I would like to thank Michel Barnier and the negotiating teams on both sides for their determination in making the talks work in these difficult circumstances .
“ I regret however that we made very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant outstanding issues between us .
“ It is very clear that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement , with other key agreements on issues like law enforcement , civil nuclear , and aviation alongside , all in line with the Political Declaration , could be agreed without major difficulties in the time available .
`` Both sides have tabled full legal texts , there are plenty of precedents , and there is clearly a good understanding between negotiators .
“ The major obstacle to this is the EU ’ s insistence on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would bind this country to EU law or standards , or determine our domestic legal regimes , in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration .
`` As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis , we will be able to make progress .
Mr Frost admitted that while there have been many `` useful discussions '' around several elements on fisheries , the EU is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for access to British in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state waters '' .
He warned the UK `` can not agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry '' .
Mr Frost raged : “ Although we have had useful discussions on fisheries on the basis of our draft legal text , the EU continues to insist on fisheries arrangements and access to UK fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fully committed to agreeing fishing provisions in line with the Political Declaration , but we can not agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry .
Mr Frost also warned the eU will have to change its approach before the next round of talks between the two sides begins in just two weeks ' time .

Brexit: Latest talks finished ‘without any progress’ says Barnier
Mr Frost was speaking following the third round of talks with the European Union as they try to strike an agreement on a post-Brexit free trade agreement. But the UK's chief negotiator has been left furious by the lack of progress being made in talks, with London wanting a deal agreed before the end of the transition period in December. He raged the EU is insisting on including a set of "novel and unbalanced proposals" on the so-called “level playing field” which would "bind this country to EU law or standards", something Mr Frost said is "unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration".
The UK's chief negotiator warned that until Brussels changes its stance on this, further progress can't be made. Mr Frost said: “We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU, once again by videoconference. I would like to thank Michel Barnier and the negotiating teams on both sides for their determination in making the talks work in these difficult circumstances. “I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us. “It is very clear that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, with other key agreements on issues like law enforcement, civil nuclear, and aviation alongside, all in line with the Political Declaration, could be agreed without major difficulties in the time available.
Brexit news: Trade talks between the UK and EU are threatening to descend into chaos
Brexit news: Trade talks between the UK and EU began on a brighter note in March
"Both sides have tabled full legal texts, there are plenty of precedents, and there is clearly a good understanding between negotiators. “The major obstacle to this is the EU’s insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called “level playing field” which would bind this country to EU law or standards, or determine our domestic legal regimes, in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration. "As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis, we will be able to make progress. Mr Frost admitted that while there have been many "useful discussions" around several elements on fisheries, the EU is refusing to give ground on its demands for access to British waters "in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state waters". READ MORE: How EU 'threw farmers under the bus' with disastrous trade deal
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Brexit news: The UK negotiating team is fuming at the negotiating tactics from Brussels
He warned the UK "cannot agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry". Mr Frost raged: “Although we have had useful discussions on fisheries on the basis of our draft legal text, the EU continues to insist on fisheries arrangements and access to UK fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state. "We are fully committed to agreeing fishing provisions in line with the Political Declaration, but we cannot agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry. Mr Frost also warned the eU will have to change its approach before the next round of talks between the two sides begins in just two weeks' time. DON'T MISS
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Brexit news: Michel Barnier lashed out at the UK following the third round of talks
Brexit news: The EU is refusing to back down from its stance
“It is hard to understand why the EU insists on an ideological approach which makes it more difficult to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. “We very much need a change in EU approach for the next Round beginning on 1 June. In order to facilitate those discussions, we intend to make public all the UK draft legal texts during next week so that the EU’s Member States and interested observers can see our approach in detail. “The UK will continue to work hard to find an agreement, for as long as there is a constructive process in being, and continues to believe that this is possible.” But Mr Barnier immediately hit back at the UK, describing the latest round of talks as "disappointing" and warned "we're not going to bargain away our values for the benefit of the British economy.
Brexit news: The UK wants a trade deal with the EU signed before the end of this year
He also warned the EU would not sign a trade teal with Britain without level playing field guarantees of fair competition or without a comprehensive agreement on fisheries. The Brexit negotiator told a European Commission press conference: "You cannot have the best of both worlds. "In parallel to these negotiations, both the UK and the EU have a legal commitment to implement the Withdrawal Agreement. "Here, citizens' rights are the priority for both sides and since the very beginning the UK tells us it has some concerns about the treatment of British nationals in the EU. "We yesterday received a letter from Michael Gove. "I want to tell you that the commission is very, very attentive to this issue and we have just published guidelines to support all 27 member states to live up to the commitments of the Withdrawal Agreement."
Brexit news: Boris Johnson is insisting s trade deal with the EU is signed before the end of the transition period
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-15--Brexit speech IN FULL: David Frost's furious reaction as trade deal on brink of collapse

Brexit talks have descended into chaos today as the UK tries to strike a free trade deal with the European Union .
Britain and Brussels are locked in the third round of talks , as the UK looks to ensure a deal is agreed before the end of the transition period in December .
But the latest discussions have ended in disaster , Chief negotiator David Frost launched a furious tirade against EU officials today , frustrated with the lack of progress made in the free trade deal discussions .
Speaking after the talks today , he raged the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` novel and unbalanced proposals '' on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would `` bind this country to EU law or standards '' .
Mr Forst warned that unless Brussels moves on this position , progress will never be made on the talks .
In a furious rant , the UK Cheif Negotiator issued a clear ultimatum .
Read his speech in full below .
• EU threat to sue UK backfires as Brussels ridiculed by Brexiteers “ We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to thank Michel Barnier and the negotiating teams on both sides for their determination in making the talks work in these difficult circumstances .
“ I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us .
“ It is very clear that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement , with other key agreements on issues like law enforcement , civil nuclear , and aviation alongside , all in line with the Political Declaration , could be agreed without major difficulties in the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal texts , there are plenty of precedents , and there is clearly a good understanding between negotiators .
“ The major obstacle to this is the EU ’ s insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would bind this country to EU law or standards , or determine our domestic legal regimes , in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration .
As soon as the EU recognises that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be able to make progress .
“ Although we have had useful discussions on fisheries on the basis of our draft legal text , the EU continues to insist on fisheries arrangements and access to UK fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state .
We are fully committed to agreeing fishing provisions in line with the Political Declaration , but we can not agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU insists on an ideological approach which makes it more difficult to reach a mutually beneficial agreement .
“ We very much need a change in EU approach for the next Round beginning on 1 June .
In order to facilitate those discussions , we intend to make public all the UK draft legal texts during next week so that the EU ’ s Member States and interested observers can see our approach in detail .
“ The UK will continue to work hard to find an agreement , for as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and continues to believe that this is possible .
”

Brexit: UK should 'walk away' from EU talks says Mummery
Brexit talks have descended into chaos today as the UK tries to strike a free trade deal with the European Union. Britain and Brussels are locked in the third round of talks, as the UK looks to ensure a deal is agreed before the end of the transition period in December. But the latest discussions have ended in disaster,
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Chief negotiator David Frost launched a furious tirade against EU officials today, frustrated with the lack of progress made in the free trade deal discussions. Speaking after the talks today, he raged the EU is insisting on including a set of "novel and unbalanced proposals" on the so-called “level playing field” which would "bind this country to EU law or standards". Mr Forst warned that unless Brussels moves on this position, progress will never be made on the talks. In a furious rant, the UK Cheif Negotiator issued a clear ultimatum. Read his speech in full below.
Brexit speech: David Frost and Michel Barnier are at odds over the progression of the talks
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-15--Boris Johnson children: How many children does Boris Johnson have?

