thedailyexpress--2020-07-23--Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson refuses negotiation on fishing – EU to decide if talks continue

“ Britain isn ’ t going to budge on fundamentals like fishing rights , so it ’ s all in the hands of the EU.
” The latest round of negotiations between teams led by the EU 's Michel Barnier and Mr Johnson 's Europe adviser David Frost will conclude on Thursday .
Number 10 played down the prospect of an imminent collapse in negotiations , with insiders saying the talks were `` neither at a breakthrough nor a breakdown '' .
But the Daily Telegraph reported that the Government 's working assumption is that Britain will trade with Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a UK-EU deal - after the transition period ends on December 31 .
Downing Street insisted that talks had been `` constructive '' but acknowledged that `` significant differences '' still remain .
READ MORE : Talks on knife-edge as Frost and Barnier prepare for bloody battle 12.50pm update : EU and UK have until October to strike deal Michel Barnier said the EU and UK have until `` October at the latest '' to strike a deal or risk the imposition of quotas and tariffs .
He said : `` If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future partnership there will be far more friction .
For instance , on trading goods , in addition to new customs formalities there will be tariffs and quotas .
`` This is the truth of Brexit ... and I will continue to tell the truth .
If we want to avoid this additional friction we must come to an agreement in October at the latest so that our new treaty can enter into force on January 1 next year .
`` This means that we only a few weeks left and that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union 's chief Brexit negotiator said on Thursday that the United Kingdom had shown no willingness to break the deadlock on level playing field and fisheries , making sealing a new trade agreement `` unlikely '' .
Michel Barnier said : `` By its current refusal to committ to conditions of open and fair competition and to a balanced agreement on fisheries , the UK makes a trade agreement - at this point - unlikely . ''
Speaking after this week 's round of negotiations in London , Barnier said there been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ensuring fairness on state aid .
He said : `` The time for answers is quickly running out , '' he told a news conference , referring to the five months left before the end of Britain 's transition period since it formally left the EU at the end of January He added : `` If we do not reach an agreement on our future partnership there will be more friction .
`` We have tried to understand how these three red lines can be squared with our commitment to a comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Political Deceleration signed by Prime Minister Johnson on 17 of October last year . ''
He said the EU had engaged `` sincerely '' , adding : `` Over the past few weeks the UK has not shown the same level of engagement and readiness to find solutions respecting the EU fundamental principles and interests . ''
The UK 's chief EU negotiator David Frost said `` considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas '' following the latest round of talks in London .
He said the UK and EU would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , he said : `` It is unfortunately clear that we will not reach in July the 'early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement ' that was set as an aim at the High-Level Meeting on June 15 .
`` We have also had constructive discussions on trade in goods and services , and in some of the sectoral agreements , notably on transport , social security cooperation , and participation in EU programmes .
We have also continued to deepen our understanding of each other 's constraints on law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the most difficult areas , that is , the so-called level playing field and on fisheries .
`` We have always been clear that our principles in these areas are not simple negotiating positions but expressions of the reality that we will be a fully independent country at the end of the transition period . ''
11.07am update : Leading MEP names SEVEN nations heading for EU exits as they 'poison ' Brussels bloc MEP Phillipe Lamberts named and shamed the seven EU countries that are tearing Brussels apart from the inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK before the Brexit referendum .
He launched a scathing outburst against the seven countries he claims are ruining the EU from the inside .
The leader of the Greens in the European Parliament named and shamed the so-called `` frugals '' - the Netherlands , Austria , Sweden , Finland and Denmark - as well as the `` pseudo-democratics '' - Hungary and Poland .
He claimed that their tactics during the European Union recovery fund talks last weekend resembled those from the British Conservative Party before the Brexit referendum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory MPs plot to oust PM before next election Boris Johnson is facing a coup after it emerged some Tory MPs are already considering ousting their leader , with the Prime Minister ’ s honeymoon period well and truly over ahead of his year anniversary in office .
Tory MPs are understood to be looking to get rid of Prime Minister Boris Johnson before the next General Election in 2024 as they grow increasingly frustrated at his approach to the coronavirus crisis , which has left behind a crippled UK economy .
Critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obsessed ” with Brexit and therefore not well equipped to deal with coronavirus as he reaches his 12-month milestone on Friday .
One Tory MP told The Guardian : “ If the economic downturn and the fallout from an inquiry into the pandemic put the party into freefall , some have even begun to think Johnson may need to be replaced before the next election .
“ The party has no emotional attachment to Boris because he does not give us something to believe in , apart from as a vehicle for power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the polls look bad , it could happen.
” Sterling stabilised above $ 1.27 on Thursday on the last day of the Brexit negotiations , with traders looking out for any headlines that may shine some light on whether Britain could walk away from the EU with a deal at the end of the year .
Marshal Gittler , head of investment research at BDSwiss Group , said investors should `` watch the tone of the statements coming out of today 's final meetings to see if they are of a conciliatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volatility gauges showed traders were slightly nervous about possible emerging headlines on Thursday as levels inched to a one-month high of 8.85 percent .
The pound was down 0.1 percent at $ 1.2716 and down 0.2 percent versus the euro at 91.02 .
Brexit trade talks are at breaking point , as the UK is seriously considering walking away from the EU and the negotiation table- but an unearthed report claims that Northern Ireland could even return to the EU after the UK 's departure .
Professor Colin Harvey , from Queen ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcaster RTE back in 2019 that Brexit could lead Northern Ireland to rejoin the EU .
He claimed Brexit has had a “ destabilising impact on relationships across these islands ” .
Prof Harvey continued : “ The border on the island becomes an external border of the EU after Brexit , will all the symbolism that this carries combined with the severe practical implications.
” The Anglo-Dutch maker of Dove soaps and Knorr soups jumped 6.8 percent to the top of the FTSE 100 as it said a strong performance in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns .
The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up 0.2 percent , with the world 's biggest advertising firm , WPP , also among the top gainers after a strong quarterly showing by French rival Publicis Groupe SA .
The mid-cap FTSE 250 was flat with gains in consumer staples , materials and energy stocks offset by declines for financials and real estate firms .
Security contractor G4S rose 4.3 percent to the top of the FTSE 250 after reporting a higher-than-expected first-half operating profit .
Brexiteer Mark Francois has delivered a prediction as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make progress in crunch trade discussions .
Conservative MP Mark Francois is confident the UK will prosper regardless of whether a Brexit trade deal is agreed with the EU or not .
While on TalkRadio , he claimed the UK should be prepared to trade with the EU under World Trade Organisation rules if a trade deal can not be agreed by the end of the year .
The Tory MP also predicted that the bloc `` may make concessions in the end game '' .
7.34am update : Brexit deadline day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier prepare for bloody battle Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU were on a knife edge last night as Downing Street insisted the UK will be prepared for `` all possible scenarios '' .
Number 10 played down the prospect of an imminent collapse in negotiations , with insiders saying the talks were `` neither at a breakthrough nor a breakdown '' . ]
The latest round of negotiations between teams led by the EU 's Michel Barnier and Boris Johnson 's Europe adviser David Frost will conclude today .

