thedailyexpress--2020-02-18--Barnier’s lost his marbles! EU makes ANOTHER demand as Britain prepares to quit talks

Michel Barnier claimed Britain 's `` proximity '' to the continent meant the country needed stronger ties to the EU than the Prime Minister 's preferred zero-tariff plan .
EU chiefs also signalled they will demand that the UK hands the Elgin Marbles back to Greece as part of a trade deal .
Mr Barnier ’ s remarks raised the likelihood of deadlock when the two sides begin talks on a trade deal next month .
He claimed the bloc will stick to its previous offer of an “ ambitious partnership ” with the UK remaining tied into a swathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit transition at the end of the year .
`` We remain ready to offer the UK an ambitious partnership , '' he said .
`` We have proposed a trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field , with a country that has a very particular proximity – a unique territorial and economic closeness – which is why it can ’ t be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan . ''
M Barnier said the EU was `` ready to work very quickly with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its offer .
READ MORE : EU to use asylum seekers as bargaining chip to keep hold of UK fish '' We remain ready to propose this partnership if the UK wants it , ” the Brussels diplomat added .
In a swipe at the Prime Minister ’ s threat to walk away from talks if the bloc refuses a Canada-style deal , M Barnier also hit out at the “ polemic ” coming from the UK .
His blast came as an EU document showed his negotiating mandate was being expanded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin.
” DO N'T MISS Kay Burley loses it at Tory Remainer rebels - 'Lunatics ! '
[ VIDEO ] Barnier sends Brexit talks into free fall as he REJECTS Canada deal [ ANALYSIS ] Boris to RIP UP Brexit divorce deal to prevent EU judges meddling [ INSIGHT ] A diplomatic source claimed the clause was a reference to the ancient Greek statues in the British Museum , which were taken from the Parthenon in Athens in the 19th century and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments .
M Barnier ’ s dismissal of Mr Johnson ’ s request for a Canada style deal followed a speech by the head of Downing Street ’ s negotiating task force insisting the UK will not accept continuing Brussels rules and regulations after the end of the Brexit transition on December 31 .
Senior civil servant David Frost rejected EU demands for a “ level-playing field ” of standards and regulations .
`` We bring to the negotiations not some clever tactical positioning but the fundamentals of what it means to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central to our vision that we must have the ability to set laws that suit us – to claim the right that every other non-EU country in the world has , ” Mr Frost said in a lecture at a university in Brussels .
`` So to think that we might accept EU supervision on so-called level playing field issues simply fails to see the point of what we are doing .
`` It is n't a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure – it is the point of the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will not extend the transition beyond the end of this year .
`` At that point , we recover our political and economic independence in full – why would we want to postpone it ?
`` In short , we only want what other independent countries have .
”

Brexit: Michel Barnier says EU is offering ‘unique deal’
Michel Barnier claimed Britain's "proximity" to the continent meant the country needed stronger ties to the EU than the Prime Minister's preferred zero-tariff plan. EU chiefs also signalled they will demand that the UK hands the Elgin Marbles back to Greece as part of a trade deal. Mr Barnier’s remarks raised the likelihood of deadlock when the two sides begin talks on a trade deal next month.
He claimed the bloc will stick to its previous offer of an “ambitious partnership” with the UK remaining tied into a swathe of Brussels regulations after the end of the Brexit transition at the end of the year. "We remain ready to offer the UK an ambitious partnership," he said.
Michel Barnier raised the likelihood of deadlock between the two sides
At that point we recover our political and economic independence in full – why would we want to postpone it? David Frost
"We have proposed a trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field, with a country that has a very particular proximity – a unique territorial and economic closeness – which is why it can’t be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan." M Barnier said the EU was "ready to work very quickly with the UK" if Mr Johnson accepted its offer. READ MORE: EU to use asylum seekers as bargaining chip to keep hold of UK fish
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British diplomat David Frost
"We remain ready to propose this partnership if the UK wants it,” the Brussels diplomat added. In a swipe at the Prime Minister’s threat to walk away from talks if the bloc refuses a Canada-style deal, M Barnier also hit out at the “polemic” coming from the UK. His blast came as an EU document showed his negotiating mandate was being expanded to “address issues relating to the return or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin.” DON'T MISS
Kay Burley loses it at Tory Remainer rebels - 'Lunatics!' [VIDEO]
Barnier sends Brexit talks into free fall as he REJECTS Canada deal [ANALYSIS]
Boris to RIP UP Brexit divorce deal to prevent EU judges meddling [INSIGHT]
A couple admire the Elgin Marbles
Brexit: How it happened
A diplomatic source claimed the clause was a reference to the ancient Greek statues in the British Museum, which were taken from the Parthenon in Athens in the 19th century and have long been demanded by successive Greek governments. M Barnier’s dismissal of Mr Johnson’s request for a Canada style deal followed a speech by the head of Downing Street’s negotiating task force insisting the UK will not accept continuing Brussels rules and regulations after the end of the Brexit transition on December 31. Senior civil servant David Frost rejected EU demands for a “level-playing field” of standards and regulations.
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-18--Britons outraged as Boris urged to walk away from talks after EU’s threat -‘Never submit!’

Express.co.uk readers were quick to respond to the threat from Bernd Lange , claiming EU bosses were “ scared ” of a strong post-Brexit Britain which would be a force to be reckoned with after December 31 .
Mr Lange said the bloc is ready and willing to kick the UK out of the single market if Mr Johnson and his team refused to bow to demands .
Britons closely following the developments before the UK and the EU meet for talks next month , responded by telling the Prime Minister to send the bloc packing .
“ Time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not a pet poodle for the EU , ” said one annoyed reader .
Another said : “ Walk away Boris with no trade deal .
“ That ’ s what they are scared of - us becoming a fierce competitor .
That ’ s why they are trying to keep us under their thumb .
“ They need us more than we need them .
Walk away and we will prosper , other countries will soon follow .
The EU is doomed .
And a third exasperated Briton accused the bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Lange ’ s threat proves EU bosses “ think that they can dominate all EU business and when they don ’ t get their way they resort to bullying !
” One Brexit supporter went as far as to say the EU should act sooner rather than later with the threat to expel the Brits from the single market .
“ Can you please sever it now and save us all a great deal of time and money which can be better spent ?
” they said .
READ MORE : EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as trade deal price One said : “ Good idea .
It will speed up things and the UK can get on with business full steam and no more distractions .
“ Just walk away .
This is another year wasted.
” Others slammed eurocrats for refusing to learn from history .
DO N'T MISS EU demands UK returns Elgin Marbles to Greece as trade deal price [ INSIGHT ] Guy Verhofstadt savages Boris Johnson 's Brexit plan in BRUTAL attack [ VIDEO ] EU to use asylum seekers as bargaining chip to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] One reader said the Brexit vote was clear proof that Britain “ never has , nor ever will , submit to threats ” .
They added : “ All we ask is the same trading arrangements that other countries have with the EU.
” One man said the EU did not , in fact , want to start talks with a level playing field .
Instead , he claimed , the bloc only wanted to “ be in charge ” .
Some readers hit out at Berlin for appearing to dictate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has left the EU .
In an interview with the BBC ’ s Today programme , Mr Lange referenced the Canada-style deal the Prime Minister favours .
Mr Lange said : “ In the Canada agreement , the question on competition is mentioned , the issue of low standards is mentioned , the declaration on good working conditions is mentioned , the Paris Climate Agreement .
“ This is a minimum standard but , of course , this is linked to a minimum market access .

Brexit: Bernd Lange discusses Canada-style trade agreement
Express.co.uk readers were quick to respond to the threat from Bernd Lange, claiming EU bosses were “scared” of a strong post-Brexit Britain which would be a force to be reckoned with after December 31. Mr Lange said the bloc is ready and willing to kick the UK out of the single market if Mr Johnson and his team refused to bow to demands. Britons closely following the developments before the UK and the EU meet for talks next month, responded by telling the Prime Minister to send the bloc packing.
“Time to show some British bulldog Boris - we are not a pet poodle for the EU,” said one annoyed reader. Another said: “Walk away Boris with no trade deal. “That’s what they are scared of - us becoming a fierce competitor. That’s why they are trying to keep us under their thumb. “They need us more than we need them. Walk away and we will prosper, other countries will soon follow. The EU is doomed.
Brussels wants the UK to agree to a 'level playing field' ahea of crunch trade talks
Boris Johnson has been urged to walk away from the EU's trade talks by some Express readers
And a third exasperated Briton accused the bloc of bullying the UK. They said Mr Lange’s threat proves EU bosses “think that they can dominate all EU business and when they don’t get their way they resort to bullying!” One Brexit supporter went as far as to say the EU should act sooner rather than later with the threat to expel the Brits from the single market. “Can you please sever it now and save us all a great deal of time and money which can be better spent?” they said. READ MORE: EU demands UK returns Elgin Marbles to Greece as trade deal price
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German MEP Bernd Lange issued a threat on behalf of the EU this week
Boris Johnson holds a meeting of his Cabinet after the reshuffle
David Frost arrives in Brussels
One reader said the Brexit vote was clear proof that Britain “never has, nor ever will, submit to threats”. They added: “All we ask is the same trading arrangements that other countries have with the EU.” One man said the EU did not, in fact, want to start talks with a level playing field. Instead, he claimed, the bloc only wanted to “be in charge”.
The UK and the EU are due to kick off trade talks in March
Some readers hit out at Berlin for appearing to dictate the rules for the UK even after it has left the EU. In an interview with the BBC’s Today programme, Mr Lange referenced the Canada-style deal the Prime Minister favours. Mr Lange said: “In the Canada agreement, the question on competition is mentioned, the issue of low standards is mentioned, the declaration on good working conditions is mentioned, the Paris Climate Agreement. “This is a minimum standard but, of course, this is linked to a minimum market access.
Michel Barnier is pictured in a deserted European Parliament
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-18--Verhofstadt lambasts UK's Brexit plan as he savages Boris for living 'on another planet'

