thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Gordon Brown calls for Tory-SNP alliance as he lectures on avoiding economic catastrophe

The former Labour leader , who was Prime Minister between 2007 and 2010 called on the UK Government to put in place a targeted furlough scheme for places hit by local lockdowns , such as in Aberdeen .
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival , Mr Brown also urged the Scottish Government to ramp up its testing regime to ensure local clusters can be caught .
The two administrations should come together and end the `` Punch and Judy show '' between Holyrood and Westminster , Mr Brown urged , to protect jobs as the UK recovers from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We should be under no illusions - the jobs crisis we are facing this autumn is unprecedented .
`` This employment emergency can not be dealt with by the Scottish Government on its own or the UK Government on its own - 'go it alone ' policies will prevent us saving jobs .
`` That is why I am urging our devolved and UK-wide governments to negotiate such a plan for Scotland .
`` Neither the UK Government 's plan to end furlough outright , nor the Scottish Government 's demand to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best way to plan our future . ''
Mr Brown also pushed both governments to form an alliance for full employment , saying neither would be able to deliver as much alone as they would if they worked together .
`` If we are to rescue the North Sea , provide equity or financial help for recovering businesses , or solve the problem of youth unemployment , we need co-ordinated action from both the Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions and the Scottish Government .
`` Dealing with youth employment , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK-wide social security system and the collection of the UK-wide apprenticeship levy and the help provided by the Scottish education and training systems .
READ MORE : ‘ Not conceding defeat ’ Labour lashes out at SNP 's record “ That 's why an alliance for full employment is needed .
`` Leaders who pass each other like ships in the night - without ever talking to each other and often failing to acknowledge each other - are doing huge damage to our ability to deliver jobs .
`` This is no time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holyrood versus Westminster .
“ We need co-operation not conflict to help Scotland through the storm . ''
DO N'T MISS : SNP crisis : New hate crime law risks 'fracturing ' hate campaign [ REVEAL ] Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure [ INSIGHT ] Blow for SNP as MAJORITY think independence a distraction [ LATEST ] The former prime minister was taking part in an event at the festival with Frans Timmermans , a vice president of the European Commission .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to damaging Tory austerity cuts - after treasury figures revealed that UK borrowing rose past £2trillion .
The Treasury figures further revealed that approximately 935,000 positions had been supported by the Westminster furlough scheme raising concerns about the future of Scottish jobs once the scheme comes to an end in October .
Alison Thewliss MP , the SNP ’ s Shadow Chancellor at Westminster warned that the UK government must rule out another decade of austerity and instead introduce a major coronavirus recovery package and devolve financial powers to the Scottish Parliament to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery .

Gordon Brown warns of ‘repeating the 1930’s’ during pandemic
The former Labour leader, who was Prime Minister between 2007 and 2010 called on the UK Government to put in place a targeted furlough scheme for places hit by local lockdowns, such as in Aberdeen. Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Mr Brown also urged the Scottish Government to ramp up its testing regime to ensure local clusters can be caught.
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The two administrations should come together and end the "Punch and Judy show" between Holyrood and Westminster, Mr Brown urged, to protect jobs as the UK recovers from the pandemic. Mr Brown said: "We should be under no illusions - the jobs crisis we are facing this autumn is unprecedented. "This employment emergency cannot be dealt with by the Scottish Government on its own or the UK Government on its own - 'go it alone' policies will prevent us saving jobs. "That is why I am urging our devolved and UK-wide governments to negotiate such a plan for Scotland.
Gordon Brown spoke tonight
It comes as Richard Leonard refreshed Scottish Labour today with his speech
"Neither the UK Government's plan to end furlough outright, nor the Scottish Government's demand to extend it in a blanket form are the best way to plan our future." Mr Brown also pushed both governments to form an alliance for full employment, saying neither would be able to deliver as much alone as they would if they worked together. "If we are to rescue the North Sea, provide equity or financial help for recovering businesses, or solve the problem of youth unemployment, we need co-ordinated action from both the Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions and the Scottish Government. "Dealing with youth employment, for example, needs the support of the UK-wide social security system and the collection of the UK-wide apprenticeship levy and the help provided by the Scottish education and training systems. READ MORE: ‘Not conceding defeat’ Labour lashes out at SNP's record
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Gordon Brown was Prime Minister between 2007 and 2010
He also took a swipe at the SNP and Tories
The former prime minister was taking part in an event at the festival with Frans Timmermans, a vice president of the European Commission. At the same time, the SNP warned against a return to damaging Tory austerity cuts - after treasury figures revealed that UK borrowing rose past £2trillion. The Treasury figures further revealed that approximately 935,000 positions had been supported by the Westminster furlough scheme raising concerns about the future of Scottish jobs once the scheme comes to an end in October. Alison Thewliss MP, the SNP’s Shadow Chancellor at Westminster warned that the UK government must rule out another decade of austerity and instead introduce a major coronavirus recovery package and devolve financial powers to the Scottish Parliament to stimulate the economy and secure a strong recovery.
Mr Brown was also critical of Boris Johnson.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Nicola Sturgeon torn apart as Scottish hard border would cause 'havoc' for economy