Brexit: UK 'willing to leave on WTO terms' says Francois
The former Labour MP insisted it was “quite right” the UK does not “give an inch” on the two issues, which are proving to be major stumbling blocks in post-Brexit trade talks between Britain and Brussels. Ms Hoey tweeted: The Brexiteer said on Twitter: “Quite right that our Government will not give an inch on a Level Playing Field and fishing. This blog is no longer live, follow here for live updates.
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“How dare the EU complain about us wanting to take back control of our fishing waters? “Fishing communities devastated over years by the CFP @DavidGHFrost doing a splendid job.” It comes after the fifth round of negotiations ended in stalemate. The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the UK’s position on fisheries is "simply unacceptable”. Mr Barnier also warned of gaps between the two sides on the so-called level playing field. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexiteer Kate Hoey has blasted the EU over its demands on fishing and the level playing field
Brexit timeline
3am update: Brexit trade deal 'deadlocked' The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier said a Brexit trade deal is not likely because of a dispute over the fishing rights and a level playing field. UK's chief negotiator with the EU, David Frost, said discussions were ongoing. 1am update: Cost of baby food and formula milk set to rise after Brexit The Government is planning to impose higher tariffs of up to 17 percent on baby food and formula milk after Brexit. Pureed food used for tube feeding for cancer and intensive care patients are other products facing increased tariffs. The plans to up tariffs were revealed by by the British Specialist Nutrition Association, which is pleading with the Government to avoid making life more costly for young families. 10pm update: Former MEP points out why UK is right to resist EU pressure Ex-Conservative MEP and Brexiteer Daniel Hannan tweeted: “Suppose the UK were to demand access to EU fishing grounds, a say over EU state aid and competition law and a role for British judges on the continent. “Would anyone expect the EU to agree? Would anyone call it unreasonable for holding out?”
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9pm update: Frost told to ‘keep up the good work’ A Brexiteer has told Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost to “keep up the good work” following the fifth round of trade talks between the UK and the EU. Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe tweeted: “Latest round of Brexit talks have just finished. “Sounds like Frost is standing firm on fishing and the level playing field. 'Considerable gaps remain.' “@DavidGHFrost - keep up the good work. All brexiteers will raise a glass to you on December 31st if you can deliver!” 7.30pm update: Truss insists UK will not “sacrifice a good deal for speed” in US negotiations International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has insisted the UK will not “sacrifice a good deal for speed” in trade negotiations on a post-Brexit deal with the US. She refused to set a deadline because it could be used to put pressure on the UK to sign an agreement. Ms Truss told a House of Lords comittee: "We are commencing round three of the talks next week and we are making good progress. "But we are very clear that we are not going to sacrifice a good deal for speed. "We have expert negotiators who are tabling UK-specific texts across the whole agreement to ensure that it reflects our interests. "We are not just going to accept photocopies of the US-Mexico-Canada agreement. "We are also not going to budge from our red lines: the NHS remains off the table, our food standards must not be undermined and British farming must benefit from the deal. "We also want to make sure that every region and nation of the UK benefits from the deal."
Liz Truss insists UK will not “sacrifice a good deal for speed” in US negotiations
6.30pm update: Brexiteer blasts Barnier over fishing and level playing field demands Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib has hit out at Michel Barnier after the EU’s chief negotiator said a deal was unlikely due to the UK’s refusal to bow to Brussels’ demands on fishing and the so-called level playing field. Mr Habib tweeted: “Pls simply listen to what @MichelBarnier says. “Do not over interpret it. Take his requirements at face value. “His demands require we give up our sovereignty and remain a vassal state. “@DavidGHFrost @michaelgove @BorisJohnson Where is our no-deal planning? WTO now.” 5pm update: German MEP celebrates Brexit as he lays into EU spending plans Leading eurosceptic Gunnar Beck has celebrated Brexit as a move that has saved Britain sending billions of pounds to the European Union's coronavirus recovery fund. The Alternative for Germany MEP said the EU had used the global pandemic to launch a “coup d'etat” to seize more powers for Brussels. Speaking in the European Parliament, he said: “Good news! Brexit has saved Britain €80 billion – roughly the sum the recovery fund would have cost Britain.” 4.15pm update: Former MEP warns UK's 'only option is to walk away’ Ex-Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy said on Twitter: “Here we are again it’s No Deal or a bad deal. “The has EU refused to give the UK a fair FTA as it has with other nations, so our only option is to walk away or it’s MAY’S DEAL re-wrapped in new ribbons and no Brexit.”
Boris Johnson is not prepared to budge on fishing rights
3.10pm update: Tice predicts ‘partial deal’ could be struck ‘late on’ Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice tweeted: “No deal is always better than a bad deal..... I detect a partial deal will emerge, late on, possibly using the WTO’s Article 24 mechanism to buy time to document the detail. “We are watching closely for betrayal or unnecessary compromise.” 2.43pm update: Boris stuns Barnier with demand for 'near total' BAN on EU vessels Michel Barier was left stunned by Boris Johnson's refusal to back down on Britain's fishing demands, after he revealed that the UK wanted "near total exclusion of EU vessels" from its waters. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has revealed the UK will not back down from demands on fisheries. He said that David Frost has asked for a "near total exclusion of EU fishing vessels" which is "unacceptable" to the EU. In his press conference today, Mr Barnier said that the United Kingdom had shown no willingness to break deadlock on the level playing field and fisheries issues, making reaching a new trade agreement "unlikely".
EU and UK talks failed to make progress
2.08pm update: 'A deal can be done' UK official A senior UK Government official involved in the talks, when asked about whether the talks were closer to breakdown or breakthrough, said: "I think we are potentially closer to both, to be honest - I think it is hard to quantify. "I can quite see how we can make a breakthrough relatively quickly if they do adjust their position in the most important areas and, if they don't, we won't. "It really is in their hands to a large extent and it is related to the fundamental principles in these few areas." On the prospect of a deal, they added: "I think it can be done, there is a way to do it, I can see how it can be done (but) you cannot be sure we will get there." 1.58pm update: ECJ remains 'sticking point' No agreement has been reached over a dispute mechanism but the EU has recognised that the European Court of Justice is a sticking point for the UK, said a Government source. Speaking to reporters, the senior source involved in the talks said: "No... we are in the talks process and we're both exploring where we are. "But what I think is clear is that they have understood that the presence of the Court of Justice in an agreement between us is essentially a non-starter for us for all the obvious reasons. "They have indicated flexibility on this - we don't know exactly what that means but they have obviously heard and understood that point of concern to us." They added that there was "a lot of precedents" in free trade deals for the "kind of dispute resolutions we could have". 12.50pm update: EU and UK have until October to strike deal Michel Barnier said the EU and UK have until "October at the latest" to strike a deal or risk the imposition of quotas and tariffs. He said: "If we do not reach an agreement on our future partnership there will be far more friction. For instance, on trading goods, in addition to new customs formalities there will be tariffs and quotas. "This is the truth of Brexit... and I will continue to tell the truth. If we want to avoid this additional friction we must come to an agreement in October at the latest so that our new treaty can enter into force on January 1 next year. "This means that we only a few weeks left and that we should not waste it."
Michel Barnier warned of a no deal Brexit
12.26pm update: Barnier hits out at UK The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said on Thursday that the United Kingdom had shown no willingness to break the deadlock on level playing field and fisheries, making sealing a new trade agreement "unlikely". Michel Barnier said: "By its current refusal to committ to conditions of open and fair competition and to a balanced agreement on fisheries, the UK makes a trade agreement - at this point - unlikely." Speaking after this week's round of negotiations in London, Barnier said there been no progress at all on the question of ensuring fairness on state aid. He said: "The time for answers is quickly running out," he told a news conference, referring to the five months left before the end of Britain's transition period since it formally left the EU at the end of January He added: "If we do not reach an agreement on our future partnership there will be more friction. "We have tried to understand how these three red lines can be squared with our commitment to a comprehensive new partnership as set out in the Political Deceleration signed by Prime Minister Johnson on 17 of October last year." He said the EU had engaged "sincerely", adding: "Over the past few weeks the UK has not shown the same level of engagement and readiness to find solutions respecting the EU fundamental principles and interests." 12.04Pm update: Brexit talks - 'considerable gaps' remain The UK's chief EU negotiator David Frost said "considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas" following the latest round of talks in London. He said the UK and EU would not reach an agreement in July. In a statement, he said: "It is unfortunately clear that we will not reach in July the 'early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement' that was set as an aim at the High-Level Meeting on June 15. "We have also had constructive discussions on trade in goods and services, and in some of the sectoral agreements, notably on transport, social security cooperation, and participation in EU programmes. We have also continued to deepen our understanding of each other's constraints on law enforcement. "But considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas, that is, the so-called level playing field and on fisheries. "We have always been clear that our principles in these areas are not simple negotiating positions but expressions of the reality that we will be a fully independent country at the end of the transition period." 11.07am update: Leading MEP names SEVEN nations heading for EU exits as they 'poison' Brussels bloc MEP Phillipe Lamberts named and shamed the seven EU countries that are tearing Brussels apart from the inside and heading down the same path as the UK before the Brexit referendum. He launched a scathing outburst against the seven countries he claims are ruining the EU from the inside. The leader of the Greens in the European Parliament named and shamed the so-called "frugals" - the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark - as well as the "pseudo-democratics" - Hungary and Poland. He claimed that their tactics during the European Union recovery fund talks last weekend resembled those from the British Conservative Party before the Brexit referendum.
David Frost said "considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas"
Michel Barnier arrives for Brexit talks in London
10.40am update: Boris Johnson COUP: Tory MPs plot to oust PM before next election Boris Johnson is facing a coup after it emerged some Tory MPs are already considering ousting their leader, with the Prime Minister’s honeymoon period well and truly over ahead of his year anniversary in office. Tory MPs are understood to be looking to get rid of Prime Minister Boris Johnson before the next General Election in 2024 as they grow increasingly frustrated at his approach to the coronavirus crisis, which has left behind a crippled UK economy. Critics have accused Mr Johnson of being “obsessed” with Brexit and therefore not well equipped to deal with coronavirus as he reaches his 12-month milestone on Friday. One Tory MP told The Guardian: “If the economic downturn and the fallout from an inquiry into the pandemic put the party into freefall, some have even begun to think Johnson may need to be replaced before the next election. “The party has no emotional attachment to Boris because he does not give us something to believe in, apart from as a vehicle for power. “So a year out, if the polls look bad, it could happen.” 9.29pm update: Sterling stabilises Sterling stabilised above $1.27 on Thursday on the last day of the Brexit negotiations, with traders looking out for any headlines that may shine some light on whether Britain could walk away from the EU with a deal at the end of the year. Marshal Gittler, head of investment research at BDSwiss Group, said investors should "watch the tone of the statements coming out of today's final meetings to see if they are of a conciliatory or confrontational nature". Overnight implied volatility gauges showed traders were slightly nervous about possible emerging headlines on Thursday as levels inched to a one-month high of 8.85 percent. The pound was down 0.1 percent at $1.2716 and down 0.2 percent versus the euro at 91.02. 9.09am update: Brexit shock: How Northern Ireland ‘could return to EU’ Brexit trade talks are at breaking point, as the UK is seriously considering walking away from the EU and the negotiation table- but an unearthed report claims that Northern Ireland could even return to the EU after the UK's departure. Professor Colin Harvey, from Queen’s University Belfast, wrote for Irish broadcaster RTE back in 2019 that Brexit could lead Northern Ireland to rejoin the EU. He claimed Brexit has had a “destabilising impact on relationships across these islands”. Prof Harvey continued: “The border on the island becomes an external border of the EU after Brexit, will all the symbolism that this carries combined with the severe practical implications.”
Campaigners against Brexit rally in London
Anti-Brexit campaigner in London


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Brexit will unleash Britain's potential vows Patel as she hints at new immigration reform