Guy Verhofstadt , MEP and former Brexit Coordinator for the European Parliament , has attacked Britain ’ s plan for a future trading relationship with the bloc .
On Monday evening , Boris Johnson ’ s chief negotiator , David Frost , outlined Britain ’ s proposals insisting the UK will walk away from trade talks with Brussels rather than surrender Britain ’ s newly-won independence to secure a deal .
EU to use asylum seekers as bargaining chip to keep hold of UK fish Responding to proposals outlined by the head of Downing Street ’ s Task Force Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treating the EU and the UK as if they are “ living on two different planets ” .
The former Belgian prime minister added it would be a “ hell of a job ” to secure a successful future relationship using Britain ’ s proposals .
Mr Verhofstadt told reporters during a joint press conference with Sadiq Khan : “ It ’ s not a good thing that we continue to discuss the future relationship as if the UK and Europe are living on two different planets because the UK market and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – physically , geographically .
“ And so , these things are so intense that we have to look at it in a little bit of a different way than to simply say , this is a pure free trade deal .
”

Brexit: Khan on Londoners having ‘associate EU citizenship’
Guy Verhofstadt, MEP and former Brexit Coordinator for the European Parliament, has attacked Britain’s plan for a future trading relationship with the bloc. On Monday evening, Boris Johnson’s chief negotiator, David Frost, outlined Britain’s proposals insisting the UK will walk away from trade talks with Brussels rather than surrender Britain’s newly-won independence to secure a deal.
Responding to proposals outlined by the head of Downing Street’s Task Force Europe, Mr Verhofstadt accused Mr Frost of treating the EU and the UK as if they are “living on two different planets”. The former Belgian prime minister added it would be a “hell of a job” to secure a successful future relationship using Britain’s proposals. Mr Verhofstadt told reporters during a joint press conference with Sadiq Khan: “It’s not a good thing that we continue to discuss the future relationship as if the UK and Europe are living on two different planets because the UK market and the market are so close to each other – physically, geographically. “And so, these things are so intense that we have to look at it in a little bit of a different way than to simply say, this is a pure free trade deal.”
Guy Verhofstadt attacked Boris Johnson's Brexit plan
Guy Verhofstadt attacked David Frost's proposals set out on Monday
Mr Frost’s comments were delivered in a lecture at the Universite Libre in Brussels, where he insisted Britain “only wants what other independent countries have”. He added the Prime Minister will not bargain away the independence won by securing Brexit last month to secure a deal with the EU. He said: “We bring to the negotiations not some clever tactical positioning but the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country. “It is central to our vision that we must have the ability to set laws that suit us, to claim the right that every other non-EU country in the world has.” READ MORE: Barnier sends Brexit talks into free fall as he REJECTS Canada deal
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Michel Barnier was quick to attack the plans set out by David Frost
Mr Frost suggested EU chiefs had so far failed to grasp that their opening stance was an unacceptable threat to UK sovereignty. The negotiator snapped back at Michel Barnier’s calls for a so-called “level-playing field” of rules and standards shared by the EU and UK. Mr Frost said the UK wanted a deal similar to those the EU had already agreed with Canada, Japan and South Korea. He also warned the UK would not compromise on the Brexit transition period coming to an end on December 31. DON'T MISS:
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Brexit: Michel Barnier says EU is offering ‘unique deal’
Brexit timeline as the UK paves its new relationship with Brussels
These things are so intense that we have to look at it in a little bit of a different way than to simply say, this is a pure free trade deal Guy Verhofstadt
Mr Johnson has repeatedly said the transition period will come to an end on December 31. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already warned about the timescale of negotiations. Speaking on Tuesday, the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier was quick to respond to Britain’s demands. He told reporters: “We have proposed a trade agreement with a country that has a very particular and unique close geographical proximity not like Canada, not like South Korea and not like Japan. Very particular.
Boris Johnson has said the transition period will end by the end of the year
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-18--Plaid Cymru fined £29,000 for failing to report taxpayers’ funds worth £500,000

However , the party has said the incidents did not involve any private donations , stressing the “ oversight ” had been immediately corrected .
The watchdog body took the decision to impose the penalty after Plaid submitted “ nine inaccurate reports ” in respect of donations .
A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said : “ The investigation found that the party submitted nine inaccurate reports over a two-year period , omitting a total of 36 cash donations worth more than £497,000 .
“ The party reported the donations in May 2018 .
“ The commission ’ s investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processes , which led to a failure to understand the reporting requirements.
” Louise Edwards , the commission ’ s director of regulation , added : “ The total number and value of donations omitted from Plaid Cymru ’ s quarterly reports is significant and reveals a substantial degree of non-compliance .
“ Plaid Cymru is a well-established party and it should be able to meet its reporting obligations .
“ It is vital that voters can see full and accurate financial records that show where a political party ’ s money comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on cruise ship test positive for coronavirus 'Set up ! ''
A Plaid Cymru spokesman said : “ The matters highlighted by the Commission are historic in nature and do not involve any private donations .
“ As soon as Plaid Cymru were notified , the Party immediately corrected this oversight and is now in full compliance .
“ All public funds have been fully reported in the Party ’ s Annual Report.
” Plaid Cymru , which was founded in 1925 , advocates independence from the United Kingdom .
Its most successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2001 , when it took 14.3 percent of the vote , giving it four of 40 MPs .
In the election of December 12 Plaid , led by Adam Price , took 9.9 percent of the vote , once again winning four MPs .

Brexit: Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price grilled on his ‘U-turn’
However, the party has said the incidents did not involve any private donations, stressing the “oversight” had been immediately corrected. The watchdog body took the decision to impose the penalty after Plaid submitted “nine inaccurate reports” in respect of donations.
A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said: “The investigation found that the party submitted nine inaccurate reports over a two-year period, omitting a total of 36 cash donations worth more than £497,000. “The party reported the donations in May 2018. “The commission’s investigations pointed to a lack of effective internal processes, which led to a failure to understand the reporting requirements.”
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price
Adam Price with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon
Louise Edwards, the commission’s director of regulation, added: “The total number and value of donations omitted from Plaid Cymru’s quarterly reports is significant and reveals a substantial degree of non-compliance. “Plaid Cymru is a well-established party and it should be able to meet its reporting obligations. “It is vital that voters can see full and accurate financial records that show where a political party’s money comes from. READ MORE: British couple on cruise ship test positive for coronavirus 'Set up!"
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A Welsh independence march
The Welsh vote share in the most recent general election
The Vote Leave campaign was fined in 2017
A Plaid Cymru spokesman said: “The matters highlighted by the Commission are historic in nature and do not involve any private donations. “As soon as Plaid Cymru were notified, the Party immediately corrected this oversight and is now in full compliance. “All public funds have been fully reported in the Party’s Annual Report.”
Wales, divided up into different regions
Plaid Cymru, which was founded in 1925, advocates independence from the United Kingdom. Its most successful performance in a UK general election came in 2001, when it took 14.3 percent of the vote, giving it four of 40 MPs. In the election of December 12 Plaid, led by Adam Price, took 9.9 percent of the vote, once again winning four MPs.
Plaid Cymru advocates an independent Wales
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-18--Carole Malone slams ‘posh’ Keir Starmer and warns he doesn’t understand core Labour voters

Sir Keir Starmer is the only Labour leadership candidate from southern England as Lisa Nandy is MP for Wigan and Rebecca Long-Bailey is MP for Salford .
Commentator , Carole Malone , hit out at Sir Keir and said he “ doesn ’ t understand ” working-class voters .
She added the Labour Party would be “ foolish ” to elect him .
Speaking on the Jeremy Vine Show , Ms Malone said : “ He ’ s a posh boy .
“ Labour would be foolish to elect him .
“ He doesn ’ t understand the lives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He doesn ’ t know what it ’ s like to be working class and the problems the working class have.
” READ MORE : Meghan Markle should be Queen claims Labour leadership hopeful Nandy The three remaining candidates had battled it out on a Channel 4 debate on Monday night .
They faced a crowd of former Labour voters in a tense debate .
One former supporter told them she felt like a `` traitor '' and unrepresented by the red party on Brexit .
The former Labour voter claimed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in her life at the December election as she did not feel supported by the Labour Party on her Brexit choice .
Visibly emotional , she told the three Labour leadership candidates during a Channel 4 debate : “ I have been a life-long Labour supporter who sadly voted Conservatives this time because of Brexit .
“ I did it with a very heavy heart because my dad was a miner for 50 years and a Labour councillor .
“ I went to the ballot box , put the X on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” So I want to know how you ’ re going to win me back.
” Labour leadership POLL : Who won last night 's Labour leadership debate ?
[ POLL ] Labour MP Dawn Butler claims babies born 'without sex ' on ITV GMB [ VIDEO ] Abolish the monarchy !
Fury as Lisa Nandy demands to scrap Royal Family [ INSIGHT ]

