thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--End of the EU? Ex-Brexit Party MEP lists FOUR major flaws that could topple bloc in 2021

With less than 40 days before the end of the transition period , there are strong suggestions emerging from Brussels that the European Commission , led by President Ursula von der Leyen , is prepared to rush through a last-minute agreement without it being ratified by the European Parliament or individual member states , in a move which would be highly controversial .
Mr Lowe , the former chairman of Southampton FC , told Express.co.uk he was unsurprised by the claims .
He said : `` The EU hierarchy are fighting for their lives and desperate people do desperate things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the failing political experiment and is grinding Southern Europe into penury at an alarming rate .
`` Brexit has put the fear of God into them as it is the logical path for these Southern Countries to follow if they are to act in the best interests of their people .
`` If Biden is confirmed , he will embolden them given his Irish heritage , dislike of England and his general approach to world politics .
`` Interestingly I think Germany is in for a rough time as the green fad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the legacy of the internal combustion engine . ''
Mr Lowe also said the EU 's behaviour illustrated precisely why the UK should have adopted a direct approach when it came to plotting its trading relationship with the continent after the end of the year .
JUST IN : 'Humiliated ' Trump will NOT run in 2024 , insists Anthony Scaramucci He explained : `` Our approach should have been to entreat with the other Sovereign states of Europe over the heads of the EU bureaucracy .
`` The main problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WD , PA and NIP after winning the election but failed to read grasp the initiative . ''
Meanwhile , Tory MP and staunch Brexiteer Daniel Kawczynski has said the move highlighted a `` deeply worrying '' trend - as well as underlining precisely why the UK had opted to leave in the first place .
DO N'T MISS Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU [ SHOCK ] Boris warned 'do n't sell out Britain ' as Brexit deal looms [ INSIGHT ] Brexiteer savages EU shackling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ANGER ] Mr Kawczynski told Express.co.uk : `` This is another clear demonstration as to how the unelected Commission seizes more power and autonomy away from people who can not easily throw them out .
`` It is deeply worrying and reaffirms just how right we are to be leaving . ''
Sky News ' Europe Correspondent , Adam Parsons yesterday suggested a deal could be `` rushed through '' to beat the looming deadline .
He added : `` One thing that jumps out is something called provisional application .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal is agreed at the last-minute , it 's put in place before it 's even ratified .
`` One source told me that would be a very precarious option . ''

Brexit: No deal 'clean break' is best for the UK claims Lowe
With less than 40 days before the end of the transition period, there are strong suggestions emerging from Brussels that the European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, is prepared to rush through a last-minute agreement without it being ratified by the European Parliament or individual member states, in a move which would be highly controversial. Mr Lowe, the former chairman of Southampton FC, told Express.co.uk he was unsurprised by the claims.
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He said: "The EU hierarchy are fighting for their lives and desperate people do desperate things. "The euro was their response to the failing political experiment and is grinding Southern Europe into penury at an alarming rate. "Brexit has put the fear of God into them as it is the logical path for these Southern Countries to follow if they are to act in the best interests of their people.
Rupert Lowe said Ursula von der Leyen's European Commission is filled with "desperate people"
Daniel Kawczynski MP, speaking in the Commons
"If Biden is confirmed, he will embolden them given his Irish heritage, dislike of England and his general approach to world politics. "Interestingly I think Germany is in for a rough time as the green fad spreads like wildfire and she has to deal with the legacy of the internal combustion engine." Mr Lowe also said the EU's behaviour illustrated precisely why the UK should have adopted a direct approach when it came to plotting its trading relationship with the continent after the end of the year. JUST IN: 'Humiliated' Trump will NOT run in 2024, insists Anthony Scaramucci
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Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator
He explained: "Our approach should have been to entreat with the other Sovereign states of Europe over the heads of the EU bureaucracy. "The main problem is that Boris should never have signed the WD, PA and NIP after winning the election but failed to read grasp the initiative." Meanwhile, Tory MP and staunch Brexiteer Daniel Kawczynski has said the move highlighted a "deeply worrying" trend - as well as underlining precisely why the UK had opted to leave in the first place. DON'T MISS
Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU [SHOCK]
Boris warned 'don't sell out Britain' as Brexit deal looms [INSIGHT]
Brexiteer savages EU shackling Britain and Boris Johnson in talks [ANGER]
Rupert Lowe, Nigel Farage and other Brexit Party MEPs
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Mr Kawczynski told Express.co.uk: "This is another clear demonstration as to how the unelected Commission seizes more power and autonomy away from people who cannot easily throw them out. "It is deeply worrying and reaffirms just how right we are to be leaving." Sky News' Europe Correspondent, Adam Parsons yesterday suggested a deal could be "rushed through" to beat the looming deadline.
Trade talks timetable
He added: "One thing that jumps out is something called provisional application. "What that might mean is that if a deal is agreed at the last-minute, it's put in place before it's even ratified. "One source told me that would be a very precarious option."
Ursula von der Leyen is President of the European Commission


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--Luvvie Bob Geldof orders Boris Johnson to keep hands off £15billion foreign aid budget

During next week ’ s spending review , the Chancellor is widely expected to lower the UK 's commitment of spending 0.7 percent of national income on overseas aid to 0.5 percent in order to raise billions of pounds .
But Mr Geldof , who is widely recognised for his activism surrounding anti-poverty efforts concerning Africa branded Rishi Sunak ’ s plans as “ unconscionable ” .
Mr Geldof joined former prime ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby .
He said : “ It is unconscionable after such a wide cross-party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that this promise should be under threat now .
“ What expertise does Mr Sunak bring to this , save a seemingly callous ignorance of what he is effectively asking the PM to do – pull the needle from the sick child 's arm , grab the meagre crust off the plate , sack the teacher in the tinshack school and send these children back to the place of no hope.
” He claimed the Conservative Party hds long taken the view that “ lending a hand to the world 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Writing in The Sunday Times , Mr Geldof continued : “ It is also an act of political and economic self-interest .
“ We need to keep spending whatever it takes to get COVID in check , until the bright day dawns when we may all breathe freely once more.
” He stressed when the COVID-19 pandemic is over , “ we must not discover that it cost the lives and hopes of poor people whom we never needed to harm .
“ He added : “ We have lost much over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values ?
“ There is no need for the chancellor to raid this piggy bank for pennies .
Boris Johnson must drop this plan now.
” In another significant intervention , Mr Welby added to The Observer : `` I 've seen the good done by UK aid around the world `` Our generosity and strategic input has genuinely changed lives and communities for the better .
In his teaching , Jesus tells us we must n't limit our concept of neighbour simply to those close by to us .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the good .
`` A global recovery from the economic consequences of the pandemic requires a global response .
Keeping our aid commitment is a strong signal that the UK is a reliable partner for long-term economic , social , environmental and educational advancement across the globe . ''
DO N'T MISS : Sunak issues swipe at SNP as he praises UK 'strength ' [ REVEAL ] Pension fears as Rishi Suank plans tax raid to save £4billion [ INSIGHT ] Rishi Sunak 's TAX GRAB : Chancellor needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] In response , the Prime Minister 's official spokesman drew attention to the fact that the legislation enshrining the 0.7 percent target in UK law explicitly acknowledged it might not always be met .
Mr Sunak is set to outline a plan for vast spending to recover from the nation 's finances from the coronavirus crisis , but has warned high levels of borrowing can not go on `` indefinitely '' next week .
The Chancellor is expected to unveil a £100 billion plan for long-term infrastructure investment and a £3 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS in recovering from the pandemic .
But in an interview ahead of his spending review on Wednesday , he warned that the nation is experiencing an `` economic shock '' that must be paid for somehow .
The Treasury said that the NHS will get £1 billion to address backlogs by catching up on checks , scans and operations that were delayed by Covid-19 .

Sir Bob Geldof blasts 'inept' British Government over Brexit
During next week’s spending review, the Chancellor is widely expected to lower the UK's commitment of spending 0.7 percent of national income on overseas aid to 0.5 percent in order to raise billions of pounds. But Mr Geldof, who is widely recognised for his activism surrounding anti-poverty efforts concerning Africa branded Rishi Sunak’s plans as “unconscionable”.
Mr Geldof joined former prime ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. He said: “It is unconscionable after such a wide cross-party commitment to the planet's most marginalised people that this promise should be under threat now. “What expertise does Mr Sunak bring to this, save a seemingly callous ignorance of what he is effectively asking the PM to do – pull the needle from the sick child's arm, grab the meagre crust off the plate, sack the teacher in the tinshack school and send these children back to the place of no hope.” He claimed the Conservative Party hds long taken the view that “lending a hand to the world's most vulnerable people” was a moral imperative.
Bob Geldof hit out today
Westminster has come under pressure from the decision
Writing in The Sunday Times, Mr Geldof continued: “It is also an act of political and economic self-interest. “We need to keep spending whatever it takes to get COVID in check, until the bright day dawns when we may all breathe freely once more.” He stressed when the COVID-19 pandemic is over, “we must not discover that it cost the lives and hopes of poor people whom we never needed to harm. “ He added: “We have lost much over these months — must we lose our values? READ MORE: Rishi Sunak promises £500m to tackle mental health issues
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Dominic Raab said foreign aid spending should be in the UK's interest
“There is no need for the chancellor to raid this piggy bank for pennies. Boris Johnson must drop this plan now.” In another significant intervention, Mr Welby added to The Observer: "I've seen the good done by UK aid around the world "Our generosity and strategic input has genuinely changed lives and communities for the better. In his teaching, Jesus tells us we mustn't limit our concept of neighbour simply to those close by to us. We need to heed that message in the tough times as well as the good. "A global recovery from the economic consequences of the pandemic requires a global response. Keeping our aid commitment is a strong signal that the UK is a reliable partner for long-term economic, social, environmental and educational advancement across the globe." DON'T MISS:
Sunak issues swipe at SNP as he praises UK 'strength' [REVEAL]
Pension fears as Rishi Suank plans tax raid to save £4billion [INSIGHT]
Rishi Sunak's TAX GRAB: Chancellor needs to find £1,000 for each adult [LATEST]
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Rishi Sunak is set to unveil a spending review next week


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--BBC's Andrew Marr slams Dodds as Labour descends into civil war - 'A complete mess!'