The Home Secretary said the UK is “ absolutely ” about to enter a glorious new era .
Brexit transition rules will end in December allowing the country to finally take back control .
Ms Patel told the Daily Express : “ January 1 is going to be one of those totemic moments in the history of this country , a landmark moment .
“ We are ending free movement .
We are a government that ’ s all about delivery .
“ The points-based system is just the first step to big immigration changes , changes to border control.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosting economic investment in all parts of the UK .
“ We want to get Britain moving again but we actually want to get Britain motoring , ” she said .
“ We want to see the renaissance of our regions , we want to level up .
“ We have levers to do all that so this is just the start.
” Ms Patel was speaking during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent , Staffordshire , to meet local police on the first anniversary of being made Home Secretary .
The Cabinet minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law and order .
“ We have a first-class working relationship with the police , ” she said .
“ I am absolutely shoulder to shoulder with them .
“ We don ’ t stand behind them , we stand beside them .
It is a journey for both of us in terms of the support we give and my commitment to them , but also through resourcing.
” Ms Patel revealed 90,000 people have applied to be police officers since last October and the government is well ahead of its police recruitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public 'growing impatient ' as no deal Brexit 'likely' She insisted enforcement is always a last resort .
“ People will apply their common sense , ” she said .
“ We don ’ t need police officers to go round in a pernicious way to act in an enforcement way.
” The Home Secretary said she did not expect there to be widespread flouting of the rules over the summer , despite recent problems such as overcrowding on Bournemouth beach .
She said “ people have had pent up frustrations ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she insisted Britons “ are sensible people.
” Ms Patel said she has used her first year to empower and equip police officers , including making stop and search easier .
Although some campaigners claim the measures leave young black boys and men disproportionately targeted , Ms Patel insisted it is not a divisive tactic .
She said : “ I ’ ve spent plenty of hours , too many sadly , with parents that have lost their children to street violence .
The parents have said to me repeatedly ‘ we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Priti Patel outlines 'firmer and fairer' immigration bill
The Home Secretary said the UK is “absolutely” about to enter a glorious new era. Brexit transition rules will end in December allowing the country to finally take back control. Ms Patel told the Daily Express: “January 1 is going to be one of those totemic moments in the history of this country, a landmark moment.
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“We are ending free movement. We are a government that’s all about delivery. “The points-based system is just the first step to big immigration changes, changes to border control.” Ms Patel said the government is boosting economic investment in all parts of the UK. “We want to get Britain moving again but we actually want to get Britain motoring,” she said. “We want to see the renaissance of our regions, we want to level up.
Priti Patel hailed Britian fully cutting ties with the EU
“We have levers to do all that so this is just the start.” Ms Patel was speaking during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to meet local police on the first anniversary of being made Home Secretary. The Cabinet minister said the Conservatives are unapologetically the party of law and order. “We have a first-class working relationship with the police,” she said. “I am absolutely shoulder to shoulder with them. “We don’t stand behind them, we stand beside them. It is a journey for both of us in terms of the support we give and my commitment to them, but also through resourcing.” Ms Patel revealed 90,000 people have applied to be police officers since last October and the government is well ahead of its police recruitment targets. READ MORE: Barnier warned public 'growing impatient' as no deal Brexit 'likely'
Boris Johnson delivered Brexit on January 31
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Brexit negotiations are at a stalemate
Brexit: EU 'must adapt to reach an agreement' says Frost
She insisted enforcement is always a last resort. “People will apply their common sense,” she said. “We don’t need police officers to go round in a pernicious way to act in an enforcement way.” The Home Secretary said she did not expect there to be widespread flouting of the rules over the summer, despite recent problems such as overcrowding on Bournemouth beach. She said “people have had pent up frustrations” in the last few weeks after lockdown. She added: “That’s inevitable. That’s human instinct.” But she insisted Britons “are sensible people.” Ms Patel said she has used her first year to empower and equip police officers, including making stop and search easier. Although some campaigners claim the measures leave young black boys and men disproportionately targeted, Ms Patel insisted it is not a divisive tactic. She said: “I’ve spent plenty of hours, too many sadly, with parents that have lost their children to street violence. The parents have said to me repeatedly ‘we need more stop and search’.”
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Brexit LIVE: 'How dare they!' Brexiteer furious at EU whining as UK refuses to capitulate