Labour leadership: Carole Malone slams ‘posh boy’ Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer is the only Labour leadership candidate from southern England as Lisa Nandy is MP for Wigan and Rebecca Long-Bailey is MP for Salford. Commentator, Carole Malone, hit out at Sir Keir and said he “doesn’t understand” working-class voters. She added the Labour Party would be “foolish” to elect him.
Speaking on the Jeremy Vine Show, Ms Malone said: “He’s a posh boy. “Labour would be foolish to elect him. “He doesn’t understand the lives of people behind the Red Wall. “He doesn’t know what it’s like to be working class and the problems the working class have.” READ MORE: Meghan Markle should be Queen claims Labour leadership hopeful Nandy
Keir Starmer was heavily criticised for seeming “posh”
Carole Malone said Mr Starmer “doesn’t understand” working class voters
The three remaining candidates had battled it out on a Channel 4 debate on Monday night. They faced a crowd of former Labour voters in a tense debate. One former supporter told them she felt like a "traitor" and unrepresented by the red party on Brexit. The former Labour voter claimed to have turned to the Conservatives for the first time in her life at the December election as she did not feel supported by the Labour Party on her Brexit choice.
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The three remaining candidates had battled it out on a Channel 4 debate on Monday night
Brexit: Gardiner says Canada style trade deal won't work
Visibly emotional, she told the three Labour leadership candidates during a Channel 4 debate: “I have been a life-long Labour supporter who sadly voted Conservatives this time because of Brexit. “I did it with a very heavy heart because my dad was a miner for 50 years and a Labour councillor. “I went to the ballot box, put the X on and said ‘sorry, dad’. ”So I want to know how you’re going to win me back.” DON'T MISS Labour leadership POLL: Who won last night's Labour leadership debate? [POLL]
Labour MP Dawn Butler claims babies born 'without sex' on ITV GMB [VIDEO]
Abolish the monarchy! Fury as Lisa Nandy demands to scrap Royal Family [INSIGHT]
Labour chart
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Diane Abbott shut down for blasting Boris immigration plans 'what Labour voters want!'

Diane Abbott stumbled over her words as Kay Burley explained the Labour Party lost votes in the December election as the Shadow Home Secretary insisted a points-based immigration system won ’ t work .
Host Kay Burley said : “ Priti Patel was saying she wants to reduce immigration here in the UK and that is what traditional Labour voters want , isn ’ t it ?
Because that ’ s what they voted for .
That ’ s why we ’ ve left the EU , that ’ s why the Red Wall was smashed down in the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t do it in the way the Government is suggesting , how do we do it ?
” Speaking to Sky News , Ms Abbott said : “ The Government has been talking about lowering numbers of immigrants .
“ It ’ s never once hit their target .
“ I think that talking about numerical targets and talking about immigrants as if they ’ re a problem is not the sort of leadership the Government ought to offer .
“ The Labour Party celebrates the contribution of immigrants , we want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t play the Tories dog whistle politics because those numerical targets have never been hit.
” Ms Burley asked : “ What numbers do you think would be appropriate ?
” Ms Abbott replied : “ The numbers game does not work .
You measure success by an immigration policy which actually helps build the economy and build our GDP.
” It comes as BBC Breakfast viewers expressed their frustration at shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott appearing on the programme on Wednesday morning to discuss the new immigration bill .
Some viewers claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as they noticed Ms Abbott on the screen , while others accused the Labour Party frontbencher of being unable to `` answer a straight question . ''
Commenting on the BBC Breakfast interview on Twitter , one viewer said : `` Turns on TV ... .DIANE ABBOTT ... !
!
!
Turns of TV ... ... .. '' Another said : `` @ BBCBreakfast… classic politician not answering a question # dianeabbott . ''
Brexit LIVE : EU demands even TOUGHER conditions on UK trade deal [ LIVE ] Leo Varadkar on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid another poll [ INSIGHT ] Nigel Farage reveals why UK now has the 'upper hand ' in Brexit talks [ VIDEO ] One user echoed the feeling commenting on social media : `` Watching breakfast tv interview with Diane Abbott she looks like reading a script , ca n't answer a straight question .
`` Needs to sort her self out before Corbyn .
Corbyn never shut up saying his name so annoying . ''
And one user accused Ms Abbott of `` not having a clue '' about the immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the news this morning and that woman still just has n't got a clue .
`` Give up love to just look like a fool . ''

Diane Abbott confronted over Labour's immigration policy
Diane Abbott stumbled over her words as Kay Burley explained the Labour Party lost votes in the December election as the Shadow Home Secretary insisted a points-based immigration system won’t work. Host Kay Burley said: “Priti Patel was saying she wants to reduce immigration here in the UK and that is what traditional Labour voters want, isn’t it? Because that’s what they voted for. That’s why we’ve left the EU, that’s why the Red Wall was smashed down in the general election.
“If we don’t do it in the way the Government is suggesting, how do we do it?” Speaking to Sky News, Ms Abbott said: “The Government has been talking about lowering numbers of immigrants. “It’s never once hit their target. “I think that talking about numerical targets and talking about immigrants as if they’re a problem is not the sort of leadership the Government ought to offer. READ MORE: UK’s new immigration rules: Patel unveils ‘significant’ restrictions
Diane Abbott was shutdown by Sky News host Kay Burley
Diane Abbott stumbled over her words as Kay Burley explained why the Labour Party lost votes
“The Labour Party celebrates the contribution of immigrants, we want a fair system. “We won’t play the Tories dog whistle politics because those numerical targets have never been hit.” Ms Burley asked: “What numbers do you think would be appropriate?” Ms Abbott replied: “The numbers game does not work. You measure success by an immigration policy which actually helps build the economy and build our GDP.”
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Diane Abbottinsisted a points-based immigration system won’t work
Diane Abbott slams points-based immigration system
It comes as BBC Breakfast viewers expressed their frustration at shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott appearing on the programme on Wednesday morning to discuss the new immigration bill. Some viewers claimed they turned off their TV set as soon as they noticed Ms Abbott on the screen, while others accused the Labour Party frontbencher of being unable to "answer a straight question." Commenting on the BBC Breakfast interview on Twitter, one viewer said: "Turns on TV....DIANE ABBOTT...!!! Turns of TV........" Another said: "@BBCBreakfast… classic politician not answering a question #dianeabbott." DON'T MISS Brexit LIVE: EU demands even TOUGHER conditions on UK trade deal [LIVE]
Leo Varadkar on brink: Last chance saloon for PM to avoid another poll [INSIGHT]
Nigel Farage reveals why UK now has the 'upper hand' in Brexit talks [VIDEO]
Brexit timeline
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Brexit LIVE: Boris shows EU's own 2017 document to embarrass Barnier after Canada claim

The UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost has warned Britain would press ahead with securing a Canada-style trade deal before the end of the transition period in December , adding the bloc ’ s demands for a level playing field undermine the fundamental purpose of Brexit .
The European Union ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier slapped down those demands , insisting Britain is seeking market access rights that go far beyond those enjoyed by other countries with which it has trade deals , such as Canada and Japan .
But Number 10 has posted a slide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a graph how Brussels insisted a Canada-style deal with Britain was the only available option .
Sharing the graphic , @ Number10Press tweeted : “ In 2017 the EU showed on their own slide that a Canada type FTA was the only available relationship for the UK .
“ Now they say it ’ s not on offer after all.
” The latest response to the EU comes as Brussels prepares to toughen its position on any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK .
The latest version of the bloc ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union nations that the European Commission ’ s original draft did not do enough in requiring Britain remains closely aligned to EU regulations .
The new text highlights any post-Brexit trade deal must ensure a regulatory playing field is created that “ will stand the test of time ” and provide “ sufficient guarantees , so as to uphold corresponding high levels of protection over time ” .
12.02pm update : Spanish farmers revolt against Brussels red tape as cost of Brexit strikes Spain is facing an angry backlash from farmers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of Brexit on their industry .
Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in recent days over the plummeting incomes in the country ’ s agricultural sector .
Farmers across Spain are fearful that Britain ’ s exit from the European Union could mean less financial support from Brussels .
The EU ’ s Common Agricultural Policy offers them almost one-third of their entire income .
Tomas Garcia Azcarate , of Spain ’ s National Research Council , said : “ It seems inevitable to me that agricultural subsidies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordian knot is to ensure that farmers recover that income in the market.
” The demonstrations have left prime minister Pedro Sanchez under immense pressure as his fledgling socialist government settles into office .
The EU 's trade agreement with Canada was a `` different ball game '' to the tyoe of relationship Brussels wants with the UK , one of Michel Banrier 's senior aides has insisted .
Stefaan De Rynck said the closer relationship with the UK - in terms of distance and the amount of trade - explained Brussels ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to prevent Britain undercutting standards in future .
Speaking at the London School of Economics , he said : It 's clear that for us it 's a different ball game that we are playing with the UK to the one that we agreed with Canada in terms of the level playing field .
`` Some in the UK now seem to want to become Canadians .
But Dover is much closer to Calais than Ottawa is . ''
Nicola Sturgeon has lashed out at the UK Government again , warning plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new points-based immigration system will be `` devastating '' for Scotland .
The First Minister tweeted : `` It is impossible to overstate how devastating this UK gov policy will be for Scotland 's economy .
“ Our demographics mean we need to keep attracting people here - this makes it so much harder .
“ Getting power over migration in @ ScotParl is now a necessity for our future prosperity . ''
She added : “ Tory immigration policy is offensive in principle - it labels vital workers , making a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slams the door in their faces .
“ And it is disastrous in practice - it will badly damage our economy .
We must get powers to create policy for our needs & values . ''
The EU is on the verge of a financial crisis after it emerged the EU27 is facing a black hole of more than £166 billion ( €200bn ) in its first post-Brexit budget .
European Parliament President David Sassoli has admitted the bloc remains £191bn ( €230bn ) apart in its first budget since the UK left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to hold a crucial summit on Thursday to discuss the Multi-annual Financial Framework ( MFF ) for the next seven years .
The current €1.1 trillion budget , which ran from 2014-2020 , expires in December .
Mr Sassoli said : “ At the moment we remain €230 billion apart.
” The EU chief called for a more “ acceptable proposal ” from the European Council in order to break the deadlock in negotiations .
He added : “ We are still far from an acceptable proposal .
“ We hope the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious version capable of starting the negotiations.
” Michel Barnier ’ s tam has quickly responded by creating a new slide in response to David Frost 's speech on Monday and the tweeted slide from Number 10 earlier this morning .
It shows the value of trade to distance ratio of the EU ’ s trade with the UK compared to countries it currently has free trade agreements with .
Number 10 had tweeted a slide , highlighting in a graph from the EU in 2017 how Brussels insisted a Canada-style deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Sun ’ s Brussels reporter Nick Gutteridge tweeted : “ EU officials are privately aggrieved at the No 10 tweet which turns Barnier 's famous staircase slide against him .
“ They point out the Level Playing Field is mentioned in both EU guidelines and the joint Political Declaration .
The attack from Downing St is seen as 'below the belt ' .
“ Whilst that is clearly the case , there may well be those on the UK side who argue the Level Playing Field as it is emerging in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond anything they envisaged that they were committing to .
The two sides are moving in opposite directions apace.
” Stefaan De Rynck , who is an advisor to Michel Barnier , told an audience at an event run by the London School of Economics the EU “ respects ” that the UK Government now says that “ Brexit means friction and the creation of non tariff barriers to trade ” .
But he warned Mr Barnier has always insisted if Britain leaves the single market , then there will inevitably be friction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game-changing trade deal with UK after President Xi phone call with Boris China has provided Boris Johnson with a huge Brexit boost after the global powerhouse said it was “ open ” to a trade deal with the UK and is “ ready to work with Britain at any time ” following the Prime Minister ’ s first phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping .
Liu Xiaoming , the Chinese ambassador to London , admitted it may take some time before the two sides can have detailed discussions as the country focuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control .
But after a feasibility study was quietly paused last year during the Brexit deadlock , he said there is a will “ to engage each other more positively ” .
The top diplomat told Sky News during an interview at the Chinese embassy in London : `` When it comes to a trade deal , we are open.
” Mr Liu said China and the UK had initially set up a working team to study the feasibility of a trade deal last year , but the British government has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union .
When asked whether the working team had restarted after its efforts were paused , he said : `` We are ready to work with our British colleagues any time . ''
The diplomat added British officials had also `` expressed a willingness '' to restart talks .
Michel Barnier trade deal bluff has been ripped into by a trade expert who insisted the EU has already offered the UK everything it wants in earlier discussions .
Former advisor to the Department for International Trade , Shanker Singham , argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK a free trade agreement .
He insisted Mr Barnier offered this to Britain a trade agreement with `` regulatory cooperation and with custom facilitation '' while Theresa May was Prime Minister .
Mr Singham told Sky News : “ Trade negotiations are tough and this is going to be a tough one , no doubt about it .
“ China is going to be smashed on the wall and so on and that is the way it normally is in a trade negotiation .
“ The key issues are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Government under attack over new immigration rules ‘ absolute disaster ’ Industry leaders have warned changes to the UK ’ s immigration rules could “ spell absolute disaster ” for the care system and risk farmers , builders and hospitality businesses being hit the hardest .
The government has told employers they will `` need to adjust '' after deciding it will not offer visas to low-skilled migrant workers after Brexit .
The changes are designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain from the beginning of next year but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers to get UK visas .
Industry leaders have criticised the lack of provision for low-paid workers in the proposals while lawyers urged the Government `` not to turn the tap off overnight '' if companies struggle to recruit staff under the new system .
Unison assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said the plans `` spell absolute disaster for the care sector '' .
The UK Homecare Association said it was `` dismayed '' by the Government 's decision , adding : `` Cutting off the supply of prospective careworkers under a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people waiting unnecessarily in hospital or going without care .
`` Telling employers to adjust , in a grossly underfunded care system , is simply irresponsible . ''
8am update : Labour lashes out at ‘ meaningless ’ new immigration system Labour has lashed out at the UK Government , claiming its new post-Brexit immigration system will need so many exemptions it will be `` meaningless ” .
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott criticised the plan , which wants to lower the salary threshold for skilled migrants from £30,000 to £25,600 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job offer .
The government has said if the applicant earns less than the required minimum salary threshold - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come if they have a job offer in a specific shortage occupation or if they have a PhD relevant to the job..
But there will not be a visa option for low-skilled workers .
Ms Abbott said : `` This is n't an 'Australian points-based system ' , which is a meaningless Government soundbite .
It 's a salary threshold system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exemptions , for the NHS , for social care and many parts of the private sector , that it will be meaningless .
`` Ultimately , it will also be very difficult to attract the workers we need at all skill levels while the Tories ' hostile environment is in place .
It needs to go . ''