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BBC 's Andrew Marr exposed the crisis tearing apart the Labour Party in a heated interview with Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds .
There is concern that a civil war will erupt in the Labour Party , with a growing left-wing revolt against the leader Sir Keir Starmer .
The BBC host pointed out that `` for people watching this looks like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted : `` Ian Lavery , a former chairman of the party and someone who I 'm sure you know well , has said that Keir Stamrer has a political vendetta against the former leader Jeremy Corbyn . ''
Ms Dodds responded : `` I do n't agree with Ian on that .
I agree with him on plenty of other things but certainly not on that .
`` We need to make sure we demonstrate to the Jewish community that we have learned from the EHRC report . ''
The BBC host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just Ian Lavery , the bakers union has talked about vindictive and divisive attacks and threatened to disaffiliate from the party . ''
JUST IN : Labour MP refuses to give party 's position on Brexit deal

Andrew Marr quizzes Anneliese Dodds on Labour ‘civil war’
BBC's Andrew Marr exposed the crisis tearing apart the Labour Party in a heated interview with Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds. There is concern that a civil war will erupt in the Labour Party, with a growing left-wing revolt against the leader Sir Keir Starmer. The BBC host pointed out that "for people watching this looks like a complete mess".
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Mr Marr noted: "Ian Lavery, a former chairman of the party and someone who I'm sure you know well, has said that Keir Stamrer has a political vendetta against the former leader Jeremy Corbyn." Ms Dodds responded: "I don't agree with Ian on that. I agree with him on plenty of other things but certainly not on that. "We need to make sure we demonstrate to the Jewish community that we have learned from the EHRC report." The BBC host fired back: "It's not just Ian Lavery, the bakers union has talked about vindictive and divisive attacks and threatened to disaffiliate from the party." JUST IN: Labour MP refuses to give party's position on Brexit deal
Marr confronted Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds
Andrew Marr confronted Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds as the party descended into a 'civil war'
He added: "Many people in the Labour Party are talking about civil war. Is it really worth it?" Ms Dodds struggled to respond, telling the BBC: "It is a matter of enormous shame for our party that we have ended up in this situation, where the EHRC has had to investigate us and make those recommendations. "For me, the really critical thing is that we are not in a position where we are investigated by the EHRC. "That is more important than any other consideration."
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Brexit: Sophy Ridge grills Lucy Powell on Labour’s position
Keir Starmer has been warned he could face a leadership challenge if he continues 'a vendetta' against Corbyn
There is concern that a civil war will erupt in the Labour Party


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--Brexit done in 72 hours: BBC's Katya Adler says Brexit could be done 'in days'

A Brexit deal is just days away , according to BBC 's Europe Editor Katya Adler , following reports that just five percent of the agreement between the EU and the UK remains open .
Ms Adler told BBC 's Andrew Marr that around 95 percent of the legal text is agreed across all areas of the EU–UK future relationship .
She said that in Brussels the `` general expectation is a deal will be done in the next days '' .
Ms Adler said : `` Some progress is being made here .
The general expectation is a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or couple weeks but the political decisions need to be taken .
`` If an agreement is made , the sides will have to think about how they sell this deal . ''
This comes after the EU and UK chief negotiators have briefly stepped back from post-Brexit trade talks after a member of the EU team tested positive for Covid-19 .
The EU 's Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart Lord David Frost have agreed to suspend negotiations for a `` short period '' .
JUST IN : France refuses to budge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out The BBC 's Brussels correspondent added : `` This has to be over very soon because the transition period ends of the 31st December .
`` We are definitely in the last stages .
EU ambassadors were briefed by the European Commission that when you are looking at the 11 working groups in these negotiations , 95 percent of the work has been agreed .
That sounds good .
`` But if that other 5 percent is not agreed you can forget that 95 percent because the mantra from both sides is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed . ''
Ms Adler noted that fishing rights , the level-playing field and governance of the deal remain key areas of disagreement .
She said that the difference on the outstanding five percent – relating to those three stumbling blocks – are significant enough to collapse the talks , and prompt a no deal exit .
Both sides are seeking an agreement to govern their trading relationship once the UK 's post-Brexit transition period ends in January 2021 .
Sources close to the talks claim a political intervention from Boris Johnson or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solve the remaining issues .
BBC 's Andrew Marr slams Dodds as Labour descends into civil war [ VIDEO ] France refuses to budge over Brexit fishing row as time runs out [ INTERVIEW ] Should foreign aid be cut to pay UK 's huge coronavirus bill ?
VOTE HERE [ POLL ]

Brexit deal will be done ‘in next days’ says Katya Adler
A Brexit deal is just days away, according to BBC's Europe Editor Katya Adler, following reports that just five percent of the agreement between the EU and the UK remains open. Ms Adler told BBC's Andrew Marr that around 95 percent of the legal text is agreed across all areas of the EU–UK future relationship. She said that in Brussels the "general expectation is a deal will be done in the next days".
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Ms Adler said: "Some progress is being made here. The general expectation is a deal will be done in the next days or couple weeks but the political decisions need to be taken. "If an agreement is made, the sides will have to think about how they sell this deal." This comes after the EU and UK chief negotiators have briefly stepped back from post-Brexit trade talks after a member of the EU team tested positive for Covid-19. The EU's Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart Lord David Frost have agreed to suspend negotiations for a "short period". JUST IN: France refuses to budge over Brexit fishing row as time runs out
Adler told BBC's Andrew Marr that around 95 percent of the legal text is agreed
Katya Adler told Marr that a Brexit deal could be struck within days
The BBC's Brussels correspondent added: "This has to be over very soon because the transition period ends of the 31st December. "We are definitely in the last stages. EU ambassadors were briefed by the European Commission that when you are looking at the 11 working groups in these negotiations, 95 percent of the work has been agreed. That sounds good. "But if that other 5 percent is not agreed you can forget that 95 percent because the mantra from both sides is that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed." Ms Adler noted that fishing rights, the level-playing field and governance of the deal remain key areas of disagreement.
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Adler noted that fishing rights, a level-playing field and governance of the deal remain key areas of disagreement
Brexit: French MEP says current fishing rules are ‘a success’
There are fewer than six weeks left to go until the December 31 deadline when the transition period ends


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--Macron ally stuns Ridge with claim EU fishing policy 'will not be changed' post-Brexit

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France has refused to budge on its defiant hardline fisheries stance in the Brexit talks , as time runs out for a deal to be agreed .
Nathalie Loiseau , a strong ally of Emmanuel Macron , told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge this morning that the European Union 's Common Fisheries Policy `` so far has been a success '' .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishermen to have access to more fish , the French MEP responded : `` Why should we ruin something that works ? ''
A stunned Sophy Ridge responded : `` You can see why fishermen in Europe might think the Common Fisheries Policy has worked .
`` But , if you speak to British fishermen , they certainly do n't think it has worked .
`` They think their industry has been decimated because of it . ''
Fishing remains of the biggest hurdles to a deal between Britain and the EU , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 95 percent complete .
JUST IN : SNP failed to consult Brussels over plot to keep Scotland tied to EU