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Boris Johnson has famously diverted questions about his family and personal life , especially during the election campaign in 2019 where he said it was not what the electorate wanted to discuss .
When asked how many children he had by LBC ’ s Nick Ferrari , the Prime Minister replied : “ I don ’ t think this is what the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does Boris Johnson have ?
Boris Johnson is believed to be the father of six children , the youngest being his son with Carrie Symonds who was born this morning .
As of yet , they have not chosen on a name for the baby boy , who is understood to be doing well along with his mum , who remains in the hospital .
The couple also expressed their thanks this morning , to the hardworking NHS maternity staff who ensured the safe delivery of their son .
Four of Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his ex-wife and top-tier barrister Marina Wheeler , while his fifth child is believed to be with a former mistress .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit POLL : Did Gove finally reveal EU hypocrisy with demand to access UK fishing ?
VOTE

Boris Johnson has famously diverted questions about his family and personal life, especially during the election campaign in 2019 where he said it was not what the electorate wanted to discuss. When asked how many children he had by LBC’s Nick Ferrari, the Prime Minister replied: “I don’t think this is what the nation wants to hear.”
How many children does Boris Johnson have?
Boris Johnson is believed to be the father of six children, the youngest being his son with Carrie Symonds who was born this morning.
As of yet, they have not chosen on a name for the baby boy, who is understood to be doing well along with his mum, who remains in the hospital.
The couple also expressed their thanks this morning, to the hardworking NHS maternity staff who ensured the safe delivery of their son.
Four of Mr Johnson’s children are from his marriage to his ex-wife and top-tier barrister Marina Wheeler, while his fifth child is believed to be with a former mistress.
DON'T MISS: Brexit POLL: Did Gove finally reveal EU hypocrisy with demand to access UK fishing? VOTE [POLL]


thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--Lib Dems admit Brexit policy a 'high speed car crash' in humiliating secret memo

The anti-Brexit party had campaigned on a manifesto to stop Britain leaving the European Union and went into the December election with 20 MPs following defections , but returned just 11 to the House of Commons .
After winning the leadership contest in July 2019 , Jo Swinson ambitiously pitched herself as genuine candidate for prime minister – six months later the 40-year-old lost her East Dunbartonshire seat to the SNP .
The party review polled 20,000 members and found the electorate saw Ms Swinson ’ s pitch for Prime Minister as `` unrealistic '' .
The report authored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party “ alienated large chunks of the population ” with its policies .
One section of the analysis was headlined The election : a high-speed car crash .
The report said : `` Even beyond the chaos and uncertainty wich came into play in 2019 , the Liberal Democrats had not translated their beliefs into a clear and relevant vision or the strategy to put it into place . ''
The report also found the party did not appeal to enough black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) voters .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our other policies and messages struggled to cut through .
`` There was no overarching offer of the country we wanted to create that would appeal to the electorate at large .
`` Indeed , we alienated large chunks of the population .
`` This was compounded by errors in how we addressed support amongst BAME.
” The inquiry also claimed sexism and misogyny featured in the campaign and Ms Swinson failed to connect with voters as the election drew closer .
The report added : `` Previously net-positive ratings for Jo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Britain to publish ALL documents to show EU threats in trade talks '' There was clearly a lot of misogyny and sexism at play , and Jo 's appeal to women also fell significantly during the election . ''
Structural problems at the heart of the party were also highlighted by the report which stated there was an `` unaccountable '' group of advisers around Ms Swinson who were at “ arm 's length from the resources of the party machine ” .
The Liberal Democrats currently do not have an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Swinson has been postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus crisis .
Brexit news : Barnier warns trade talks on brink of collapse [ INSIGHT ] Brussels attacks UK taxpayers : EU sues British Government as relations [ ANALYSIS ] Boris receives backing to offer US huge trade deal concessions [ POLL ]

Election 2019: Jo Swinson loses seat to SNP
The anti-Brexit party had campaigned on a manifesto to stop Britain leaving the European Union and went into the December election with 20 MPs following defections, but returned just 11 to the House of Commons. After winning the leadership contest in July 2019, Jo Swinson ambitiously pitched herself as genuine candidate for prime minister – six months later the 40-year-old lost her East Dunbartonshire seat to the SNP.
The party review polled 20,000 members and found the electorate saw Ms Swinson’s pitch for Prime Minister as "unrealistic". The report authored by Lib Dem peer Baroness Thornhill concluded the party “alienated large chunks of the population” with its policies. One section of the analysis was headlined The election: a high-speed car crash.
Jo Swinson lost her seat in the general election
The report said: "Even beyond the chaos and uncertainty wich came into play in 2019, the Liberal Democrats had not translated their beliefs into a clear and relevant vision or the strategy to put it into place." The report also found the party did not appeal to enough black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) voters. It said: "Beyond 'stopping Brexit', our other policies and messages struggled to cut through. "There was no overarching offer of the country we wanted to create that would appeal to the electorate at large.
Jo Swinson relentlessly campaigned to stop Brexit
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"Indeed, we alienated large chunks of the population. "This was compounded by errors in how we addressed support amongst BAME.” The inquiry also claimed sexism and misogyny featured in the campaign and Ms Swinson failed to connect with voters as the election drew closer. The report added: "Previously net-positive ratings for Jo fell during the campaign. READ MORE: Britain to publish ALL documents to show EU threats in trade talks
Jo Swinson was leader for just six months
"There was clearly a lot of misogyny and sexism at play, and Jo's appeal to women also fell significantly during the election." Structural problems at the heart of the party were also highlighted by the report which stated there was an "unaccountable" group of advisers around Ms Swinson who were at “arm's length from the resources of the party machine”. The Liberal Democrats currently do not have an official permanent leader and the contest to replace Ms Swinson has been postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus crisis. DON'T MISS Brexit news: Barnier warns trade talks on brink of collapse [INSIGHT]
Brussels attacks UK taxpayers: EU sues British Government as relations [ANALYSIS]
Boris receives backing to offer US huge trade deal concessions [POLL]
Ed Davey is currently the interim leader of the Liberal Democrats


thedailyexpress--2020-05-15--Brexit crisis: David Frost condemns Barnier as talks judder to halt - EU issued ultimatum