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Nicola Sturgeon has been campaigning for a second referendum on Scottish independence in the hope that the country can rejoin the EU after Brexit .
But former Labour MP George Galloway explained that rejoining the EU would cause `` havoc '' on Scotland 's economy .
He noted that Scotland would also need to cut its current deficit in half .
Speaking on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Scotland were to be allowed into the EU , they would have to slash their current deficit of more than eight percent to less than three percent , laying waste to the public sector in Scotland which would quite simply no longer be able to exist .
`` From eight percent to less than three percent is a very long way indeed .
`` Scotland would also have to join the euro once it was able to satisfy the criteria for joining the euro .
`` That would mean there would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and England .
READ MORE : SNP crisis : New hate crime law risks 'fracturing ' hate campaign

George Galloway says Scottish hard border to cause 'havoc'
Nicola Sturgeon has been campaigning for a second referendum on Scottish independence in the hope that the country can rejoin the EU after Brexit. But former Labour MP George Galloway explained that rejoining the EU would cause "havoc" on Scotland's economy. He noted that Scotland would also need to cut its current deficit in half.
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Speaking on RT, Mr Galloway said: "If Scotland were to be allowed into the EU, they would have to slash their current deficit of more than eight percent to less than three percent, laying waste to the public sector in Scotland which would quite simply no longer be able to exist. "From eight percent to less than three percent is a very long way indeed. "Scotland would also have to join the euro once it was able to satisfy the criteria for joining the euro. "That would mean there would have to be a hard border between Scotland and England. READ MORE: SNP crisis: New hate crime law risks 'fracturing' hate campaign
Nicola Sturgeon's plan for Scottish independence have been torn apart
George Galloway explained how Scotland would have to adopt the euro
"Not just because of the different currency, not just because Scotland would be in the EU and England and Wales would not be but because the free movement of cheap east European labour that would flow into Scotland as a mean of getting on the bus and coming to live and work in England. "It would have to be stopped and there would have to be a hard border which would cause havoc for the Scottish economy which exports more than 60 percent of its good and services to England." It comes as Mr Galloway launched a new political campaign group, Alliance for Unity, to stop a second referendum. The group has received a huge following on social media in just three weeks of its launch.
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Nicola Sturgeon would also have to cut Scotland's deficit in half
Richard Leonard says people are ‘angry’ over care home failings
Scotland independence


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Brexit POLL: Who is to blame for the UK-EU trade talks deadlock?

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EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier launched a scathing attack on the UK for the lack of progress in post-Brexit trade talks following the seventh round of negotiations this week in Brussels .
Mr Barnier took aim at the UK for continuing to reject a so-called level-playing field on trade and warned a deal now “ seems unlikely ” before the deadline .
David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Frost , refused to budge on his red lines and urged the bloc to recognise Britain will take sovereign control of its laws , borders , and waters .
Speaking at a press conference following the latest round of fruitless talks , Mr Barnier said : `` Why should we agree to the UK Government being able to create competitive distortions directed against our companies ?
`` The need for level playing field is n't going to go away , even if UK continues to insist on a low quality agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant access to our market . ''

Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier launched a scathing attack on the UK for the lack of progress in post-Brexit trade talks following the seventh round of negotiations this week in Brussels. Mr Barnier took aim at the UK for continuing to reject a so-called level-playing field on trade and warned a deal now “seems unlikely” before the deadline. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED. VIEW THE RESULTS HERE.
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David Frost, the UK chief Brexit negotiator David Frost, refused to budge on his red lines and urged the bloc to recognise Britain will take sovereign control of its laws, borders, and waters. Speaking at a press conference following the latest round of fruitless talks, Mr Barnier said: "Why should we agree to the UK Government being able to create competitive distortions directed against our companies? "The need for level playing field isn't going to go away, even if UK continues to insist on a low quality agreement. "It's a non-negotiable pre-condition to grant access to our market."
Brexit news: Who is to blame for the deadlock in talks? Vote now
Brexit news: Michel Barnier has pointed the blame towards the UK
Mr Barnier added: "We hear the British Government's concern about maintaining its sovereignty and its regulatory autonomy and we respect that clearly. "But no international agreement was ever reached without the parties agreeing to common rules. "Those who were hoping for negotiations to move swiftly forward this week will have been disappointed. I'm disappointed, concerned and surprised. "Once again UK negotiators haven't shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance to the EU.
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Brexit news: The seventh round of talks ended on Friday
"At this stage an agreement seems unlikely. I simply do not understand why we're wasting valuable time." Boris Johnson's chief negotiator said he believes a trade deal is still possible but acknowledged "there has been little progress”. Mr Frost said the EU’s insistence on accepting its terms on state aid and fishing had made an agreement “unnecessarily difficult”. READ MORE: Coronavirus news: Schools report cases in Berlin – second wave fears
Brexit news: David Frost has refused to budge to the demands of the EU
In a statement, Mr Frost said: “The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy, but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts. "This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress. “There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and, even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators, there is a lot of detail to work through. DON'T MISS Brexit LIVE: EU splits laid bare in trade talks amid no deal threat [LIVE]
UK quarantine measures are a total punishment, says JUDY FINNIGAN [COMMENT]
Met Office forecast: Sunny weather returns after Storm Ellen exit [FORECAST]
Brexit news: A timeline of talks between the UK and EU