Brexit: French MEP says current fishing rules are ‘a success’
France has refused to budge on its defiant hardline fisheries stance in the Brexit talks, as time runs out for a deal to be agreed. Nathalie Loiseau, a strong ally of Emmanuel Macron, told Sky News' Sophy Ridge this morning that the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy "so far has been a success". When questioned whether it was right for British fishermen to have access to more fish, the French MEP responded: "Why should we ruin something that works?"
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A stunned Sophy Ridge responded: "You can see why fishermen in Europe might think the Common Fisheries Policy has worked. "But, if you speak to British fishermen, they certainly don't think it has worked. "They think their industry has been decimated because of it." Fishing remains of the biggest hurdles to a deal between Britain and the EU, with claims from Brussels that a deal is 95 percent complete. JUST IN: SNP failed to consult Brussels over plot to keep Scotland tied to EU
France has refused to budge on its defiant hardline fisheries stance in the Brexit talks
Sophy Ridge was stunned by the French MEP's defiant remarks
Ridge asked the French MEP: "One of the main sticking points is fishing. Fishing is a big deal here in the UK, but also a big deal over in France. "Isn't it right that British fishermen have access to more of fish in British waters after Brexit?" Ms Loiseau responded: "Nobody is denying that the waters are becoming British. But nobody forgets that the Common Fisheries Policy so far has been a success. "It has provided sustainable fishing and decent incomes on both sides. Why should we ruin something that works?
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Loiseau, a strong ally of Emmanuel Macron, told Sky News' Sophy Ridge this morning that the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy has worked
Brexit deal will be done ‘in next days’ says Katya Adler
The row over future fishing rights has plagued the trade and security negotiations between Britain and the European Union


thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--Boris Johnson's Brexit deal sell-out will leave UK shackled to EU defence, warns Ben Habib

Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib said he was fearful the UK was planning to commit itself to EU defence agencies and organisations .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , Mr Habib warned Boris Johnson could agree to the EU 's military demands and cooperation to get a Brexit deal .
Mr Habib took specific issue with the UK aligning itself with the EU 's security structure PESCO as opposed to NATO .
Mr Habib said : `` I am very concerned about defence and what might happen on defence .
`` People may not know that PESCO ( Permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union , which is their alternative to NATO , was actually something set up in 2017 .
`` Which Theresa May , when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary , signed the United Kingdom up to .
`` We actually signed into this European defence union after we had voted to leave the EU .
DO N'T MISS : Michel Barnier 'laughing at UK ' as Boris Johnson to cave to EU '' Boris Johnson did not jump up and down against it and , in fact , I think he is quoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are leaving the EU and I wish them well in their military objectives . ''
Mr Habib reiterated why he was cautious with these developments in relation to the current Brexit trade talks .
He said : `` I am very concerned that any deal we do commits us to European defence agencies , military interoperability and PESCO .
`` The reason I am concerned about that is one we need to defend Europe through NATO not PESCO .
`` Two , it will turn our heads away from our natural allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union dominated foreign policy .
`` I am very concerned that we do n't tie ourselves up to that sphere of influence . ''
Boris Johnson has since announced a significant increase to the UK 's defence budget of £24.1billion .
It will now equate to 2.2 percent of the UK 's GDP and Mr Johnson announced it was necessary as he claimed the international situation is growing more perilous than any other time since the Cold War .
Mr Habib also fears the UK will remain tied to the EU despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU [ SHOCK ] Boris warned 'do n't sell out Britain ' as Brexit deal looms [ INSIGHT ] Brexiteer savages EU shackling Britain and Boris Johnson in talks [ ANGER ] Brexit news : Both sides remain unable to come to a resolution on a deal and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has said the UK will not take a Brexit deal at any price .

Brexit: Ben Habib reveals his ‘concerns’ over military defence
Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib said he was fearful the UK was planning to commit itself to EU defence agencies and organisations. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Habib warned Boris Johnson could agree to the EU's military demands and cooperation to get a Brexit deal. Mr Habib took specific issue with the UK aligning itself with the EU's security structure PESCO as opposed to NATO.
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Mr Habib said: "I am very concerned about defence and what might happen on defence. "People may not know that PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) set up by the European Union, which is their alternative to NATO, was actually something set up in 2017. "Which Theresa May, when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary, signed the United Kingdom up to. "We actually signed into this European defence union after we had voted to leave the EU. DON'T MISS: Michel Barnier 'laughing at UK' as Boris Johnson to cave to EU
Brexit fury: Brexiteer warns Boris Johnson will cave to EU's military defence demands
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has since announced a significant increase to the UK's defence budget.
"Boris Johnson did not jump up and down against it and, in fact, I think he is quoted at the time as saying something like we are leaving the EU and I wish them well in their military objectives." Mr Habib reiterated why he was cautious with these developments in relation to the current Brexit trade talks. He said: "I am very concerned that any deal we do commits us to European defence agencies, military interoperability and PESCO. "The reason I am concerned about that is one we need to defend Europe through NATO not PESCO.
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Brexit news: Brexit endgame explained
Brexit deal will be done ‘in next days’ says Katya Adler
"Two, it will turn our heads away from our natural allies the Americans and turn it towards the European Union dominated foreign policy. "I am very concerned that we don't tie ourselves up to that sphere of influence." Boris Johnson has since announced a significant increase to the UK's defence budget of £24.1billion. It will now equate to 2.2 percent of the UK's GDP and Mr Johnson announced it was necessary as he claimed the international situation is growing more perilous than any other time since the Cold War. Mr Habib also fears the UK will remain tied to the EU despite voting out of the bloc. READ MORE: Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU [SHOCK]
Boris warned 'don't sell out Britain' as Brexit deal looms [INSIGHT]
Brexiteer savages EU shackling Britain and Boris Johnson in talks [ANGER]
Brexit news: Both sides remain unable to come to a resolution on a deal and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has said the UK will not take a Brexit deal at any price.


thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--Michel Barnier 'laughing at UK' as Boris Johnson to CAVE to EU Brexit demands within weeks

Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe argued Boris Johnson has made the wrong decisions in safeguarding a bright future for Brexit Britain .
While speaking to Martin Daubney and Belinda de Lucy of Brexit Unlocked , Ms Widdecombe said Michel Barnier and the EU were now laughing at Britain .
She insisted Boris Johnson should have stepped back from the negotiating table as a way to force the EU to adhere to the UK 's Brexit red lines .
Mr Daubney initially asked how Ms Widdecombe felt about the pantomime of Brexit trade talks and the UK going towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Widdecome said : `` The whole point of a pantomime is to make people laugh .
`` I ca n't believe that anybody , no matter what their standard is like , is laughing at the Brexit negotiations except possibly Ursula von der Leyen or Michel Barnier .
`` This is because in the end they know , in the end , after all of this they are going to get what they want .
`` And if not they are going to get most of what they want to get . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson for his lack of Brexit success as Prime Minister .
She highlighted what changes she would have told him to do to ensure the best outcome for Brexit Britain .
She continued : `` I really ca n't think when you say pantomime because pantomimes are meant to be a cheerful thing that makes people laugh .
`` But if you ask me who should be playing the backend of a pantomime horse in this nonsense then I have to say , Boris Johnson .
`` This is because , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Frost , 'that is it , we are going . '
`` He could have said 'when they are ready to talk to us as a sovereign state we will come back . '
'' Ms Widdecombe also warned that Boris Johnson had shown the signs that he is likely to cave to the EU in the final stages of the Brexit talks .
Germany chaos : Angela Merkel humiliated over lockdown rebellion [ VIDEO ] EU chaos : Defiant Brussels could force Hungary and Poland OUT of bloc [ INSIGHT ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by exposing Sturgeon [ VIDEO ]

Barnier ‘laughing at Brexit negotiations’ says Widdecombe
Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe argued Boris Johnson has made the wrong decisions in safeguarding a bright future for Brexit Britain. While speaking to Martin Daubney and Belinda de Lucy of Brexit Unlocked, Ms Widdecombe said Michel Barnier and the EU were now laughing at Britain. She insisted Boris Johnson should have stepped back from the negotiating table as a way to force the EU to adhere to the UK's Brexit red lines.
Trending
Mr Daubney initially asked how Ms Widdecombe felt about the pantomime of Brexit trade talks and the UK going towards the end of the transition period. Ms Widdecome said: "The whole point of a pantomime is to make people laugh. "I can't believe that anybody, no matter what their standard is like, is laughing at the Brexit negotiations except possibly Ursula von der Leyen or Michel Barnier. "This is because in the end they know, in the end, after all of this they are going to get what they want. DON'T MISS: Widdecombe exposes how Boris Johnson will mask severe Brexit backdown
Michel Barnier 'laughing at UK' as Boris Johnson to cave to EU Brexit demands within weeks
Michel Barnier: Ann Widdecombe argued Michel Barnier is now laughing at the UK in the Brexit chaos.
"And if not they are going to get most of what they want to get." Ms Widdecombe went on to attack Boris Johnson for his lack of Brexit success as Prime Minister. She highlighted what changes she would have told him to do to ensure the best outcome for Brexit Britain. She continued: "I really can't think when you say pantomime because pantomimes are meant to be a cheerful thing that makes people laugh.
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Michel Barnier: Brexit end game details explained
Brexit deal will be done ‘in next days’ says Katya Adler
"But if you ask me who should be playing the backend of a pantomime horse in this nonsense then I have to say, Boris Johnson. "This is because, in the end, he could have said to David Frost, 'that is it, we are going.' "He could have said 'when they are ready to talk to us as a sovereign state we will come back.'" Ms Widdecombe also warned that Boris Johnson had shown the signs that he is likely to cave to the EU in the final stages of the Brexit talks. READ MORE: Germany chaos: Angela Merkel humiliated over lockdown rebellion [VIDEO]
EU chaos: Defiant Brussels could force Hungary and Poland OUT of bloc [INSIGHT]
Rees-Mogg shuts down SNP's independence dream by exposing Sturgeon [VIDEO]
Michel Barnier: Brexit timeline explained


thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--Nicola Sturgeon launches new SNP Scottish Bank to help ‘rebuild’ country after COVID-19

