thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--'Worse than Brexit!' Switzerland sent huge warning over bid to overthrow EU initiative

Justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter urged the country ’ s electorate to oppose a plan to scrap its free movement accord with Brussels .
The initiative put forward by the country ’ s right-wing opposition calls on the Swiss government to suspend the pact in order to take over full control of the country ’ s immigration system .
Under the proposal , the deal must be renegotiated with Brussels within the next 12 months or be scrapped altogether .
But Ms Keller-Sutter claimed the EU could just ignore the requests to revisit their existing free movement deal .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even worse than Brexit , ” she said .
Switzerland ’ s bilateral agreements with the bloc do not contain similar exit clauses , such as Article 50 , used by the British Government to deliver Brexit .
“ The EU is not obliged to speak to us , ” Ms Keller-Sutter added .
Under the current free movement pact , Switzerland and the EU have access to each other ’ s markets and the right to choose places of residence .
If the Swiss vote to restrict immigration from EU states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements on trade , transport and research .
Supporters of the initiative , including the Swiss People ’ s Party , the largest in the Federal Assembly , have argued the current system puts pressure on jobs and salaries in Switzerland .
They also say EU immigration has increased rents , caused overcrowding on public transport and in schools , and is to blame for much of the country ’ s crime statistics .
Whereas opponents claim the immigration curb would have severe consequences on the Swiss economy .
Ms Keller-Sutter said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our economic situation .
MUST READ : EU comes first !
Boris Johnson issued devastating Brexit blow to deal “ With free movement of people and the measures to promote the domestic workforce , only those people who are needed by the economy and who actually have a job come from the EU .
“ I ask those who claim that there is uncontrolled and unnecessary migration : what would we have done at the height of the corona crisis without the health staff crossing the borders .
More than 4,000 came to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from France.
” Switzerland ’ s system of direct democracy allows for constitutional amendments to be put to nationwide referendums if campaigners can gather at least 100,000 signatures over 18 months .
DO N'T MISS EU risks plunging London into chaos with delay to Brexit decision [ REPORT ] Brexit LIVE : UK fishing showdown looms as EU send negotiations warning [ UPDATES ] Row erupts over Scots plot to subtly DESTROY the United Kingdom [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: BBC’s Katya Adler exposes EU’s ‘nightmare’ during talks
Justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter urged the country’s electorate to oppose a plan to scrap its free movement accord with Brussels. The initiative put forward by the country’s right-wing opposition calls on the Swiss government to suspend the pact in order to take over full control of the country’s immigration system. Under the proposal, the deal must be renegotiated with Brussels within the next 12 months or be scrapped altogether.
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But Ms Keller-Sutter claimed the EU could just ignore the requests to revisit their existing free movement deal. “A ‘yes’ to the initiative is even worse than Brexit,” she said. Switzerland’s bilateral agreements with the bloc do not contain similar exit clauses, such as Article 50, used by the British Government to deliver Brexit. “The EU is not obliged to speak to us,” Ms Keller-Sutter added.
The European Union could refuse to renegotiate agreement with Switzerland
Ursula von der Leyen is the EU Commission's president
Under the current free movement pact, Switzerland and the EU have access to each other’s markets and the right to choose places of residence. If the Swiss vote to restrict immigration from EU states, it would also invalidate several other bilateral agreements on trade, transport and research. Supporters of the initiative, including the Swiss People’s Party, the largest in the Federal Assembly, have argued the current system puts pressure on jobs and salaries in Switzerland.
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Swiss justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter
They also say EU immigration has increased rents, caused overcrowding on public transport and in schools, and is to blame for much of the country’s crime statistics. Whereas opponents claim the immigration curb would have severe consequences on the Swiss economy. Ms Keller-Sutter said: “It’s an expression of our economic situation. MUST READ: EU comes first! Boris Johnson issued devastating Brexit blow to deal
Switzerland's relationship with the EU is managed by 120 separate bilateral accords
“With free movement of people and the measures to promote the domestic workforce, only those people who are needed by the economy and who actually have a job come from the EU. “I ask those who claim that there is uncontrolled and unnecessary migration: what would we have done at the height of the corona crisis without the health staff crossing the borders. More than 4,000 came to Ticino from Italy and more than 20,000 from France.” Switzerland’s system of direct democracy allows for constitutional amendments to be put to nationwide referendums if campaigners can gather at least 100,000 signatures over 18 months. DON'T MISS
EU risks plunging London into chaos with delay to Brexit decision [REPORT]
Brexit LIVE: UK fishing showdown looms as EU send negotiations warning [UPDATES]
Row erupts over Scots plot to subtly DESTROY the United Kingdom [INSIGHT]
Brexit: Boris Johnson says a ‘deal is there to be done’


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--Sturgeon sparks furious backlash from 'petrified' parents as she denies school COVID spike

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of `` glossing over '' a spike in coronavirus infections related to school reopenings .
The Scottish First Minister was questioned over concerns about the increasing number of cases connected to school pupils .
However , she dismissed the idea that the infections were solely linked to schools , prompting backlash online .
Ms Sturgeon told her daily briefing : `` I am concerned about what appears to be a rise in cases , albeit many of these cases we 're seeing are linked to known clusters and outbreaks .
`` Nevertheless it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat of the virus has n't gone away .
`` So all of us need to be really careful when it comes to abiding by all of the public health advice .
`` Clearly though , rightly or wrongly , the concern will be heightened for parents , young people and teachers when any of the cases involve young people of school age . ''
READ MORE : SNP warned they 'must investigate ' Russian influence on 2014 indyref She continued : `` While the notable clusters are still under investigation , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people who had been at school , they were just young people who happened to be pupils at that particular school .
`` We 've got to be careful about jumping to conclusions about the school connection .
`` These are outbreaks that are being described as community outbreaks involving people who are pupils at schools , they are not school-cased outbreaks .
`` That said , we continue to take great care around building our understanding around all of that . ''
One user responded to the answer , writing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school last week in east Glasgow .
Parents were informed at midnight last night , so saying 'most of these were not in school ' is completely glossing over that fact . ''
Another added : `` It 's just been announced that over-12s must socially distance outside their home so why are they allowed to go to school and not socially distance !
My daughter was petrified the other day moving from a class like sardines in a tin !
Please please look into this . ''
A different tweet read : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified in Coatbridge , Lanarkshire & North East Glasgow .
Nicola Sturgeon , they involved school kids & schools only started last week !
Where in detail are they ? ''
DO N'T MISS SNP to use desperate election tactic to 'distract ' Scottish voters [ EXCLUSIVE ] Sturgeon in for nasty shock at next election as Scots to reject SNP [ ELECTION FORECAST ] Sturgeon left red-faced as No 10 decision forces Scotland into U-turn [ INSIGHT ] Ms Sturgeon 's guidance was referenced by one person : `` Guidance says children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to social distance .
Why has this guidance changed ?
People I know are treating children as if they are immune and ca n't catch and pass on the virus . ''
An angry parent wrote : `` Again Nicola Sturgeon and Jason Leitch are restating importance of face coverings & less than 2m distancing in indoor spaces , yet largest mass gatherings in school somehow immune .
`` Ca n't help feeling me and my partners ' efforts for our son thus far are pointless now , just waiting for his symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Dear Nicola , my husband has returned to work as a teacher in a high school and is shocked and dismayed about the lack of preparation that is in place : no deep cleaning , no hand sanitiser , very little direction and huge anxiety amongst the staff , the EIS aware . ''
A different user attacked the SNP 's response to the pandemic as a whole : `` Nicola Sturgeon says 'lessons can be learned for the future ' .
WHAT ?
Thousands killed .
Culpability , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a killer virus !
You knew it was contagious !
Jeane Freeman staying quiet , she should be announcing her resignation . ''

Nicola Sturgeon denies ‘school-based outbreaks’ in Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of "glossing over" a spike in coronavirus infections related to school reopenings. The Scottish First Minister was questioned over concerns about the increasing number of cases connected to school pupils. However, she dismissed the idea that the infections were solely linked to schools, prompting backlash online.
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Ms Sturgeon told her daily briefing: "I am concerned about what appears to be a rise in cases, albeit many of these cases we're seeing are linked to known clusters and outbreaks. "Nevertheless it is a really sharp reminder for us that the threat of the virus hasn't gone away. "So all of us need to be really careful when it comes to abiding by all of the public health advice. "Clearly though, rightly or wrongly, the concern will be heightened for parents, young people and teachers when any of the cases involve young people of school age." READ MORE: SNP warned they 'must investigate' Russian influence on 2014 indyref
Nicola Sturgeon sparks raging backlash from 'petrified' parents as she denies school spike
Nicola Sturgeon said, 'Clearly though, rightly or wrongly, the concern will be heightened'
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She continued: "While the notable clusters are still under investigation, many of the cases reported initially were not young people who had been at school, they were just young people who happened to be pupils at that particular school. "We've got to be careful about jumping to conclusions about the school connection. "These are outbreaks that are being described as community outbreaks involving people who are pupils at schools, they are not school-cased outbreaks. "That said, we continue to take great care around building our understanding around all of that."
Nicola Sturgeon added, 'We've got to be careful about jumping to conclusions about schools'
Nicola Sturgeon: 'Mandatory' for pubs to collect contact details
One user responded to the answer, writing: "There was a confirmed case IN school last week in east Glasgow. Parents were informed at midnight last night, so saying 'most of these were not in school' is completely glossing over that fact." Another added: "It's just been announced that over-12s must socially distance outside their home so why are they allowed to go to school and not socially distance! My daughter was petrified the other day moving from a class like sardines in a tin! Please please look into this." A different tweet read: "New COVID-19 community clusters have been identified in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire & North East Glasgow. Nicola Sturgeon, they involved school kids & schools only started last week! Where in detail are they?" DON'T MISS
SNP to use desperate election tactic to 'distract' Scottish voters [EXCLUSIVE]
Sturgeon in for nasty shock at next election as Scots to reject SNP [ELECTION FORECAST]
Sturgeon left red-faced as No 10 decision forces Scotland into U-turn [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus UK: Vital importance of social distancing