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Boris and Rishi clash over future of state pension triple lock as Sunak finds 'anomalies'

Mr Sunak is widely regarded as Mr Johnson 's heir apparent , and a Savanta ComRes poll this week suggested he remains far more popular among the British public than other senior Tory figure .
However , Mr Johnson is uncomfortable at a proposal by Mr Sunak which would see pension protections put on ice to prevent large increases in line with the `` triple lock '' system used to calculate how much people of pensionable age receive .
Mr Sunak is believed to have flagged what he regards as `` anomalies '' in the mechanism , and is keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Autumn budget .
A Government source told The Times : `` The prime minister hates it because it was a manifesto pledge .
`` He really doesn ’ t want to do it .
The optics are terrible for older voters . ''
The Tory manifesto commits the party to raising the state pension in line with whatever figure is higher - wages , inflation or 2.5 percent .
Mr Sunak is worried costs will soar largely as a result of a drop in wages caused by the Government 's furlough scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of them .
Research undertaken by the Resolution Foundation think tank has suggested as a result pensions could rise by 7.4 percent over the next two years , costing taxpayers an additional £2billion - the last thing Mr Sunak needs in the middle of a recession induced by the coronavirus pandemic .
JUST IN : Brexit showdown - Frost 'stresses UK 's £2trillion financial muscle' Torsten Bell , chief executive at the think tank , said : `` Honesty about tax rises to come should be combined with a bigger role for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with exemptions , loopholes and inconsistencies .
`` Doing so would help ensure the government raises revenues in a fair way among rich and poor , across regions and between generations.
” Mr Sunak 's personal popularity rating currently stands at +25 , according to a Savanta ComRes poll of 2,038 adults interviewed between August 14 and 16 and published on Wednesday .
The disagreement between him and Mr Johnson is not the first to make headlines .
In June it was reported that the pair were increasingly at odds over China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tougher stance with Beijing , and Mr Sunak wary of putting up an `` economic wall '' .
An unnamed Tory MP said : `` The sense among my colleagues is that Rishi is allowing more cracks to grow between him and Boris . ''

Boris Johnson says government will meet manifesto commitments
Mr Sunak is widely regarded as Mr Johnson's heir apparent, and a Savanta ComRes poll this week suggested he remains far more popular among the British public than other senior Tory figure. However, Mr Johnson is uncomfortable at a proposal by Mr Sunak which would see pension protections put on ice to prevent large increases in line with the "triple lock" system used to calculate how much people of pensionable age receive.
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Mr Sunak is believed to have flagged what he regards as "anomalies" in the mechanism, and is keen to get to grips with them in his Autumn budget. A Government source told The Times: "The prime minister hates it because it was a manifesto pledge. "He really doesn’t want to do it. The optics are terrible for older voters."
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are reportedly split on the issue
Boris Johnson is concerned because continuing the triple lock system was a Tory manifesto pledge
The Tory manifesto commits the party to raising the state pension in line with whatever figure is higher - wages, inflation or 2.5 percent. Mr Sunak is worried costs will soar largely as a result of a drop in wages caused by the Government's furlough scheme, which covers 80 percent of the cost of them. Research undertaken by the Resolution Foundation think tank has suggested as a result pensions could rise by 7.4 percent over the next two years, costing taxpayers an additional £2billion - the last thing Mr Sunak needs in the middle of a recession induced by the coronavirus pandemic. JUST IN: Brexit showdown - Frost 'stresses UK's £2trillion financial muscle'
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak with the famous red briefcase
Two senior attendees to the Tory Party conference last year
Michael Gove is 8-1 to be Britain's next Prime Minister
Torsten Bell, chief executive at the think tank, said: "Honesty about tax rises to come should be combined with a bigger role for taxes on wealth that are currently riddled with exemptions, loopholes and inconsistencies. "Doing so would help ensure the government raises revenues in a fair way among rich and poor, across regions and between generations.” Mr Sunak's personal popularity rating currently stands at +25, according to a Savanta ComRes poll of 2,038 adults interviewed between August 14 and 16 and published on Wednesday.
Voters' priorities in the 2019 election
The disagreement between him and Mr Johnson is not the first to make headlines. In June it was reported that the pair were increasingly at odds over China, with Mr Johnson keen to take a tougher stance with Beijing, and Mr Sunak wary of putting up an "economic wall". An unnamed Tory MP said: "The sense among my colleagues is that Rishi is allowing more cracks to grow between him and Boris."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--'Wake-up moment for the EU!' Tories warn Brussels now know it's ALL to lose