Brexit: Chinese ambassador says they are ‘open’ to trade deal
Policy Editor at BBC’s Newsnight Lewis Goodall tweeted: “Spent last 24 hours talking to EU officials. Can’t overestimate how spooked Brussels is by what they see as UK govt a) rowing back on Irish protocol b) pol declaration. All sat this will make deal difficult, not least because “it contributes to an atmosphere of distrust. “One official I spoke to said: ‘Before Monday I was 80% confident of a deal. After Monday [Frost’s speech] I’m 50-60 percent.’”
The latest response to the EU comes as Brussels prepares to toughen its position on any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK. The latest version of the bloc’s negotiation mandate responds to serious concerns from European Union nations that the European Commission’s original draft did not do enough in requiring Britain remains closely aligned to EU regulations. The new text highlights any post-Brexit trade deal must ensure a regulatory playing field is created that “will stand the test of time” and provide “sufficient guarantees, so as to uphold corresponding high levels of protection over time”. THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER LIVE, FOLLOW HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES.
9.34pm update: Brussels crisis: Panic over EU budget as cracks appear across bloc - ‘Very worried mood’ The EU’s long term budget, that will determine spending from 2021-27, has been a sticking point for several months with a number of key areas still up for debate. But EU chiefs have warned an agreement must be reached in the coming weeks, in order to ensure the financial framework is put in place for the start of next year. Official talks will kick start on Thursday but it has been revealed that Austrian farmers are anxious of the outcome of the latest talks. Josepf Moosbrugger, the President of the Chamber of Agriculture, said there is a “very worried mood” among Austrian farmers about how the budget talks will pan out. 9.18pm update: Top eurocrat DESTROYS Barnier's bid to lock UK into EU rules and regulations after Brexit The EU's chief negotiator dismissed Boris Johnson’s requests to seal a Canada-style trade deal, insisting the UK must sign up to draconian level-playing field provisions because of its proximity to the bloc. But Phil Hogan, the EU’s trade commissioner, has undermined his colleague’s argument for a special, bespoke and unique pact that ties Britain into the Brussels’ state aid, taxation, environmental and workers’ rights standards. In a letter to the Dutch parliament, the Irishman made clear the EU’s deal with Canada already contains acceptable “fair trade” provisions. 6.48pm update: Climate change concerns are surging, while Brexit worries have been on the decline since the December general election, a survey has found The poll by Ipsos MORI found that environmental worries have hit a 30-year high, with the number of people concerned about pollution and climate change rising to the highest level recorded since September 1989. In the first month of the new decade there was also a drop in public concern about both Britain's exit from the EU and the NHS, Ipsos MORI's latest Issues Index shows. The proportion of people who mentioned Brexit as a worry declined by five percentage points since the previous survey before the election, dropping from 52% to 47 percent. However, both Brexit and the NHS remain the biggest issues facing the country. The largest shift recorded in January was the increase in the proportion of people who mentioned pollution, climate change or the environment as a big issue for Britain, with 23 percent expressing concerns. 6.15pm update: Boris shows EU's own 2017 document to embarrass Barnier after Canada claim Boris Johnson has embarrassed Michel Barnier by highlighting how information from the European Union at the beginning of Brexit negotiations showed how Brussels said a Canada-style free trade deal was the only available relationship with the EU. The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost has warned Britain would press ahead with securing a Canada-style trade deal before the end of the transition period in December, adding the bloc’s demands for a level playing field undermine the fundamental purpose of Brexit. The European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier slapped down those demands, insisting Britain is seeking market access rights that go far beyond those enjoyed by other countries with which it has trade deals, such as Canada and Japan. But Number 10 has posted a slide from the EU in 2017, highlighting in a graph how Brussels insisted a Canada-style deal with Britain was the only available option. Sharing the graphic, @Number10Press tweeted: “In 2017 the EU showed on their own slide that a Canada type FTA was the only available relationship for the UK. “Now they say it’s not on offer after all.” “@MichelBarnier what’s changed?”
Brexit latest: The EU is preparing to toughen conditions on the trade deal with the UK
5.19pm update: Britain has long known EU free trade deal needs fair competition - EU adviser The European Union flagged to Britain long before it left the bloc that any future free trade deal would have to come with a commitment from London to uphold
fair competition, a senior EU adviser said on Wednesday. Britain left the EU in January with an 11-month, business-as-usual transition period, and will need new trading terms from January 2021 to avoid potential disruption to trade. Stefaan de Rynck, an adviser to the EU's chief trade negotiator Michel Barnier, said the trade talks would be "rather difficult" - tougher than the negotiations that secured Britain's divorce settlement - because of their broader scope and time limit. So-called "level playing field" clauses on fair competition were also necessary. "It can be no surprise ... as early as March 2018, the 27 heads of state and governments on the EU side said we are ready to negotiate an ambitious trade relationship with the UK in so far there are robust guarantees on a level playing field," Mr de Rynck told an audience at the London School of Economics. 3.25pm update: 'Give us our fisheries back and we'll return Marbles' – EU warned trade demand to backfire Speaking to Sky News, the barrister who advised the Greek Government on the Elgin Marbles claimed the historic issue could be easily resolved during the Brexit trade negotiations if the Brussels bloc agrees to give the UK its full fishing rights back. He said: “It could be a win-win situation, you know? "We could get our fishing rights in full and we can give them back the Marbles that was bought as stolen property. “We could get a reduction and they pay a few billions for it."
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Brexit latest: The UK has humiliated the EU with a graph it showed in 2017
2.57pm update:France wants customs controls in Irish Sea included in post-Brexit talks France has warned customs checks in the Irish Sea must be included in negotiations over a future trade relationship between the UK and EU. The country’s minister for European Affairs Amelie de Montchalin told a hearing at French Senate: "There must be controls in the Irish Sea.” Boris Johnson struck a Brexit deal with Brussels in October that leaves Northern Ireland inside the UK customs area but all EU procedures will apply to goods arriving there. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, which remains an EU member state. 2.24pm update: France warns transition period deadline won't force it to sign bad trade deal with UK France has insisted it will not be forced into signing a bad post-Brexit trade deal with the UK before the end of the tansition period in December just for the sake of agreeing to meet the deadline. The country's European Affairs Minister Amelie de Montchalin told a hearing of the French Senate: "We must not cede to the pressures of a timetable." 2pm update: Priti Patel hits back at business criticism over immigration plans The Home Secretary has hit back at criticism from businesses over the Government's new immigration policy, warning private sector chiefs it is "about time" they started training up Britons. Patel said industries relying on a migrant workforce should look closer to home when recruiting new employees. She told Sky News: "It is about time businesses started to invest in people in this country. "We have over eight million people - that is 20% of the workforce - aged between 16 and 64 that are economically inactive right now. "It is down to businesses to work well with the Government and join us in investing in people, levelling up across the UK so we can have wage growth across the entire country." The Home Secretary also insisted it was "ridiculous" to suggest the Home Office was entirely stopping businesses recruiting from abroad.
Brexit latest: Michel Barnier has hit back at trade deal demands from the UK
1.54pm update: Nicola Sturgeon blasts Government’s new immigration rules - ‘disastrous and devastating’ Nicola Sturgeon has launched yet another scathing attack against the UK Government, raging planned new immigration rules are “disastrous” and will be “devastating” for Scotland’s economy. Scotland's First Minister lashed out at the plans, and tweeted: “It is impossible to overstate how devastating this UK gov policy will be for Scotland’s economy. Our demographics mean we need to keep attracting people here - this makes it so much harder. “Getting power over migration in Scottish Parliament is now a necessity for our future prosperity. “Tory immigration policy is offensive in principle - it labels vital workers, making a big contribution as ‘low skilled’ and slams the door in their faces. “And it is disastrous in practice - it will badly dama 1.20pm update: Get over it! Deluded Remainer MP launches bid to ‘keep EU flag flying’ An ardent Remainer MP has launched a new bid to "keep the EU flag flying" at Southwark Council. Neil Coyle, the Labour Party MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, has started a petition on website change.org asking Southwark Council to continue flying the EU flag despite Britain leaving the bloc in January. The petition was launched after a separate petition urged Boris Johnson to remove the EU flag from Southwark’s council offices. The London council refused to lower the flag in a “clear show of solidarity” with Southwark’s 41,000 European residents. Mr Coyle wrote: “Some people are trying to force Southwark’s Labour Council to remove the EU flag from council buildings. If you want to keep it flying please sign up! “We support Southwark Council’s decision to keep flying the EU flag in a show of solidarity with the 41,000 European residents who we share this borough with. “We reject anyone trying remove the Council’s right to fly the flag. “We welcome the continued flying of the flag to show our support for their huge contribution to our Borough and community.”
Brexit latest: Priti Patel has hit back at business critics over the new immigration plans
12.30pm update: House prices increase across whole of UK for first time in nearly two years House prices increased annually across all of the UK in December for the first time in nearly two years, partly driven by the impacts from Brexit. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land Registry show the average UK house price was £235,000 £5,000 higher than December 2018. Average house prices increased over the year in England to £252,000 (2.2 percent), Wales to £166,000 (2.2 percent), Scotland to £152,000 (2.2 percent) and Northern Ireland to £140,000 (2.5 percent). London prices increased by 2.3 percent, accelerating from 0.4 percent in November and a 1.2 percent fall in the year to October. The report said the sharp increase in thew capital may reflect a shift in the type of properties being sold, with more high value homes potentially changing hands as a result of wider considerations relating to Brexit and other financial issues. 12.02pm update: Spanish farmers revolt against Brussels red tape as cost of Brexit strikes Spain is facing an angry backlash from farmers who are furious over dwindling prices and the impact of Brexit on their industry. Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in recent days over the plummeting incomes in the country’s agricultural sector. Farmers across Spain are fearful that Britain’s exit from the European Union could mean less financial support from Brussels. The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy offers them almost one-third of their entire income. Tomas Garcia Azcarate, of Spain’s National Research Council, said: “It seems inevitable to me that agricultural subsidies are going to decrease. “The Gordian knot is to ensure that farmers recover that income in the market.” The demonstrations have left prime minister Pedro Sanchez under immense pressure as his fledgling socialist government settles into office.
Brexit latest: Nicola Stirgeon lashed out at the Government new immigration plans
11.25am update: EU trade deal with Canada 'different ball game' - Barnier advisor The EU's trade agreement with Canada was a "different ball game" to the tyoe of relationship Brussels wants with the UK, one of Michel Banrier's senior aides has insisted. Stefaan De Rynck said the closer relationship with the UK - in terms of distance and the amount of trade - explained Brussels' commitment to "level playing field" measures to prevent Britain undercutting standards in future. Speaking at the London School of Economics, he said: It's clear that for us it's a different ball game that we are playing with the UK to the one that we agreed with Canada in terms of the level playing field. "Some in the UK now seem to want to become Canadians. But Dover is much closer to Calais than Ottawa is." 11.05am update: EU budget panic: £191billion Brexit black hole sparks row among divided nations The EU is on the verge of a financial crisis after it emerged the EU27 is facing a black hole of more than £166 billion (€200bn) in its first post-Brexit budget. European Parliament President David Sassoli has admitted the bloc remains £191bn (€230bn) apart in its first budget since the UK left the European Union. EU officials are set to hold a crucial summit on Thursday to discuss the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for the next seven years. The current €1.1 trillion budget, which ran from 2014-2020, expires in December. Mr Sassoli said: “At the moment we remain €230 billion apart.” The EU chief called for a more “acceptable proposal” from the European Council in order to break the deadlock in negotiations. He added: “We are still far from an acceptable proposal. “We hope the Council will come back with a more ambitious version capable of starting the negotiations.”
Brexit latest: Boris Johnson is taking a tough stance in trade negotiations with the EU
10.50am update: EU immediately hits back at Number 10 over Canada-style deal claim Michel Barnier’s tam has quickly responded by creating a new slide in response to David Frost's speech on Monday and the tweeted slide from Number 10 earlier this morning. It shows the value of trade to distance ratio of the EU’s trade with the UK compared to countries it currently has free trade agreements with. Number 10 had tweeted a slide, highlighting in a graph from the EU in 2017 how Brussels insisted a Canada-style deal with Britain was the only available option. The Sun’s Brussels reporter Nick Gutteridge tweeted: “EU officials are privately aggrieved at the No 10 tweet which turns Barnier's famous staircase slide against him. “They point out the Level Playing Field is mentioned in both EU guidelines and the joint Political Declaration. The attack from Downing St is seen as 'below the belt'. “Whilst that is clearly the case, there may well be those on the UK side who argue the Level Playing Field as it is emerging in the draft EU mandate goes far, far beyond anything they envisaged that they were committing to. The two sides are moving in opposite directions apace.” 10.10am update: Barnier advisor issues UK with warning Stefaan De Rynck, who is an advisor to Michel Barnier, told an audience at an event run by the London School of Economics the EU “respects” that the UK Government now says that “Brexit means friction and the creation of non tariff barriers to trade”. But he warned Mr Barnier has always insisted if Britain leaves the single market, then there will inevitably be friction.
Brexit latest: A crucial year lies ahead in further Brexit talks between the UK and EU
9.15am update: China ready for game-changing trade deal with UK after President Xi phone call with Boris China has provided Boris Johnson with a huge Brexit boost after the global powerhouse said it was “open” to a trade deal with the UK and is “ready to work with Britain at any time” following the Prime Minister’s first phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to London, admitted it may take some time before the two sides can have detailed discussions as the country focuses on bringing the deadly spread of coronavirus under control. But after a feasibility study was quietly paused last year during the Brexit deadlock, he said there is a will “to engage each other more positively”. The top diplomat told Sky News during an interview at the Chinese embassy in London: "When it comes to a trade deal, we are open.” Mr Liu said China and the UK had initially set up a working team to study the feasibility of a trade deal last year, but the British government has been focused on breaking the Brexit impasse with the European Union. When asked whether the working team had restarted after its efforts were paused, he said: "We are ready to work with our British colleagues any time." The diplomat added British officials had also "expressed a willingness" to restart talks. 8.35am update: Michel Barnier’s trade deal bluff EXPOSED on 'tough' UK negotiations Michel Barnier trade deal bluff has been ripped into by a trade expert who insisted the EU has already offered the UK everything it wants in earlier discussions. Former advisor to the Department for International Trade, Shanker Singham, argued that in 2018 the EU already offered the UK a free trade agreement. He insisted Mr Barnier offered this to Britain a trade agreement with "regulatory cooperation and with custom facilitation" while Theresa May was Prime Minister. Mr Singham told Sky News: “Trade negotiations are tough and this is going to be a tough one, no doubt about it. “China is going to be smashed on the wall and so on and that is the way it normally is in a trade negotiation. “The key issues are going to be on regulatory recognition.”
Brexit latest: Xi Jinping spoke positively about a China-UK trade deal in a telephone call with Boris Johnson
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Brexit latest: Boris Johnson announces huge working visa overhaul - will YOU be affected?