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--EU holds UK ransom with huge delay to major decision - City of London faces economic chaos

The European Commission has said it won ’ t be ready to grant so-called “ equivalence ” decisions for months because the bloc ’ s own regulations are facing a policy overhaul .
This means the City of London faces an agonising wait , which could go beyond the expiration of the transition period at the end of the year , to know whether banks and asset managers will have access rights to the EU ’ s markets .
Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels would not be ready to assess whether Britain qualifies for the access .
He blamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own rules for investment firms for the delay , which was due to have an initial sign off in June .
“ In some areas we will not be in a position to adopt equivalence decisions… not all EU parameters are in place in these areas , ” the eurocrat claimed .
“ Implementing rules are not yet in place.
” The financial services sector has been largely excluded from warning over the future UK-EU trade deal .
Brussels insists access to its markets must be based on its unilateral equivalence system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the UK ’ s regulations are up to scratch before granting access to their financial service market .
Around 40 separate equivalence provisions are set out in the bloc ’ s vast web of financial services regulation .
The lack of equivalence does not mean UK firms will be completely shut out of the EU ’ s market , according to Mr Dombrovskis .
But he warned British regulators would face a race against the clock to strike separate pacts with their counterparts in EU member states .
“ UK investment firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
City insiders have , however , warned a country-by-country approach would be more burdensome than securing pan-European access rights .
Julia Smithers Excell , a partner at law firm White & Case , said failure by Brussels to complete an equivalence decision would mean increasing the red tape faced by investment firms .
MUST READ : Row erupts over Scots plot to subtly DESTROY the United Kingdom

Brexit: Trade deal with EU is ‘necessity’ says Michael Martin
The European Commission has said it won’t be ready to grant so-called “equivalence” decisions for months because the bloc’s own regulations are facing a policy overhaul. This means the City of London faces an agonising wait, which could go beyond the expiration of the transition period at the end of the year, to know whether banks and asset managers will have access rights to the EU’s markets. Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels would not be ready to assess whether Britain qualifies for the access.
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He blamed the planned changes to the bloc's own rules for investment firms for the delay, which was due to have an initial sign off in June. “In some areas we will not be in a position to adopt equivalence decisions… not all EU parameters are in place in these areas,” the eurocrat claimed. “Implementing rules are not yet in place.” The financial services sector has been largely excluded from warning over the future UK-EU trade deal.
Brussels has warned key Brexit financial services decisions could face further delays
EU Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis oversees the bloc's economy
Brussels insists access to its markets must be based on its unilateral equivalence system. Under the arrangement, eurocrats would judge whether the UK’s regulations are up to scratch before granting access to their financial service market. Around 40 separate equivalence provisions are set out in the bloc’s vast web of financial services regulation. The lack of equivalence does not mean UK firms will be completely shut out of the EU’s market, according to Mr Dombrovskis.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson
But he warned British regulators would face a race against the clock to strike separate pacts with their counterparts in EU member states. “UK investment firms can have this access via national regimes,” he said. City insiders have, however, warned a country-by-country approach would be more burdensome than securing pan-European access rights. Julia Smithers Excell, a partner at law firm White & Case, said failure by Brussels to complete an equivalence decision would mean increasing the red tape faced by investment firms. MUST READ: Row erupts over Scots plot to subtly DESTROY the United Kingdom
City of London faces uncertainty over the EU's delay to so-called equivalence decisions
Brexit: DUP MP warns hopes of United Ireland is ‘pipe dream’


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--Brexit LIVE: Huge fishing row to erupt as UK tells Brussels to FORGET major demand

As part of the UK ’ s tough approach , negotiators will stand firm on banning EU fishing boats from having unlimited access to British waters .
The source said : “ We remain committed to working hard to find the outlines of a balanced agreement .
“ We have been repeatedly clear that we are looking for a deal with , at its core , a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada – that is , an agreement based on existing precedents .
“ But what we can not have is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that constrains us to the EU ’ s rules .
“ Our priority throughout the process has always been the return of our sovereignty.
” The EU still insists Britain must agree a level playing field with Brussels , which would see the UK tied to EU laws and regulations .
The bloc are also determined to ensure EU fishing boats continue to receive the same access to British fishing waters .
David Frost , the UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , has taken 50 civil servants to Brussels for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A dinner between Mr Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier will take place tomorrow evening , ahead of two days of intense negotiations .
1.05pm update : No10 confident a Brexit deal will be reached in September The Government has said a Brexit deal an be reached next month .
Ahead of Brexit talks this week , the spokesman said : `` There are many issues that will be discussed during this week 's round , not least level playing field , fisheries , trading goods and services amongst others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to work to plug the gaps where any differences remain '' .
Brexit Britain is on course to agreeing multiple trade agreements with Australia , New Zealand , the US and Japan .
In an update on Sunday , International Trade Secretary , Liz Truss declared the talks with all four nations are “ progressing well ” .
Writing in The Daily Telegraph , she said : “ We are in a series of negotiations with the US , Japan , Australia and New Zealand to strike new free trade agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Talks in all four are progressing well .
“ Round four of US negotiations starts soon , where we ’ ll talk directly about tariffs .
“ On Japan , we have consensus on the major elements of a deal that will go beyond the agreement the EU has with Japan .
We aim to have agreement in principle by the end of August .
“ Round two of talks with Australia starts in mid-September , and the second round of discussions with New Zealand starts a month later .
“ These deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) , which will hitch Britain to one of the world ’ s fastest-growing parts of the globe.
” Dutch fishermen warned that half of their business could be wiped out if they are suddenly excluded from Britain 's fishing grounds .
Guido Betsema is a fisherman from the Netherlands , and he expressed his fears about the prospect of losing access .
He said : `` Brexit came as a surprise to us , and not a good surprise .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerging .
`` I fish in British waters 80 percent of the year , and if I 'm not allowed to fish there anymore , I 'll have to go somewhere else .
`` But other colleagues are already fishing in Dutch waters , so if I go there we have to share . ''
9.58am update : EU holds UK ransom with huge delay to major decision - City of London faces economic chaos The European Commission has said it won ’ t be ready to grant so-called “ equivalence ” decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own regulations are facing a policy overhaul .
This means the City of London faces an agonising wait , which could go beyond the expiration of the transition period at the end of the year , to know whether banks and asset managers will have access rights to the EU ’ s markets .
Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels would not be ready to assess whether Britain qualifies for the access .
The pound edged up slightly this morning , after weekly futures data showed that the net short speculative position on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running , ahead of a new round of Brexit talks this week .
Speculators ' net bearish position on the pound got smaller in the week to August 11 , according to weekly CFTC futures data released on Friday .
The speculative short position on the pound is the smallest in four months .
8.02am update : Fears of Brexit deal tying us to Brussels forever Leading Tories believe the Government could turn to international law if the EU fails to treat Britain like a sovereign state in the negotiations .
The British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign a deal that leaves the UK constrained by EU rules .
But there are fears that unless they make a strong stand the country could still be chained to Brussels , under the rule of the European Court of Justice .
Ex-Brexit minister David Jones blamed Brussels for holding up progress by continuing to demand the same fishing rights and so-called level playing field rules that would keep the UK shackled by EU regulations .
The Tory MP said : `` They want us to be tied to EU regulations and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wo n't accept it . ''