Nicola Sturgeon will launch Scotland ’ s National Investment Bank which will use £2billion of Scottish Government funding over its first decade to invest in businesses and projects .
The concept will allow the Government to make longer-term investments in Scottish firms , over a period of 10 to 15 years .
Ms Sturgeon said it would help Scotland meet its 2045 net-zero target , tackle place-based inequality and foster innovation in the country 's businesses .
The First Minister of Scotland said : `` The Scottish National Investment Bank will help to tackle some of the biggest challenges we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come , delivering economic , social and environmental returns .
`` The launch of the bank is one of the most significant developments in the lifetime of this parliament , with the potential for it to transform , grow and decarbonise Scotland 's economy . ''
Ms Sturgeon first put forward the plans in 2017 and total investments would be around 1.3 percent of Scotland ’ s GDP .
Chairman Willie Watt said he hoped the bank would eventually become a national , non-political institution .
Mr Watt , who was appointed last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to become a trusted institution that is seen as being owned by the whole of Scotland .
`` A non-political , cornerstone institution in the investment landscape in Scotland .
`` I want it to have a list of really good investments against each of those three missions so we can look back and say that we actually invested against these missions . ''
“ While the initial shock of COVID-19 is expected to be shorter term than the long-term nature of missions , the Bank will play a key role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient and sustained investment .
“ The immediate impacts of COVID-19 underline the need for the Bank and support the adoption of a mission-oriented investment approach.
” The first investment , officials announced today , will be Glasgow-based laser technology firm M Squared .
MSPs unanimously passed plans for the bank in January , with appointments taking place in recent months before its official launch .
DO N'T MISS : Andrew Marr makes bombshell claim about Scottish Independence [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon 's bizarre new law 'could criminalise comedy jokes ' [ INSIGHT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposes plan for creation of Army [ LATEST ]

Scotland wants ‘powers’ to manage deficit says Kate Forbes
Nicola Sturgeon will launch Scotland’s National Investment Bank which will use £2billion of Scottish Government funding over its first decade to invest in businesses and projects. The concept will allow the Government to make longer-term investments in Scottish firms, over a period of 10 to 15 years.
Trending
Ms Sturgeon said it would help Scotland meet its 2045 net-zero target, tackle place-based inequality and foster innovation in the country's businesses. The First Minister of Scotland said: "The Scottish National Investment Bank will help to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face now and in the years to come, delivering economic, social and environmental returns. "The launch of the bank is one of the most significant developments in the lifetime of this parliament, with the potential for it to transform, grow and decarbonise Scotland's economy." Ms Sturgeon first put forward the plans in 2017 and total investments would be around 1.3 percent of Scotland’s GDP.
The new bank launches today
Nicola Sturgeon, CEO Eilidh Mactaggart and chair Willie Watt
Chairman Willie Watt said he hoped the bank would eventually become a national, non-political institution. Mr Watt, who was appointed last November, said: "I want it to become a trusted institution that is seen as being owned by the whole of Scotland. "A non-political, cornerstone institution in the investment landscape in Scotland. "I want it to have a list of really good investments against each of those three missions so we can look back and say that we actually invested against these missions." READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's independence dreams dealt huge blow
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The Bank is based in Edinburgh
“While the initial shock of COVID-19 is expected to be shorter term than the long-term nature of missions, the Bank will play a key role in supporting Scotland’s recovery by delivering patient and sustained investment. “The immediate impacts of COVID-19 underline the need for the Bank and support the adoption of a mission-oriented investment approach.” The first investment, officials announced today, will be Glasgow-based laser technology firm M Squared. MSPs unanimously passed plans for the bank in January, with appointments taking place in recent months before its official launch. DON'T MISS:
Andrew Marr makes bombshell claim about Scottish Independence [REVEAL]
Sturgeon's bizarre new law 'could criminalise comedy jokes' [INSIGHT]
Boris stands firm as policy paper exposes plan for creation of Army [LATEST]
The Bank will help support Scotland's economic recovery


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--Brexit trade: UK set for 'more advanced' Canada talks to deliver 'much more' than EU deal

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters .
Please see our Privacy Notice for details of @ @ @ @ @ Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again .
International Trade Secretary @ @ @ @ @ UK and Canada have agreed to begin “ more advanced ” negotiations once Britain is @ @ @ @ @ of the EU on January 1 , 2021 .
On Friday , the UK finalised @ @ @ @ @ to protect the flow of goods and services worth £20billion .
Boris Johnson said the @ @ @ @ @ was a `` fantastic agreement for Britain '' .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said @ @ @ @ @ to “ maximise our trade opportunities ” .
The UK has now agreed trade deal @ @ @ @ @ around the world , worth more than £150billion .
Ms Truss said : “ We @ @ @ @ @ negotiating a more advanced trade deal next year , which will be more ambitious in @ @ @ @ @ , women ’ s economic empowerment and the environment .

Brexit: Liz Truss announces UK has agreed deal with Canada
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has confirmed the UK and Canada have agreed to begin “more advanced” negotiations once Britain is finally freed from the shackles of the EU on January 1, 2021. On Friday, the UK finalised a post-Brexit deal with Canada to protect the flow of goods and services worth £20billion.
Trending
Boris Johnson said the extension of existing EU terms was a "fantastic agreement for Britain". Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said both would look at ways to “maximise our trade opportunities”. The UK has now agreed trade deal with more than 50 countries around the world, worth more than £150billion. Ms Truss said: “We have also agreed to start negotiating a more advanced trade deal next year, which will be more ambitious in areas such as digital trade, women’s economic empowerment and the environment.
Liz Truss has confirmed the UK is looking to strengthen ties with Canada
The UK has signed a deal worth £20bn with Canada
“We will build on this in our presidency of the G7, working with like-minded democracies such as Canada to promote our priorities around the world.” Writing in Sunday Telegraph, she added: “This deal will allow us to take our economic relationship to new heights. “It also takes us a step closer to hitching ourselves to one of the most dynamic trading areas in the world.” The International Trade Secretary added the UK would look towards joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership made up of 11 nations, including Canada, Japan and Australia.
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Liz Truss said the UK will begin further talks in the new year
Ms Truss explained this would give Britain access to a market which is equivalent to 13 percent of global GDP – worth around £11trillion. In a major swipe at the EU, Ms Truss insisted “they thrive under modern, business-friendly rules which offer much more than the EU could for the industries of the future”. She added: “Together, we would form a coalition of the willing in the fight for free and fair trade which would push back against protectionism and those who would try to subvert the world’s rules-based system.” READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Rishi Sunak promises to walk away with no deal
Trade talks with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier continue to stall
The possible end game for Brexit talks with the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--Ann Widdecombe claims Boris Johnson will try to hoodwink UK after Brexit 'surrender'

Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe argued that Boris Johnson will use coronavirus to mask his Brexit failures .
While speaking on Brexit Unlocked with Martin Daubney and Belinda de Lucy , Ms Widdecombe said she believed Boris Johnson would quickly compromise for the EU .
She claimed he will then use the disruption of coronavirus as an excuse for why his Brexit deal is n't producing the positive dividends expected with cutting ties with the EU .
Ms Belinda de Lucy asked : `` How do you think Boris Johnson is going to wrap up the worrying compromise that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tory party .
`` How do you think Boris is going to sell it back in the UK ? ''
Ms Widdecombe admitted it would be a difficult task for Boris Johnson to sell the UK a bad deal or agreement .
She then went on to explain how she believes he will attempt to do it .
DO N'T MISS : Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU She said : `` I think it will very hard for Boris Johnson to sell it except he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He has got something that has already caused a lot of fatigue in the country and we have all got Covid-fatigue so to speak .
`` Boris has that to shelter behind and I think we will hear a great deal about coronavirus in the next few weeks .
`` That will be a screen for what is actually happening on Brexit . ''
Ms Widdecombe also asked that Brexiteers are vigilant on what they are being told by the Government on the progress on Brexit .
She added : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert and shout from the rooftops when it looks as if there is surrender dressed up as a deal . ''
Ms Widdecombe also argued Boris Johnson would have already secured a good Brexit deal if he stuck to his word on deadlines .
She said : `` I think Boris Johnson will betray Brexit and the signs have been there .
Germany chaos : Angela Merkel humiliated over lockdown rebellion [ VIDEO ] EU chaos : Defiant Brussels could force Hungary and Poland OUT of bloc [ INSIGHT ] Rees-Mogg shuts down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ VIDEO ]