Boris Johnson ’ s negotiators warned the discussions for the future relationship between the UK and the bloc were “ frozen ” with Eurocrats refusing to drop demands for continued control over fishing waters , business regulations and state aid for industry .
Senior British officials now admit that securing a deal next month to come into force on schedule at the end of the year “ won ’ t be easy ” given the “ frustrating ” behaviour from the EU while Brussels chief negotiator Michel Barnier claimed a deal was “ unlikely ” .
One senior UK negotiating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible and we still want it but it won ’ t be easy to get there.
” Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith , a leading Brexit supporter , last night led warnings from Westminster that Brussels has most to lose if the talks collapse .
He said : “ This is a wake-up moment for the EU .
“ We became a sovereign country earlier this year and the EU needs to start treating us like one .
If they don ’ t want to , then so be it .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products to the UK than we sell to them .
If they don ’ t want a deal , the cost will be on their heads .
“ We are negotiating trade deals with countries around the world while the EU stews in its own bullying , bureaucratic juices.
” Fellow Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns , another prominent Brexit backer in the Commons , added : `` The lack of flexibility is typical of the EU 's bureaucratic roots and of its inability to adapt .
“ It 's time they realised that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are not considering extending the transition period .
“ EU citizens and businesses will benefit from an advantageous trade deal with an independent UK in line with the result of the referendum .
“ At such a difficult time , we have to uphold the values of democracy , encourage a deal with the EU and boost our new independent trade policy with the rest of the world .
“ We are leaving the EU because we do n't want to be told what to do by Brussels , and we wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing , which was one of the main drives of the referendum result . ''
Five days of talks in Brussels in the seventh round of the marathon negotiations broke up yesterday with both sides blaming the other for the lack of progress towards a deal .
Mr Barnier accused British negotiators of “ wasting valuable time ” as he lashed out in an ill-tempered rant at a Brussels news conference yesterday .
“ Those who were hoping for negotiations to move forward this week will have been disappointed .
“ Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and surprised as well , I must say , because British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told us in June that he wished to speed up the negotiations during the summer , ” Mr Barnier said .
“ British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union.
” He added : “ Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards .
`` Given the short time left , what I said in London in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , an agreement between the UK and the EU seems unlikely .
I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time . ''
Lord Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s chief European negotiator , and Mr Barnier are to try to break the deadlock again in another round of discussions set for next month in London .
In a statement yesterday , Lord Frost said : “ Agreement is still possible , and it is still our goal , but it is clear that it will not be easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be necessary across a range of different areas of potential UK-EU future cooperation if we are to deliver it .
“ We have had useful discussions this week but there has been little progress.
” EU negotiators were continuing to demand existing Brussels rules on fishing and curbing Government support for private firms remain in place in the UK after the end of the post-Brexit transition , Lord Frost said .
They were refusing to allow any other issues to be discussed and blocking the drafting of legal texts as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands .
“ There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and , even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators , there is a lot of detail to work through .
Time is short for both sides , ” Lord Frost ’ s statement said .
The peer repeated the British Government ’ s request for a free trade deal recognising that the UK should “ regain sovereign control of our own laws , borders , and waters.
” He added : “ When the EU accepts this reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be much easier to make progress .
“ We will continue to work hard to reach an agreement.
” A senior UK negotiating official said the talks had “ not helpfully ” become bogged down rows about state aid , subsidy policy and fishing rights .
The British team was finding it “ frustrating ” that Mr Barnier claimed to accept that “ Brexit means Brexit ” while continuing to insist the UK remained tied into a swathe of EU rules .
“ We think the principle of Brexit means Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied across the board - that ’ s the policy difficulty we have here .
“ When the EU realises that needs to change , it will be much easier to make progress , ” the official said .
“ It is frustrating now that the EU ’ s position now is that there needs to be a move towards their position before we can begin discussions in depth now on anything else .
“ That ’ s obviously problematic as there is a lot to do and this seems to be making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got compressed even further.
” Mr Frost and Mr Barnier have agreed to keep in close contact over the next couple of weeks ahead of the next round of talk in London .
“ We ’ ll have to see what can be done in September .
This is very do-able in September if we work hard and don ’ t put unnecessary obstacles in our way .
That ’ s what we need to move out of the way in the next couple of weeks .
So we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official said .
Lord Frost and Mr Barnier were continuing to work “ constructively ” and had “ courteous and friendly discussions.
” The two diplomats enjoyed a “ nice dinner ” on Tuesday as part of the Brussels negotiations , the official said .
Both sides in the talks have said any deal needs to be concluded by October in order to be ratified .