The new plans are part of a Government push urging employers to “ move away ” from reliance on “ @ @ @ @ @ , instead investing in retraining staff .
But critics have raised “ serious concerns ” @ @ @ @ @ the potential for an “ absolute disaster ” for the care and farming sectors .
@ @ @ @ @ new points-based system will be introduced .
The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens @ @ @ @ @ be treated equally under the new system .
The system will come into force after @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
Ministers claim they will also make it @ @ @ @ @ get UK visas .
READ MORE : SNP MP called out by BBC host over @ @ @

Priti Patel outlines details of new immigration policy
The new plans are part of a Government push urging employers to “move away” from reliance on “cheap labour” from Europe, instead investing in retraining staff. But critics have raised “serious concerns” about the proposals, particularly the potential for an “absolute disaster” for the care and farming sectors.
Trending
From January 2021, a new points-based system will be introduced. The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally under the new system. The system will come into force after UK-EU free movement ends after the Brexit transition period on December 31. Ministers claim they will also make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas. READ MORE: SNP MP called out by BBC host over Scottish-only visa proposals
Brexit visa changes: From January 2021, a new points-based system will be introduced
Brexit visa changes: Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News: “This is a very significant moment"
READ MORE EU budget panic: £191billion Brexit black hole sparks row How will the new system work? In total, immigrants would have to reach 70 points to be able to work in the UK. Under the scheme, overseas workers who wanted to come to the UK would have to speak English and have the offer of a skilled job with an “approved sponsor”. They would be awarded 50 points if they fulfil these criteria.
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Brexit visa changes: The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally under the new system
They would also be awarded points for qualifications, the salary on offer and working in a sector with shortages. The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600. The Home Office estimates 70 percent of EU workers currently in the UK would not meet the requirements if applying under the new system. EU and non-EU nationals will be treated equally with priority given to those with “the greatest talents”, such as engineers and scientists.
READ MORE EU budget panic: £191billion Brexit black hole sparks row If an applicant earns less than the threshold - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come if they are skilled in an area with a shortage of labour. Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News: “This is a very significant moment in the UK’s immigration policy. “This is the first time in decades the government has been able to take back control, run its own immigration system after we’ve left the EU, end free movement, end low-skilled migration to our country; which means that we will get migration numbers down.” She added: “An economy that is supported by high skills from individuals that come to our country on the points-based system that can contribute to our economy.”
Brexit visa changes: The system will come into force after UK-EU free movement ends on December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Macron orders UK to abide by EU rules forever – updated Brussels document reveals

A request by French President Emmanuel Macron for the UK to adhere to EU standards in any trade deal has now been added to the updated version of the draft Brexit negotiating mandate .
The document strengthens plans for a “ level playing field ” between the UK and the bloc in relation to competition , the rule of law and the environment - which has already been rejected by Westminster .
The draft bill compliments the original framework outlined by the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and calls for a “ level playing field that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the future relationship the document adds “ insofar as there are sufficient guarantees for a level playing field so as to uphold corresponding high levels of protections over time ” .
The hardened stance by the EU has already been met by fierce opposition by Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit adviser who insisted the UK would never be bound by the rules of the EU .
David Frost said the proposals “ fails ” to deliver on the Brexit mandate given by the British people and insisted the UK would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister ’ s advisor said the UK would pursue an “ open and fair ” arrangement with the EU based on free trade .
In a lecture in Brussels Mr Frost said : “ We bring to the negotiations not some clever tactical positioning but the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country .
“ It is central to our vision that we must have the ability to set laws that suit us - to claim the right that every other non-EU country in the world has .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU supervision on so-called level playing field issues simply fails to see the point of what we are doing .
“ It isn ’ t a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure - it is the point of the whole project.
” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Mr Barnier have both cast doubt on Mr Johnson ’ s aim to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year .
Mr Frost insisted the UK would honour the December 31 deadline despite the two sides being far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : ” That ’ s also why we will not extend the transition beyond the end of this year .
READ MORE : Priti Patel unveils post-Brexit plan to 'take back control' “ At that point we recover our political and economic independence in full - why would we want to postpone it ?
“ In short , we only want what other independent countries have.
” The comments came after French foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian predicted a bruising battle in the lead up to a post-Brexit deal .
Leo Varadkar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed [ INSIGHT ] EU crisis : Real reason bloc MUST secure Brexit trade deal by deadline [ ANALYSIS ] Keir Starmer 's refusal to admit he was wrong on Brexit dismantled [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: EU and UK trade talks will be ‘tough’ says expert
A request by French President Emmanuel Macron for the UK to adhere to EU standards in any trade deal has now been added to the updated version of the draft Brexit negotiating mandate. The document strengthens plans for a “level playing field” between the UK and the bloc in relation to competition, the rule of law and the environment - which has already been rejected by Westminster. The draft bill compliments the original framework outlined by the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and calls for a “level playing field that will stand the test of time”.
On the future relationship the document adds “insofar as there are sufficient guarantees for a level playing field so as to uphold corresponding high levels of protections over time”. The hardened stance by the EU has already been met by fierce opposition by Boris Johnson’s Brexit adviser who insisted the UK would never be bound by the rules of the EU. David Frost said the proposals “fails” to deliver on the Brexit mandate given by the British people and insisted the UK would not be pressured into accepting those terms. The Prime Minister’s advisor said the UK would pursue an “open and fair” arrangement with the EU based on free trade.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pressured the EU to take a tough stance in trade negotiations
Boris Johnson's Brexit advisor David Frost
In a lecture in Brussels Mr Frost said: “We bring to the negotiations not some clever tactical positioning but the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country. “It is central to our vision that we must have the ability to set laws that suit us - to claim the right that every other non-EU country in the world has. “So to think that we might accept EU supervision on so-called level playing field issues simply fails to see the point of what we are doing. “It isn’t a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure - it is the point of the whole project.”
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Boris Johnson has said the UK will not extend the transition period beyond December 31
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Mr Barnier have both cast doubt on Mr Johnson’s aim to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year. Mr Frost insisted the UK would honour the December 31 deadline despite the two sides being far apart from a trade agreement. He added:”That’s also why we will not extend the transition beyond the end of this year. READ MORE: Priti Patel unveils post-Brexit plan to 'take back control'
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has cast doubt over the 11-month timetable
A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Brexit news: What is the UK’s points-based immigration system?

The UK is no longer a member of the European Union and so won ’ t adhere to the bloc ’ s rules on immigration from 2021 .
On Wednesday , the Government unveiled its points-based immigration system , which is similar to the one used in Australia .
So how will it work ?
What is the UK ’ s points-based immigration system ?
In its policy document , the Home Office announced : “ We are ending free movement and will introduce an Immigration Bill to bring in a firm and fair points-based system that will attract the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our economy , our communities and our public services .
“ We will deliver a system that works in the interests of the whole of the UK and prioritises the skills a person has to offer , not where they come from .
READ MORE : Diane Abbott squirms as she is confronted on fact OWN voters want “ For too long , distorted by European free movement rights , the immigration system has been failing to meet the needs of the British people .
“ Failing to deliver benefits across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world who want to come to the UK and make a contribution to our economy and society .
“ Our approach will change all of this .
We are implementing a new system that will transform the way in which all migrants come to the UK to work , study , visit or join their family .
“ It will also revolutionise the operation of the UK border , tighten security and deliver a better customer experience for those coming to the UK.
” Brexit news : The Home Office wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants come to the UK to work , study , visit or join their family '' Free movement will end on January 1 , 2021 , after the transition period with the EU has ended .
The Government said it wants to switch the economy ’ s focus away from “ a reliance on cheap labour from Europe ” .
Instead , it wants to concentrate on investment in technology and automation .
Under the new system , immigrants will need a total of 70 points to be eligible to apply .
DO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to 'take back control ' Boris Johnson ’ s ‘ Australian-style ’ immigration vision slapped down Iain Duncan Smith sends Boris warning over critical Brexit promise Some requirements are essential to an application and if an immigrant can not meet these criteria , they won ’ t be eligible .
These requirements are a job offer by an approved sponsor ( worth 20 points ) , a job at an appropriate skill level ( worth 20 points ) , and the ability to speak English at the required level ( worth 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or “ untradeable ” requirements , an applicant needs another 20 points to meet the 70-point threshold .
The “ tradeable ” criteria set out in the policy document can be used to reach the required points total .
A job with a salary of between a minimum £20,480 and £23,039 does not qualify for any immigration points .
A salary between £23,040 and £25,599 is worth 10 points , while a salary of £25,600 or above is worth 20 points .
Job in a shortage occupation ( as designated by the Migration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If an applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job , then they receive 10 points .
A PhD in a STEM ( science , technology , engineering , and mathematics ) subject relevant to the job earns an applicant 20 points .