Brexit: Boris Johnson says a ‘deal is there to be done’
David McAllister, who chairs the European Parliament’s UK Coordination Group, warned a deal must be struck by October so it can be ratified by the end of the year. The MEP added that an agreement between Brussels and Britain would not be “easy”.
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Speaking to German newspaper Börsen-Zeitung, Mr McAllister said the EU had made "a unique and highly attractive offer to the UK that has never been made to a third country: quota-free and duty-free access for goods to the single market”. But he insisted it must include a level playing field which has proved a key sticking point in negotiations. Mr McAllister said the EU is open to competition but added: “It's about fair competition.” The latest round of trade talks take place in Brussels this week. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
German MEP David McAllister insisted the EU has made a “highly attractive offer” to the UK
8.00am update: Angry Frost to put Barnier in place after sensational claims - showdown TODAY 7.06am update: UK vets call for 'urgent clarity' on post-Brexit animal movement rules The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called for “urgent clarity” on how the movement of animals will be arranged after Brexit. The association said it cannot start preparing new veterinary checks on the export and import of animals – as well as pet travel – until a UK-EU agreement is reached, according to Politicshome. BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “As we enter the next round of negotiations we simply can’t know if the veterinary profession is ready for EU Exit, because we don’t yet know what level of veterinary checks on imports and exports will be required.” 3.47am update: Scottish MPs seeking evidence in COVID-19 - Brexit investigation Scottish MPs are investigating the impact of both COVID-19 and Brexit on rural communities. It was reported yesterday Holyrood’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee had launched an appeal for evidence to assist its enquiries. The aim of the investigation is to see how funding should be reallocated.
Pictured - Scottish Parliament. MSPs are seeking evidence for an investigation into COVID-19 and Brexit impacts on rural communities
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12.22am update: UK government has 'approached' US Democrats about Brexit deal ahead of election Senior UK government ministers have approached US Democrats for a post-Brexit trade deal in the event president Donald Trump loses, according to new reports. Greg Hands, UK trade minister, insisted the government does not “strategise around elections, but said ministers aim to “maintain bipartisan support” in US politics. He told the Times he had been speaking to senior Democrats and “members of Congress” about a UK-US trade deal. In July, it was claimed the government had abandoned the idea of securing a UK-US trade deal before the crucial November presidential election – and indeed by the end of the year. Recently, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss vowed to pressure the US into dropping tariffs on single malt whisky, which she said “damage industry and livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic and are in nobody’s interests.” Edward Browne takes over live reporting from Katie Harris 10.30pm update: EU accused of 'appeasement' as row threatens to blow up in Mediterranean Cyprus today accused the EU of adopting "appeasement" tactics towards Turkey in a bitter stand-off over energy exploration in the Mediterranean Sea. The furious attack on the bloc came after Greece failed to secure the support from fellow member states for sanctions against Ankara’s offshore natural gas operations. Nicosia and Athens both claimed Turkish ships have continued to survey two disputed maritime regions. But Turkey insists it has jurisdiction despite Greece claiming one is on its continental shelf and the other claimed by Cyprus. Cypriot government spokesman Kyriakos Koushios fumed: “Unfortunately we are observing a diffidence from the European Union in taking on a substantive role and adopting policies of deterrence.” He welcomed messages of support from EU neighbours but insisted kind words were not enough. “The policy of appeasement and the messages of support are not enough to discourage Turkey from its illegal actions,” the spokesman added. 9.40am update: Remainer plot to ‘reverse Brexit’ sparks fury A last-ditch Remainer plot to keep the UK locked in the EU and "reverse Brexit" has sparked fury, after the Government made an incredible U-turn on A-level exam results for students in England. Joanne Harris, chair of the Society of Authors and board member of the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society, told her 73,000 followers on Twitter: "A-level U-turn achieved. Good. Now let's make them reverse Brexit." But her comments sparked fury, with several people mocking them and highlighting how it is already too late as the end of the transition period on December 31 is approaching. One Remainer replied to Ms Harris: "The A-level situation is a debacle that needs to be reversed. But Brexit is a decision that the British people voted for, and therefore should stand and be implemented (and I voted Remain)." But Ms Harris snapped back: "They voted for a proven lie." Another person tweeted: "This right here is what is making us Remainers look like idiots. The A level grades u-turn was achievable, but the public voted for Brexit. Yes you can say they lied but the public still voted for it."
8.55pm update: Ex-Brexit Party MEP blasts Northern Ireland protocol Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib tweeted: “I don’t think the people yet appreciate that @BorisJohnson’s deal puts a border slap bang down the middle of the UK. “It is slightly more than a thin edge of the wedge. The UK will be the only country in history to willingly partition itself.” 7.35pm update: Czech PM snubs eurozone until bloc delivers reforms The Czech Republic will not join the EU’s single currency until the bloc has made significant reforms and learned lessons from Brexit, its prime minister warned. Andrej Babis insisted Brussels would have to give up control over member states’ budgets before Prague joins the eurozone. He said European capitals should be allowed to use their own spending plans “more reasonably”. “The Czech Republic is ready to enter the eurozone,” Mr Babis said in an interview. “But in this situation, when we expect some reforms to EU governance, we choose to wait. “The euro is more of a political than an economic project. “Besides that, we are now seeing serious structural challenges that are potentially very dangerous: tensions between the prosperous northern members of the EU and the stagnating south were clearly visible during the post-pandemic recovery package negotiations. “And while the 19 states of the eurozone have a common currency, they still have different economic approaches and follow different budget strategies. “No one has the power to force heavily indebted countries to act more reasonably.” 6.10pm update: Britain will keep EU sanctions on Belarus after transition period ends The UK will adopt the EU’s sanctions on Belarus after the transition period ends, a British official has said. It comes after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raan said the result of the August 9 election which saw Alexander Lukashenko claim victory was “fraudulent”.
The Czech Republic will not join the EU’s single currency until the bloc has made significant reforms and learned lessons from Brexit, its prime minister warned
4.45pm update: UK insists it will not accept deal that infringes sovereignty The UK has insisted it will not strike an agreement that ties Britain to the EU’s rules. A source close to British negotiators told the Daily Mail: “We remain committed to working hard to find the outlines of a balanced agreement. “We have been repeatedly clear that we are looking for a deal with, at its core, a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada – that is, an agreement based on existing precedents. “But what we cannot have is a form of relationship which requires alignment or one that constrains us to the EU’s rules. “Our priority throughout the process has always been the return of our sovereignty.” 3.30pm update: Ex-MEP warns Frost not to compromise on fishing Former Brexit Party MEP June Mummery has warned Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost not to back down on fishing in trade talks with the EU. Retweeting a comment piece by ex-MEP Brian Monteith, which called on the UK to walk away from fishing negotiations with Brussels, Ms Mummery said: “Well said @TheBluetrot, No ifs, or buts, @DavidGHFrost if you betray Coastal Communities the great British Public will never forgive you. “We must take back full control thats 200 miles not 12. “Do not be lead up the garden path by organisations with foreign vested interests.”
Former Brexit Party MEP June Mummery has warned Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost not to back down on fishing in trade talks with the EU
2.30pm update: Boris Johnson issued devastating Brexit blow to UK-China trade deal With the UK out of the EU, Britain will be free to sign free trade agreements across the world but may face “tough” negotiations with China. Due to the decision regarding Huawei, the criticism of the Hong Kong security law and criticism for ethnic minorities, professor Steve Tsang from the School of Oriental and African Studies, claimed the UK will not get a favourable trade agreement with China. Due to the current geopolitical climate with China, he warned negotiations for the UK will only get more difficult. He told Express.co.uk: “It’s not going to be any easier, it will be more difficult. China always takes a tough stance. “Well, the idea the UK will get a deal which will be better than the EU is highly unrealistic. The Chinese aren’t an outliner. “No one else will agree to give us a better deal than the EU. I think the deal will be tougher. “Even without the difficulties, we are going to get an extremely tough negotiation anyway.” 1.05pm update: No10 confident a Brexit deal will be reached in September The Government has said a Brexit deal an be reached next month. Ahead of Brexit talks this week, the spokesman said: "There are many issues that will be discussed during this week's round, not least level playing field, fisheries, trading goods and services amongst others." He added that the Government "will continue to work to plug the gaps where any differences remain". 12.23pm update: UK nearing trade agreements with FOUR major allies Brexit Britain is on course to agreeing multiple trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand, the US and Japan. In an update on Sunday, International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss declared the talks with all four nations are “progressing well”. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, she said: “We are in a series of negotiations with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand to strike new free trade agreements and lower tariffs for our exporters. Talks in all four are progressing well. “Round four of US negotiations starts soon, where we’ll talk directly about tariffs. “On Japan, we have consensus on the major elements of a deal that will go beyond the agreement the EU has with Japan. We aim to have agreement in principle by the end of August. “Round two of talks with Australia starts in mid-September, and the second round of discussions with New Zealand starts a month later. “These deals are an important step towards accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will hitch Britain to one of the world’s fastest-growing parts of the globe.”
Brexit news: The EU wants the same fishing rules to continue
11.07am update: Dutch fisherman’s fury over Brexit fishing feud Dutch fishermen warned that half of their business could be wiped out if they are suddenly excluded from Britain's fishing grounds. Guido Betsema is a fisherman from the Netherlands, and he expressed his fears about the prospect of losing access. He said: "Brexit came as a surprise to us, and not a good surprise. I am worried. It is like a monster emerging. "I fish in British waters 80 percent of the year, and if I'm not allowed to fish there anymore, I'll have to go somewhere else. "But other colleagues are already fishing in Dutch waters, so if I go there we have to share." 9.58am update: EU holds UK ransom with huge delay to major decision - City of London faces economic chaos The European Commission has said it won’t be ready to grant so-called “equivalence” decisions for months because the bloc’s own regulations are facing a policy overhaul. This means the City of London faces an agonising wait, which could go beyond the expiration of the transition period at the end of the year, to know whether banks and asset managers will have access rights to the EU’s markets. Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels would not be ready to assess whether Britain qualifies for the access.
EU countries most reliant on British fishing waters


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--'EU exit will not harm UK standing in world' - Boris lands huge Brexit endorsement