Mr Frost was speaking following the third round of talks with the European Union as they try to strike an agreement on a post-Brexit free trade agreement .
But the UK 's chief negotiator has been left furious by the lack of progress being made in talks , with London wanting a deal agreed before the end of the transition period in December .
He raged the EU is insisting on including a set of `` novel and unbalanced proposals '' on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would `` bind this country to EU law or standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration '' .
The UK 's chief negotiator warned that until Brussels changes its stance on this , further progress ca n't be made .
Mr Frost said : “ We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU , once again by videoconference .
I would like to thank Michel Barnier and the negotiating teams on both sides for their determination in making the talks work in these difficult circumstances .
“ I regret however that we made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most significant outstanding issues between us .
“ It is very clear that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement , with other key agreements on issues like law enforcement , civil nuclear , and aviation alongside , all in line with the Political Declaration , could be agreed without major difficulties in the time available .
`` Both sides have tabled full legal texts , there are plenty of precedents , and there is clearly a good understanding between negotiators .
“ The major obstacle to this is the EU ’ s insistence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbalanced proposals on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would bind this country to EU law or standards , or determine our domestic legal regimes , in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration .
`` As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis , we will be able to make progress .
Mr Frost admitted that while there have been many `` useful discussions '' around several elements on fisheries , the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands for access to British waters `` in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state waters '' .
READ MORE : How EU 'threw farmers under the bus ' with disastrous trade deal He warned the UK `` can not agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry '' .
Mr Frost raged : “ Although we have had useful discussions on fisheries on the basis of our draft legal text , the EU continues to insist on fisheries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state .
`` We are fully committed to agreeing fishing provisions in line with the Political Declaration , but we can not agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry .
Mr Frost also warned the eU will have to change its approach before the next round of talks between the two sides begins in just two weeks ' time .
DO N'T MISS How Switzerland vowed 'we will work with EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receives backing to offer US huge trade deal concessions [ POLL ] Britons furious as EU threatens legal action over freedom of movement [ COMMENT ] “ It is hard to understand why the EU insists on an ideological approach which makes it more difficult to reach a mutually beneficial agreement .
“ We very much need a change in EU approach for the next Round beginning on 1 June .
In order to facilitate those discussions , we intend to make public all the UK draft legal texts during next week so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interested observers can see our approach in detail .
“ The UK will continue to work hard to find an agreement , for as long as there is a constructive process in being , and continues to believe that this is possible.
” But Mr Barnier immediately hit back at the UK , describing the latest round of talks as `` disappointing '' and warned `` we 're not going to bargain away our values for the benefit of the British economy .
He also warned the EU would not sign a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field guarantees of fair competition or without a comprehensive agreement on fisheries .
The Brexit negotiator told a European Commission press conference : `` You can not have the best of both worlds .
`` In parallel to these negotiations , both the UK and the EU have a legal commitment to implement the Withdrawal Agreement .
`` Here , citizens ' rights are the priority for both sides and since the very beginning the UK tells us it has some concerns about the treatment of British nationals in the EU .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission is very , very attentive to this issue and we have just published guidelines to support all 27 member states to live up to the commitments of the Withdrawal Agreement . ''


thedailyexpress--2020-05-15--Brexiteers demand Boris walk away from trade talks with EU - ‘Bring it on!’

The UK ’ s chief negotiator David Frost said little progress had been made as he hit out at the EU ’ s level playing field and fishing demands .
And a senior British official close to the negotiations warned the UK could walk away if a deal can not be agreed .
Reacting on Twitter , Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said : “ Good to see the British Government holding firm for once.
” Former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney wrote : “ So long as the EU insists on full access to UK fisheries & its ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a clean break Brexit .
Bring it on !
” Ex-UKIP and independent MP Douglas Carswell added : “ Seems pretty clear .
If the EU persists with these demands that we be bound by its rules , we ’ ll trade with them like any other WTO member.
” Former MEP Rupert Lowe tweeted : “ Great to see Frost really pushing back against the EU .
Attacking them for the little progress made and their 'ideological ' approach which is proving impossible to deal with .
A belated clean break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news !
” And the Bruges Group think tank said : “ Once again , the EU ’ s unwillingness to negotiate in good faith has been exposed .
“ The fundamental issue is that Eurocrats in Brussels expect to be able to treat us differently to other countries with whom they have trade deals .
“ An extension would not fix such a broken mindset.
” Mr Frost said the EU ’ s demand for a level playing field on standards was a key stumbling block .
READ MORE : David Frost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on brink of collapse He said : `` I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us .
`` It is very clear that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement , with other key agreements on issues like law enforcement , civil nuclear , and aviation alongside , all in line with the Political Declaration , could be agreed without major difficulties in the time available .
`` The major obstacle to this is the EU 's insistence on including a set of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'level playing field ' which would bind this country to EU law or standards , or determine our domestic legal regimes , in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration .
DO N'T MISS Brexit crisis : David Frost furious at Barnier as talks judder to halt [ INSIGHT ] Boris receives backing to offer US huge trade deal concessions [ POLL ] Why 'no deal ' would greatly benefit UK fishing industry [ ANALYSIS ] '' As soon as the EU recognises that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that basis , we will be able to make progress . ''
Mr Frost said that fishing was another sticking point .
He said : `` Although we have had useful discussions on fisheries on the basis of our draft legal text , the EU continues to insist on fisheries arrangements and access to UK fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state .
`` We are fully committed to agreeing fishing provisions in line with the Political Declaration , but we can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the interests of the UK fishing industry .
`` It is hard to understand why the EU insists on an ideological approach which makes it more difficult to reach a mutually beneficial agreement . ''
Mr Frost added : `` We very much need a change in EU approach for the next round beginning on June 1 .
`` In order to facilitate those discussions , we intend to make public all the UK draft legal texts during next week , so that the EU 's member states and interested observers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The senior UK official close to the negotiations said the problem `` continues to be that the EU thinks that a kind of halfway house between what we 're willing to see on the so-called level playing field and what they 're willing to see '' .