Boris Johnson ‘has a distraction’ from Brexit says Widdecombe
Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe argued that Boris Johnson will use coronavirus to mask his Brexit failures. While speaking on Brexit Unlocked with Martin Daubney and Belinda de Lucy, Ms Widdecombe said she believed Boris Johnson would quickly compromise for the EU. She claimed he will then use the disruption of coronavirus as an excuse for why his Brexit deal isn't producing the positive dividends expected with cutting ties with the EU.
Trending
Ms Belinda de Lucy asked: "How do you think Boris Johnson is going to wrap up the worrying compromise that feels inevitable at the moment to save the Tory party. "How do you think Boris is going to sell it back in the UK?" Ms Widdecombe admitted it would be a difficult task for Boris Johnson to sell the UK a bad deal or agreement. She then went on to explain how she believes he will attempt to do it. DON'T MISS: Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU
Ann Widdecombe exposes how Boris Johnson will mask severe Brexit backdown to EU
Ann Widdecombe revealed how Boris Johnson will attempt to sell a "surrender" Brexit deal to the UK after caving to the EU.
She said: "I think it will very hard for Boris Johnson to sell it except he has got a distraction which is coronavirus. "He has got something that has already caused a lot of fatigue in the country and we have all got Covid-fatigue so to speak. "Boris has that to shelter behind and I think we will hear a great deal about coronavirus in the next few weeks. "That will be a screen for what is actually happening on Brexit."
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Ann Widdecombe: Ms Widdecombe admitted it would be a difficult task for Boris Johnson to sell the UK a bad deal or agreement.
Brexit: French MEP says current fishing rules are ‘a success’
Ms Widdecombe also asked that Brexiteers are vigilant on what they are being told by the Government on the progress on Brexit. She added: "The crucial thing is for everybody to be alert and shout from the rooftops when it looks as if there is surrender dressed up as a deal." Ms Widdecombe also argued Boris Johnson would have already secured a good Brexit deal if he stuck to his word on deadlines. She said: "I think Boris Johnson will betray Brexit and the signs have been there. READ MORE: Germany chaos: Angela Merkel humiliated over lockdown rebellion [VIDEO]
EU chaos: Defiant Brussels could force Hungary and Poland OUT of bloc [INSIGHT]
Rees-Mogg shuts down SNP's independence dream by exposing Sturgeon [VIDEO]
Ann Widdecombe: Ms Widdecombe also argued Boris Johnson would have already secured a good Brexit deal if he stuck to his word on deadlines.


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--Nicola Sturgeon warning: SNP aide warns of 'leadership damage' over independence obsession

Kevin Pringle , former strategic communications director for the SNP warned it had taken long years for independence to command “ majority support in successive polls ” .
Ahead of the SNP conference next week , he stressed it was not a “ given that this will continue to be the case.
” He added : “ Yes activists need to guard against focusing on means at the expense of ends : dwelling too much on the mechanism of a referendum , and not enough on the arguments for independence itself.
” It comes as Ian Blackford , the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` must '' prepare for a second referendum on Scottish independence to take place in 2021 .
Ian Blackford said the SNP would have a platform to hold indyref2 `` quickly '' if they won the Scottish Parliament elections in May .
But Mr Pringle stressed : “ The danger of setting such certitude is that disillusion may rebound on Nicola Sturgeon and her colleagues for failing to deliver , rather than on the Conservatives at Westminster for disrespecting Scottish election mandates .
“ The SNP spent a great deal of time insisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when , even before the pandemic , it was clear that there was no prospect of one.
” SNP MP Tommy Sheppard also raised an eyebrow about this year ’ s choice of policy at the conference which takes place between Saturday 28 and Monday November 30 .
Express.co.uk understands the pandemic has slightly changed the direction of the party but an independence pledge will have a strong message .
The Edinburgh East MP , said : “ When it comes to debating policy the choice is pretty limited .
“ Instead we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch submissions which you can either take or leave .
READ MORE : House of Lords SHAMED as Scottish MP brands Chamber as ‘ archaic ’ “ Some stuff in there is radical , some isn ’ t. ” Tensions have already risen between certain party members as after a strategy aimed at finding a new way of pushing through Scottish independence , backed by the SNP ’ s Justice spokeswoman Joanna Cherry was rejected .
SNP Inverclyde councillor Chris McEleny together with Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil also submitted another plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The strategy suggested winning a pro-independence majority would be grounds to start negotiations with Westminster for Scotland to leave the UK .
DO N'T MISS : Beeb impartiality warning for 'beaming Sturgeon into living rooms ' [ REVEAL ] SNP failed to consult Brussels over plot to keep Scotland tied to EU [ LATEST ] Sunak issues swipe at SNP as he praises UK 'strength ' [ INSIGHT ] An SNP spokesperson said of the independence position : “ There is a consensus that an agreed referendum is the way to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at additional ways to hold a legal referendum has already been announced , and rather than restricting it to a select few , it offers the chance for any SNP member to input to that discussion , and that can only be a good thing .
”

Indyref2: Ian Blackford shut down over continued calls
Kevin Pringle, former strategic communications director for the SNP warned it had taken long years for independence to command “majority support in successive polls”. Ahead of the SNP conference next week, he stressed it was not a “given that this will continue to be the case.” He added: “Yes activists need to guard against focusing on means at the expense of ends: dwelling too much on the mechanism of a referendum, and not enough on the arguments for independence itself.” It comes as Ian Blackford, the party’s Westminster leader said the SNP "must" prepare for a second referendum on Scottish independence to take place in 2021.
Trending
Ian Blackford said the SNP would have a platform to hold indyref2 "quickly" if they won the Scottish Parliament elections in May. But Mr Pringle stressed: “The danger of setting such certitude is that disillusion may rebound on Nicola Sturgeon and her colleagues for failing to deliver, rather than on the Conservatives at Westminster for disrespecting Scottish election mandates. “The SNP spent a great deal of time insisting that a referendum would happen this year when, even before the pandemic, it was clear that there was no prospect of one.” SNP MP Tommy Sheppard also raised an eyebrow about this year’s choice of policy at the conference which takes place between Saturday 28 and Monday November 30.
An Advisor to Nicola Sturgeon has spoken out
Support for Scottish independence sits at 55 percent
Express.co.uk understands the pandemic has slightly changed the direction of the party but an independence pledge will have a strong message. The Edinburgh East MP, said: “When it comes to debating policy the choice is pretty limited. “Gone are individual resolutions from branches. “Instead we have six themed policy positions composed from branch submissions which you can either take or leave. READ MORE: House of Lords SHAMED as Scottish MP brands Chamber as ‘archaic’
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SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford
Nicola Sturgeon


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--'Abolish the national embarrassment' House of Lords where peers enjoy £323 a day tax-free

The House of Commons Public Petitions Committee is expected to consider a petition lodged by the SNP MP recently on behalf of her constituents .
Backing it , she said : “ This is an archaic , unelected institution which is accountable to no one and yet it wields huge influence over how our laws are made .
“ Stuffed full of retired politicians , cronies , party donors , bishops and aristocrats , it is appalling that any modern country retains such overt patronage , symbolising the UK establishment ’ s absurd institutions.
” Mrs Gibson stressed too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £323 a day attendance allowance tax-free , even if they do not participate in any deliberations.
” She stressed : “ To put that in perspective , a single person over 25 on Universal Credit can claim only £317.82 per month.
” The SNP MP stressed there was no place in “ modern democracy ” for such an institution .
Mrs Gibson , married to SNP MSP Kenny Gibson , added : “ Calls for reform of the House of Lords have dragged on for decades , and neither the Tories nor Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , many who have called for abolition , have readily and hypocritically accepted a peerage .
“ It does not need reform , it needs to be abolished , but so many of those who tell us they wish to reform it , end up spending their retirement there .
“ The most important aspect of a democracy is accountability – the ability to remove people from positions of power – yet voters can not remove peers , pick its members or influence its decisions.
” READ MORE : Beeb impartiality warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP has also declared the Lords as a “ national embarrassment ” .
Mrs Gibson ’ s petition , stresses in summary : “ The petition of residents of the constituency of North Ayrshire and Arran declares that the House of Lords is unrepresentative of and unaccountable to the general UK population .
“ The petitioners , therefore , request that the House of Commons urges the Government to abolish the House of Lords in the interests of democracy , accountability and transparency.
” It comes after FOI requests from the SNP revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their £323 daily allowance to £162 due to COVID-19 .
DO N'T MISS : SNP failed to consult Brussels over plot to keep Scotland tied to EU [ REVEAL ] Boris tears apart SNP record in Scotland – lists THREE worst areas [ INSIGHT ] Sunak issues swipe at SNP as he praises UK 'strength ' [ LATEST ]