“ How dare the EU complain about us wanting to take back control of our fishing waters ?
“ Fishing communities devastated over years by the CFP @ DavidGHFrost doing a splendid job.
” It comes after the fifth round of negotiations ended in stalemate .
The EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the UK ’ s position on fisheries is `` simply unacceptable ” .
Mr Barnier also warned of gaps between the two sides on the so-called level playing field .
1am update : Cost of baby food and formula milk set to rise after Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs of up to 17 percent on baby food and formula milk after Brexit .
Pureed food used for tube feeding for cancer and intensive care patients are other products facing increased tariffs .
The plans to up tariffs were revealed by by the British Specialist Nutrition Association , which is pleading with the Government to avoid making life more costly for young families .
10pm update : Former MEP points out why UK is right to resist EU pressure Ex-Conservative MEP and Brexiteer Daniel Hannan tweeted : “ Suppose the UK were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a say over EU state aid and competition law and a role for British judges on the continent .
“ Would anyone expect the EU to agree ?
Would anyone call it unreasonable for holding out ?
” 9pm update : Frost told to ‘ keep up the good work ’ A Brexiteer has told Boris Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost to “ keep up the good work ” following the fifth round of trade talks between the UK and the EU .
Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have just finished .
“ Sounds like Frost is standing firm on fishing and the level playing field .
'Considerable gaps remain . '
“ @ DavidGHFrost - keep up the good work .
All brexiteers will raise a glass to you on December 31st if you can deliver !
” 7.30pm update : Truss insists UK will not “ sacrifice a good deal for speed ” in US negotiations International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has insisted the UK will not “ sacrifice a good deal for speed ” in trade negotiations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She refused to set a deadline because it could be used to put pressure on the UK to sign an agreement .
Ms Truss told a House of Lords comittee : `` We are commencing round three of the talks next week and we are making good progress .
`` But we are very clear that we are not going to sacrifice a good deal for speed .
`` We have expert negotiators who are tabling UK-specific texts across the whole agreement to ensure that it reflects our interests .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US-Mexico-Canada agreement .
`` We are also not going to budge from our red lines : the NHS remains off the table , our food standards must not be undermined and British farming must benefit from the deal .
`` We also want to make sure that every region and nation of the UK benefits from the deal . ''
Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib has hit out at Michel Barnier after the EU ’ s chief negotiator said a deal was unlikely due to the UK ’ s refusal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the so-called level playing field .
Mr Habib tweeted : “ Pls simply listen to what @ MichelBarnier says .
“ Do not over interpret it .
Take his requirements at face value .
“ His demands require we give up our sovereignty and remain a vassal state .
“ @ DavidGHFrost @ michaelgove @ BorisJohnson Where is our no-deal planning ?
WTO now.
” 5pm update : German MEP celebrates Brexit as he lays into EU spending plans Leading eurosceptic Gunnar Beck has celebrated Brexit as a move that has saved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union 's coronavirus recovery fund .
The Alternative for Germany MEP said the EU had used the global pandemic to launch a “ coup d'etat ” to seize more powers for Brussels .
Speaking in the European Parliament , he said : “ Good news !
Brexit has saved Britain €80 billion – roughly the sum the recovery fund would have cost Britain.
” 4.15pm update : Former MEP warns UK 's 'only option is to walk away ’ Ex-Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy said on Twitter : “ Here we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a bad deal .
“ The has EU refused to give the UK a fair FTA as it has with other nations , so our only option is to walk away or it ’ s MAY ’ S DEAL re-wrapped in new ribbons and no Brexit.
” Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice tweeted : “ No deal is always better than a bad deal ... ..
I detect a partial deal will emerge , late on , possibly using the WTO ’ s Article 24 mechanism to buy time to document the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for betrayal or unnecessary compromise.
” 2.43pm update : Boris stuns Barnier with demand for 'near total ' BAN on EU vessels Michel Barier was left stunned by Boris Johnson 's refusal to back down on Britain 's fishing demands , after he revealed that the UK wanted `` near total exclusion of EU vessels '' from its waters .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has revealed the UK will not back down from demands on fisheries .
He said that David Frost has asked for a `` near total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` unacceptable '' to the EU .
In his press conference today , Mr Barnier said that the United Kingdom had shown no willingness to break deadlock on the level playing field and fisheries issues , making reaching a new trade agreement `` unlikely '' .
2.08pm update : ' A deal can be done ' UK official A senior UK Government official involved in the talks , when asked about whether the talks were closer to breakdown or breakthrough , said : `` I think we are potentially closer to both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is hard to quantify .
`` I can quite see how we can make a breakthrough relatively quickly if they do adjust their position in the most important areas and , if they do n't , we wo n't .
`` It really is in their hands to a large extent and it is related to the fundamental principles in these few areas . ''
On the prospect of a deal , they added : `` I think it can be done , there is a way to do it , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( but ) you can not be sure we will get there . ''
No agreement has been reached over a dispute mechanism but the EU has recognised that the European Court of Justice is a sticking point for the UK , said a Government source .
Speaking to reporters , the senior source involved in the talks said : `` No ... we are in the talks process and we 're both exploring where we are .
`` But what I think is clear is that they have understood that the presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement between us is essentially a non-starter for us for all the obvious reasons .
`` They have indicated flexibility on this - we do n't know exactly what that means but they have obviously heard and understood that point of concern to us . ''
They added that there was `` a lot of precedents '' in free trade deals for the `` kind of dispute resolutions we could have '' .
12.50pm update : EU and UK have until October to strike deal Michel Barnier said the EU and UK have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strike a deal or risk the imposition of quotas and tariffs .
He said : `` If we do not reach an agreement on our future partnership there will be far more friction .
For instance , on trading goods , in addition to new customs formalities there will be tariffs and quotas .
`` This is the truth of Brexit ... and I will continue to tell the truth .
If we want to avoid this additional friction we must come to an agreement in October at the latest so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 1 next year .
`` This means that we only a few weeks left and that we should not waste it . ''
The European Union 's chief Brexit negotiator said on Thursday that the United Kingdom had shown no willingness to break the deadlock on level playing field and fisheries , making sealing a new trade agreement `` unlikely '' .
Michel Barnier said : `` By its current refusal to committ to conditions of open and fair competition and to a balanced agreement on fisheries , the UK makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - unlikely . ''
Speaking after this week 's round of negotiations in London , Barnier said there been no progress at all on the question of ensuring fairness on state aid .
He said : `` The time for answers is quickly running out , '' he told a news conference , referring to the five months left before the end of Britain 's transition period since it formally left the EU at the end of January He added : `` If we do not reach an agreement on our future partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have tried to understand how these three red lines can be squared with our commitment to a comprehensive new partnership as set out in the Political Deceleration signed by Prime Minister Johnson on 17 of October last year . ''
He said the EU had engaged `` sincerely '' , adding : `` Over the past few weeks the UK has not shown the same level of engagement and readiness to find solutions respecting the EU fundamental principles and interests . ''
The UK 's chief EU negotiator David Frost said `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas '' following the latest round of talks in London .
He said the UK and EU would not reach an agreement in July .
In a statement , he said : `` It is unfortunately clear that we will not reach in July the 'early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement ' that was set as an aim at the High-Level Meeting on June 15 .
`` We have also had constructive discussions on trade in goods and services , and in some of the sectoral agreements , notably on transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in EU programmes .
We have also continued to deepen our understanding of each other 's constraints on law enforcement .
`` But considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas , that is , the so-called level playing field and on fisheries .
`` We have always been clear that our principles in these areas are not simple negotiating positions but expressions of the reality that we will be a fully independent country at the end of the transition period . ''
11.07am update : Leading MEP names SEVEN nations heading for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc MEP Phillipe Lamberts named and shamed the seven EU countries that are tearing Brussels apart from the inside and heading down the same path as the UK before the Brexit referendum .
He launched a scathing outburst against the seven countries he claims are ruining the EU from the inside .
The leader of the Greens in the European Parliament named and shamed the so-called `` frugals '' - the Netherlands , Austria , Sweden , Finland and Denmark - as well as the `` pseudo-democratics '' - Hungary and Poland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union recovery fund talks last weekend resembled those from the British Conservative Party before the Brexit referendum .
10.40am update : Boris Johnson COUP : Tory MPs plot to oust PM before next election Boris Johnson is facing a coup after it emerged some Tory MPs are already considering ousting their leader , with the Prime Minister ’ s honeymoon period well and truly over ahead of his year anniversary in office .
Tory MPs are understood to be looking to get rid of Prime Minister Boris Johnson before the next General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrated at his approach to the coronavirus crisis , which has left behind a crippled UK economy .
Critics have accused Mr Johnson of being “ obsessed ” with Brexit and therefore not well equipped to deal with coronavirus as he reaches his 12-month milestone on Friday .
One Tory MP told The Guardian : “ If the economic downturn and the fallout from an inquiry into the pandemic put the party into freefall , some have even begun to think Johnson may need to be replaced before the next election .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris because he does not give us something to believe in , apart from as a vehicle for power .
“ So a year out , if the polls look bad , it could happen.
” Sterling stabilised above $ 1.27 on Thursday on the last day of the Brexit negotiations , with traders looking out for any headlines that may shine some light on whether Britain could walk away from the EU with a deal at the end of the year .
Marshal Gittler , head of investment research at BDSwiss Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tone of the statements coming out of today 's final meetings to see if they are of a conciliatory or confrontational nature '' .
Overnight implied volatility gauges showed traders were slightly nervous about possible emerging headlines on Thursday as levels inched to a one-month high of 8.85 percent .
The pound was down 0.1 percent at $ 1.2716 and down 0.2 percent versus the euro at 91.02 .
Brexit trade talks are at breaking point , as the UK is seriously considering walking away from the EU and the negotiation table- but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could even return to the EU after the UK 's departure .
Professor Colin Harvey , from Queen ’ s University Belfast , wrote for Irish broadcaster RTE back in 2019 that Brexit could lead Northern Ireland to rejoin the EU .
He claimed Brexit has had a “ destabilising impact on relationships across these islands ” .
Prof Harvey continued : “ The border on the island becomes an external border of the EU after Brexit , will all the symbolism that this carries combined with the severe practical implications.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soups jumped 6.8 percent to the top of the FTSE 100 as it said a strong performance in North America helped offset the hit from coronavirus lockdowns .
The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up 0.2 percent , with the world 's biggest advertising firm , WPP , also among the top gainers after a strong quarterly showing by French rival Publicis Groupe SA .
The mid-cap FTSE 250 was flat with gains in consumer staples , materials and energy stocks offset by declines for financials and real estate firms .
Security contractor G4S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FTSE 250 after reporting a higher-than-expected first-half operating profit .
Brexiteer Mark Francois has delivered a prediction as the UK and EU continue to struggle to make progress in crunch trade discussions .
Conservative MP Mark Francois is confident the UK will prosper regardless of whether a Brexit trade deal is agreed with the EU or not .
While on TalkRadio , he claimed the UK should be prepared to trade with the EU under World Trade Organisation rules if a trade deal can not be agreed by the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the bloc `` may make concessions in the end game '' .
7.34am update : Brexit deadline day : Talks on knife-edge as Frost and Barnier prepare for bloody battle Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU were on a knife edge last night as Downing Street insisted the UK will be prepared for `` all possible scenarios '' .
Number 10 played down the prospect of an imminent collapse in negotiations , with insiders saying the talks were `` neither at a breakthrough nor a breakdown '' . ]
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by the EU 's Michel Barnier and Boris Johnson 's Europe adviser David Frost will conclude today .


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Boris Johnson shoots down cross-party campaign for Scotland’s own immigration system

It comes amid a stark poll by the cross-party anti-Brexit group eu+me which asked Scots whether they would support setting up their own immigration system , the first of their kind in the country .
It revealed that 63.37 percent of Scots agreed on having the ability to make different choices to the rest of the UK .
Nearly a fifth ( 19.97 percent ) disagreed , 12.92 percent neither agreed nor disagreed and 3.75 percent said they did not know , according to the poll .
But when removing the `` do n't knows '' and no preferences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The poll of 1,127 Scots people took place between June 9 and 16 .
However , the Home Office quickly warned that immigration was a reserved matter for Westminster to manage and control .
It added : “ We have been clear that the future immigration system must work for every nation , region and community in the UK .
`` The Migration Advisory Committee has repeatedly advised that there is no economic justification for different immigration arrangements in different parts of the United Kingdom . ''
But Fergus Mutch , eu+me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five months remaining until free movement comes to an end , there 's real trepidation about what comes next and how we replace a system which has helped all EU nations to grow and flourish in recent decades .
`` We want European citizens to come here to live , work , study , enrich our communities and help our country prosper for many years to come .
READ MORE : Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP 's plans for schools '' There 's an increasing sense of frustration that this UK Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland and risks doing a great deal of damage - the consequences of which could be permanent . ''
He added : `` That 's why more and more people believe we must have a tailored system which works in Scotland 's interests .
`` And across the UK , there 's little resistance to Scotland having control of those powers .
`` It 's the popular policy , the common-sense policy and the right policy .
DO N'T MISS : Barnier lamented by Brexiteers as he blames Britain for trade deadlock [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he lashes out over EU trade talks [ INSIGHT ] 'Italexit could DESTROY eurozone ' Experts ' stark warning to EU [ JUST IN ] '' With the power to set our own course on immigration , we can maintain alignment with the EU 27 , keep the door open to the exchange of talent and expertise from Europe and , ultimately , make the process easier to be back in the EU before long . ''
It comes after the Scottish Government 's independent expert advisory group on migration and population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the proposed salary threshold and risk staff shortages in areas such as the care sector .
It also slammed Home Office plans post-Brexit would require migrant workers to earn at least £25,600 a year to be able to work in the UK saying it would damage Scotland .
Ben Macpherson MSP , minister for Migration , said : “ This independent report shows that UK immigration policy is still failing to address Scotland ’ s distinct demographic and economic needs .