Brexit: Latest talks finished ‘without any progress’ says Barnier
The UK’s chief negotiator David Frost said little progress had been made as he hit out at the EU’s level playing field and fishing demands. And a senior British official close to the negotiations warned the UK could walk away if a deal cannot be agreed.
Reacting on Twitter, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said: “Good to see the British Government holding firm for once.” Former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney wrote: “So long as the EU insists on full access to UK fisheries & its ‘level playing field’ we seemed destined for a clean break Brexit. Bring it on!” Ex-UKIP and independent MP Douglas Carswell added: “Seems pretty clear. If the EU persists with these demands that we be bound by its rules, we’ll trade with them like any other WTO member.” Former MEP Rupert Lowe tweeted: “Great to see Frost really pushing back against the EU. Attacking them for the little progress made and their 'ideological' approach which is proving impossible to deal with. A belated clean break Brexit is looking ever closer. Fantastic news!”
Brexiteers have praised Boris Johnson’s hardline approach in trade talks with the EU
The UK’s chief negotiator David Frost said little progress had been made as he hit out at the EU’s level playing field and fishing demands
And the Bruges Group think tank said: “Once again, the EU’s unwillingness to negotiate in good faith has been exposed. “The fundamental issue is that Eurocrats in Brussels expect to be able to treat us differently to other countries with whom they have trade deals. “An extension would not fix such a broken mindset.” Mr Frost said the EU’s demand for a level playing field on standards was a key stumbling block. READ MORE: David Frost's full reaction as Brexit trade deal on brink of collapse
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A senior British official close to the negotiations warned the UK could walk away if a deal cannot be agreed
He said: "I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us. "It is very clear that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, with other key agreements on issues like law enforcement, civil nuclear, and aviation alongside, all in line with the Political Declaration, could be agreed without major difficulties in the time available. "The major obstacle to this is the EU's insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called 'level playing field' which would bind this country to EU law or standards, or determine our domestic legal regimes, in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration. DON'T MISS
Brexit crisis: David Frost furious at Barnier as talks judder to halt [INSIGHT]
Boris receives backing to offer US huge trade deal concessions [POLL]
Why 'no deal' would greatly benefit UK fishing industry [ANALYSIS]
Mr Frost said the EU’s demand for a level playing field on standards was a key stumbling block
"As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis, we will be able to make progress." Mr Frost said that fishing was another sticking point. He said: "Although we have had useful discussions on fisheries on the basis of our draft legal text, the EU continues to insist on fisheries arrangements and access to UK fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state. "We are fully committed to agreeing fishing provisions in line with the Political Declaration, but we cannot agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry.
Mr Frost said that fishing was another sticking point
"It is hard to understand why the EU insists on an ideological approach which makes it more difficult to reach a mutually beneficial agreement." Mr Frost added: "We very much need a change in EU approach for the next round beginning on June 1. "In order to facilitate those discussions, we intend to make public all the UK draft legal texts during next week, so that the EU's member states and interested observers can see our approach in detail." The senior UK official close to the negotiations said the problem "continues to be that the EU thinks that a kind of halfway house between what we're willing to see on the so-called level playing field and what they're willing to see".
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--Boris on the brink? Why PM Johnson faces 'HERCULEAN task' to keep Tories in Number 10

Boris Johnson capped off a successful 2019 after sealing a crushing defeat of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party in December 's general election , handing him an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons that enabled him to get his Brexit deal voted through the UK parliament .
But while the next general election is n't scheduled to take place until May 2024 , the coronavirus crisis sweeping through the UK and the election of Sir Keir Starmer to replace Mr Corbyn as Labour leader has significantly ramped up the pressure .
Mr Johnson 's Conservative Party Government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to frontline NHS staff , while Sir Keir has been quick to pick holes in apparent discrepancies on the true impact of the pandemic in care homes .
He has also come under attack for not enforcing a nationwide lockdown soon enough , as well as for confusing messaging , particularly dropping the `` stay at home '' slogan in place for the `` stay alert '' when providing an update on how the UK plans to ease measures that have been in force since March 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their doors and some even go under , with Government pledging hundreds of billions of pounds to support workers through the crisis and desperately plug gaping holes in the economy .
But earlier this month , the Bank of England warned the UK economy could shrink by a massive 25 percent during the April to June quarter , sending the country collapsing to its deepest recession in more than 300 years , while the Office for Budget Responsibility warned the Government 's response to the coronavirus crisis will cost taxpayers a massive £123.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a further blow earlier this week when when a YouGov poll revealed he has been overtaken by Sir Keir in the approval ratings - despite the Labour leader only being in his top job for six weeks .
Ben Harris-Quinney , chairman of the Bow Group think tank , warned the Government 's economic approach means UK was already going into the coronavirus crisis with very little to spend from its own coffers , resulting in a disastrous scenario the economy `` may never recover from '' .
He told Express.co.uk : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus struck , could have been presented by Gordon Brown .
It focused heavily on borrowing and spending , and there was very little to mark it as conservative .
`` The major problem with two decades of this approach is it has left borrowing , debt , and deficit levels at record highs .
Whilst many think the Conservatives in 2010 implemented austerity , they have actually doubled the national debt in a decade .
`` It means going into the coronavirus crisis , the cupboards are bare , and we face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse we may never recover from . ''
READ MORE : This UK city could be coronavirus-free within two weeks The Bow Group chairman added : `` It is very unusual for a Government to remain in power under these circumstances , and so winning the next election will be far more challenging than it appeared just a few months ago .
`` Five years is however a political eternity , in that time we are likely to see new parties rise and existing parties change .
`` It gives Boris the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality , but coping with it and maintaining the Conservative 's current position in Parliament will be a herculean task . ''
Alistair Jones , associate professor for the Department of Politics , People and Place at De Montfort University in Leicester , warned Mr Johnson and the Tories should be `` very worried '' by the threat of Sir Keir and his Labour Party .
DO N'T MISS Boris followed advice that wrecked the country , says FREDERICK FORSYTH [ OPINION ] Boris Johnson urged to treat coronavirus borrowing like ‘ wartime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with memo urging he 'dodge ' own MPs over crisis response [ PICTURES ] He told this website : `` The levels of ineptitude demonstrated by senior Cabinet members in dealing with the pandemic are only matched by the US .
`` The fact that none of the politicians are willing to apologise - it is always `` I 'm sorry you think that '' - is leaving the public more and more disgruntled .
`` When investigations are carried out as to the numbers of deaths which could have been prevented comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal background to expose how poorly senior UK politicians acted .
`` The Conservative Party has created a rod for its own back in choosing their current party leader .
They should be very worried . ''