Natarajan Chandrasekaran insists leaving the EU has not damaged Britain 's standing - although he was wary about the threat of any new tariffs on his businesses .
He added : `` I think what you look for in running big businesses is stability , it ’ s not that every policy you end up liking .
`` In the last three to four years , Brexit dealings have had a lot of twists and turns , but the world has not been a stable place for the last four years . ''
THIS BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED - CLICK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elsewhere , Boris Johnson is facing a fresh Brexit crisis after trade bodies threatened legal action against the Government 's new customs system , claiming it will unfairly distort competition .
Industry groups clashed with the HM Revenue and Customs expert panel during a meeting and raged the new Trader Support Service ( TSS ) , which will enable the Government effectively to act as a customs agent on behalf of traders , would destroy firms who provide customs brokerage systems themselves .
Last week , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational and free at the point of use .
This would aim to protect trade flows across the Irish Sea when the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
But HMRC said on the call with industry groups the new system would not only help companies complete paperwork for transporting goods to Northern Ireland from the rest of Britain , but also from the rest of the world , at an estimated cost of £355million to the Treasury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Telegraph that one trade group had even suggested the Attorney General should be consulted on the legality of the TSS .
Peter MacSwiney , chairman of the joint customs consultative committee , said : “ The Northern Irish brokerage community are not happy that they ’ re likely to lose all their customers to a free government service.
” The British International Freight Association told HMRC its members were “ fuming ” because they would not be able to be compensated for providing customs services .
The EU ’ s financial services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the City of London that it may have to wait before the end of this year to know whether it will have prized access to all the rights of the bloc ’ s market .
He said Brussels will not be ready in the coming months to see whether Britain qualifies for some equivalence provisions as their own regulations are changing .
Mr Dombrovskis said : “ In some areas we will not be in a position to adopt equivalence decisions .
He added : “ Not all EU parameters are in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet in place.
” The UK has vowed not to agree to a constraining deal with the EU as Brexit talks are set to resume on Monday .
A source close to the British negotiators said : “ We remain committed to working hard to find the outlines of a balanced agreement .
“ We have been repeatedly clear that we are looking for a deal with , at its core , a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada – that is , an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly added that the UK will not agree to a deal which requires alignment to the EU ’ s rules .
12.15am update : Brexit museum plans set to speed up Plans for a Museum of Brexit will be stepped up in the autumn as organisers have asked members of the public to search for items in their homes which could be included in the archive .
A number of locations in Leave-voting areas have been earmarked as possible sites for the museum as the end of the transition period approaches .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Weatherspoon beer mats and one of Nigel Farage ’ s old suits .
Former Brexit Party spokesman Gawain Towler , one of the museum ’ s organisers , said : “ Things have been quiet , partially because we still had to fight for Brexit , and then we ’ ve had COVID .
“ But as the country starts to wake up and it looks like we are finally approaching the exit door of the 40-year failed experiment , we are in a better position to look to the future without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm Britain 's standing the world - and the nation remains an attractive place to invest , the new boss of Tata Steel has said .
Natarajan Chandrasekaran insists leaving the EU has not damaged Britain 's standing - although he was wary about the threat of any new tariffs on his businesses .
He added : `` I think what you look for in running big businesses is stability , it ’ s not that every policy you end up liking .
`` In the last three to four years , Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turns , but the world has not been a stable place for the last four years . ''
8pm update : Brexit blow to Sinn Fein leader 's 'pipe dream ' of a united Ireland - 'Not in her lifetime ' Brexit has proved to be a hard blow to Sinn Fein 's dreams for a United Ireland because of the `` opportunities '' local business in Northern Ireland are expecting , according to DUP MP Jim Shannon .
Brexit fuelled concerns republican parties such as Sinn Fein could generate a renewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Republic in the south of the Irish isle .
But according to Mr Shannon , Britain 's departure from the European Union had local businesses looking forward to the many opportunities the withdrawal will afford the UK .
Speaking to RT UK , the Strangford MP said : `` Not in my lifetime , not in my children 's lifetime . ''
Brussels is hoping to repeat its tried and tested fishing trade deal negotiation tactic with the UK despite Britain 's firm stance , according to an expert .
Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past year between the UK and EU .
While fishing makes a small percentage of overall GDP for both the UK and EU , new fishing rights , rules and regulations have proven hard to agree on .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , Queen Mary 's School of Business and Management professor Liam Campling argued the EU is hoping to use use a typical fishing tactic in the last few months of trade deal talks .
Professor Campling said the EU will continue to insist on fishing being tied to market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this stance .
Micheal Martin surprisingly came to the UK 's defence when it was criticised by the Irish during the Brexit negotiations .
Mr Martin , leader of Fianna Fail , became the Taoiseach of Ireland earlier this year after entering into a coalition with Fine Gael .
He , like his predecessor Leo Varadkar , is passionately against Brexit .
He once said : `` To me , the great tragedy of Brexit is that politics took precedence over people ’ s livelihoods in Britain and Ireland . ''
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any rivalry between Ireland and Britain was not helpful in Brexit negotiations .
5.30pm update : Boris Johnson on alert as poll indicates SNP could in power for another TEN YEARS Boris Johnson has been put on alert after a new poll indicated that Scots could keep the SNP in power for the next decade , Express.co.uk can reveal .
Nicola Sturgeon has been handed a huge boost in a poll which asked respondents about the changing political landscape .
The poll asked : “ Do you think it 's likely that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a party OTHER than the SNP in the next 10 years ?
” The Panelbase commissioned by Wings over Scotland said they disagreed with this statement claiming that the SNP will stay in power until at least 2030 .
5.04pm update : Brexit candle-lit vigil held as campaigners 'mourn ' quitting the EU without a deal A vigil has been held outside the gates of Nissan 's huge factory in Sunderland as supporters pleaded for the Government not to leave the EU transition period without a deal .
The event saw dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of the car plant is secured in the North East .
People taking part in the vigil included A-Level students , retail workers , retired people , health professionals , teachers and an engineer - all of whom are concerned about the impact a no deal Brexit might have on the local and UK economy .
The latest plea made by locals towards the UK Government on Friday night , following a demonstration outside the same Nissan car plant in June .
4.50pm update : Brexit lift-off : UK could forge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU ’ The UK will forge a post-Brexit 'Anglophone alliance ' with the United States worth an eye-watering £20 trillion , an expert has claimed , packing significantly more financial firepower than the European Union can muster .
Ray Bassett , who has just published his new book , Ireland and the EU Post Brexit , believes Dublin must follow London 's example by severing ties with Brussels in order to become part of the new trading bloc , which he envisages would also include Canada .
Mr Bassett , himself a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Jamaica and the Bahamas , fears without a so-called Irexit , Ireland will end up a peripheral , isolated player on the edge of the continent .
In his book , he writes : `` Despite the short-term quixotic behaviour of the Trump administration , there is every possibility of the emergence of an Anglophone North Atlantic free trade area , encompassing the USA , Canada and Britain . ''
3.15pm update : 'Do n't leave Rock sitting duck for Spain ! '
UK issued with dire Brexit warning on Gibraltar A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a threat to Gibraltar which could make the Rock a `` sitting duck '' for Spain , Boris Johnson has been told .
The warning was issued by a Gibraltar Government spokesman in the wake of comments by Tory MP Andrew Rosindell , chairman of the British Overseas Territories All Party Parliamentary Group , who said Gibraltar needed to stick as closely to UK rules as possible rather than seeking separate ties with the EU .
Madrid continues to press its historical claim over Gibraltar , which has been in British hands since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sinn Fein leader 's 'pipe dream ' of a united Ireland - 'Not in her lifetime ' Brexit has proved to be a hard blow to Sinn Fein 's dreams for a United Ireland because of the `` opportunities '' local business in Northern Ireland are expecting , according to DUP MP Jim Shannon .
Brexit fuelled concerns republican parties such as Sinn Fein could generate a renewed push towards the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic in the south of the Irish isle .
But according to DUP MP Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union had local businesses looking forward to the many opportunities the withdrawal will afford the UK .
Speaking to RT UK , the Strangford MP said : `` Not in my lifetime , not in my children 's lifetime .
`` Michelle O'Neill , as always , has a different point of view from one that I would have .
`` Quite clearly , for me , the last period of time has cemented our position within the United Kingdom . ''
11.53am update : Nicola Sturgeon 's EU dreams branded 'complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Nicola Surgeon 's dreams of independence have been shattered by George Galloway who warned that Scotland would face a `` lengthy '' period isolated from the UK and the European Union if it were to become independent .
Scotland 's First Minister has been campaigning for a second referendum on independence in the hope that the country can rejoin the EU after Brexit , but her plans have been branded `` complete madness '' by political expert George Galloway .
The former Labour MP claimed that Scotland would n't be independent within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's plans are the `` very opposite of independence '' .
He went on to claim that Scotland also would n't be able to afford to join the Euro .
10.58am update : UK could forge £20trillion trading bloc with US to 'eclipse EU ’ The UK will forge a post-Brexit 'Anglophone alliance ' with the United States worth an eye-watering £20 trillion , an expert has claimed , packing significantly more financial firepower than the European Union can muster .
Ray Bassett , who has just published his new book , Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin must follow London 's example by severing ties with Brussels in order to become part of the new trading bloc , which he envisages would also include Canada .
Mr Bassett , himself a former Irish ambassador to Canada , as well as Jamaica and the Bahamas , fears without a so-called Irexit , Ireland will end up a peripheral , isolated player on the edge of the continent .
In his book , he writes : `` Despite the short-term quixotic behaviour of the Trump administration , there is every possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic free trade area , encompassing the USA , Canada and Britain .
`` This would form part of an alternative trade strategy for the UK , post Brexit . ''
8.30am update : Britain set to 'turn tables ' on French , Belgian and Dutch fishing industries Brexit will `` turn the tables '' on France , Belgium and Holland 's dominance of the European fishing sector according to a British fisherman .
Paul Lines told Express.co.uk the UK could supply half of Europe 's fish demand following the completion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a failure if it does not result in the rebuilding of the fishing industry and a surge in employment in the sector .
Mr Lines said : `` You want the raw material to cut up and sell and if we are clever there is a lot of money to be made .
`` We could supply half of the fish that Europe needs .
`` Instead of their own boats catching it we could be the catchers and suppliers of it , that is our marketplace .
`` Fishermen are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processers won ’ t as that raw material will come from anywhere .
`` The Dutch , French and Belgian fishing industries have had 40 years of growth , through grant injection and opportunities . ''
The Government is facing the threat of legal action with trade bodies expressing fury at a new Brexit customs system , claiming it will unfairly distort competition .
Industry groups clashed with the HM Revenue and Customs expert panel during a meeting and raged the new Trader Support Service ( TSS ) , which will enable the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent on behalf of traders , would destroy firms who provide customs brokerage systems themselves .
Last week , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said from next month , the TSS would be operational and free at the point of use .
This would aim to protect trade flows across the Irish Sea when the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
HMRC said on the call with industry groups the new system would not only help companies complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the rest of Britain , but also from the rest of the world , at an estimated cost of £355million to the Treasury .
But three sources on the panel told the Daily Telegraph that one trade group had even suggested the Attorney General should be consulted on the legality of the TSS .