Brexit: Scotland must fight 'hard’ to remain says campaigner
It comes amid a stark poll by the cross-party anti-Brexit group eu+me which asked Scots whether they would support setting up their own immigration system, the first of their kind in the country. It revealed that 63.37 percent of Scots agreed on having the ability to make different choices to the rest of the UK.
Trending
Nearly a fifth (19.97 percent) disagreed, 12.92 percent neither agreed nor disagreed and 3.75 percent said they did not know, according to the poll. But when removing the "don't knows" and no preferences, 83 percent agreed while 17 percent disagreed. The poll of 1,127 Scots people took place between June 9 and 16. However, the Home Office quickly warned that immigration was a reserved matter for Westminster to manage and control.
A survey by a cross party group stressed the importance for an Scots immigration system
Boris Johnson has shot down the calls however
It added: “We have been clear that the future immigration system must work for every nation, region and community in the UK. "The Migration Advisory Committee has repeatedly advised that there is no economic justification for different immigration arrangements in different parts of the United Kingdom." But Fergus Mutch, eu+me director, said: "With just five months remaining until free movement comes to an end, there's real trepidation about what comes next and how we replace a system which has helped all EU nations to grow and flourish in recent decades. "We want European citizens to come here to live, work, study, enrich our communities and help our country prosper for many years to come. READ MORE: Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP's plans for schools
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Nicola Sturgeon has warned about the future of the Scottish economy
Fergus Mutch (pictured right) founded eu me this week
"With the power to set our own course on immigration, we can maintain alignment with the EU 27, keep the door open to the exchange of talent and expertise from Europe and, ultimately, make the process easier to be back in the EU before long." It comes after the Scottish Government's independent expert advisory group on migration and population suggested immigration into Scotland could be halved by the proposed salary threshold and risk staff shortages in areas such as the care sector. It also slammed Home Office plans post-Brexit would require migrant workers to earn at least £25,600 a year to be able to work in the UK saying it would damage Scotland. Ben Macpherson MSP, minister for Migration, said: “This independent report shows that UK immigration policy is still failing to address Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic needs.
63 percent of Scots favoured a Scots immigration system


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Sturgeon slammed by stats watchdog: 'No evidence' over COVID comparisons with England

Ms Sturgeon claimed earlier this month the prevalence rate of the virus in Scotland was “ several times lower – five times lower , based on the most recent data ” than in the rest of the UK .
But in a statement today , the UK Statistics Authority , said : “ Concerns have been raised with us about Scottish Government ’ s quantified comparisons of the prevalence of COVID-19 in Scotland and England .
“ The data sources used by the Scottish Government in making these comparisons are unclear and therefore we do not yet have evidence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monica Lennon MSP , Scottish Labour 's Health Spokeswoman said that the “ Scottish public needs honest and accurate facts and figures on COVID-19.
” Ms Sturgeon , however , stood by the stark comparison .
Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing , she said : “ I do stand by it .
It may have changed by now we have seen the prevalence continue to go down in Scotland , but I stand by the comments I made .
“ In terms of where they come from , these are figures about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures were “ UK Government-derived figures ” .
At the same time , the gap between Westminster and Holyrood over the management of coronavirus appears to be widening following a report by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee .
An interim report published expressed concerns over the long-term future of intergovernmental working between the UK and Scottish governments as the “ coronavirus pandemic has cast doubt on the suitability of existing intergovernmental structures.
” READ MORE : Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP 's plans for schools The report , which focuses on intergovernmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ unprecedented coordination ” between the UK nations through the “ four-nations approach ” .
In called on Downing Street to outline how it plans to address what it described as its `` failings in messaging '' .
On May 10 , the UK Government announced a shift from telling people to `` stay at home '' to advising they `` stay alert '' .
The message was then broadcast UK-wide , despite no changes in the devolved administrations .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon : PM to stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] New £3m Scots campaign launched to bring ENGLISH tourists to Scotland [ JUST IN ] Sturgeon under pressure as she faces demands to condemn Salmond [ INSIGHT ] Pete Wishart MP , Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee , said : “ The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on both Scotland 's health and economy .
“ It is also profoundly affecting devolution as the response to the crisis reveals the pre-existing creaking mechanisms of intergovernmentalism .
“ As the focus has shifted from containment to opening-up the economy we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this possible have stopped .
“ We heard that there is a 'void ' in ministerial-level communication and which appears to have occurred around the time that some divergence and confusion in messaging began to emerge .

Sturgeon hits out at Johnson over Scotland recovery plan
Ms Sturgeon claimed earlier this month the prevalence rate of the virus in Scotland was “several times lower – five times lower, based on the most recent data” than in the rest of the UK. But in a statement today, the UK Statistics Authority, said: “Concerns have been raised with us about Scottish Government’s quantified comparisons of the prevalence of COVID-19 in Scotland and England.
Trending
“The data sources used by the Scottish Government in making these comparisons are unclear and therefore we do not yet have evidence to support the validity of these comparisons.” Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour's Health Spokeswoman said that the “Scottish public needs honest and accurate facts and figures on COVID-19.” Ms Sturgeon, however, stood by the stark comparison. Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing, she said: “I do stand by it. It may have changed by now we have seen the prevalence continue to go down in Scotland, but I stand by the comments I made.
The government stats watchdog has slated Holyrood
It was claimed that the virus prevalence was five times lower in Scotland
“In terms of where they come from, these are figures about prevalence.” However, she claimed the figures were “UK Government-derived figures”. At the same time, the gap between Westminster and Holyrood over the management of coronavirus appears to be widening following a report by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee. An interim report published expressed concerns over the long-term future of intergovernmental working between the UK and Scottish governments as the “coronavirus pandemic has cast doubt on the suitability of existing intergovernmental structures.” READ MORE: Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP's plans for schools
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Nicola Sturgeon made the claims earlier this month
The UKSA has taken a hit at the Scottish government
Pete Wishart MP, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on both Scotland's health and economy. “It is also profoundly affecting devolution as the response to the crisis reveals the pre-existing creaking mechanisms of intergovernmentalism. “As the focus has shifted from containment to opening-up the economy we are concerned that the structures that made this possible have stopped. “We heard that there is a 'void' in ministerial-level communication and which appears to have occurred around the time that some divergence and confusion in messaging began to emerge.
They previously slated claims over the governments testing figures


thedailyexpress--2020-07-23--KISS OF DEATH: Tony Blair gushes with praise for Keir Starmer's 'transformation' of Labour

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Former Labour Party leader Tony Blair has lauded Sir Keir Starmer for making the party “ politically competitive again ” after he succeeded Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April .
Sir Keir is currently riding a wave of support in the polls and has the highest approval rating of any opposition leader since Tony Blair in December 1994 .
However , the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hindrance to Sir Keir , after a recent survey found the last Labour Prime Minister remains a hugely divisive figure .
A YouGov poll of 4,584 UK adults found more than one-in-three people - 38 percent – believed Mr Blair has had a negative effect on the Labour Party .
The survey conducted in February found just 22 percent believed Mr Blair had a positive impact on Labour .
In a rare interview , Mr Blair insisted Sir Keir has “ completely changed the image ” of the party with the Labour @ @

Keir Starmer criticised by Sophy Ridge for 'lack of policies'
Former Labour Party leader Tony Blair has lauded Sir Keir Starmer for making the party “politically competitive again” after he succeeded Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April. Sir Keir is currently riding a wave of support in the polls and has the highest approval rating of any opposition leader since Tony Blair in December 1994.
Trending
However, the latest gushing endorsement from Mr Blair could prove a hindrance to Sir Keir, after a recent survey found the last Labour Prime Minister remains a hugely divisive figure. A YouGov poll of 4,584 UK adults found more than one-in-three people - 38 percent – believed Mr Blair has had a negative effect on the Labour Party. The survey conducted in February found just 22 percent believed Mr Blair had a positive impact on Labour. In a rare interview, Mr Blair insisted Sir Keir has “completely changed the image” of the party with the Labour membership.
Tony Blair has heaped praise on Sir Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer became Labour leader in April
He said: "Keir is doing a good job - a very good job actually - and I think he has put Labour back on the map. “He has made them competitive again. "He will know and we all know that there's a long way to go before a general election and many things to be done. "But in these months since he has become the leader, he has I think completely changed the image certainly of the Labour leadership amongst the public and he deserves respect and admiration for that."
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Tony Blair said Sir Keir Starmer has made Labour 'politically competitive again'
Mr Blair who won three general elections in 1997, 2001 and 2005, said he was optimistic Labour could gain power again. Asked if Sir Keir had made Labour a party that can win again, the former prime minister said: "He has put it in a position where it can. "There are a whole set of questions around policy and so on that in time I'm sure and know he will come to. "But has he made it politically competitive again which it hasn't really been for quite a long period of time? Yes - and that is a huge step forward for the Labour Party." READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: World holds breath as new outbreak sparks panic
Sir Keir Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the opposition
Tony Blair was elected Prime Minister in 1997


thedailyexpress--2020-07-23--Scotland independence SPLIT: Divisions emerge over new Alliance For Independence party