Kuenssberg says Government are ‘vulnerable’ on care homes
Boris Johnson capped off a successful 2019 after sealing a crushing defeat of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party in December's general election, handing him an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons that enabled him to get his Brexit deal voted through the UK parliament. But while the next general election isn't scheduled to take place until May 2024, the coronavirus crisis sweeping through the UK and the election of Sir Keir Starmer to replace Mr Corbyn as Labour leader has significantly ramped up the pressure. Mr Johnson's Conservative Party Government has been heavily criticised for not providing enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline NHS staff, while Sir Keir has been quick to pick holes in apparent discrepancies on the true impact of the pandemic in care homes.
He has also come under attack for not enforcing a nationwide lockdown soon enough, as well as for confusing messaging, particularly dropping the "stay at home" slogan in place for the "stay alert" when providing an update on how the UK plans to ease measures that have been in force since March 23. The lockdown has seen businesses close their doors and some even go under, with Government pledging hundreds of billions of pounds to support workers through the crisis and desperately plug gaping holes in the economy. But earlier this month, the Bank of England warned the UK economy could shrink by a massive 25 percent during the April to June quarter, sending the country collapsing to its deepest recession in more than 300 years, while the Office for Budget Responsibility warned the Government's response to the coronavirus crisis will cost taxpayers a massive £123.2 billion. Mr Johnson was also dealt a further blow earlier this week when when a YouGov poll revealed he has been overtaken by Sir Keir in the approval ratings - despite the Labour leader only being in his top job for six weeks.
Boris Johnson has been warned he faces a 'herculean task' to maintain the Tories' dominance
The Prime Minister is coming under increasing criticism over his Government's response to the coronavirus crisis
Ben Harris-Quinney, chairman of the Bow Group think tank, warned the Government's economic approach means UK was already going into the coronavirus crisis with very little to spend from its own coffers, resulting in a disastrous scenario the economy "may never recover from". He told Express.co.uk: "Boris' economic approach, even before coronavirus struck, could have been presented by Gordon Brown. It focused heavily on borrowing and spending, and there was very little to mark it as conservative. "The major problem with two decades of this approach is it has left borrowing, debt, and deficit levels at record highs. Whilst many think the Conservatives in 2010 implemented austerity, they have actually doubled the national debt in a decade. "It means going into the coronavirus crisis, the cupboards are bare, and we face the very real prospect of an economic collapse we may never recover from." READ MORE: This UK city could be coronavirus-free within two weeks
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Boris Johnson has also come under attack for confusing messaging during the coronavirus lockdown
The Bow Group chairman added: "It is very unusual for a Government to remain in power under these circumstances, and so winning the next election will be far more challenging than it appeared just a few months ago. "Five years is however a political eternity, in that time we are likely to see new parties rise and existing parties change. "It gives Boris the time and space to adjust to this new reality, but coping with it and maintaining the Conservative's current position in Parliament will be a herculean task." Alistair Jones, associate professor for the Department of Politics, People and Place at De Montfort University in Leicester, warned Mr Johnson and the Tories should be "very worried" by the threat of Sir Keir and his Labour Party. DON'T MISS
Boris followed advice that wrecked the country, says FREDERICK FORSYTH [OPINION]
Boris Johnson urged to treat coronavirus borrowing like ‘wartime debt' [COMMENT]
Boris snapped with memo urging he 'dodge' own MPs over crisis response [PICTURES]
Sir Keir Starmer has been on the front foot against Boris Johnson in the House of Commons
The leader overtook the Prime Minister in approval ratings earlier this week
He told this website: "The levels of ineptitude demonstrated by senior Cabinet members in dealing with the pandemic are only matched by the US. "The fact that none of the politicians are willing to apologise - it is always "I'm sorry you think that" - is leaving the public more and more disgruntled. "When investigations are carried out as to the numbers of deaths which could have been prevented comes to light, Starmer will use his legal background to expose how poorly senior UK politicians acted. "The Conservative Party has created a rod for its own back in choosing their current party leader. They should be very worried."
The UK Government has announced the first steps to easing the coronavirus lockdown
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--Keir Starmer panic: Honeymoon over as political expert issues warning over popularity

Former Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer was elected as the new Labour Party leader at the start of last month , and immediately vowed to reunite a party torn apart by infighting , allegations of anti-Semitisim and a baffling Brexit position .
Labour sank to new lows after a humiliated Jeremy Corbyn led the party to its worst general election result in recent history last December , handing Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party an 80-seat majority to push the Prime Minister 's Brexit deal through parliament .
The party also lost several constituency heartlands , particularly in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held and relied on for several decades , as voters began to turn against the opposition in their droves .
Mr Corbyn Subsequently stepped down as leader and was replaced by Sir Keir six weeks ago , but he is already faced with the uphill task of eliminating the bitter rows that contributed to Labour 's downfall .
John Macdonald , Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute think tank , warned although British voters might favour Sir Keir a lot more than his predecessor , he ca n't rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told Express.co.uk : `` Starmer is no doubt more popular than the previous leader .
As it stands , this is almost entirely because he is not Jeremy Corbyn .
`` This might save Labour from immediate oblivion , but there is only so long he can bank on not being the country ’ s most disliked leader since records began .
Mr Macdonald was speaking before a shock new poll revealed Sir Keir is already more popular than Mr Johnson among British voters .
The YouGov survey , which quizzed 1,674 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , showed the Labour leader has a net approval rating of +23 , while Mr Johnson has seen his net approval rating fall to +22 .
When asked how they thought Sir Keir was performing as leader of the Labour Party , 40 per cent said “ very well ” or “ fairly well ” , while 17 per cent said “ very badly ” or “ fairly badly ” .
READ MORE : Labour backlash : Peston slams Keir Starmer after PMQs clash with Boris In contrast , the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 57 percent think he is doing “ very well ” or “ fairly well ” , more than a third ( 35 percent ) think he is doing “ very badly ” or “ fairly badly ” .
Speaking to Express.co.uk shortly after Sir Keir was elected Labour leader , Mr Macdonald said Sir Keir must abandon `` Corbyn ’ s failed class politics '' and win over thousands of businesses by `` embracing private sector growth '' .
But he warned that with Mr Corbyn leaving Labour in `` tatters '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to display `` yet unseen Herculean resolve '' to challenge the Consrvatives .
Mr Macdonald said : `` Corbyn has left Labour in tatters .
The bar has been set so low that even the Tories breathed a sigh of relief to see a relatively competent debut from Keir Starmer at PMQs .
DO N'T MISS 'The British people will get us through ! '
Boris hits back at Starmer [ COMMENT ] Laura Kuenssberg condemns Boris after PMQs - 'No cheerleaders ' [ OPINION ] Len McCluskey ’ s Brexit swipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' It is now more important than ever that Labour abandons Corbyn ’ s failed class politics .
`` They must again become comfortable with entrepreneurship , innovation and be supportive of our job-creators .
`` The best way to support workers , after all , is to ensure they have access to good , well-paying jobs .
That means embracing private sector growth .