Priti Patel outlines details of new immigration policy
The UK is no longer a member of the European Union and so won’t adhere to the bloc’s rules on immigration from 2021. On Wednesday, the Government unveiled its points-based immigration system, which is similar to the one used in Australia. So how will it work?
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What is the UK’s points-based immigration system? In its policy document, the Home Office announced: “We are ending free movement and will introduce an Immigration Bill to bring in a firm and fair points-based system that will attract the high-skilled workers we need to contribute to our economy, our communities and our public services. “We intend to create a high wage, high-skill, high productivity economy. “We will deliver a system that works in the interests of the whole of the UK and prioritises the skills a person has to offer, not where they come from. READ MORE: Diane Abbott squirms as she is confronted on fact OWN voters want
Brexit news: What is the UK’s points-based immigration system?
Brexit news: The new system will be effective from January 2021
READ MORE Boris Johnson's Brexit immigration 'plan to SLASH unskilled EU workers “For too long, distorted by European free movement rights, the immigration system has been failing to meet the needs of the British people. “Failing to deliver benefits across the UK and failing the highly-skilled migrants from around the world who want to come to the UK and make a contribution to our economy and society. “Our approach will change all of this. We are implementing a new system that will transform the way in which all migrants come to the UK to work, study, visit or join their family. “It will also revolutionise the operation of the UK border, tighten security and deliver a better customer experience for those coming to the UK.”
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Brexit news: Boris Johnson and Priti Patel are shaking up the immigration
Brexit news: The Home Office wants to "transform the way in which all migrants come to the UK to work, study, visit or join their family"
Free movement will end on January 1, 2021, after the transition period with the EU has ended. The Government said it wants to switch the economy’s focus away from “a reliance on cheap labour from Europe”. Instead, it wants to concentrate on investment in technology and automation. Under the new system, immigrants will need a total of 70 points to be eligible to apply. DON'T MISS:
Priti Patel unveils post-Brexit plan to 'take back control'
Boris Johnson’s ‘Australian-style’ immigration vision slapped down
Iain Duncan Smith sends Boris warning over critical Brexit promise
READ MORE UK’s new immigration rules: Patel unveils ‘significant’ restrictions Some requirements are essential to an application and if an immigrant cannot meet these criteria, they won’t be eligible. These requirements are a job offer by an approved sponsor (worth 20 points), a job at an appropriate skill level (worth 20 points), and the ability to speak English at the required level (worth 10 points). By meeting those essential or “untradeable” requirements, an applicant needs another 20 points to meet the 70-point threshold. The “tradeable” criteria set out in the policy document can be used to reach the required points total.
Brexit news: Home Secretary Priti Patel unveiled the new immigration system on Wednesday
A job with a salary of between a minimum £20,480 and £23,039 does not qualify for any immigration points. A salary between £23,040 and £25,599 is worth 10 points, while a salary of £25,600 or above is worth 20 points. Job in a shortage occupation (as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee) is worth 20 points. If an applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job, then they receive 10 points. A PhD in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subject relevant to the job earns an applicant 20 points.


thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Nigel Farage reveals why UK now has the 'upper hand' in Brexit trade talks with Brussels

Nigel Farage jumped for joy as he explained how UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost gave a passionate speech in Brussels where he explained how Britain has “ upper hand ” .
The Brexit Party leader noted Mr Frost stated clearly the UK is seeking an EU-Canada style trade deal .
Speaking on his LBC show , Mr Farage said : “ Let me be nice about Boris Johnson 's Government .
“ Last night , there was a remarkable speech in Brussels by David Frost .
The UK Chief Brexit negotiator .
`` Now , I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat in this chair back in early 2017 when Theresa May gave her Lancaster House speech , and I listened to words and phrases that I 've been uttering for 20 years , and being condemned and called all sorts of nasty things .
`` And she was saying them , and I thought , wow , this is it , it 's going to happen 'Yipee ’ .
” READ MORE : EU crisis : Real reason bloc MUST secure Brexit trade deal by deadline He continued : “ And of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very badly wrong .
Luckily , I did smell a rat in time and did something about it .
`` So I have to say this with some degree of caution having been very badly burnt before .
But there is a difference here .
`` This speech was given by David Frost in Brussels .
And he made it absolutely clear that we seek an EU-Canada style trade deal , one that abolishes most tariffs makes inroads into services . ''
“ The whole point was , we should be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he wants us to be treated as sovereign equals .
`` He said we become - and this is the bit I could n't believe I was so pleased [ about ] - an independent country !
`` I mean , wow , this is proper stuff .
And he said that actually , that if we finished up , aligned , that consent for the democratic process in the United Kingdom would snap finally , and dramatically and that I think , is an acknowledgement .
“ We potentially now got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Frost you keep playing your cards , this way and they 're going to come running to you . ''

Brexit: Farage praises Frost for 'getting the upper hand' over EU
Nigel Farage jumped for joy as he explained how UK’s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost gave a passionate speech in Brussels where he explained how Britain has “upper hand”. The Brexit Party leader noted Mr Frost stated clearly the UK is seeking an EU-Canada style trade deal.
Speaking on his LBC show, Mr Farage said: “Let me be nice about Boris Johnson's Government. “Last night, there was a remarkable speech in Brussels by David Frost. The UK Chief Brexit negotiator. "Now, I have to be cautious here. Because I sat in this chair back in early 2017 when Theresa May gave her Lancaster House speech, and I listened to words and phrases that I've been uttering for 20 years, and being condemned and called all sorts of nasty things. "And she was saying them, and I thought, wow, this is it, it's going to happen 'Yipee’.” READ MORE: EU crisis: Real reason bloc MUST secure Brexit trade deal by deadline
Nigel Farage excitedly waved his hands in the air while praising the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator
David Frost gave a passionate speech in Brussels which gave Britain the “upper hand”
He continued: “And of course, it all went horribly, desperately, very badly wrong. Luckily, I did smell a rat in time and did something about it. "So I have to say this with some degree of caution having been very badly burnt before. But there is a difference here. “This speech wasn't given, designed for UK domestic political audience. "This speech was given by David Frost in Brussels. And he made it absolutely clear that we seek an EU-Canada style trade deal, one that abolishes most tariffs makes inroads into services."
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Nigel Farage said the UK is seeking an EU-Canada style trade deal
Boris Johnson's leadership branded ‘pathetic’ by Nigel Farage
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-19--Priti Patel unveils post-Brexit plan to 'take back control' and END free movement for good

Priti Patel revealed the Government is launching a points-based system for immigration .
The Home Secretary explained the system , which won ’ t discriminate , will look into what skills someone has .
She announced that foreign nationals will need a job offer from an approved employer , appropriate skills for the post and be able to speak English to be allowed to come to the UK to work from next year .
Speaking to Sky News , Ms Patel said : “ First of all we are ending free movement which means numbers will come down because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ With that we have a structured framework now with points based on individual skills from citizens around the world .
“ It doesn ’ t discriminate in terms of where you ’ ve come from or which country you originate from but the important bit is about the skills you can bring to the UK .
READ MORE : EU crisis : Real reason bloc MUST secure Brexit trade deal by deadline “ As a result numbers will come down that is the purpose of having a system.
” She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free movement at the centre of it because we were members of the EU .
“ The point is right now for the first time in over 40 years the British Government is able to set its own immigration policy and be in control of who comes into our country .
“ With that control and having control measures effectively means we can keep migration down.
” It comes as BBC Breakfast viewers expressed their frustration at shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott appearing on the programme on Wednesday morning to discuss the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned off their TV set as soon as they noticed Ms Abbott on the screen , while others accused the Labour Party frontbencher of being unable to `` answer a straight question . ''
Commenting on the BBC Breakfast interview on Twitter , one viewer said : `` Turns on TV ... .DIANE ABBOTT ... !
!
!
Turns of TV ... ... .. '' Another said : `` @ BBCBreakfast… classic politician not answering a question # dianeabbott . ''
Sturgeon SILENCED : SNP ’ s ‘ unworkable ' Scottish visa plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Brexit immigration 'plan to SLASH unskilled EU workers [ INSIGHT ] At last we have some sort of freedom ... and must build on it [ COMMENT ]