Brexit: House of Lords 'out to thwart' process says Redwood
The House of Commons Public Petitions Committee is expected to consider a petition lodged by the SNP MP recently on behalf of her constituents. Backing it, she said: “This is an archaic, unelected institution which is accountable to no one and yet it wields huge influence over how our laws are made.
Trending
“Stuffed full of retired politicians, cronies, party donors, bishops and aristocrats, it is appalling that any modern country retains such overt patronage, symbolising the UK establishment’s absurd institutions.” Mrs Gibson stressed too many Lords were “inactive, yet receive £323 a day attendance allowance tax-free, even if they do not participate in any deliberations.” She stressed: “To put that in perspective, a single person over 25 on Universal Credit can claim only £317.82 per month.” The SNP MP stressed there was no place in “modern democracy” for such an institution.
Patrica Gibson complained about the Lords
Peers are Unelected
Mrs Gibson, married to SNP MSP Kenny Gibson, added: “Calls for reform of the House of Lords have dragged on for decades, and neither the Tories nor Labour have delivered any meaningful change. “Indeed, many who have called for abolition, have readily and hypocritically accepted a peerage. “It does not need reform, it needs to be abolished, but so many of those who tell us they wish to reform it, end up spending their retirement there. “The most important aspect of a democracy is accountability – the ability to remove people from positions of power – yet voters cannot remove peers, pick its members or influence its decisions.” READ MORE: Beeb impartiality warning for 'beaming Sturgeon into living rooms'
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SNP MP Patrica Gibson
The MP has also declared the Lords as a “national embarrassment”. Mrs Gibson’s petition, stresses in summary: “The petition of residents of the constituency of North Ayrshire and Arran declares that the House of Lords is unrepresentative of and unaccountable to the general UK population. “The petitioners, therefore, request that the House of Commons urges the Government to abolish the House of Lords in the interests of democracy, accountability and transparency.” It comes after FOI requests from the SNP revealed peers were outraged by a cut to their £323 daily allowance to £162 due to COVID-19. DON'T MISS:
SNP failed to consult Brussels over plot to keep Scotland tied to EU [REVEAL]
Boris tears apart SNP record in Scotland – lists THREE worst areas [INSIGHT]
Sunak issues swipe at SNP as he praises UK 'strength' [LATEST]
Peers are normally paid upto £323 a day


thedailyexpress--2020-11-22--'Only tough on bullying when it's Tory!' Labour MP shut down in middle of Priti Patel rant

Priti Patel has apologised after an official report found she breached the ministerial code and that her behaviour amounted to bullying .
Boris Johnson has ruled that the Home Secretary did not break the ministerial code .
Labour 's Shadow Business Minister Lucy Powell expressed her fury at the Prime Minister 's refusal to sack Ms Patel , but was grilled by Sky 's Sophy Ridge regarding her own party 's failings .
Ms Powell said : `` I think her position 's complete untenable absolutely .
`` She 's been found by an independent inquiry of breaking the ministerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are breaking the ministerial code , your position is complete untenable .
`` I think it 's appalling that the Prime Minister has decided to back her instead of sacking her .
That 's what he should have done . ''
READ MORE : Labour MP refuses to give party 's position on Brexit deal Ms Ridge shot back : `` Last year Luciana Berger left the Labour Party because of what she described as a culture of 'bullying , bigotry and intimidation ' .
`` Tom Watson said that she was bullied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thugs .
So is Labour only tough on bullying when it 's the Conservatives ? ''
Ms Powell told Sky : `` Not at all , I think bullying does n't know party political lines .
I think we can all be found wanting when that comes .
Certainly the behaviour that Luciana was subject to was appalling , it was gross , it was grotesque .
`` That 's why Keir Starmer 's been very clear that rooting out anti-Semitism , and taking a tough line on those who are anti-Semitic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullying way , wo n't have a place in the Labour Party . ''
She added : `` He 's very clear that he would have sacked Priti Patel or any other Labour MP who was found wanting in that way .
`` So it 's not that bullying ca n't exist in all party political parties , of course it can , and it does , believe me , it does .
`` It 's how you deal with it , how you tackle it , and it 's whether you show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to take to root it out . ''
DO N'T MISS Commons erupts in laughter as Rees-Mogg slaps down Labour MP [ VIDEO ] Keir Starmer is 'TRAPPED ' by 'political grenade ' of Corbyn whip [ ANALYSIS ] Corbyn could launch legal challenge against Starmer amid Labour row [ INSIGHT ] Sir Alex Allan , the senior civil servant that looked into the Home Secretary 's behaviour , has now resigned over the situation .
He had advised in his report that her approach to her civil servants had amounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as bullying in terms of the impact felt by individuals '' .
The Prime Minister noted that the Home Secretary was unaware of her impact and considered that the ministerial code was not breached .
Ms Patel has said that she is `` sorry that [ her ] behaviour in the past has upset people '' .
In his resignation statement , Sir Alex Allan wrote : “ I recognise that it is for the Prime Minister to make a judgement on whether actions by a minister amount to a breach of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is right that I should now resign from my position as the Prime Minister ’ s independent adviser on the code .
”

Sophy Ridge challenges Labour MP on ‘bullying’ within party
Priti Patel has apologised after an official report found she breached the ministerial code and that her behaviour amounted to bullying. Boris Johnson has ruled that the Home Secretary did not break the ministerial code. Labour's Shadow Business Minister Lucy Powell expressed her fury at the Prime Minister's refusal to sack Ms Patel, but was grilled by Sky's Sophy Ridge regarding her own party's failings.
Trending
Ms Powell said: "I think her position's complete untenable absolutely. "She's been found by an independent inquiry of breaking the ministerial code. "I think if you are breaking the ministerial code, your position is complete untenable. "I think it's appalling that the Prime Minister has decided to back her instead of sacking her. That's what he should have done." READ MORE: Labour MP refuses to give party's position on Brexit deal
'Only tough on bullying when it's Tories!' Labour MP furious over Priti Patel left stunned
'So is Labour only tough on bullying when it's the Conservatives?'
Ms Ridge shot back: "Last year Luciana Berger left the Labour Party because of what she described as a culture of 'bullying, bigotry and intimidation'. "Tom Watson said that she was bullied out of her own party by racist thugs. So is Labour only tough on bullying when it's the Conservatives?" Ms Powell told Sky: "Not at all, I think bullying doesn't know party political lines. I think we can all be found wanting when that comes. Certainly the behaviour that Luciana was subject to was appalling, it was gross, it was grotesque. "That's why Keir Starmer's been very clear that rooting out anti-Semitism, and taking a tough line on those who are anti-Semitic, or those who are acting in a bullying way, won't have a place in the Labour Party."
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'Not at all, I think bullying doesn't know party political lines.'
Priti Patel: I am sorry if my behaviour has upset people
She added: "He's very clear that he would have sacked Priti Patel or any other Labour MP who was found wanting in that way. "So it's not that bullying can't exist in all party political parties, of course it can, and it does, believe me, it does. "It's how you deal with it, how you tackle it, and it's whether you show the leadership and the tough decisions that you need to take to root it out." DON'T MISS
Commons erupts in laughter as Rees-Mogg slaps down Labour MP [VIDEO]
Keir Starmer is 'TRAPPED' by 'political grenade' of Corbyn whip [ANALYSIS]
Corbyn could launch legal challenge against Starmer amid Labour row [INSIGHT]
WHO IS PRITI PATEL?


thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--End of the Left: McDonnell bemoans 'ludicrous purge' amid Labour exodus in Owen Jones chat

According to official figures from the party 's internal elections , Labour has lost members at a rate of almost 250 per day since Sir Keir Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the party .
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell told Labour activist Owen Jones he believed the exodus amounts to a `` ludicrous self-purge '' as he urged members to `` stick around '' .
He said : `` I ca n't come to terms with this .
And I know some really wonderful people like my former private secretary who has just resigned .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time .
From the left , we were worried that if the right took over then there would be a purge and we would be kick out .
`` This is a self-purging that is going on .
It 's ludicrous .
It 's almost an act of self-harm .
`` I 'm trying to say to people stick around , because I think we can overcome the issue with regard to Jeremy , and the major battle will be around policy and the political direction of the party .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to .
`` In some ways , the left is being really tested about 'are we really serious ? '
'' READ MORE : BBC 's Andrew Marr slams Dodds as Labour descends into civil war Membership is believed to have fallen by just under 57,000 people ( 10 percent ) between April and November .
The decision to prevent Jeremy Corbyn from sitting as a Labour MP in the Commons for three months is also believed to have contributed to a mass exodus this month , with many members taking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party .
Sir Keir 's move has also reignited the civil war on the opposition benches .
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said a `` politicised '' disciplinary process had resulted in Mr Corbyn 's readmittance to the party after his suspension - imposed in the wake of a damning report into the handling of anti-Semitism in Labour - was lifted on Tuesday .
Labour leader Sir Keir said on Wednesday morning that he would not restore the whip , meaning Mr Corbyn will continue to sit as an independent MP and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party ( PLP ) .
Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott , an ally of Mr Corbyn , questioned whether Sir Keir would ever have been elected leader if members knew how he would act against his predecessor .
She said excluding Mr Corbyn was `` wrong '' and Sir Keir 's actions were `` no way to unite the party '' .
But prominent Jewish Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge suggested she would have left the party if Mr Corbyn had been readmitted to the PLP and Sir Keir 's actions `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Mr Corbyn was reinstated as a Labour member by the National Executive Committee following a meeting of a disciplinary panel , three weeks after he was suspended over his response to a scathing Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) report .
DO N'T MISS : Jeremy Corbyn to have Labour whip suspended for at least three months [ INSIGHT ] 'This is absolutely shocking ! '
Emily Thornberry torn apart [ VIDEO ] Corbyn 's Labour and it 's ugly culture of anti-Jewish racism [ COMMENT ]