PMQs: Johnson tells Starmer care home comments are ‘not true’
Former Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer was elected as the new Labour Party leader at the start of last month, and immediately vowed to reunite a party torn apart by infighting, allegations of anti-Semitisim and a baffling Brexit position. Labour sank to new lows after a humiliated Jeremy Corbyn led the party to its worst general election result in recent history last December, handing Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party an 80-seat majority to push the Prime Minister's Brexit deal through parliament.
The party also lost several constituency heartlands, particularly in the north of England, that it had held and relied on for several decades, as voters began to turn against the opposition in their droves. Mr Corbyn Subsequently stepped down as leader and was replaced by Sir Keir six weeks ago, but he is already faced with the uphill task of eliminating the bitter rows that contributed to Labour's downfall. John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute think tank, warned although British voters might favour Sir Keir a lot more than his predecessor, he can't rely on riding that wave for too long. He told Express.co.uk: "Starmer is no doubt more popular than the previous leader. As it stands, this is almost entirely because he is not Jeremy Corbyn.
Sir Keir Starmer has been issued a huge warning over his leadership by a political expert
The Labour leader has enjoyed success with recent approval ratings
"This might save Labour from immediate oblivion, but there is only so long he can bank on not being the country’s most disliked leader since records began. Mr Macdonald was speaking before a shock new poll revealed Sir Keir is already more popular than Mr Johnson among British voters. The YouGov survey, which quizzed 1,674 UK adults from May 9 to May 10, showed the Labour leader has a net approval rating of +23, while Mr Johnson has seen his net approval rating fall to +22. When asked how they thought Sir Keir was performing as leader of the Labour Party, 40 per cent said “very well” or “fairly well”, while 17 per cent said “very badly” or “fairly badly”. READ MORE: Labour backlash: Peston slams Keir Starmer after PMQs clash with Boris
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Boris Johnson was overtaken by Sir Keir Starmer in approval ratings last week
In contrast, the Prime Minister divides opinion more strongly, and while 57 percent think he is doing “very well” or “fairly well”, more than a third (35 percent) think he is doing “very badly” or “fairly badly”. Speaking to Express.co.uk shortly after Sir Keir was elected Labour leader, Mr Macdonald said Sir Keir must abandon "Corbyn’s failed class politics" and win over thousands of businesses by "embracing private sector growth". But he warned that with Mr Corbyn leaving Labour in "tatters", the new leader of the opposition would have to display "yet unseen Herculean resolve" to challenge the Consrvatives. Mr Macdonald said: "Corbyn has left Labour in tatters. The bar has been set so low that even the Tories breathed a sigh of relief to see a relatively competent debut from Keir Starmer at PMQs. DON'T MISS
'The British people will get us through!' Boris hits back at Starmer [COMMENT]
Laura Kuenssberg condemns Boris after PMQs - 'No cheerleaders' [OPINION]
Len McCluskey’s Brexit swipe at Keir Starmer exposed [INSIGHT]
Sir Keir Starmer will have to display 'yet unseen Herculean resolve' to challenge the Tories
Jeremy corbyn led Labour to a humiliating defeat in the general election
"It is now more important than ever that Labour abandons Corbyn’s failed class politics. "They must again become comfortable with entrepreneurship, innovation and be supportive of our job-creators. "The best way to support workers, after all, is to ensure they have access to good, well-paying jobs. That means embracing private sector growth.
The main reason for voters not sticking with the Labour Party
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--No deal Brexit more likely as UK and EU won't reconcile 'Their argument makes no sense!'

No deal Brexit could be reached in just six weeks in the next phase of the UK 's withdrawal from the EU after negotiations ended badly this week .
The bloc is fighting for the UK to continue following their rules and regulations which does n't make sense to Lord Mervyn King .
He explained people voted to leave the EU to stop following their regulations as he went on to note that there is n't an easy wait out of these negotiations .
Speaking to LBC , Lord Mervyn said : `` One of the reasons for leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then decide it 's own regulations that would apply to our economy .
`` The European Union is arguing that even though we will leave the EU , we should still follow their rules and regulations in order to have a free trade agreement .
`` That is unprecedented .
There is no real parallel for that .
`` I think the arguments put up by the EU do n't make a great deal of sense .
`` At some point , I ca n't see any way in which we reconcile the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regulations from the EU or go our own way and that will have to be resolved .
`` Once that is resolved , once one side or the other has decided that it 's going to give in a little then it should be relatively straightforward to get an agreement on a free trade deal .
`` But I ca n't see at this stage that it 's going to be easy to find a way out of the current empasse is these two positions . ''
Host Andrew Castle added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to go until no deal is the default position and one we 'll find ourselves in . ''
The UK and Brussels appeared far apart on agreeing a future trade arrangement after the UK 's chief negotiator said `` very little '' progress had been made in the latest round of talks .
David Frost insisted the major obstacle to agreement was the EU 's insistence on including a set of `` novel and unbalanced proposals '' regarding a level playing field on standards .
Mr Frost also said it is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an ideological approach '' to negotiations on fishing rights .
The EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier insisted that the UK could `` not have the best of both worlds '' in a deal as he said the talks failed to produce any progress on the more difficult subjects .
Brexiteer MP accuses EU of dragging out trade talks to 'wear UK down ' [ INSIGHT ] Brussel 's masterplan to 'complete monetary union ' revealed [ INTERVIEW ] SAS veteran 's simple Brexit message as Brussels ' cracks show [ COMMENT @