Brexit: Michael Russell criticises UK internal market plans
Natarajan Chandrasekaran insists leaving the EU has not damaged Britain's standing - although he was wary about the threat of any new tariffs on his businesses. He added: "I think what you look for in running big businesses is stability, it’s not that every policy you end up liking. "In the last three to four years, Brexit dealings have had a lot of twists and turns, but the world has not been a stable place for the last four years." THIS BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED - CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW MONDAY'S LIVE UPDATES
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Elsewhere, Boris Johnson is facing a fresh Brexit crisis after trade bodies threatened legal action against the Government's new customs system, claiming it will unfairly distort competition. Industry groups clashed with the HM Revenue and Customs expert panel during a meeting and raged the new Trader Support Service (TSS), which will enable the Government effectively to act as a customs agent on behalf of traders, would destroy firms who provide customs brokerage systems themselves. Last week, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said from next month, the TSS would be operational and free at the point of use. This would aim to protect trade flows across the Irish Sea when the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. But HMRC said on the call with industry groups the new system would not only help companies complete paperwork for transporting goods to Northern Ireland from the rest of Britain, but also from the rest of the world, at an estimated cost of £355million to the Treasury. Three sources on the panel told the Daily Telegraph that one trade group had even suggested the Attorney General should be consulted on the legality of the TSS. Peter MacSwiney, chairman of the joint customs consultative committee, said: “The Northern Irish brokerage community are not happy that they’re likely to lose all their customers to a free government service.” The British International Freight Association told HMRC its members were “fuming” because they would not be able to be compensated for providing customs services.
Brexit has not damaged Britain's standing, the new Tata steel boss has told Boris Johnson
A second group expressed fears around the security of submitting commercially sensitive customs data to private contractors. But HMRC insisted: “The TSS will provide unprecedented support to all businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol and its announcement has been warmly received by them. "We are running a transparent and open procurement process to identify a bidder capable of delivering this and will ensure a service that is fully compliant with the law. "We are engaging actively with stakeholders as part of this process.” FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPATES:
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5.45am update: EU sends warning to London over market access The EU’s financial services chief, Valdis Dombrovskis, has warned the City of London that it may have to wait before the end of this year to know whether it will have prized access to all the rights of the bloc’s market. He said Brussels will not be ready in the coming months to see whether Britain qualifies for some equivalence provisions as their own regulations are changing. Mr Dombrovskis said: “In some areas we will not be in a position to adopt equivalence decisions. He added: “Not all EU parameters are in place in these areas. Implementing rules are not yet in place.” 2.15am update: UK vows not to accept a constraining deal The UK has vowed not to agree to a constraining deal with the EU as Brexit talks are set to resume on Monday. A source close to the British negotiators said: “We remain committed to working hard to find the outlines of a balanced agreement. “We have been repeatedly clear that we are looking for a deal with, at its core, a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada – that is, an agreement based on existing precedents.” The source reportedly added that the UK will not agree to a deal which requires alignment to the EU’s rules. 12.15am update: Brexit museum plans set to speed up Plans for a Museum of Brexit will be stepped up in the autumn as organisers have asked members of the public to search for items in their homes which could be included in the archive. A number of locations in Leave-voting areas have been earmarked as possible sites for the museum as the end of the transition period approaches. The museum will feature memorabilia including newspaper cartoons, Weatherspoon beer mats and one of Nigel Farage’s old suits. Former Brexit Party spokesman Gawain Towler, one of the museum’s organisers, said: “Things have been quiet, partially because we still had to fight for Brexit, and then we’ve had COVID. “But as the country starts to wake up and it looks like we are finally approaching the exit door of the 40-year failed experiment, we are in a better position to look to the future without forgetting the past.” Manon Dark takes over from Ciaran McGrath
Brussels is hoping to repeat its tried and tested fishing trade deal negotiation tactic with the UK
9.50pm update: Brexit won't harm Britain - Tata Steel boss Brexit will not harm Britain's standing the world - and the nation remains an attractive place to invest, the new boss of Tata Steel has said. Natarajan Chandrasekaran insists leaving the EU has not damaged Britain's standing - although he was wary about the threat of any new tariffs on his businesses. He added: "I think what you look for in running big businesses is stability, it’s not that every policy you end up liking. "In the last three to four years, Brexit dealings have had a lot of twists and turns, but the world has not been a stable place for the last four years." 8pm update: Brexit blow to Sinn Fein leader's 'pipe dream' of a united Ireland - 'Not in her lifetime' Brexit has proved to be a hard blow to Sinn Fein's dreams for a United Ireland because of the "opportunities" local business in Northern Ireland are expecting, according to DUP MP Jim Shannon. Brexit fuelled concerns republican parties such as Sinn Fein could generate a renewed push towards the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic in the south of the Irish isle. But according to Mr Shannon, Britain's departure from the European Union had local businesses looking forward to the many opportunities the withdrawal will afford the UK. Speaking to RT UK, the Strangford MP said: "Not in my lifetime, not in my children's lifetime."
6.40pm update: EU's Brexit fishing plot exposed as Brussels attempts to repeat 'fishing game' tactic Brussels is hoping to repeat its tried and tested fishing trade deal negotiation tactic with the UK despite Britain's firm stance, according to an expert. Brexit trade deal talks have proven difficult over the past year between the UK and EU. While fishing makes a small percentage of overall GDP for both the UK and EU, new fishing rights, rules and regulations have proven hard to agree on. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Queen Mary's School of Business and Management professor Liam Campling argued the EU is hoping to use use a typical fishing tactic in the last few months of trade deal talks. Professor Campling said the EU will continue to insist on fishing being tied to market access and are unlikely to back down on this stance. 6.06pm update: Micheal Martin’s astonishing defence of UK during Brexit negotiations exposed Micheal Martin surprisingly came to the UK's defence when it was criticised by the Irish during the Brexit negotiations. Mr Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, became the Taoiseach of Ireland earlier this year after entering into a coalition with Fine Gael. He, like his predecessor Leo Varadkar, is passionately against Brexit. He once said: "To me, the great tragedy of Brexit is that politics took precedence over people’s livelihoods in Britain and Ireland." However, Mr Martin did also say that any rivalry between Ireland and Britain was not helpful in Brexit negotiations. 5.30pm update: Boris Johnson on alert as poll indicates SNP could in power for another TEN YEARS Boris Johnson has been put on alert after a new poll indicated that Scots could keep the SNP in power for the next decade, Express.co.uk can reveal. Nicola Sturgeon has been handed a huge boost in a poll which asked respondents about the changing political landscape. The poll asked: “Do you think it's likely that there will be a First Minister of Scotland from a party OTHER than the SNP in the next 10 years?” The Panelbase commissioned by Wings over Scotland said they disagreed with this statement claiming that the SNP will stay in power until at least 2030.
Sturgeon slammed by Davidson on ‘ridiculous’ exam ‘fiasco’
5.04pm update: Brexit candle-lit vigil held as campaigners 'mourn' quitting the EU without a deal A vigil has been held outside the gates of Nissan's huge factory in Sunderland as supporters pleaded for the Government not to leave the EU transition period without a deal. The event saw dozens of people gather who want to ensure the future of the car plant is secured in the North East. People taking part in the vigil included A-Level students, retail workers, retired people, health professionals, teachers and an engineer - all of whom are concerned about the impact a no deal Brexit might have on the local and UK economy. The latest plea made by locals towards the UK Government on Friday night, following a demonstration outside the same Nissan car plant in June. 4.50pm update: Brexit lift-off: UK could forge £20trillion trading bloc with US to 'eclipse EU’ The UK will forge a post-Brexit 'Anglophone alliance' with the United States worth an eye-watering £20 trillion, an expert has claimed, packing significantly more financial firepower than the European Union can muster. Ray Bassett, who has just published his new book, Ireland and the EU Post Brexit, believes Dublin must follow London's example by severing ties with Brussels in order to become part of the new trading bloc, which he envisages would also include Canada. Mr Bassett, himself a former Irish ambassador to Canada, as well as Jamaica and the Bahamas, fears without a so-called Irexit, Ireland will end up a peripheral, isolated player on the edge of the continent. In his book, he writes: "Despite the short-term quixotic behaviour of the Trump administration, there is every possibility of the emergence of an Anglophone North Atlantic free trade area, encompassing the USA, Canada and Britain." 3.15pm update: 'Don't leave Rock sitting duck for Spain!' UK issued with dire Brexit warning on Gibraltar A 'purist' interpretation of Brexit would represent a threat to Gibraltar which could make the Rock a "sitting duck" for Spain, Boris Johnson has been told. The warning was issued by a Gibraltar Government spokesman in the wake of comments by Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, chairman of the British Overseas Territories All Party Parliamentary Group, who said Gibraltar needed to stick as closely to UK rules as possible rather than seeking separate ties with the EU. Madrid continues to press its historical claim over Gibraltar, which has been in British hands since 1713. 1.30pm update: Brexit blow to Sinn Fein leader's 'pipe dream' of a united Ireland - 'Not in her lifetime' Brexit has proved to be a hard blow to Sinn Fein's dreams for a United Ireland because of the "opportunities" local business in Northern Ireland are expecting, according to DUP MP Jim Shannon. Brexit fuelled concerns republican parties such as Sinn Fein could generate a renewed push towards the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic in the south of the Irish isle. But according to DUP MP Jim Shannon, Britain's departure from the European Union had local businesses looking forward to the many opportunities the withdrawal will afford the UK. Speaking to RT UK, the Strangford MP said: "Not in my lifetime, not in my children's lifetime. "Michelle O'Neill, as always, has a different point of view from one that I would have. "Quite clearly, for me, the last period of time has cemented our position within the United Kingdom."
Brexit latest: The UK and EU will resume trade talks in Brussels on Monday
11.53am update: Nicola Sturgeon's EU dreams branded 'complete madness' and 'very opposite of independence' Nicola Surgeon's dreams of independence have been shattered by George Galloway who warned that Scotland would face a "lengthy" period isolated from the UK and the European Union if it were to become independent. Scotland's First Minister has been campaigning for a second referendum on independence in the hope that the country can rejoin the EU after Brexit, but her plans have been branded "complete madness" by political expert George Galloway. The former Labour MP claimed that Scotland wouldn't be independent within the EU and said the SNP leader's plans are the "very opposite of independence". He went on to claim that Scotland also wouldn't be able to afford to join the Euro. 10.58am update: UK could forge £20trillion trading bloc with US to 'eclipse EU’ The UK will forge a post-Brexit 'Anglophone alliance' with the United States worth an eye-watering £20 trillion, an expert has claimed, packing significantly more financial firepower than the European Union can muster. Ray Bassett, who has just published his new book, Ireland and the EU Post Brexit, believes Dublin must follow London's example by severing ties with Brussels in order to become part of the new trading bloc, which he envisages would also include Canada. Mr Bassett, himself a former Irish ambassador to Canada, as well as Jamaica and the Bahamas, fears without a so-called Irexit, Ireland will end up a peripheral, isolated player on the edge of the continent. In his book, he writes: "Despite the short-term quixotic behaviour of the Trump administration, there is every possibility of the emergence of an Anglophone North Atlantic free trade area, encompassing the USA, Canada and Britain. "This would form part of an alternative trade strategy for the UK, post Brexit."
Brexit latest: The UK could forge a £20tn trading bloc to 'eclipse the EU', an expert has claimed
9.45am update: Micheal Martin’s astonishing defence of UK during Brexit negotiations exposed Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin surprisingly came to the UK's defence when it was criticised by the Irish during the Brexit negotiations. The Fianna Fail leader became Taoiseach earlier this year after entering into a coalition with Fine Gael. He, like his predecessor Leo Varadkar, is passionately against Brexit. He once said: “To me, the great tragedy of Brexit is that politics took precedence over people’s livelihoods in Britain and Ireland.” However, Mr Martin did also say that any rivalry between Ireland and Britain was not helpful in Brexit negotiations. 9.26am update: Brexit trade talks to resume in Brussels on Monday UK and EU negotiators will meet in Brussels on Monday to resume talks on a post-Brexit trade deal in the hope of breaking the current stalemate. Several flashpoints of contention exist between the two sides, including fishing rights, the level playing field and state aid. Both sides are hopeful of agreeing a deal by September so it can be ratified in the European Parliament the following month, in time for the transition period deadline of December 31. But the repeated stalemates have increased fears of a no deal outcome.
Brexit latest: Micheal Martin surprisingly came to the UK's defence when it was criticised by the Irish
8.30am update: Britain set to 'turn tables' on French, Belgian and Dutch fishing industries Brexit will "turn the tables" on France, Belgium and Holland's dominance of the European fishing sector according to a British fisherman. Paul Lines told Express.co.uk the UK could supply half of Europe's fish demand following the completion of the post-Brexit transition period. He stated Brexit will be a failure if it does not result in the rebuilding of the fishing industry and a surge in employment in the sector. Mr Lines said: "You want the raw material to cut up and sell and if we are clever there is a lot of money to be made. "We could supply half of the fish that Europe needs. "Instead of their own boats catching it we could be the catchers and suppliers of it, that is our marketplace. "Fishermen are the ones that will lose out, processers won’t as that raw material will come from anywhere. "The Dutch, French and Belgian fishing industries have had 40 years of growth, through grant injection and opportunities."
Brexit latest: Negotiations on the EU-UK future partnership