Tommy Sheridan , an Indy activist , socialist and former MSP hinted that he may support the concept of the new Alliance for Independence party but expressed concern about their target for another referendum .
Alliance For Independence formally launched with former SNP MSP Dave Thompson at the helm this week .
The party will run under the slogan `` Max the Yes '' in next May ’ s Holyrood elections and is hoping to put forward 96 candidates in next year ’ s Scottish Parliament election .
Outlining the party objectives , the party said : “ The Alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outset that we aim to be a broad YES based Alliance that can incorporate YES individuals , YES groups and all of the smaller YES parties in one option on the list for Holyrood 2021.
” Mr Sheridan , a former MSP for Glasgow and co-convenor of Solidarity , which supports Scottish Independence , said Solidarity representatives attended a meeting of the Alliance for Independence ( AFI ) earlier this year .
He said the Alliance appeared `` worth participating in '' stressing Solidarity might `` put the cause before the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing as part of the group .
But speaking on Through A Scottish Prism Podcast , Mr Sheridan made clear that IndyRef2 was not his primary objective .
He added : “ It doesn ’ t matter how polite you are , it doesn ’ t matter how many elections you win , the Tory majority in Westminster is solid .
“ They will never give us a Section 30 permission for a referendum .
“ That means , in my opinion , all of the Indy parties next May ... they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for us , you ’ re voting for independence ’ .
” READ MORE : Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon : PM to stress 'sheer might ' of Union He stressed that Westminster would refuse to transfer referendum powers to Holyrood via a Section 30 order which is required to hold a legal vote .
He added : “ And if we win a majority , and I ’ m confident we will , we win a majority of votes at that election , we don ’ t ask for a referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the withdrawal settlement , and then we put that settlement to the vote in 2022.
” Instead , Mr Sheridan said if Holyrood had a majority of pro-independence MSP ’ s next year , then it should immediately trigger negotiations on a UK withdrawal deal .
The resulting deal should then be put back to the Scottish people in 2022 , he suggested .
DO N'T MISS : Scotland 's no deal PANIC : Anti-Brexit Scots campaign launched [ REVEAL ] Rejected - Calls for inquiry into Russian interference in 2014 vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland a say in post-Brexit trade deals REJECTED [ INSIGHT ] It comes after Alliance for Independence launched its logo which will be the letters AFI over an image of a Saltire , also known as St Andrew ’ s Cross , the National Flag of Scotland to the Electoral Commission .
Former SNP politicians have also said they will back the party and could potentially stand as candidates in upcoming elections .
Mr Thompson has made clear it would not challenge the SNP in constituency seats and that it would only contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the number of pro-referendum MSPs at Holyrood as the two-tier Scottish seat system makes it harder for a single party to obtain a majority .
In a statement , the party added : “ We will be writing to all of the smaller YES parties - Solidarity , SSP , ISP , and Greens - on a fair and inclusive basis , once we are formally launched .

IndyRef2: Dave Thompson says he wants to 'help Sturgeon'
Tommy Sheridan, an Indy activist, socialist and former MSP hinted that he may support the concept of the new Alliance for Independence party but expressed concern about their target for another referendum. Alliance For Independence formally launched with former SNP MSP Dave Thompson at the helm this week.
Trending
The party will run under the slogan "Max the Yes" in next May’s Holyrood elections and is hoping to put forward 96 candidates in next year’s Scottish Parliament election. Outlining the party objectives, the party said: “The Alliance for Independence has made it clear from the outset that we aim to be a broad YES based Alliance that can incorporate YES individuals, YES groups and all of the smaller YES parties in one option on the list for Holyrood 2021.” Mr Sheridan, a former MSP for Glasgow and co-convenor of Solidarity, which supports Scottish Independence, said Solidarity representatives attended a meeting of the Alliance for Independence (AFI) earlier this year. He said the Alliance appeared "worth participating in" stressing Solidarity might "put the cause before the party" at the 2021 Holyrood election by standing as part of the group.
Tommy Sheridan has hinted that we could support the party
The party will be known as Alliance for Independence
But speaking on Through A Scottish Prism Podcast, Mr Sheridan made clear that IndyRef2 was not his primary objective. He added: “It doesn’t matter how polite you are, it doesn’t matter how many elections you win, the Tory majority in Westminster is solid. “They will never give us a Section 30 permission for a referendum. “That means, in my opinion, all of the Indy parties next May... they have it in their manifesto, ‘You vote for us, you’re voting for independence’.” READ MORE: Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon: PM to stress 'sheer might' of Union
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Dave Thompson who is currently leading the party
He stressed that Westminster would refuse to transfer referendum powers to Holyrood via a Section 30 order which is required to hold a legal vote. He added: “And if we win a majority, and I’m confident we will, we win a majority of votes at that election, we don’t ask for a referendum, we begin the 12 months negotiation over the withdrawal settlement, and then we put that settlement to the vote in 2022.” Instead, Mr Sheridan said if Holyrood had a majority of pro-independence MSP’s next year, then it should immediately trigger negotiations on a UK withdrawal deal. The resulting deal should then be put back to the Scottish people in 2022, he suggested. DON'T MISS:
Scotland's no deal PANIC: Anti-Brexit Scots campaign launched [REVEAL]
Rejected - Calls for inquiry into Russian interference in 2014 vote [JUST IN]
Motion to give Scotland a say in post-Brexit trade deals REJECTED [INSIGHT]
Former MSP Tommy Sheridan
It comes after Alliance for Independence launched its logo which will be the letters AFI over an image of a Saltire, also known as St Andrew’s Cross, the National Flag of Scotland to the Electoral Commission. Former SNP politicians have also said they will back the party and could potentially stand as candidates in upcoming elections. Mr Thompson has made clear it would not challenge the SNP in constituency seats and that it would only contest regional list seats in an effort to increase the number of pro-referendum MSPs at Holyrood as the two-tier Scottish seat system makes it harder for a single party to obtain a majority. In a statement, the party added: “We will be writing to all of the smaller YES parties - Solidarity, SSP, ISP, and Greens - on a fair and inclusive basis, once we are formally launched.
The party could put forward candidates in the next Scottish elections


thedailyexpress--2020-07-23--‘Keep up the good work!’ David Frost lauded as UK chief STANDS FIRM in Brexit crunch talks

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The latest round @ @ @ @ @ David Frost and Michel Barnier ended this afternoon without a breakthrough , prompting the EU @ @ @ @ @ were heading for a no deal scenario at the end of the transition period on @ @ @ @ @ talks in London , Mr Frost said “ considerable gaps remain in the most difficult @ @ @ @ @ the so-called level-playing field on trade .
The refusal by Mr Frost to back down @ @ @ @ @ red-lines has delighted former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe .
Mr Lowe wrote on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ Brexit talks have just finished .
“ Sounds like Frost is standing firm on fishing @ @ @ @ @ 'Considerable gaps remain . '
“ @ DavidGHFrost - keep up the good work .
@ @ @ @ @ glass to you on December 31st if you can deliver !
”

Brexit: EU 'must adapt to reach an agreement' says Frost
The latest round of Brexit trade talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier ended this afternoon without a breakthrough, prompting the EU chief to concede both sides were heading for a no deal scenario at the end of the transition period on December 31. Following the talks in London, Mr Frost said “considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas” including fishing and the so-called level-playing field on trade.
Trending
The refusal by Mr Frost to back down on the UK’s red-lines has delighted former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe. Mr Lowe wrote on Twitter: “Latest round of Brexit talks have just finished. “Sounds like Frost is standing firm on fishing and the level-playing field. 'Considerable gaps remain.' “@DavidGHFrost - keep up the good work. All Brexiteers will raise a glass to you on December 31st if you can deliver!”
David Frost has been praised for his approach to Brexit talks with the EU
The latest round of Brexit trade talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier ended this afternoon
At a press conference, Mr Barnier took aim at the UK for the lack of progress and warned the "time for answers is quickly running out". He said: “By its current refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition, and to a balanced agreement on fisheries, the UK makes a trade agreement at this point unlikely.” The UK is set to leave the much-hated Common Fisheries Policy and take back control of its waters at the end of the year. On fishing, the French Europhile said the UK’s position was "simply unacceptable".
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David Frost has told the EU to treat the UK like an independent state
He added: “The UK is effectively seeking for near-total exclusion of fishing vessels from the UK's water.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson had hoped to conclude talks by the end of the month, but Mr Frost has insisted an "agreement can still be reached in September" but called for the EU to recognise it was in discussions with an "independent state". He said: “Despite all the difficulties, on the basis of the work we have done in July, my assessment is that agreement can still be reached in September. “We should continue to negotiate with this aim in mind." READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: World holds breath as new outbreak sparks panic
Michel Barnier has warned both sides are heading for no deal
Despite the doom and gloom portrayed by Mr Barnier, the UK chief negotiator confirmed progress had been made in areas including trade, transport and security. But he insisted the UK would be prepared to abandon any trade deal if the EU did not back down on the problem areas. Mr Frost said: "We have made progress in areas like trade, trade of goods and services, transport, social security cooperation, EU programmes, participation and so on, which is good. DON'T MISS Coronavirus symptoms update: There are six ‘types’ of COVID-19 [INSIGHT]
FTSE 100 LIVE: FTSE leads way as UK and EU markets soar [LIVE]
Barnier warned public 'growing impatient' as no deal Brexit 'likely' [ANALYSIS]
A timeline of Brexit talks


thedailyexpress--2020-07-23--‘Making this up at the last minute!’ Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP’s plans for schools

During an update to a virtual Parliament today on plans to reopen schools , Education Secretary John Swinney told MSPs primary school pupils will not be expected to distance but high school students may have to follow government advice .
Mr Swinney also used the update to announce a raft of cash injections into the education sector as it prepares for reopening .
This included a £20 million investment to go to councils to address practical issues around the reopening of schools on August 11th such as the need for more intensive cleaning .
As well as this , £50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of teacher and support staff for this academic year .
This means that 850 more teachers and 200 more support staff will be brought into the sector , the government claims .
But Scottish Tories Education spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP questioned whether £20m was enough claiming he had been told by one council that it would cost that amount to make all schools COVID secure in one area .
He questioned the cabinet secretary whether this funding would even “ scratch the surface ” .
Speaking in Holyrood today , Mr Greene said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government actually waiting for to give schools the green light to reopen ?
“ We could do that today and end the uncertainty .
“ Surely the balance of evidence is already overwhelming in favour of reopening next month , I can see this , the public can see this . ''
READ MORE : Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon : PM to stress 'sheer might ' of Union Iain Gray MSP , Scottish Labour Education representative , said : “ The government has never had a route map for the reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They still look like they are making this up at the last minute.
” He grilled Mr Swinney , saying : “ How ready are we really ?
” Scottish Greens Education spokesman Ross Greer MSP added that teachers and parents need “ more reassurances ” that the return to school next month will be safe .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon under pressure from own MP to push forward with IndyRef2 [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon under pressure as she faces demands to condemn Salmond [ INSIGHT ] Rejected - Calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote [ LATEST ] Councillor Stephen McCabe , Convention of Scottish Local Authorities children ’ s spokesman , branded the £20m to make schools COVID secure was “ a disappointment.
” He added : “ We are currently awaiting updated guidance as such it is not clear at this time what the additional costs for classroom cleaning , supporting vulnerable pupils , providing school meals , school transport and PPE are , or if vital resources can be found before schools return .
“ Today ’ s announcement throws up a considerable roadblock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and presents significant additional financial risks for councils.
” Responding to the concerns , Mr Swinney said : `` After considering carefully that advice and the views of stakeholders , the Education Recovery Group is developing guidance which involves taking extra precautions and envisages that secondary schools will be asked to take a practical approach to maintaining distancing between pupils wherever possible . ''