Brexit: EU arguments 'don't make sense' says Lord Mervyn King
No deal Brexit could be reached in just six weeks in the next phase of the UK's withdrawal from the EU after negotiations ended badly this week. The bloc is fighting for the UK to continue following their rules and regulations which doesn't make sense to Lord Mervyn King. He explained people voted to leave the EU to stop following their regulations as he went on to note that there isn't an easy wait out of these negotiations.
Speaking to LBC, Lord Mervyn said: "One of the reasons for leaving the EU would be that the UK would then decide it's own regulations that would apply to our economy. "The European Union is arguing that even though we will leave the EU, we should still follow their rules and regulations in order to have a free trade agreement. "That is unprecedented. There is no real parallel for that. "I think the arguments put up by the EU don't make a great deal of sense. READ MORE: Lib Dems admit Brexit policy a 'high speed car crash'
No deal Brexit is becoming more likely, according to a former Bank of England governor
Boris Johnson is adamant the UK will leave on Decemebr 31
"At some point, I can't see any way in which we reconcile the views about whether we should adopt rules and regulations from the EU or go our own way and that will have to be resolved. "Once that is resolved, once one side or the other has decided that it's going to give in a little then it should be relatively straightforward to get an agreement on a free trade deal. "But I can't see at this stage that it's going to be easy to find a way out of the current empasse is these two positions." Host Andrew Castle added: "So, we've got six weeks to go until no deal is the default position and one we'll find ourselves in."
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The bloc is fighting for the UK to continue following their rules and regulations
Brexit: Britain needs to leave the EU 'quickly' warns Galloway
The UK and Brussels appeared far apart on agreeing a future trade arrangement after the UK's chief negotiator said "very little" progress had been made in the latest round of talks. David Frost insisted the major obstacle to agreement was the EU's insistence on including a set of "novel and unbalanced proposals" regarding a level playing field on standards. Mr Frost also said it is "hard to understand why the EU insists on an ideological approach" to negotiations on fishing rights. The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier insisted that the UK could "not have the best of both worlds" in a deal as he said the talks failed to produce any progress on the more difficult subjects. DON'T MISS Brexiteer MP accuses EU of dragging out trade talks to 'wear UK down' [INSIGHT]
Brussel's masterplan to 'complete monetary union' revealed [INTERVIEW]
SAS veteran's simple Brexit message as Brussels' cracks show [COMMENT]
Boris Johnson on Brexit
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--Boris Johnson to launch anti-obesity drive after coronavirus scare

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The Prime Minister reportedly admitted he weighed 17½st when he was taken to hospital with coronavirus last month .
At 5ft 9in tall , this would mean his Body Mass Index ( BMI ) was 36 , which is in the obese range .
Statistics show that being overweight increases the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 .
Since his illness , Mr Johnson is believed to have lost a stone .
Under his plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and personalised solutions '' to help people lose weight and live more active lives .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` It is critical to understand how different factors such as ethnicity , deprivation , age , gender and obesity could be disproportionately impacting how people are affected by coronavirus .
`` Public Health England launched a review into the factors affecting health outcomes from Covid-19 , to include ethnicity , gender and obesity .
This will be published by the end of May .
`` As we outlined in our Recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventative and personalised solutions to ill-health , helping individuals to live healthier and more active lives . ''
The Prime Minister revealed his plan when he was grilled by the 1922 Committee of Tory backbench MPs yesterday .
One MP who took part in the virtual meeting said : `` His time in hospital has obviously had a big impact on him and it is influencing his thinking on future policy , which is a good thing , particularly when it concerns the health of the nation . ''
Experts welcomed the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on helping people shed pounds as well as preventing them from becoming overweight in the first place .
They also said the food industry could do more to prevent people turning to unhealthy options while in lockdown .
Malcolm Clark , policy manager at Cancer Research UK , said : `` There are things the industry can do right now to support a healthy weight .

Dr Hilary highlights link between coronavirus and obesity
The Prime Minister reportedly admitted he weighed 17½st when he was taken to hospital with coronavirus last month. At 5ft 9in tall, this would mean his Body Mass Index (BMI) was 36, which is in the obese range. Statistics show that being overweight increases the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19. Since his illness, Mr Johnson is believed to have lost a stone.
Under his plan, the Government will invest in "preventative and personalised solutions" to help people lose weight and live more active lives. Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "It is critical to understand how different factors such as ethnicity, deprivation, age, gender and obesity could be disproportionately impacting how people are affected by coronavirus. "Public Health England launched a review into the factors affecting health outcomes from Covid-19, to include ethnicity, gender and obesity. This will be published by the end of May. "As we outlined in our Recovery Strategy, this Government will invest in preventative and personalised solutions to ill-health, helping individuals to live healthier and more active lives." The Prime Minister revealed his plan when he was grilled by the 1922 Committee of Tory backbench MPs yesterday. One MP who took part in the virtual meeting said: "His time in hospital has obviously had a big impact on him and it is influencing his thinking on future policy, which is a good thing, particularly when it concerns the health of the nation." Experts welcomed the news too and said there should be a focus on helping people shed pounds as well as preventing them from becoming overweight in the first place. They also said the food industry could do more to prevent people turning to unhealthy options while in lockdown. Malcolm Clark, policy manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "There are things the industry can do right now to support a healthy weight.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
"These include ensuring they do not have high fat or sugar promotions and that when they are doing their marketing and advertising, they are not pushing the most sugary options." The Prime Minister's drive comes after he pledged to review the so-called sin taxes, including the levy on sugary drinks, during the Tory leadership race last year. Caroline Cerny, at Obesity Health Alliance, said the apparent reversal in policy was "really welcome news", adding: "We know that having obesity can increase the risk of developing other types of disease, and now it is looking likely it is also linked to complications from Covid-19. "So it's really welcome news that the Government is planning to focus attention on this important health issue." Susan Jebb, professor of diet and population health at the University of Oxford, said the food industry could do more to ensure people don't overeat during lockdown. There are a number of preventative measures the Government could introduce, she added, including putting calorie labels on all foods and menus and restricting promotions and advertising on unhealthy foods. She said: "There is discussion about restricting TV advertising at a time when everyone is stuck at home and are more exposed to food advertising.
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"We know that being exposed to advertising prompts people to eat. So taking action to control advertising, restrict promotions, enforce calorie labelling on menus...these are going to require legislative action. We know what to do, it is just a question of doing it." But she added it was not realistic to say shedding the pounds would reduce the numbers of people getting coronavirus. "Encouraging people who are overweight to recognise losing weight will benefit their health is important for a whole raft of reasons, Covid just adds to the list. "It is not realistic to say losing weight is going to reduce Covid, it is about protecting our health long term." She also said that doctors should be encouraged to raise weight as a health issue, like smoking, and to offer to refer people to specialist weight management services.
Coronavirus: Obesity 'a risk factor for severe disease' says expert


thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--Care home promise: All staff and residents in England will be tested by June, says Hancock

The Health Secretary said there is a `` huge need ” to protect people in care homes as he unveiled a raft of new protection measures .
Mr Hancock said a new £600 million Infection Control Fund will help to reduce infections in care homes and save lives .
`` This is the most intense support and scrutiny that care homes have ever received , '' he said during the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing .
He added : “ We have capacity now for well over 100,000 tests a day and we are extending testing coverage still further .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms and without , are now being tested .
We will test every resident and every member of staff in care homes between now and early June.
” It comes after new figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) showed there were 12,526 care home residents deaths involving coronavirus between March 2 and May 1 this year .
This made up 27.3 percent of the total care home resident deaths across the period , which saw 45,899 people die overall .
The government has been criticised for “ forgetting ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis , with some hospital patients being sent to care homes without being tested in order to free up beds .
Mr Hancock yesterday said more support was being made available to social care workers .
He said : “ There will be a named clinical need for every care home in england .
“ These are already connected and will check in regularly to support care home residents and give advice .
“ This will be the most intensive support and scrutiny that care homes have ever received.
” The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of Covid-19 in care homes is in addition to £3.2 billion of financial support made available to local authorities to support key public services since the start of the crisis .
The Fund , which is ring fenced for social care , will be given to local authorities to ensure care homes can continue to halt the spread of coronavirus by helping them cover the costs of implementing measures to reduce transmission .
They will be asked to restrict permanent and agency staff to working in only one care home wherever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This £600 million Infection Control Fund will help as we continue to reduce infections in care homes and save lives .
“ From the very start of this outbreak , we have been working to protect our brilliant social care workforce and the most vulnerable in our society .