Michel Barnier: UK seeing ‘clear consequences of Brexit vote’
Boris Johnson’s negotiators warned the discussions for the future relationship between the UK and the bloc were “frozen” with Eurocrats refusing to drop demands for continued control over fishing waters, business regulations and state aid for industry. Senior British officials now admit that securing a deal next month to come into force on schedule at the end of the year “won’t be easy” given the “frustrating” behaviour from the EU while Brussels chief negotiator Michel Barnier claimed a deal was “unlikely”. One senior UK negotiating official said: “Agreement is still possible and we still want it but it won’t be easy to get there.”
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, a leading Brexit supporter, last night led warnings from Westminster that Brussels has most to lose if the talks collapse. He said: “This is a wake-up moment for the EU. “We became a sovereign country earlier this year and the EU needs to start treating us like one. If they don’t want to, then so be it. “The EU sells more goods and agricultural products to the UK than we sell to them. If they don’t want a deal, the cost will be on their heads. “We are negotiating trade deals with countries around the world while the EU stews in its own bullying, bureaucratic juices.” Fellow Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns, another prominent Brexit backer in the Commons, added: "The lack of flexibility is typical of the EU's bureaucratic roots and of its inability to adapt. “It's time they realised that the UK has left the EU and we are not considering extending the transition period.
Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative Party leader
“EU citizens and businesses will benefit from an advantageous trade deal with an independent UK in line with the result of the referendum. “At such a difficult time, we have to uphold the values of democracy, encourage a deal with the EU and boost our new independent trade policy with the rest of the world. “We are leaving the EU because we don't want to be told what to do by Brussels, and we won't cave in their unrealistic requests on fishing, which was one of the main drives of the referendum result." Five days of talks in Brussels in the seventh round of the marathon negotiations broke up yesterday with both sides blaming the other for the lack of progress towards a deal. Mr Barnier accused British negotiators of “wasting valuable time” as he lashed out in an ill-tempered rant at a Brussels news conference yesterday. “Those who were hoping for negotiations to move forward this week will have been disappointed. “Unfortunately, I too am frankly disappointed and concerned, and surprised as well, I must say, because British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told us in June that he wished to speed up the negotiations during the summer,” Mr Barnier said.
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British Brexit negotiator David Frost
“British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union.” He added: “Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards. "Given the short time left, what I said in London in July remains true. “Today at this stage, an agreement between the UK and the EU seems unlikely. I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time." Lord Frost, the Prime Minister’s chief European negotiator, and Mr Barnier are to try to break the deadlock again in another round of discussions set for next month in London. In a statement yesterday, Lord Frost said: “Agreement is still possible, and it is still our goal, but it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve. “Substantive work continues to be necessary across a range of different areas of potential UK-EU future cooperation if we are to deliver it.
EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
“We have had useful discussions this week but there has been little progress.” EU negotiators were continuing to demand existing Brussels rules on fishing and curbing Government support for private firms remain in place in the UK after the end of the post-Brexit transition, Lord Frost said. They were refusing to allow any other issues to be discussed and blocking the drafting of legal texts as long as the UK team refused to accept the demands. “This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress. “There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and, even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators, there is a lot of detail to work through. Time is short for both sides,” Lord Frost’s statement said. The peer repeated the British Government’s request for a free trade deal recognising that the UK should “regain sovereign control of our own laws, borders, and waters.”
He added: “When the EU accepts this reality in all areas of the negotiation, it will be much easier to make progress. “We will continue to work hard to reach an agreement.” A senior UK negotiating official said the talks had “not helpfully” become bogged down rows about state aid, subsidy policy and fishing rights. The British team was finding it “frustrating” that Mr Barnier claimed to accept that “Brexit means Brexit” while continuing to insist the UK remained tied into a swathe of EU rules. “We think the principle of Brexit means Brexit is a good one and should be applied across the board - that’s the policy difficulty we have here. “When the EU realises that needs to change, it will be much easier to make progress,” the official said. “It is frustrating now that the EU’s position now is that there needs to be a move towards their position before we can begin discussions in depth now on anything else.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“That’s obviously problematic as there is a lot to do and this seems to be making the already limited amount of time we’ve got compressed even further.” Mr Frost and Mr Barnier have agreed to keep in close contact over the next couple of weeks ahead of the next round of talk in London. “We’ll have to see what can be done in September. This is very do-able in September if we work hard and don’t put unnecessary obstacles in our way. That’s what we need to move out of the way in the next couple of weeks. So we’re focusing on getting things done,” the official said. Lord Frost and Mr Barnier were continuing to work “constructively” and had “courteous and friendly discussions.” The two diplomats enjoyed a “nice dinner” on Tuesday as part of the Brussels negotiations, the official said. Both sides in the talks have said any deal needs to be concluded by October in order to be ratified.
Brexit: Government issues advice on transition out of the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Nicola Sturgeon plot: New alliance emerging to challenge Boris Johnson’s power