Iain Gray says Scotland has 'no route map for return of schools'
During an update to a virtual Parliament today on plans to reopen schools, Education Secretary John Swinney told MSPs primary school pupils will not be expected to distance but high school students may have to follow government advice. Mr Swinney also used the update to announce a raft of cash injections into the education sector as it prepares for reopening.
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This included a £20 million investment to go to councils to address practical issues around the reopening of schools on August 11th such as the need for more intensive cleaning. As well as this, £50 million will be ring-fenced for the recruitment of teacher and support staff for this academic year. This means that 850 more teachers and 200 more support staff will be brought into the sector, the government claims. But Scottish Tories Education spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP questioned whether £20m was enough claiming he had been told by one council that it would cost that amount to make all schools COVID secure in one area.
Scotland is set to reopen schools in two weeks
John Swinney announced a raft of measures today
He questioned the cabinet secretary whether this funding would even “scratch the surface”. Speaking in Holyrood today, Mr Greene said: “What exact scientific trigger is the government actually waiting for to give schools the green light to reopen? “We could do that today and end the uncertainty. “Surely the balance of evidence is already overwhelming in favour of reopening next month, I can see this, the public can see this." READ MORE: Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon: PM to stress 'sheer might' of Union
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Meanwhile, schools in England and Wales have reopened
Today's Ministerial Statement meeting
Councillor Stephen McCabe, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities children’s spokesman, branded the £20m to make schools COVID secure was “a disappointment.” He added: “We are currently awaiting updated guidance as such it is not clear at this time what the additional costs for classroom cleaning, supporting vulnerable pupils, providing school meals, school transport and PPE are, or if vital resources can be found before schools return. “Today’s announcement throws up a considerable roadblock on the progress towards schools re-opening safely, and presents significant additional financial risks for councils.” Responding to the concerns, Mr Swinney said: "After considering carefully that advice and the views of stakeholders, the Education Recovery Group is developing guidance which involves taking extra precautions and envisages that secondary schools will be asked to take a practical approach to maintaining distancing between pupils wherever possible."
Jamie Greene took a swipe at Mr Swinney this afternoon in Holyrood


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Second domino ready to fall! Italexit campaign erupts as Farage inspires new EU battle

The former TV has made “ Italexit ” the main goal for his new “ No Europe for Italy ” group in the hope of inspiring a fresh surge of eurosceptics .
Mr Paragone , 48 , hopes to use Nigel Farage ’ s successful blueprint for his anti-Brussels insurgency , which aims to take Italy out of the EU and its single currency bloc .
Launching his political party , Mr Paragone said : “ I say ‘ no ’ to this Europe and I start afresh with Italy , because I want to start from the sovereignty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it needs to play all the markets .
“ The euro is in fact a slightly-devalued deutsche mark , so Germany does better in a Germanic union.
” “ We must stop the deception of European institutions .
The European citizen doesn ’ t exist .
“ There is no part in Italy that explicitly says it wants to leave the EU and the monetary union .
“ I am thinking of building a community of people who have always thought about these things , but who do not feel represented .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lies that Europe will tell us.
” In a nod to the Brexit Party leader , he added : “ We share a political project which he carried out , so he has won the gold medal .
“ I want to compete now , and I willingly follow someone who won the gold .
“ I met Nigel Farage , leader of the Brexit Party in London , who triumphed in the British referendum by bringing the United Kingdom out of the European Union cage .
A true patriot , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels away from the country.
” Mr Farage has posed for photographs emblazoned with the campaign ’ s “ Italexit ” motto .
The Italian senator , who was first elected in 2018 , was booted out of the ruling Five Star Movement in January after opposing the government in a confidence vote on the budget .
He believes he can ride a new wave of anti-Brussels sentiment amid criticism of the bloc ’ s handling of coronavirus .
Many Italians were furious by what they saw as the EU ’ s failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the crisis struck .
A perceived lack of solidarity sparked fears in Rome the country was about to undergo a significant shift towards an anti-euro sentiment .
MUST READ : Brexit LIVE : Boris agrees MAJOR compromise but Barnier STILL demand Mr Paragone ’ s move comes just days after EU leaders rubber-stamped spending plans for a €750 billion recovery package to fund the economic recoveries of pandemic-stricken regions and industries , as well as a €1.1 trillion seven-year budget .
The 48-year-old insisted the cash would never reach the real economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and small businesses .
He claimed only ditching the euro and quitting the EU would trigger a genuine economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic .
But polling in Italy suggests Mr Paragone still has a long way to go before convincing the country to quit the EU and Eurozone .
DO N'T MISS Brexit will unleash Britain 's potential vows Patel - hints at reforms [ EXCLUSIVE ] Guy Verhofstadt ’ s ‘ cynical ’ plot to see Brexit Britain suffer exposed [ INSIGHT ] EU trade at risk as MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing ! '
[ FORECAST ]

Italexit could be 'only solution' says Robert Oulds
The former TV has made “Italexit” the main goal for his new “No Europe for Italy” group in the hope of inspiring a fresh surge of eurosceptics. Mr Paragone, 48, hopes to use Nigel Farage’s successful blueprint for his anti-Brussels insurgency, which aims to take Italy out of the EU and its single currency bloc. Launching his political party, Mr Paragone said: “I say ‘no’ to this Europe and I start afresh with Italy, because I want to start from the sovereignty of a state which has all the cards it needs to play all the markets.
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“The euro is in fact a slightly-devalued deutsche mark, so Germany does better in a Germanic union.” “We must stop the deception of European institutions. The European citizen doesn’t exist. “There is no part in Italy that explicitly says it wants to leave the EU and the monetary union. “I am thinking of building a community of people who have always thought about these things, but who do not feel represented. The consensus will grow hand in hand with the lies that Europe will tell us.”
Nigel Farage has inspired Gianluigi Paragone to launch a campaign to take Italy out of the EU
Italian Gianluigi Paragone has founded the 'No Europe for Italy' campaign
In a nod to the Brexit Party leader, he added: “We share a political project which he carried out, so he has won the gold medal. “I want to compete now, and I willingly follow someone who won the gold. “I met Nigel Farage, leader of the Brexit Party in London, who triumphed in the British referendum by bringing the United Kingdom out of the European Union cage. A true patriot, the only one who sent the technocrats from Brussels away from the country.” Mr Farage has posed for photographs emblazoned with the campaign’s “Italexit” motto.
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Nigel Farage has shown public support for the campaign
The Italian senator, who was first elected in 2018, was booted out of the ruling Five Star Movement in January after opposing the government in a confidence vote on the budget. He believes he can ride a new wave of anti-Brussels sentiment amid criticism of the bloc’s handling of coronavirus. Many Italians were furious by what they saw as the EU’s failure to respond to their pleas for help when the crisis struck. A perceived lack of solidarity sparked fears in Rome the country was about to undergo a significant shift towards an anti-euro sentiment. MUST READ: Brexit LIVE: Boris agrees MAJOR compromise but Barnier STILL demand
Matteo Salvini remains the most popular eurosceptic in Italy
Mr Paragone’s move comes just days after EU leaders rubber-stamped spending plans for a €750 billion recovery package to fund the economic recoveries of pandemic-stricken regions and industries, as well as a €1.1 trillion seven-year budget. The 48-year-old insisted the cash would never reach the real economy and not help impoverished families, workers and small businesses. He claimed only ditching the euro and quitting the EU would trigger a genuine economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic. But polling in Italy suggests Mr Paragone still has a long way to go before convincing the country to quit the EU and Eurozone. DON'T MISS
Brexit will unleash Britain's potential vows Patel - hints at reforms [EXCLUSIVE]
Guy Verhofstadt’s ‘cynical’ plot to see Brexit Britain suffer exposed [INSIGHT]
EU trade at risk as MP warns 'We will not back down on fishing!' [FORECAST]
Brexit: EU 'reluctant' to do free trade deal with UK says Heaver


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Boris Johnson POLL: As PM celebrates one year in No10, has he done a good job?