Care homes: Matt Hancock pledges to test all staff and residents
The Health Secretary said there is a "huge need” to protect people in care homes as he unveiled a raft of new protection measures.
Mr Hancock said a new £600 million Infection Control Fund will help to reduce infections in care homes and save lives.
"This is the most intense support and scrutiny that care homes have ever received," he said during the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing.
He added: “We have capacity now for well over 100,000 tests a day and we are extending testing coverage still further.
“All care home residents, with symptoms and without, are now being tested. We will test every resident and every member of staff in care homes between now and early June.”
It comes after new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed there were 12,526 care home residents deaths involving coronavirus between March 2 and May 1 this year.
The Health Secretary said there is a 'huge need' to protect people in care homes
The government has been criticised for 'forgetting' about care homes at the start of the crisis
This made up 27.3 percent of the total care home resident deaths across the period, which saw 45,899 people die overall. The government has been criticised for “forgetting” about care homes at the start of the crisis, with some hospital patients being sent to care homes without being tested in order to free up beds. Mr Hancock yesterday said more support was being made available to social care workers. He said: “There will be a named clinical need for every care home in england.
“These are already connected and will check in regularly to support care home residents and give advice.
“This will be the most intensive support and scrutiny that care homes have ever received.”
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The new £600 million Infection Control Fund to tackle the spread of Covid-19 in care homes is in addition to £3.2 billion of financial support made available to local authorities to support key public services since the start of the crisis. The Fund, which is ring fenced for social care, will be given to local authorities to ensure care homes can continue to halt the spread of coronavirus by helping them cover the costs of implementing measures to reduce transmission.
They will be asked to restrict permanent and agency staff to working in only one care home wherever possible.
Mr Hancock said: “This £600 million Infection Control Fund will help as we continue to reduce infections in care homes and save lives.
“From the very start of this outbreak, we have been working to protect our brilliant social care workforce and the most vulnerable in our society.
All care home staff and residents in England will be tested for coronavirus by the end of June


thedailyexpress--2020-05-16--‘UNBALANCED’ EU savaged as Frost says Brexit talks need to change

UK chief negotiator David Frost hit out at Brussels ’ “ ideological approach ” as he warned there had been “ very little progress ” in the latest round of wrangling .
Amid heightened tensions Mr Frost hinted the UK may walk out of future talks if there wasn ’ t a “ constructive process ” .
And he warned that there needed to be a “ change in EU approach ” before the next round of discussions starts on 1 June .
Major sticking points between the UK and the bloc included the EU ’ s focus on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as well as fishing rights in British waters , the chief negotiator claimed .
Mr Frost said in a fiercely worded statement : “ We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU , once again by video conference .
I would like to thank Michel Barnier and the negotiating teams on both sides for their determination in making the talks work in these difficult circumstances .
“ I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us .
He continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the EU ’ s insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called “ level playing field ” which would bind this country to EU law or standards , or determine our domestic legal regimes , in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration .
“ As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis , we will be able to make progress . ''
He added : `` We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the benefit of the British economy . ''
And he warned that the two sides still have `` very divergent '' positions on the issues of fisheries while there was no `` real discussion '' on level playing field provisions .
Meanwhile , a senior UK official close to the negotations added that while the talks had been `` constructive at times '' they had also been “ tetchy ” .
They added : `` Tetchiness can be a sign of difficulty but it can also be a sign that you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and understand and we have seen some signs of that in this round . ''
And the official said while they were still `` optimistic '' a deal could be struck , there was still `` fundamental difficulties '' between the two sides They said : `` They problem continues to be that the EU thinks they are going to get a half-way house between what we are willing to see on so-called level-playing field and what they are willing to see .
`` What we are willing to live with on fisheries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` `` As we have tried to make clear from the start there is not a half-way house .
We ca n't split the difference between areas where we control our own laws and waters and areas where we do n't .
`` That is the fundamental difficulty that the EU has not yet accepted . ''

Brexit: Latest talks finished ‘without any progress’ says Barnier
UK chief negotiator David Frost hit out at Brussels’ “ideological approach” as he warned there had been “very little progress” in the latest round of wrangling. Amid heightened tensions Mr Frost hinted the UK may walk out of future talks if there wasn’t a “constructive process”.
And he warned that there needed to be a “change in EU approach” before the next round of discussions starts on 1 June. Major sticking points between the UK and the bloc included the EU’s focus on a “so-called ‘level playing field’” as well as fishing rights in British waters, the chief negotiator claimed.
Mr Frost said in a fiercely worded statement: “We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU, once again by video conference. I would like to thank Michel Barnier and the negotiating teams on both sides for their determination in making the talks work in these difficult circumstances.
“I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us.
European Commissions UK Task Force Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier
UK chief negotiator David Frost hit out at Brussels’ 'ideological approach'
He continued: “The major obstacle to this is the EU’s insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called “level playing field” which would bind this country to EU law or standards, or determine our domestic legal regimes, in a way that is unprecedented in Free Trade Agreements and not envisaged in the Political Declaration. “As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis, we will be able to make progress." He added: "We’re not going to bargain away our values for the benefit of the British economy." And he warned that the two sides still have "very divergent" positions on the issues of fisheries while there was no "real discussion" on level playing field provisions. Meanwhile, a senior UK official close to the negotations added that while the talks had been "constructive at times" they had also been “tetchy”. They added: "Tetchiness can be a sign of difficulty but it can also be a sign that you are beginning to get to grips with it and understand and we have seen some signs of that in this round."
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And the official said while they were still "optimistic" a deal could be struck, there was still "fundamental difficulties" between the two sides They said: "They problem continues to be that the EU thinks they are going to get a half-way house between what we are willing to see on so-called level-playing field and what they are willing to see. "What we are willing to live with on fisheries and what they are willing to see. "
"As we have tried to make clear from the start there is not a half-way house. We can't split the difference between areas where we control our own laws and waters and areas where we don't. "That is the fundamental difficulty that the EU has not yet accepted."
In little over a month, Boris Johnson and EU leaders are scheduled to have a summit to analyse the talks' progress