thedailyexpress--2020-08-18--Boris vows to 'plug the gaps' in crunch EU talks as Brexit deal 'can still be reached'

The seventh round of talks starts on Tuesday as negotiators scramble to secure an agreement ready for when the Brexit transition arrangements end .
Clashes over fishing and so-called level playing field rules that will keep Britain tied to the EU led to discussions in July ending in deadlock .
No 10 insisted the Government will continue to work at ways to “ plug the gaps ” in the potential deal .
“ There are many issues that will be discussed during this week 's round , not least level-playing field , fisheries , trading goods and services amongst others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are many areas where there is convergence but we will continue to work to plug the gaps where any differences remain .
“ Our assessment is that a deal can still be reached in September.
” Brexiteers say Brussels is failing to treat the UK as an independent sovereign nation by continuing to demand the UK follows EU standards in return for continued access to the single market - as well as insisting on the same fishing rights it already has .
The government insists securing Britain ’ s sovereignty is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Brussels to agree to a deal similar to the one it struck with Canada .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a deal .
He said there was a risk of no deal being achieved unless the UK changed its course on topics that are `` at the heart '' of the EU 's trade interests .
Mr Barnier insisted an agreement would be needed by October `` at the latest '' so that it could be ratified before the Brexit transition period ends in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for dinner in Brussels on Tuesday evening and continue talks until Friday .

Brexit: Boris Johnson says a ‘deal is there to be done’
The seventh round of talks starts on Tuesday as negotiators scramble to secure an agreement ready for when the Brexit transition arrangements end. Clashes over fishing and so-called level playing field rules that will keep Britain tied to the EU led to discussions in July ending in deadlock.
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No 10 insisted the Government will continue to work at ways to “plug the gaps” in the potential deal. “There are many issues that will be discussed during this week's round, not least level-playing field, fisheries, trading goods and services amongst others,” a spokesman said. “There are many areas where there is convergence but we will continue to work to plug the gaps where any differences remain. “Our assessment is that a deal can still be reached in September.”
Brexit talks resume this week
Brexiteers say Brussels is failing to treat the UK as an independent sovereign nation by continuing to demand the UK follows EU standards in return for continued access to the single market - as well as insisting on the same fishing rights it already has. The government insists securing Britain’s sovereignty is a top priority and it is only asking for Brussels to agree to a deal similar to the one it struck with Canada. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a deal. READ MORE: Fishing VICTORY: British fishermen celebrate END of EU rule
Michel Barnier and David Frost will meet on Tuesday before resuming talks
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Number 10 said a Brexit deal could still be reached before September
Brexit: Trade deal with EU is ‘necessity’ says Michael Martin
He said there was a risk of no deal being achieved unless the UK changed its course on topics that are "at the heart" of the EU's trade interests. Mr Barnier insisted an agreement would be needed by October "at the latest" so that it could be ratified before the Brexit transition period ends in December. The two negotiators will meet for dinner in Brussels on Tuesday evening and continue talks until Friday.
Brexit timetable: Chart as trade talks continue


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--EU must learn lessons from Brexit! Czech PM snubs eurozone until bloc delivers reforms

Andrej Babis insisted Brussels would have to give up control over member states ’ budgets before Prague joins the eurozone .
He said European capitals should be allowed to use their own spending plans “ more reasonably ” .
“ The Czech Republic is ready to enter the eurozone , ” Mr Babis said in an interview with Harvard International Review .
“ But in this situation , when we expect some reforms to EU governance , we choose to wait .
“ The euro is more of a political than an economic project .
“ Besides that , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are potentially very dangerous : tensions between the prosperous northern members of the EU and the stagnating south were clearly visible during the post-pandemic recovery package negotiations .
“ And while the 19 states of the eurozone have a common currency , they still have different economic approaches and follow different budget strategies .
“ No one has the power to force heavily indebted countries to act more reasonably.
” Mr Babis ’ comments come after last month ’ s acrimonious negotiations over the EU ’ s next seven-year budget and coronavirus recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clashed over how much cash should be spent on the bloc ’ s most pandemic-ravaged regions and industries .
While the final package was seen by some as a step towards the creation of a European superstate , the Czech leader insisted the bloc should learn from Brexit when asking states to hand even more of their sovereignty over to Brussels .
“ Still , the fact that we criticise some aspects of the EU integration process does not mean that we are against the idea of European integration in general , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post-Brexit EU is necessary.
” In April 2019 , 75 percent of Czechs said they were against the adoption of the euro .
MUST READ : Switzerland warned EU could ignore efforts to quit key pact Since then , Mr Babis has set no official programme up for entering the single currency bloc .
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , the eurozone faces its worst-ever recession after governments were forced to shut down their economies to halt the spread of the virus .
It suffered its deepest contraction on record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second quarter of 2020 .
DO N'T MISS Brexit deal BONANZA : UK nearing trade agreements [ INSIGHT ] EU risks plunging London into chaos with delay to Brexit decision [ REPORT ] Fears of Brexit deal tying us to Brussels forever [ ANALYSIS ]