John McDonnell on ‘getting rid of antisemitism’ in Labour
According to official figures from the party's internal elections, Labour has lost members at a rate of almost 250 per day since Sir Keir Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the party. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell told Labour activist Owen Jones he believed the exodus amounts to a "ludicrous self-purge" as he urged members to "stick around". He said: "I can't come to terms with this. And I know some really wonderful people like my former private secretary who has just resigned.
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"I've been trying to say it for a long time. From the left, we were worried that if the right took over then there would be a purge and we would be kick out. "This is a self-purging that is going on. It's ludicrous. It's almost an act of self-harm. "I'm trying to say to people stick around, because I think we can overcome the issue with regard to Jeremy, and the major battle will be around policy and the political direction of the party. "That's what we've got to gear up to. "In some ways, the left is being really tested about 'are we really serious?'" READ MORE: BBC's Andrew Marr slams Dodds as Labour descends into civil war
Labour Party: John McDonnell urged members to 'stick around'
Labour Party: Jeremy Corbyn is suspended from the PLP for three months
Membership is believed to have fallen by just under 57,000 people (10 percent) between April and November. The decision to prevent Jeremy Corbyn from sitting as a Labour MP in the Commons for three months is also believed to have contributed to a mass exodus this month, with many members taking to social media to announce they had quit the party. Sir Keir's move has also reignited the civil war on the opposition benches. Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said a "politicised" disciplinary process had resulted in Mr Corbyn's readmittance to the party after his suspension - imposed in the wake of a damning report into the handling of anti-Semitism in Labour - was lifted on Tuesday. Labour leader Sir Keir said on Wednesday morning that he would not restore the whip, meaning Mr Corbyn will continue to sit as an independent MP and will not be part of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).
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Andrew Marr quizzes Anneliese Dodds on Labour ‘civil war’
Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, an ally of Mr Corbyn, questioned whether Sir Keir would ever have been elected leader if members knew how he would act against his predecessor. She said excluding Mr Corbyn was "wrong" and Sir Keir's actions were "no way to unite the party". But prominent Jewish Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge suggested she would have left the party if Mr Corbyn had been readmitted to the PLP and Sir Keir's actions "did a lot to restore his credibility". Mr Corbyn was reinstated as a Labour member by the National Executive Committee following a meeting of a disciplinary panel, three weeks after he was suspended over his response to a scathing Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report. DON'T MISS:
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thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--Boris Johnson press conference time: What time is Boris Johnson Downing Street speech?

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Boris Johnson will unveil plans for a return to a three-tier system after the current England lockdown ends on December 2 .
The Prime Minister is expected to unveil a raft of new restrictions , despite a warning from 70 of his backbench MPs indicating they wo n't support any further lockdown rules .
Mr Johnson will unveil the new rules in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosting a press conference later this evening .
It is expected much of the three tier rules will remain the same but Mr Johnson is likely to strengthen the rules in the top tier - Tier 3 .
Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to stay open until 11pm with last orders at 10pm , giving customers extra hour to finish their food and drinks .
Experts also say we could see more areas placed under Tier 3 restrictions in order to stem the rising cases .
Ministers will announce on Thursday which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE : Boris warned to brace for 'enormous ' backbench rebellion over lockdown

Coronavirus: Lifting lockdown at Christmas is 'stupid' says caller
Boris Johnson has unveiled plans for a return to a three-tier system after the current England lockdown ends on December 2. Speaking via a video link this afternoon, the Prime Minister praised advances in testing, treatment and vaccines and said the "scientific cavalry is in sight", adding: "We know in our hearts that next year we will succeed." But he also warned we must not become complacent.
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He told MPs "the incidents of the disease is, alas, still widespread in many areas" and added: "The hard truth is we're not there yet. "First we must get through winter without the virus spreading out of control and squandering our hard-won gains at exactly the time where the burden on the NHS is always greatest. "Our winter plan is designed to carry us safely to spring." The Prime Minister also confirmed the lockdown measures will expire and not be renewed after 2 December and revealed there will be a return to "tougher" regional tiers.
Boris Johnson press conference time: What time will Boris Johnson give lockdown speech?
It is expected much of the three tier rules will remain the same but Mr Johnson is likely to strengthen the rules in the top tier - Tier 3. Pubs and bars in areas placed into the "tougher" Tier 3 alert level will be able to offer takeaways and delivery only, Mr Johnson told the Commons. Pubs and restaurants in Tiers 1 and 2 will be allowed to stay open until 11pm with last orders at 10pm, giving customers extra hour to finish their food and drinks. Mr Johnson said: "Unlike the previous arrangements, tiers will now be a uniform set of rules... We won't have negotiations on additional measures with each region, it's a uniform set of rules. We've learnt from experience that there are some things we can do differently." "So from the 10pm closing time... we're going to change so that it is last orders at 10 with closing at 11. "In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls. "We'll also strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health." Ministers will announce on Thursday which tier each area will enter. READ MORE: Boris warned to brace for 'enormous' backbench rebellion over lockdown
Boris Johnson press conference time: The three tier rules from October
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READ MORE Which areas are likely to be tier 3? The Covid Winter Plan is also expected to cover Christmas, where it has been suggested up to three households could be allowed to create a bubble temporarily between December 22 and 28. Churches could be allowed to hold services again, with current restrictions allowing only private prayer expected to be lifted. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove held discussions with Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford, and the First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill on UK wide rules for the Christma period. The department said ministers "endorsed a shared objective of facilitating some limited additional household bubbling for a small number of days".
Boris Johnson press conference time: Boris Johnson will speak on November 23
What time will Boris Johnson give press conference? Boris Johnson will hold a press conference on Monday evening after setting out the new tiered coronavirus restrictions for England. The Prime Minister, who is still self-isolating, will take part remotely, with the event expected to kick off at about 7pm. England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and director of the Oxford vaccine group Professor Andrew Pollard will also be at the press conference. DON'T MISS
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thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--Brexit deal THIS WEEK: Irish PM breaks cover to say EU could reach UK agreement in DAYS

Micheal Martin said he was “ hopeful that the outlines of a Brexit deal ” will soon be made available to European Union leaders .
But he warned that “ remains to be seen ” and still depends on political decisions to be taken by Downing Street and Brussels .
Talks between chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost have resumed online today after a recent coronavirus outbreak in the EU team .
Mr Martin said : `` President Ursula Von der Leyen did say to the EU leaders last Thursday night that there are texts now on all areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of this week we could see the outline of a deal .
`` That remains to be seen .
It 's down to political will .
One must remain hopeful that a deal can be arrived at . ''
Mr Barnier is expected to travel to London towards the end of the week if an agreement looks likely .
The Frenchman ’ s spokesman said progress had been made on putting pen to paper on the Brexit deal but warned : “ fundamental divergences remain ” .
The aide added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK continued over the weekend , online , of course .
Michel Barnier and David Frost have meetings at their level every day .
“ We are continuing to work hard for a deal , while some progress has been made in drafting a legal text , significant , fundamental divergences remain in the three key areas of level playing field , fisheries and governance.
” Amid reports of an `` temporary , emergency Brexit deal '' , Mr Barnier 's official spokesman added : `` You either have deal or you don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be absolutely clear .
“ At the end of the year , the UK leaves the EU ’ s single market and customs union .
There is no possibility to extend the transition period beyond that point .
As you know , that date , January 1 , is set in stone .
“ We are trying to get a deal for that to make sure a future partnership agreement is in place with the UK on January 1.
” MUST READ : UK furious at French MEP 's swipe at 'hard-working British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broker an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31 .
Parliament , EU member states and the European Parliament are also expected to rubber-stamp any Brexit trade deal before it can enter into force .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday insisted Britain must not sell out in order to strike a Brexit deal in the coming days .
He said the coronavirus pandemic is a bigger threat to the economy than a failure to reach an agreement with Brussels .
DO N'T MISS Barnier kicks off crunch week of Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Scottish fishermen hit out at EU over demands to concede to Barnier [ REPORT ] Brexit : Billions of taxpayers ' cash 'lost ' to corruption in final year [ EXCLUSIVE ]