Speaking to Express.co.uk , he said : “ There were people in the previous Tory government with whom I would strongly disagree with , with whom the SNP would disagree , but who were willing to have a functional professional relationship between ministers and senior civil servants .
`` That 's deteriorated and that 's no good for anybody , it 's no good for Scotland , the UK and it 's not good whether we become independent or not.
” Relations between the SNP led government at Holyrood and Boris Tory government have become strained in recent weeks over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension to the Brexit period .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford had written to Boris Johnson to request an extension to the Brexit process earlier this summer .
Ms Sturgeon believes more time is required to complete negotiations and support businesses through recovery from the coronavirus pandemic .
However , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove confirmed there would be no extension beyond December 31 .
Meanwhile , the Scottish Parliament voted to formally oppose Alok Sharma ’ s UK internal market bill .
The bill would see measures which were previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK at the end of the year when the Brexit transition period expires .
However , the SNP say the Bill is a “ power grab ” because it would give Westminster a final veto on Scottish laws .
Mr Harvie stressed there “ needs to be a functional relationship between the Government 's at a professional level ” .
He added : “ That can be done but it requires a little bit of self-reflection on the part of the UK I think , a recognition that the UK is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way .
`` The truth is there never was one but they got away with treating it that way for a long time thinking all power was at Westminster and Whitehall so everyone else will just do what they are told .
DO N'T MISS : ‘ Not conceding defeat ’ Labour lashes out at SNP 's record [ REVEAL ] SNP crisis : New hate crime law risks 'fracturing ' hate campaign [ INSIGHT ] Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure [ LATEST ] '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think they [ Westminster } need to reflect that power is shared between the government of these islands and if they want Scotland to stay within the UK , they are going to have to begin to show a bit of respect . ''
The SNP agreed and told Express.co.uk : “ Boris Johnson , Dominic Cummings , and their band of Euro-obsessed Tories , have little respect for Scottish democracy.
” A spokesperson added : `` The threat of a Westminster power grab on the Scottish Parliament is growing by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brass now accepts a referendum on Scotland 's future must happen , the party 's thinly-veiled attempts to shift the goalposts to avoid defeat show their disdain for our democracy .
`` They will not be successful - the people of Scotland will make their voices heard . ''
Mr Harvie argued “ one small change that would start to move things in the right direction ” would be the joint ministerial committees as he highlighted the fact Scottish officials turn up to meetings and can not have a say or set the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the UK Government wanted a better relationship , they would start to recognise that joint ministerial committees need to be set to everybody ’ s agenda and not just everyone else here what the UK government has decided .
“ If you just had that tiny change of a cooperative relationship instead of an authoritarian one , I think the Scottish Government would start to respond positively.
” When asked if the Greens would form a coalition or alliance with the SNP if they fail to get a majority and next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ We ’ ve never been closed to that .

Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon grilled over emergency powers
Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Greens last night told Express.co.uk Westminster needed to be respectful of Scotland's wishes and way forward. The Scottish Greens co-leader said relations between Holyrood and Westminster have “certainly deteriorated”.
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “There were people in the previous Tory government with whom I would strongly disagree with, with whom the SNP would disagree, but who were willing to have a functional professional relationship between ministers and senior civil servants. "That's deteriorated and that's no good for anybody, it's no good for Scotland, the UK and it's not good whether we become independent or not.” Relations between the SNP led government at Holyrood and Boris Tory government have become strained in recent weeks over the UK internal market bill and an extension to the Brexit period. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford had written to Boris Johnson to request an extension to the Brexit process earlier this summer.
An Alliance is forming between The Scottish Greens and SNP
The Scottish Greens parliament group
Ms Sturgeon believes more time is required to complete negotiations and support businesses through recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. However, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove confirmed there would be no extension beyond December 31. Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament voted to formally oppose Alok Sharma’s UK internal market bill. The bill would see measures which were previously managed by the EU return to the UK at the end of the year when the Brexit transition period expires. READ MORE: Gordon Brown calls for Tory-SNP alliance
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Scottish Greens Co-leader Patrick Harvie
However, the SNP say the Bill is a “power grab” because it would give Westminster a final veto on Scottish laws. Mr Harvie stressed there “needs to be a functional relationship between the Government's at a professional level”. He added: “That can be done but it requires a little bit of self-reflection on the part of the UK I think, a recognition that the UK is not a unitary state and can't be treated that way. "The truth is there never was one but they got away with treating it that way for a long time thinking all power was at Westminster and Whitehall so everyone else will just do what they are told. DON'T MISS:
‘Not conceding defeat’ Labour lashes out at SNP's record [REVEAL]
SNP crisis: New hate crime law risks 'fracturing' hate campaign [INSIGHT]
Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure [LATEST]
Nicola Sturgeon's SNP argeed with Mr Harvie
"That's not the case anymore and I think they [Westminster} need to reflect that power is shared between the government of these islands and if they want Scotland to stay within the UK, they are going to have to begin to show a bit of respect." The SNP agreed and told Express.co.uk: “Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings, and their band of Euro-obsessed Tories, have little respect for Scottish democracy.” A spokesperson added: "The threat of a Westminster power grab on the Scottish Parliament is growing by the day, and while the Tory top brass now accepts a referendum on Scotland's future must happen, the party's thinly-veiled attempts to shift the goalposts to avoid defeat show their disdain for our democracy. "They will not be successful - the people of Scotland will make their voices heard."
Alok Sharma's internal market proposals is an example of divisions being split
Mr Harvie argued “one small change that would start to move things in the right direction” would be the joint ministerial committees as he highlighted the fact Scottish officials turn up to meetings and cannot have a say or set the agenda. Mr Harvie said: “If the UK Government wanted a better relationship, they would start to recognise that joint ministerial committees need to be set to everybody’s agenda and not just everyone else here what the UK government has decided. “If you just had that tiny change of a cooperative relationship instead of an authoritarian one, I think the Scottish Government would start to respond positively.” When asked if the Greens would form a coalition or alliance with the SNP if they fail to get a majority and next year's Holyrood election, the Greens co-leader, said: “We’ve never been closed to that.
Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Greens