Merkel warned by expert: Recovery plan ‘won’t fix’ Eurozone
Andrej Babis insisted Brussels would have to give up control over member states’ budgets before Prague joins the eurozone. He said European capitals should be allowed to use their own spending plans “more reasonably”. “The Czech Republic is ready to enter the eurozone,” Mr Babis said in an interview with Harvard International Review.
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“But in this situation, when we expect some reforms to EU governance, we choose to wait. “The euro is more of a political than an economic project. “Besides that, we are now seeing serious structural challenges that are potentially very dangerous: tensions between the prosperous northern members of the EU and the stagnating south were clearly visible during the post-pandemic recovery package negotiations. “And while the 19 states of the eurozone have a common currency, they still have different economic approaches and follow different budget strategies.
Andrej Babis has said the EU must learn post-Brexit lessons after UK departure
Czech Republic prime minister Andrej Babis
“No one has the power to force heavily indebted countries to act more reasonably.” Mr Babis’ comments come after last month’s acrimonious negotiations over the EU’s next seven-year budget and coronavirus recovery fund. Northern and southern member states clashed over how much cash should be spent on the bloc’s most pandemic-ravaged regions and industries. While the final package was seen by some as a step towards the creation of a European superstate, the Czech leader insisted the bloc should learn from Brexit when asking states to hand even more of their sovereignty over to Brussels.
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The Czech Republic is yet to join the EU's single euro currency bloc
“Still, the fact that we criticise some aspects of the EU integration process does not mean that we are against the idea of European integration in general,” he added. “Constructive criticism in the post-Brexit EU is necessary.” In April 2019, 75 percent of Czechs said they were against the adoption of the euro. MUST READ: Switzerland warned EU could ignore efforts to quit key pact
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Since then, Mr Babis has set no official programme up for entering the single currency bloc. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the eurozone faces its worst-ever recession after governments were forced to shut down their economies to halt the spread of the virus. It suffered its deepest contraction on record when its GDP slumped 12.1 percent in the second quarter of 2020. DON'T MISS
Brexit deal BONANZA: UK nearing trade agreements [INSIGHT]
EU risks plunging London into chaos with delay to Brexit decision [REPORT]
Fears of Brexit deal tying us to Brussels forever [ANALYSIS]
Brexit: Boris Johnson says a ‘deal is there to be done’


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--Fishing VICTORY: British fishermen celebrate END of EU rule - as Germany begins to panic

Post-Brexit fishing rights is a particularly contentious topic in the current trade negotiations with the EU , with Boris Johnson insisting the UK must regain control over its waters .
But Brussels is determined to cling to the current set-up , which allows European trawlers significant access to British waters .
Currently , EU fishermen catch around three times as much fish in British waters than UK trawlers catch in other EU sea areas .
As a result , British fishermen , the vast majority of which heavily backed Brexit , are keen to regain control of UK waters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position is outlined by Mike Park , a Scottish fisherman of over 30 years who is now managing director of the White Fish Association , which represents the interest of 260 fishermen .
He is convinced the UK will be able to catch up with the success of Norway and Iceland .
Mr Park said : “ Off Norway and Iceland , fishermen can use 85 to 90 percent of their stocks , while we Scottish fishermen can only catch around 40 percent here .
“ After Brexit , we as a sovereign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the majority of the fish out of our waters ourselves . ''
But the Scotsman says the UK should not completely block the EU from accessing its waters .
He said : “ It would be neither economically nor politically sensible to completely ban other fishing nations .
JUST IN : Brexit trade talks exploded after EU 's attack on David Frost “ But we are striving to significantly reduce the quantities that fishermen from the EU and certainly from Norway are still allowed to catch here in the future . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its fishing waters , it would be at the expense of EU trawlers who currently take home more than half of the catches from British waters .
German fishermen could have a lot to lose if British negotiators are successful in its bid to return sovereignty to the UK , according to German radio station Deutschlandfunk .
Fisheries biologist Gerd Kraus , who heads the Thünen Institute for Sea Fisheries in Bremerhaven , agreed and said Germany has a lot to lose .
DO N'T MISS : EU comes first !
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COMMENT ] EU risks plunging London into chaos with delay to Brexit decision [ DETAILS ] Brexit LIVE : UK fishing showdown looms as EU send negotiations warning [ BLOG ] He said : “ So the German deep-sea fishing is not particularly large , but it is a very efficient and lucrative fishery .
“ Eighty percent of herring catches in the North Sea are in UK waters and 60 percent of mackerel catches are in the waters .
“ And so these are really dimensions that fishermen in other regions can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economist Ralf Döring said a no deal scenario would be even worse , as EU trawlers could be completely shut out of UK waters .

Brexit: EU and UK to have 'conflict zones' on fishing says expert
Post-Brexit fishing rights is a particularly contentious topic in the current trade negotiations with the EU, with Boris Johnson insisting the UK must regain control over its waters. But Brussels is determined to cling to the current set-up, which allows European trawlers significant access to British waters.
Trending
Currently, EU fishermen catch around three times as much fish in British waters than UK trawlers catch in other EU sea areas. As a result, British fishermen, the vast majority of which heavily backed Brexit, are keen to regain control of UK waters and stop EU trawlers having priority. This position is outlined by Mike Park, a Scottish fisherman of over 30 years who is now managing director of the White Fish Association, which represents the interest of 260 fishermen. He is convinced the UK will be able to catch up with the success of Norway and Iceland.
Brexit news: British fishermen have vowed to reclaim total control over UK waters
Post-Brexit fishing rights is a particularly contentious topic in the current trade negotiations with the EU
Mr Park said: “Off Norway and Iceland, fishermen can use 85 to 90 percent of their stocks, while we Scottish fishermen can only catch around 40 percent here. “After Brexit, we as a sovereign state want to have the opportunity to get the majority of the fish out of our waters ourselves." But the Scotsman says the UK should not completely block the EU from accessing its waters. He said: “It would be neither economically nor politically sensible to completely ban other fishing nations. JUST IN: Brexit trade talks exploded after EU's attack on David Frost
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Brexit trade talks with the EU will resume tomorrow
“But we are striving to significantly reduce the quantities that fishermen from the EU and certainly from Norway are still allowed to catch here in the future." If Britain successfully negotiates greater control over its fishing waters, it would be at the expense of EU trawlers who currently take home more than half of the catches from British waters. German fishermen could have a lot to lose if British negotiators are successful in its bid to return sovereignty to the UK, according to German radio station Deutschlandfunk. Fisheries biologist Gerd Kraus, who heads the Thünen Institute for Sea Fisheries in Bremerhaven, agreed and said Germany has a lot to lose. DON'T MISS:
EU comes first! Boris Johnson issued devastating Brexit blow to deal [COMMENT]
EU risks plunging London into chaos with delay to Brexit decision [DETAILS]
Brexit LIVE: UK fishing showdown looms as EU send negotiations warning [BLOG]
David Frost will travel to Brussels for the latest round of talks
He said: “So the German deep-sea fishing is not particularly large, but it is a very efficient and lucrative fishery. “Eighty percent of herring catches in the North Sea are in UK waters and 60 percent of mackerel catches are in the waters. “And so these are really dimensions that fishermen in other regions can no longer compensate for." Fisheries economist Ralf Döring said a no deal scenario would be even worse, as EU trawlers could be completely shut out of UK waters.
EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--SNP’s new hate crime law could criminalise past views warns historian Neil Oliver