Priti Patel outlines details of new immigration policy
Priti Patel revealed the Government is launching a points-based system for immigration. The Home Secretary explained the system, which won’t discriminate, will look into what skills someone has. She announced that foreign nationals will need a job offer from an approved employer, appropriate skills for the post and be able to speak English to be allowed to come to the UK to work from next year.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Patel said: “First of all we are ending free movement which means numbers will come down because we are ending free movement from the EU. “With that we have a structured framework now with points based on individual skills from citizens around the world. “This is a global immigration system. “It doesn’t discriminate in terms of where you’ve come from or which country you originate from but the important bit is about the skills you can bring to the UK. READ MORE: EU crisis: Real reason bloc MUST secure Brexit trade deal by deadline
Priti Patel has unveiled Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit plan to end free movement with the EU
Priti Patel announced that foreign nationals will need a job offer from an approved employer
“As a result numbers will come down that is the purpose of having a system.” She added: “The previous system still have free movement at the centre of it because we were members of the EU. “The point is right now for the first time in over 40 years the British Government is able to set its own immigration policy and be in control of who comes into our country. “With that control and having control measures effectively means we can keep migration down.”
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Priti Patel explained the system will look into what skills someone has
Cabinet reshuffle: Members arrive at Downing Street
It comes as BBC Breakfast viewers expressed their frustration at shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott appearing on the programme on Wednesday morning to discuss the new immigration bill. Some viewers claimed they turned off their TV set as soon as they noticed Ms Abbott on the screen, while others accused the Labour Party frontbencher of being unable to "answer a straight question." Commenting on the BBC Breakfast interview on Twitter, one viewer said: "Turns on TV....DIANE ABBOTT...!!! Turns of TV........" Another said: "@BBCBreakfast… classic politician not answering a question #dianeabbott." DON'T MISS Sturgeon SILENCED: SNP’s ‘unworkable' Scottish visa plan ripped apart [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson's Brexit immigration 'plan to SLASH unskilled EU workers [INSIGHT]
At last we have some sort of freedom... and must build on it [COMMENT]
Brexit timeline
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-20--EU rift erupts: Angela Merkel hits out at Emmanuel Macron over Brussels budget chaos

Angela Merkel insisted Germany hopes to find a solution despite not knowing whether the next EU budget will work .
European Council summits on the bloc 's long-term financial arrangements are often acrimonious .
But the gaping hole left by Brexit puts this year 's budget clash on a path to be even more brutal .
In a sign of tensions among European leaders , the German Chancellor argued Germany puts in more money into the budget than it gets back .
Ms Merkel said : “ Germany is here with the determination to find a solution , we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work but I hope that we will at least make progress .
“ It would be good if we could come to an agreement , because the clarity and ability to act and to decide on the finances of the next years would also help to work out all the programmes that are then necessary .
“ But it is a complicated task and big differences will likely have to be overcome .
“ We in Germany are not yet happy with the current state of negotiations because we believe that among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been fully worked out .
“ Of course it is clear that we pay in more money for the convergence than we get back , but this has to be well balanced among the net payers .
READ MORE : Passport renewal : How much does a passport renewal cost ?
“ Otherwise we are very interested in continuing to receive funds for our new federal states because the development between East and West in Germany is not yet balanced even though we already have 30 years of German unity .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda in which the topics of research and development play a big role , but also the new topics of which have been talked about in the past 7 years , like migration and external border protection , development aid , are very important .
“ All in all a complicated task .
On one hand the justified expectations , for example by farmers in Europe , it is the most communitised politics , to account for this , to well equip the cohesion fund , but to also focus on modernity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be very active in trying to find a solution.
” It comes as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Charles Michel 's proposals for the next EU budget but admitted talks with EU member states leaders will be `` long and tough '' .
Speaking to reporters as she arrived in Brussels for the Special EU Summit , Ursula von der Leyen claimed the next three days of talks with EU member states will be `` long and tough '' .
She welcomed the European Council President 's proposals for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good starting point '' and stressed she will fight for a `` modern budget '' that will see at least 25 percent of the funds invested in her Green Deal .
She said : “ Today we ’ re going to negotiate the budget , it ’ s going to be long , long and tough .
EU at risk of eurosceptic surge amid ongoing budget clash [ INSIGHT ] EU DIVIDED : Merkel panic over Brexit black hole - ‘ Hard talks ahead ' [ VIDEO ] EU to face internal split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ INSIGHT ]

EU budget: Merkel ‘not happy’ with state of negotiations
Angela Merkel insisted Germany hopes to find a solution despite not knowing whether the next EU budget will work. European Council summits on the bloc's long-term financial arrangements are often acrimonious. But the gaping hole left by Brexit puts this year's budget clash on a path to be even more brutal. In a sign of tensions among European leaders, the German Chancellor argued Germany puts in more money into the budget than it gets back.
Ms Merkel said: “Germany is here with the determination to find a solution, we can’t yet say whether this will work but I hope that we will at least make progress. “It would be good if we could come to an agreement, because the clarity and ability to act and to decide on the finances of the next years would also help to work out all the programmes that are then necessary. “But it is a complicated task and big differences will likely have to be overcome. “We in Germany are not yet happy with the current state of negotiations because we believe that among the net payers the balance hasn’t yet been fully worked out. “Of course it is clear that we pay in more money for the convergence than we get back, but this has to be well balanced among the net payers. READ MORE: Passport renewal: How much does a passport renewal cost?
Angela Merkel hit out at French President Emmanuel Macron
Angela Merkel went on to say Germany puts in more money into the budget than it gets back
“Otherwise we are very interested in continuing to receive funds for our new federal states because the development between East and West in Germany is not yet balanced even though we already have 30 years of German unity. “We want it to be a modern agenda in which the topics of research and development play a big role, but also the new topics of which have been talked about in the past 7 years, like migration and external border protection, development aid, are very important. “All in all a complicated task. On one hand the justified expectations, for example by farmers in Europe, it is the most communitised politics, to account for this, to well equip the cohesion fund, but to also focus on modernity. “We will try this and Germany will be very active in trying to find a solution.”
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Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Charles Michel's proposals for the next EU budget
Von der Leyen warns EU budget talks will be 'long and tough'
It comes as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Charles Michel's proposals for the next EU budget but admitted talks with EU member states leaders will be "long and tough". Speaking to reporters as she arrived in Brussels for the Special EU Summit, Ursula von der Leyen claimed the next three days of talks with EU member states will be "long and tough". She welcomed the European Council President's proposals for the next EU budget as a "good starting point" and stressed she will fight for a "modern budget" that will see at least 25 percent of the funds invested in her Green Deal. She said: “Today we’re going to negotiate the budget, it’s going to be long, long and tough. DON'T MISS EU at risk of eurosceptic surge amid ongoing budget clash [INSIGHT]
EU DIVIDED: Merkel panic over Brexit black hole - ‘Hard talks ahead' [VIDEO]
EU to face internal split as 'frugal' member states demand discount [INSIGHT]
Brexit timeline
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-20--Labour overhaul revealed: The faces you could see in Keir Starmer’s Labour cabinet

Sir Keir Starmer still has more than a month to go until he finds out whether he ’ s beaten @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Nandy to the top job .
However , polling and betting odds show the @ @ @ @ @ the clear favourite to win the contest and take over as leader of the Labour @ @ @ @ @ we see in his shadow cabinet ?
Sir Keir and his team have repeatedly said @ @ @ @ @ making or talking about appointments until after the contest has ended .
A senior member @ @ @ @ @ no decisions have been made , and said Sir Keir is completely focused on winning @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t stopped speculation building as to who we could see in a new @ @ @

Tony Blair discusses voters who abandoned Labour
Sir Keir Starmer still has more than a month to go until he finds out whether he’s beaten fellow candidates Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy to the top job. However, polling and betting odds show the current shadow Brexit secretary as the clear favourite to win the contest and take over as leader of the Labour Party.
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So who could we see in his shadow cabinet? Sir Keir and his team have repeatedly said he won’t begin making or talking about appointments until after the contest has ended. A senior member of his team has insisted no decisions have been made, and said Sir Keir is completely focused on winning the contest. But that hasn’t stopped speculation building as to who we could see in a new shadow cabinet. READ MORE: Rebecca Long-Bailey HUMILIATED: Corbyn ally snubbed
Labour leadership latest news: Starmer is the runaway favourite to take over from Jeremy Corbyn
Labour leadership latest news: Labour leadership latest: The three leadership contestants - Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy
READ MORE Labour BOMBSHELL: Could Labour see return of ED MILIBAND if Keir wins? Allies of Sir Keir are calling for a total shake-up of senior staff, with few of Mr Corbyn’s cabinet expected to survive the leadership change. That said, there have been suggestions that Rebecca Long-Bailey, Sir Keir’s closest rival in the race, could make it into the shadow cabinet. There is a desire to bridge the gap between moderates and the hard-Left, and Mrs Long-Bailey’s appointment could go some way to achieve that. Sir Keir’s other rival in the race, Lisa Nandy, said on Thursday she would be “proud” to serve in the shadow cabinet of either of her competitors, if offered a role.
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Labour leadership latest news: Other senior MPs tipped for a prominent role under Sir Keir include Yvette Cooper
Ms Nandy resigned from the Labour frontbench and the shadow cabinet in the wake of the 2016 EU referendum as she and other Labour moderates criticised Mr Corbyn’s leadership. She has been a backbench MP ever since, but appears to now be lining up a return to frontbench politics. Other senior MPs tipped for a prominent role under Sir Keir include Yvette Cooper and Rachel Reeves. The biggest rumoured appointment so far has been former Labour leader Ed Miliband.
READ MORE Bravo Boris! IDS praises immigration plan and shames Labour According to the Telegraph, a prominent Labour figure said Sir Keir’s campaign team “highly rated” Mr Miliband, who they called a “giant on strategy”. The source said: “He genuinely is quite a giant on strategy and he’s a big figure. “He is a big backer of Keir and is well respected within the party.” However, others signalled that Mr Miliband could be offered a less prominent frontbench role. There are some concerns about having two male figures at the top of the party, with Labour the only major party never to have elected a female leader.
Labour leadership latest news: The biggest rumoured appointment so far has been former Labour leader Ed Miliband