Mr Johnson is celebrating his first anniversary as the nation 's leader at Chequers , according to the Financial Times .
His first year in office has seen him weather many challenges , from having to approach the European Union to request a second Brexit delay to calling a general election in a bid to break the parliamentary deadlock .
He has also been tasked with responding to the biggest public health crisis of a generation - the coronavirus pandemic which has killed 45,554 Britons and resulted in 297,146 infections .
# Mr Johnson stood outside No10 on July 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take decisions , to give strong leadership and to change this country for the better '' .
In a statement released overnight , the Prime Minister said he and his ministers had made `` great progress '' on delivering his key pledges .
He used his milestone to make another promise to voters , vowing to not let the COVID-19 epidemic hold the UK back from powering ahead .
He said : “ It is one year since I stood on the steps of Downing Street and made a promise to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit done and then unite and level up the country .
“ We got Brexit done and made great progress on delivering on those priorities .
`` Then our country was hit by a devastating blow in the form of coronavirus .
`` Today I want to make this pledge : I will not let the virus hold this country back.
” READ MORE : UK will bounce back stronger together from Covid crisis , Boris says Shortly after arriving in Downing Street last summer , Mr Johnson set to work on striking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After he vowed to take the country out of the bloc on October 31 `` not ifs or buts '' under the terms of `` a new deal , a better deal '' he encountered a major bump in the road .
The Prime Minister failed to get his renegotiated version of the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons .
Under the Benn Act , he was forced against his wishes to ask the EU for more time .
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson 'optimistic ' of Brexit deal by end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismantles Sturgeon 's demands [ ANALYSIS ] 'SNP are like militant thugs ! '
UK WILL survive Sturgeon surge [ VIDEO ] Not holding back on his show of discontent for the Act , Mr Johnson sent the bloc an unsigned letter requesting a delay - accompanied by a signed one arguing against it .
After more time was granted , he called a general election and won back the Tory majority his predecessor Mrs May had lost in 2017 .
On December 12 2019 the Conservative Party won a landslide victory with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly strengthened the Prime Minister 's hand as he sought to gain parliamentary approval for his revised Brexit deal .
The following month there were cheers in the House of Commons after lawmakers ratified the deal 330 votes to 231 .
This drew a line under the extraordinary era political drama and chaos - the Brexit saga .
At 11pm on January 31 , the UK officially left the bloc .
Mr Johnson will also be judged by voters on his response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Initially , he was criticised for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapidly multiplied across the country .
The nationwide lockdown began on March 23 , when 355 people had succumbed to the illness .
The following day , the Government announced the NHS Nightingale Hospital would be built in London .

Boris Johnson: We've still got the threat of a second spike
Mr Johnson is celebrating his first anniversary as the nation's leader at Chequers, according to the Financial Times. His first year in office has seen him weather many challenges, from having to approach the European Union to request a second Brexit delay to calling a general election in a bid to break the parliamentary deadlock. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED. VIEW THE RESULTS HERE.
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He has also been tasked with responding to the biggest public health crisis of a generation - the coronavirus pandemic which has killed 45,554 Britons and resulted in 297,146 infections. #Mr Johnson stood outside No10 on July 24, 2019 vowing to "act, to take decisions, to give strong leadership and to change this country for the better". In a statement released overnight, the Prime Minister said he and his ministers had made "great progress" on delivering his key pledges. He used his milestone to make another promise to voters, vowing to not let the COVID-19 epidemic hold the UK back from powering ahead.
Boris Johnson today celebrates one year in Downing Street
The PM is greeted by Sir Mark Sedwill as he arrives at Downing Street
He said: “It is one year since I stood on the steps of Downing Street and made a promise to the British people that this Government would get Brexit done and then unite and level up the country. “We got Brexit done and made great progress on delivering on those priorities. "Then our country was hit by a devastating blow in the form of coronavirus. "Today I want to make this pledge: I will not let the virus hold this country back.” READ MORE: UK will bounce back stronger together from Covid crisis, Boris says
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Shortly after arriving in Downing Street last summer, Mr Johnson set to work on striking a new Brexit deal with Brussels. After he vowed to take the country out of the bloc on October 31 "not ifs or buts" under the terms of "a new deal, a better deal" he encountered a major bump in the road. The Prime Minister failed to get his renegotiated version of the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons. Under the Benn Act, he was forced against his wishes to ask the EU for more time. DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson 'optimistic' of Brexit deal by end of year [INSIGHT]
Scottish Brexiteer brilliantly dismantles Sturgeon's demands [ANALYSIS]
'SNP are like militant thugs!' UK WILL survive Sturgeon surge [VIDEO]
The PM gives a speech outside No10 on July 24 2019
Not holding back on his show of discontent for the Act, Mr Johnson sent the bloc an unsigned letter requesting a delay - accompanied by a signed one arguing against it. After more time was granted, he called a general election and won back the Tory majority his predecessor Mrs May had lost in 2017. On December 12 2019 the Conservative Party won a landslide victory with a majority of 80 seats. This significantly strengthened the Prime Minister's hand as he sought to gain parliamentary approval for his revised Brexit deal. The following month there were cheers in the House of Commons after lawmakers ratified the deal 330 votes to 231. This drew a line under the extraordinary era political drama and chaos - the Brexit saga.
Boris marks one year in Downing Street today
At 11pm on January 31, the UK officially left the bloc. Mr Johnson will also be judged by voters on his response to the coronavirus pandemic. Initially, he was criticised for his silence as cases of the virus rapidly multiplied across the country. The nationwide lockdown began on March 23, when 355 people had succumbed to the illness. The following day, the Government announced the NHS Nightingale Hospital would be built in London.
The PM visits a doctor's surgery on Friday


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Sturgeon SHAMED: 'Saint Nicola' exposed over coronavirus tactic

Scotland 's First Minister came under fire from a Conservative MSP , who warned if the country had been independent of the UK during the pandemic it would have resulted in a `` disaster '' for Scots .
Michelle Ballantyne said journalists above the border had failed to properly hold Ms Sturgeon to account .
Her scathing review of Ms Sturgeon 's performance throughout the biggest public health crisis in a generation comes as Boris Johnson this week paid a visit to Orkney .
Ms Ballantyne said the First Minister has been made out to be some kind of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the epidemic .
The MSP told The Daily Mail : `` If you look at the outbreak at Nike that was covered up , the decision to put people in care homes from hospital without COVID testing - she 's used her briefings to shut criticism down and spin it like they have handled it better than in Westminster and that 'Saint Nicola ' has delivered - but that 's not the case at all if you look at the figures . ''
She added : `` Nicola Sturgeon hides behind systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from being robustly questioned and the press need to be better at challenging the obvious failures in policy outcomes . ''
Ms Ballantyne said the lack of scrutiny has allowed Ms Sturgeon to gain support for her ambitious plan to take Scotland out of the UK .
Two recent polls have found that more than half ( 54 percent ) of people would vote for independence if there was a second referendum .
During his trip to Scotland on Thursday , the Prime Minister hailed the `` fantastically strong '' union .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he accuses TV host of 'Tory narrative' Mr Johnson said : `` The union is a fantastically strong institution , it 's helped our country through thick and thin , it 's very , very valuable in terms of the support we 've been able to give to everybody throughout all corners of the UK . ''
She tweeted : `` I welcome the PM to Scotland today .
One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions , rather than having our future decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking us down a path we have n't chosen .
His presence highlights that . ''
While she welcomed financial support from Westminster , she said it is `` not some kind of favour '' to Scots .
She added : `` Let 's be clear , this is borrowed money and the reason it is coming to the Scottish Government from the UK Government is the UK Government holds the borrowing powers that Scotland does n't hold .
`` Scottish taxpayers will pay the cost of that borrowing in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it is not some kind of favour that is being done for Scotland .

Nicola Sturgeon: Keith Brown grilled by expert on SNP 'failures'
Scotland's First Minister came under fire from a Conservative MSP, who warned if the country had been independent of the UK during the pandemic it would have resulted in a "disaster" for Scots. Michelle Ballantyne said journalists above the border had failed to properly hold Ms Sturgeon to account.
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Her scathing review of Ms Sturgeon's performance throughout the biggest public health crisis in a generation comes as Boris Johnson this week paid a visit to Orkney. Ms Ballantyne said the First Minister has been made out to be some kind of "saint" due to how she responded to the epidemic. The MSP told The Daily Mail: "If you look at the outbreak at Nike that was covered up, the decision to put people in care homes from hospital without COVID testing - she's used her briefings to shut criticism down and spin it like they have handled it better than in Westminster and that 'Saint Nicola' has delivered - but that's not the case at all if you look at the figures."
Nicola Sturgeon has come under fire for her daily coronavirus press briefings
The PM visits Orkney
She added: "Nicola Sturgeon hides behind systems and processes that protect the Scottish Government from being robustly questioned and the press need to be better at challenging the obvious failures in policy outcomes." Ms Ballantyne said the lack of scrutiny has allowed Ms Sturgeon to gain support for her ambitious plan to take Scotland out of the UK. Two recent polls have found that more than half (54 percent) of people would vote for independence if there was a second referendum. During his trip to Scotland on Thursday, the Prime Minister hailed the "fantastically strong" union. READ MORE: Sturgeon's deputy squirms as he accuses TV host of 'Tory narrative'
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Boris Johnson praised the strength of the union during his trip to Scotland
More than half of Scots support independence, recent polls have found
Mr Johnson said: "The union is a fantastically strong institution, it's helped our country through thick and thin, it's very, very valuable in terms of the support we've been able to give to everybody throughout all corners of the UK." Ms Sturgeon argued his visit highlighted a key argument for independence. She tweeted: "I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn't vote for, taking us down a path we haven't chosen. His presence highlights that."
Coronavirus map UK
While she welcomed financial support from Westminster, she said it is "not some kind of favour" to Scots. She added: "Let's be clear, this is borrowed money and the reason it is coming to the Scottish Government from the UK Government is the UK Government holds the borrowing powers that Scotland doesn't hold. "Scottish taxpayers will pay the cost of that borrowing in the same way as taxpayers across the UK will so it is not some kind of favour that is being done for Scotland.
Boris Johnson poses with a crab in Orkney