The Hate Crime and Public Order ( Scotland ) Bill introduced by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf looks to extend the law on ‘ hate crime ’ covering particular characteristics , including religion , sexual orientation and transgender identity .
If the law is passed by Holyrood , it means that words or behaviour considered to be “ abusive ” and “ likely ” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence .
People who were found guilty of `` stirring up hatred '' would face up to seven years in prison under the legislation .
However , the controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comedian Rowan Atkinson , Scottish Police Federation , Catholic Church in Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates who represent lawyers and the Law Society of Scotland .
But TV presenter and historian Neil Oliver spoke out and claimed that the new law , which is currently out for consultation , could criminalise people for having controversial views and strong opinions .
Mr Oliver , who has expressed strong support for the Union , admitted he had suffered abuse because of holding this view and claimed that an “ ugly ” ’ atmosphere had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Oliver said : “ Since 2014 when I spoke up in support of the Union , I have been told I am no Scot – or at least that I am the wrong sort of Scot .
“ I have continued to speak up – for that is my right – and now I read around the subject of the Hate Crime and Public Order ( Scotland ) Bill and see that in future , opinions of the sort I have aired in the past could see me do jail time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch .
“ I will be listening for the knock at the door.
” Mr Oliver warned Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf that the Bill was a “ passion project ” for the politician .
READ MORE : Row erupts over Scots plot to subtly DESTROY the United Kingdom He added : “ Intended , according to Yousaf , to simplify and clarify current laws by bringing them together in a single piece of legislation , the wording therein makes way for woolliness that ought , according to spokesmen for the legal profession , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defining the law of the land . ''
He also references the abuse he suffered in response to his support for the Union adding : “ Already a regular target for what might safely be described as strongly worded criticism , on account of my approving of a United Kingdom , I invite you to imagine what my future might be like if my enemies have the weight of Scots law on their side .
“ If I arrive at court and the verdict goes against me , I could legally declare myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s not careful either , in the cell next to JK Rowling . ''
Refering to Harry Potter author JK Rowling views on transgender people , Mr Oliver said : “ She , too , has been accused of hate crime for her stance in relation to men , women and the biology thereof .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson on alert as poll indicates SNP could hang onto power [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon adviser blames 'ENGLISH PEOPLE ' for COVID-19 [ INSIGHT ] SNP shamed : Only ONE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop COVID [ LATEST ] “ I have spoken in support of her freedom of speech and so , in theory , we might end up in the dock together.
” It comes after Mr Oliver announced he was stepping down as president of the National Trust for Scotland .
The TV presenter was heavily criticised last month after it emerged that he had liked an anti-Black Lives Matter tweet forcing him to make the decision .
In response to the concerns , a Scottish Government spokeswoman told Express.co.uk : “ As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to work with stakeholders and opposition where there are genuine concerns raised about the implications of the Hate Crime Bill .

Hate crime: Expert raises concerns over proposed law in Scotland
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill introduced by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf looks to extend the law on ‘hate crime’ covering particular characteristics, including religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. If the law is passed by Holyrood, it means that words or behaviour considered to be “abusive” and “likely” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence.
Trending
People who were found guilty of "stirring up hatred" would face up to seven years in prison under the legislation. However, the controversial legislation has already faced criticism from the Comedian Rowan Atkinson, Scottish Police Federation, Catholic Church in Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates who represent lawyers and the Law Society of Scotland. But TV presenter and historian Neil Oliver spoke out and claimed that the new law, which is currently out for consultation, could criminalise people for having controversial views and strong opinions. Mr Oliver, who has expressed strong support for the Union, admitted he had suffered abuse because of holding this view and claimed that an “ugly”’ atmosphere had grown in Scotland.
Neil Oliver has spoken out against the bill
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf put forward the bill
In a column, Mr Oliver said: “Since 2014 when I spoke up in support of the Union, I have been told I am no Scot – or at least that I am the wrong sort of Scot. “I have continued to speak up – for that is my right – and now I read around the subject of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill and see that in future, opinions of the sort I have aired in the past could see me do jail time, as much as a seven year stretch. “I will be listening for the knock at the door.” Mr Oliver warned Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf that the Bill was a “passion project” for the politician. READ MORE: Row erupts over Scots plot to subtly DESTROY the United Kingdom
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The bill is currently under consultation
He added: “Intended, according to Yousaf, to simplify and clarify current laws by bringing them together in a single piece of legislation, the wording therein makes way for woolliness that ought, according to spokesmen for the legal profession, to have no place in a document defining the law of the land." He also references the abuse he suffered in response to his support for the Union adding: “Already a regular target for what might safely be described as strongly worded criticism, on account of my approving of a United Kingdom, I invite you to imagine what my future might be like if my enemies have the weight of Scots law on their side. “If I arrive at court and the verdict goes against me, I could legally declare myself a woman and end up, if she’s not careful either, in the cell next to JK Rowling." Refering to Harry Potter author JK Rowling views on transgender people, Mr Oliver said: “She, too, has been accused of hate crime for her stance in relation to men, women and the biology thereof. DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson on alert as poll indicates SNP could hang onto power [REVEAL]
Nicola Sturgeon adviser blames 'ENGLISH PEOPLE' for COVID-19 [INSIGHT]
SNP shamed: Only ONE pub asked to share customer details to stop COVID [LATEST]
Neil Oliver fears he could go to prison
“I have spoken in support of her freedom of speech and so, in theory, we might end up in the dock together.” It comes after Mr Oliver announced he was stepping down as president of the National Trust for Scotland. The TV presenter was heavily criticised last month after it emerged that he had liked an anti-Black Lives Matter tweet forcing him to make the decision. In response to the concerns, a Scottish Government spokeswoman told Express.co.uk: “As the Justice Secretary has made clear, we will continue to work with stakeholders and opposition where there are genuine concerns raised about the implications of the Hate Crime Bill.
Mr Oliver says that expressing certain views could be a criminal offence


thedailyexpress--2020-08-17--Andrew Neil destroys Boris Johnson in just 40 words – ‘Not a single claim was true!'

The veteran BBC presenter accused the Prime Minister of making a misleading statement about how `` robust and dependable '' the results were despite thousands of students being up in arms .
Anger was sparked last week when many students saw their results downgraded by a new moderation process brought in after the pandemic forced exams to be cancelled .
Nearly two in five ( 39.1 percent ) of teachers ' estimates for students in England were brought down by one grade or more by an assessor 's algorithm .
This led to many youngsters being denied places at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were affected .
Amid the nationwide uproar , Mr Neil attacked the Prime Minister over his upbeat statement , in which he praised the new results process .
Mr Neil tweeted : `` Boris Johnson four days ago : 'Let 's be in no doubt about it , the exam results that we 've got today are robust , they 're good , they 're dependable for employers . '
`` Not a single claim in that sentence was true , was it Prime Minister ? ''
On Monday Education Secretary Gavin Williamson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents .
He confirmed a Government U-turn by saying that A-level and GCSE results will be teacher assessed .
READ MORE : Remainer plot : ' A-level U-turn ... now let 's make them reverse Brexit' The U-turn will mean students will take whichever is higher of the grade their school or college estimated or the moderated grade .
Mr Williamson said : `` We now believe it is better to offer young people and parents certainty by moving to teacher assessed grades for both A and AS level and GCSE results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve . ''
Twitter users were quick to back up Mr Neil in his latest outburst , with many saying Mr Johnson should not have defended the new results system so rigorously in the face of so much criticism .
DO N'T MISS Gavin Williamson 'WILL be sacked ' for the second time in two years [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson holiday : Where is Boris Johnson ?
[ ANSWERED ] 'Ofqual knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ex-Ofsted chief hits out [ ANALYSIS ] One person tweeted : `` He had absolutely no idea what the methodology was .
`` He is a good-time PM - not a leader . ''
A second wrote : `` He does lots of things without a thought for the consequences , not just talk . ''
And yet a third said : `` What you have to understand is that Johnson does n't care whether what he says is true or not , and neither does his target audience .
`` He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do care . ''
Another person said to Mr Neil : `` Your mistake there was expecting the truth at all . ''

A-Level results: Starmer slams Gavin Williamson over u-turn
The veteran BBC presenter accused the Prime Minister of making a misleading statement about how "robust and dependable" the results were despite thousands of students being up in arms. Anger was sparked last week when many students saw their results downgraded by a new moderation process brought in after the pandemic forced exams to be cancelled.
Trending
Nearly two in five (39.1 percent) of teachers' estimates for students in England were brought down by one grade or more by an assessor's algorithm. This led to many youngsters being denied places at their university of choice as around 280,000 pupils were affected. Amid the nationwide uproar, Mr Neil attacked the Prime Minister over his upbeat statement, in which he praised the new results process. Mr Neil tweeted: "Boris Johnson four days ago: 'Let's be in no doubt about it, the exam results that we've got today are robust, they're good, they're dependable for employers.'
Andrew Neil has weighed into the exam results row by attacking the PM
The Government was forced into a U-turn after the uproar
"Not a single claim in that sentence was true, was it Prime Minister?" On Monday Education Secretary Gavin Williamson apologised to frustrated students, teachers and parents. He confirmed a Government U-turn by saying that A-level and GCSE results will be teacher assessed.
READ MORE: Remainer plot: 'A-level U-turn... now let's make them reverse Brexit'
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The PM praised the 'robust' exam results system
The U-turn will mean students will take whichever is higher of the grade their school or college estimated or the moderated grade. Mr Williamson said: "We now believe it is better to offer young people and parents certainty by moving to teacher assessed grades for both A and AS level and GCSE results. "I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve." Twitter users were quick to back up Mr Neil in his latest outburst, with many saying Mr Johnson should not have defended the new results system so rigorously in the face of so much criticism. DON'T MISS
Gavin Williamson 'WILL be sacked' for the second time in two years [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson holiday: Where is Boris Johnson? [ANSWERED]
'Ofqual knew it would hit the poorest !' Ex-Ofsted chief hits out [ANALYSIS]
Gavin Williamson apologised to students on Monday
Students protest over the A-level results
One person tweeted: "He had absolutely no idea what the methodology was. "He is a good-time PM - not a leader." A second wrote: "He does lots of things without a thought for the consequences, not just talk."
A-level results: Gavin Williamson will be fired claims expert
And yet a third said: "What you have to understand is that Johnson doesn't care whether what he says is true or not, and neither does his target audience. "He's not addressing people like you and me who do care." Another person said to Mr Neil: "Your mistake there was expecting the truth at all."
Thousands of students had their results downgraded