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Brexit showdown: Frost 'stresses UK's £2trillion financial muscle' in stark warning to EU

Mr Frost , the UK 's chief negotiator , met with counterpart Mr Barnier this week for the seventh round of talks aimed at thrashing out a trade deal before December 31 - the date when the post-Brexit transition period comes to an end .
Speaking to Express.co.uk earlier this week , former Irish diplomat Ray Bassett suggested an `` Anglophone alliance '' of the two North American countries and the UK would outclass the EU financially .
He pointed to IMF figures which put the UK 's annual GDP for 2020 at just under £2.25trillion , which when allied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds up to just over £20.5trillion .
By contrast , the EU 's GDP in 2020 stands at £14.8trillion - but will drop to less than £13trillion without the UK .
Mark Littlewood , director-general of London-based think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs , told Express.co.uk : `` The thing is you start with the USA but if you can bolt on Mexico and Canada you definitely end up with a bloc which is bigger than the European Union .
`` The UK is the extra weight - if you bolt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that trading bloc grows and obviously we are leaving the EU , and that trading bloc will fall .
`` But also , the EU is not the growing part of the global economy . ''
Mr Littlewood stressed : `` It is still a big part of the global economy and our trade with the EU matters but each year that passes , the proportion of our trade with the EU tends to shrink .
`` It wo n't fall to zero but it is certainly on a downward trajectory .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to email things , to WhatsApp across the globe , so it becomes incumbent on us to lift our hats somewhat to countries such as the USA .
READ MORE : Kim Jong-un health fears - leader weak as sister lined up as 'successor '' We trade a lot with the USA of course without a trade deal in place and we can contrast that with some of the scare stories about what would happen if we left the EU without a trade deal . ''
Looking to the future , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike a deal with the USA and NAFTA and I think there is every chance that in the course of time we could join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( TPP11 ) .
`` There is a world of possibilities out there .
`` In due course of time , we have got to take a look at the Commonwealth .
DO N'T MISS Varadkar condemned : PM 's last-ditch bid to cling to power [ INSIGHT ] Leo Varadkar ’ s true disappointment exposed in leaked emails [ OPINION @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make OUTRAGEOUS demand in bid to cling on [ COMMENT ] '' At the time we joined the EU , the argument was the Commonwealth was a shrinking , post-imperial part of the world economy and western Europe was the future .
`` That 's been flipped on its head . ''
The crunch trade talks have yielded little in the way of progress this week , with each side pointing the finger at the other yesterday after two full days of discussions .
Mr Barnier said : `` Those who were hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week will have been disappointed .
`` This week , once again , as in the July round , the British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union `` And this despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months . ''

Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
Mr Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, met with counterpart Mr Barnier this week for the seventh round of talks aimed at thrashing out a trade deal before December 31 - the date when the post-Brexit transition period comes to an end. Speaking to Express.co.uk earlier this week, former Irish diplomat Ray Bassett suggested an "Anglophone alliance" of the two North American countries and the UK would outclass the EU financially.
Trending
The thing is you start with the USA but if you can bolt on Mexico and Canada you definitely end up with a bloc which is bigger than the European Union Mark Littlewood
He pointed to IMF figures which put the UK's annual GDP for 2020 at just under £2.25trillion, which when allied to that of Canada and the USA adds up to just over £20.5trillion. By contrast, the EU's GDP in 2020 stands at £14.8trillion - but will drop to less than £13trillion without the UK. Mark Littlewood, director-general of London-based think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, told Express.co.uk: "The thing is you start with the USA but if you can bolt on Mexico and Canada you definitely end up with a bloc which is bigger than the European Union. "The UK is the extra weight - if you bolt on the UK to any trading bloc, that trading bloc grows and obviously we are leaving the EU, and that trading bloc will fall.
David Frost will have reminded Michel Barnier of the UK's financial clout, says Mr Littlewood
Boris Johnson with US President Donald Trump
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"But also, the EU is not the growing part of the global economy." Mr Littlewood stressed: "It is still a big part of the global economy and our trade with the EU matters but each year that passes, the proportion of our trade with the EU tends to shrink. "It won't fall to zero but it is certainly on a downward trajectory. "As it becomes easier to transport things and to email things, to WhatsApp across the globe, so it becomes incumbent on us to lift our hats somewhat to countries such as the USA. READ MORE: Kim Jong-un health fears - leader weak as sister lined up as 'successor
Michel Barnier has once again suggested "the clock is ticking"
"We trade a lot with the USA of course without a trade deal in place and we can contrast that with some of the scare stories about what would happen if we left the EU without a trade deal." Looking to the future, Mr Littlewood said: "If we could strike a deal with the USA and NAFTA and I think there is every chance that in the course of time we could join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP11). "There is a world of possibilities out there. "In due course of time, we have got to take a look at the Commonwealth. DON'T MISS
Varadkar condemned: PM's last-ditch bid to cling to power [INSIGHT]
Leo Varadkar’s true disappointment exposed in leaked emails [OPINION]
Really, Leo? Varadkar to make OUTRAGEOUS demand in bid to cling on [COMMENT]
UK negotiator David Frost
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
"At the time we joined the EU, the argument was the Commonwealth was a shrinking, post-imperial part of the world economy and western Europe was the future. "That's been flipped on its head." The crunch trade talks have yielded little in the way of progress this week, with each side pointing the finger at the other on Friday after two full days of discussions.
Brexit timeline
Mr Barnier said: "Those who were hoping for negotiations to move swiftly forward this week will have been disappointed. "This week, once again, as in the July round, the British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union "And this despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months."
The Brexit transition period ends on December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Fishing DOOMSDAY: Fisherman pinpoints EXACT moment Brussels destroyed proud UK industry