Brexit deal will be done ‘in next days’ says Katya Adler
Micheal Martin said he was “hopeful that the outlines of a Brexit deal” will soon be made available to European Union leaders. But he warned that “remains to be seen” and still depends on political decisions to be taken by Downing Street and Brussels. Talks between chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost have resumed online today after a recent coronavirus outbreak in the EU team.
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Mr Martin said: "President Ursula Von der Leyen did say to the EU leaders last Thursday night that there are texts now on all areas. "I would be hopeful that by the end of this week we could see the outline of a deal. "That remains to be seen. It's down to political will. One must remain hopeful that a deal can be arrived at."
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin claims Brexit deal could land this land
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin
Mr Barnier is expected to travel to London towards the end of the week if an agreement looks likely. The Frenchman’s spokesman said progress had been made on putting pen to paper on the Brexit deal but warned: “fundamental divergences remain”. The aide added: “The negotiations between EU and UK continued over the weekend, online, of course. Michel Barnier and David Frost have meetings at their level every day.
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Micheal Martin was visiting an Irish port to check Brexit readiness
“We are continuing to work hard for a deal, while some progress has been made in drafting a legal text, significant, fundamental divergences remain in the three key areas of level playing field, fisheries and governance.” Amid reports of an "temporary, emergency Brexit deal", Mr Barnier's official spokesman added: "You either have deal or you don’t have a deal, to be absolutely clear. “At the end of the year, the UK leaves the EU’s single market and customs union. There is no possibility to extend the transition period beyond that point. As you know, that date, January 1, is set in stone. “We are trying to get a deal for that to make sure a future partnership agreement is in place with the UK on January 1.” MUST READ: UK furious at French MEP's swipe at 'hard-working British politicians
Brexit endgame: Dates to follow as trade talks reach crunch moment
Negotiators have just five weeks to broker an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31. Parliament, EU member states and the European Parliament are also expected to rubber-stamp any Brexit trade deal before it can enter into force. Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday insisted Britain must not sell out in order to strike a Brexit deal in the coming days. He said the coronavirus pandemic is a bigger threat to the economy than a failure to reach an agreement with Brussels. DON'T MISS
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Barnier ‘laughing at Brexit negotiations’ says Widdecombe


thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--'Time is short!' Michel Barnier kicks off crunch week of Brexit talks with warning to UK

The Brussels diplomat said he would resume online negotiations with UK counterpart Lord Frost after being forced into self-isolation .
He said : “ After technical discussions this weekend , negotiations continue online today with Lord Frost and our teams .
“ Time is short .
Fundamental divergences still remain , but we are continuing to work hard for a deal.
” Both sides were forced to end face-to-face talks last week after a member of EU ’ s negotiation team tested positive for coronavirus .
They were making progress but struggling to find agreements on the most contentious issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including state aid rules .
UK and EU officials believe the talks are close to a breakthrough with time running out to find a n agreement .
Some think a deal could be unveiled early next week after a discussion between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen .
Negotiators have just five weeks to broker an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31 .
Parliament , EU member states and the European Parliament are also expected to rubber-stamp any Brexit trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Barnier is expected to travel to London after his period of self-isolation ends later this week .
A number of possible compromises could be tabled this week in an attempt to get a deal across the line .
EU diplomats believe a concession by Downing Street on the so-called level playing field would enable the bloc to stage a climb down on fisheries .
But No 10 insists it will not sign up to any agreement that hinders Britain taking back control of its laws , borders and fishing grounds .
MUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU over demands to concede to Barnier Rishi Sunak yesterday insisted the Government must not sell out in order to seal a Brexit deal in the coming days .
The Chancellor said the coronavirus pandemic is a bigger threat to the economy than a failure to reach an agreement with Brussels .
Mr Sunak said : “ We are making progress in the talks and I remain hopeful that we can reach resolution .
DO N'T MISS Michel Barnier subtly MOCKS Boris with hidden Twitter jab [ INSIGHT ] Nigel Farage rages as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ REPORT ] Pound to euro exchange rate : GBP starts the week on a positive note [ FORECAST ]

Brexit deal will be done ‘in next days’ says Katya Adler
The Brussels diplomat said he would resume online negotiations with UK counterpart Lord Frost after being forced into self-isolation. He said: “After technical discussions this weekend, negotiations continue online today with Lord Frost and our teams. “Time is short. Fundamental divergences still remain, but we are continuing to work hard for a deal.”
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Both sides were forced to end face-to-face talks last week after a member of EU’s negotiation team tested positive for coronavirus. They were making progress but struggling to find agreements on the most contentious issues of future fishing rights and common standards, including state aid rules. UK and EU officials believe the talks are close to a breakthrough with time running out to find a n agreement.
Michel Barnier says time is short to broker Brexit trade deal between EU and UK
Michel Barnier is currently in self-isolation after a member of his team tested positive for Covid
Some think a deal could be unveiled early next week after a discussion between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Negotiators have just five weeks to broker an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31. Parliament, EU member states and the European Parliament are also expected to rubber-stamp any Brexit trade deal before it can enter into force. Mr Barnier is expected to travel to London after his period of self-isolation ends later this week.
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Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are negotiating online
A number of possible compromises could be tabled this week in an attempt to get a deal across the line. EU diplomats believe a concession by Downing Street on the so-called level playing field would enable the bloc to stage a climb down on fisheries. But No 10 insists it will not sign up to any agreement that hinders Britain taking back control of its laws, borders and fishing grounds. MUST READ: Scottish fishermen hit out at EU over demands to concede to Barnier
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Brexit: French fishermen on 'catastrophe' of losing UK waters


thedailyexpress--2020-11-23--Eurozone crisis as EU economy facing double-dip recession - and it's going to get WORSE

The IHS Markit report warned “ business activity fell sharply in November as countries introduced more aggressive measures ” to curb the spread of the virus across the European Union ’ s single currency bloc .
Their purchasing Managers ’ Index reading slumped from 50.0 in October to 45.1 in November , a six-month low for the key metric .
The figure takes into account economic trends in the manufacturing and services sectors .
“ With the exceptions of the declines seen in the first two quarters of this year , the average PMI reading of 47.6 in the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closing quarter of 2012 and indicative of a steep decline in GDP , ” the report said .
The fresh slump puts the bloc ’ s economy on track for its first double-dip recession in nearly a decade .
“ The euro zone economy has plunged back into a severe decline in November amid renewed efforts to quash the rising tide of COVID-19 infections , ” said Chris Williamson , chief business economist at IHS Markit .
“ The data add to the likelihood that the euro area will see GDP contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were worrying signs for the French economy with business activity in the country contracting at its fast pace since May .
IHS Markit said the PMI dropped to 39.9 from 47.5 last month after a second national lockdown was imposed amid a second coronavirus wave .
“ These results suggest that some French businesses have been able to adapt their operations to the new conditions and are subsequently less susceptible to sharp downturns in activity when tighter restrictions are imposed , ” IHS Markit economist Eliot Kerr said .
Emmanuel Macron said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after the measures were announced on October 30 .
The services sector is expected to be hit by the brunt of the downturn with most non-essential shops , restaurants and hotels forced to shut their doors .
The pandemic has also left the German service sector reeling after the country introduced its own restrictions .
PMI fell to 46.2 from 49.5 in October .
But the survey showed signs that the manufacturing sector continue to grow thanks for more favourable working conditions .
Activity in the factory sector still fell but only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It fended off an expected drop to 56.6 , offering hope that the country ’ s vital businesses can help fight off the impact of the deepest recession since World War Two .
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EU at ‘crunch point’ over future of the Eurozone says expert
The IHS Markit report warned “business activity fell sharply in November as countries introduced more aggressive measures” to curb the spread of the virus across the European Union’s single currency bloc. Their purchasing Managers’ Index reading slumped from 50.0 in October to 45.1 in November, a six-month low for the key metric. The figure takes into account economic trends in the manufacturing and services sectors.
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“With the exceptions of the declines seen in the first two quarters of this year, the average PMI reading of 47.6 in the fourth quarter so far is the lowest since the closing quarter of 2012 and indicative of a steep decline in GDP,” the report said. The fresh slump puts the bloc’s economy on track for its first double-dip recession in nearly a decade. “The euro zone economy has plunged back into a severe decline in November amid renewed efforts to quash the rising tide of COVID-19 infections,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit.
Eurozone economy is 'steep decline', new report shows
The Eurozone has been hit by rafts of restrictions to curb coronavirus spread
“The data add to the likelihood that the euro area will see GDP contract again in the fourth quarter.” There were worrying signs for the French economy with business activity in the country contracting at its fast pace since May. IHS Markit said the PMI dropped to 39.9 from 47.5 last month after a second national lockdown was imposed amid a second coronavirus wave.
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German factories have softened their expected blow
“These results suggest that some French businesses have been able to adapt their operations to the new conditions and are subsequently less susceptible to sharp downturns in activity when tighter restrictions are imposed,” IHS Markit economist Eliot Kerr said. Emmanuel Macron said the second lockdown would last at least four weeks after the measures were announced on October 30. The services sector is expected to be hit by the brunt of the downturn with most non-essential shops, restaurants and hotels forced to shut their doors. MUST READ: Coronavirus vaccine breakthrough: Oxford COVID jab 90% successful
Angela Merkel timeline
The pandemic has also left the German service sector reeling after the country introduced its own restrictions. PMI fell to 46.2 from 49.5 in October. But the survey showed signs that the manufacturing sector continue to grow thanks for more favourable working conditions. Activity in the factory sector still fell but only slightly to 57.9 from 58.2 in October. It fended off an expected drop to 56.6, offering hope that the country’s vital businesses can help fight off the impact of the deepest recession since World War Two. DON'T MISS
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