Mr Balls , who is in his early 60s , said 10 years after he started fishing off Lowestoft and @ @ @ @ @ changes which had rippling effects on the entire town .
He told Express.co.uk : `` @ @ @ @ @ industry from day one was literally signed away by Ted Heath in 1973 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of fishing vessels that were working out of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ through about the mid-80s but after that there was a massive decline .

Mr Balls, who is in his early 60s, said 10 years after he started fishing off Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth he witnessed drastic changes which had rippling effects on the entire town.
He told Express.co.uk: "I saw how the fishing industry from day one was literally signed away by Ted Heath in 1973.
"I could see the volume of fishing vessels that were working out of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
"The heyday would have been up through about the mid-80s but after that there was a massive decline.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Brexit POLL: Will the UK meet its September deadline to strike a trade deal? VOTE HERE

David Frost , the UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , travelled to Brussels this week for the seventh round of post-Brexit trade talks with the EU .
But after three days of talks , the two sides failed to break the deadlock as Boris Johnson refuses to waiver on the UK ’ s red lines .
What red lines do you think Boris Johnson should compromise on to ensure a deal is reached by October ?
Britain has vowed to stand firm on its red lines , which include greater sovereignty over UK fishing waters , ending free movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands for a level playing field and to continue under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice ( ECJ ) .
But the EU is furious with the UK team for refusing to compromise on its demands .
Speaking on Friday , Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief negotiator , said the deal remains out of reach because of disagreements over access to Britain ’ s fishing grounds and the so-called “ level-playing field ” .
The EU chief said : “ We have very little time left to conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter into effect on January 1 , 2021 – in four months and 10 days .
CA N'T SEE THE POLL BELOW ?
CLICK HERE TO OPEN IN YOUR BROWSER “ We still have a few months left to find an agreement to find agreement on all issues under discussion to consolidate the text.
” Mr Barnier accused the British of refusing to “ move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months ” .
As a result , Express.co.uk is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would prefer Britain compromises on , if any .
Brussels has been accused of imposing strict trade demands on the UK , in a bid to dissuade other member states from quitting in the future .
JUST IN : Furious Barnier blames UK for Brexit deadlock But if another country does decide to leave the EU , do you think they would sign up to the trade demands placed on UK by Brussels ?
Or are the conditions being put forward too tough for any other states to entertain ?
The next round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London on the week commencing September 7 .
The two sides have just weeks to agree a deal , as both the UK and EU need its respective Parliament to ratify an agreement in October , to ensure they can implement the changes from the start of 2021 .
Mr Johnson is determined a deal will be struck by his deadline of the end of September , but what do you think - will the the UK secure a deal with the EU next month ?
DO N'T MISS : Pound to euro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit 'pessimism ' [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit GAMBLE : Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan [ DETAILS ] Brexit LIVE : No deal INEVITABLE as EU refuses to accept UK wo n't budge [ BLOG ] Moreover , if the UK does agree a deal in time do you think British voters should have a say on its contents , in a final Brexit referendum ?
The EU transition period will formally end on December 31 , the final hurdle in Britain ’ s bid to quit the bloc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sovereign nation unshackled from EU rules and regulations , more than four years after the landmark Brexit referendum .
As Britain prepares for this historic moment , Express.co.uk wants to know who you think has done the most to secure Britain ’ s independence from the EU ?
Do you think David Cameron played an instrumental role for granting the 2016 vote , or Nigel Farage for spending years campaigning for the referendum to be hold .
Or do you consider Boris Johnson to have made the most gains in ensuring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost for his crucial role in the current negotiations .
Alternatively , has the EU done the most to turn British voters away from the bloc ?
As the UK severs all ties with the EU , Britain will no longer be part of the Schengen zone , which allows members to travel between European countries without a visa .

Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
David Frost, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, travelled to Brussels this week for the seventh round of post-Brexit trade talks with the EU. But after three days of talks, the two sides failed to break the deadlock as Boris Johnson refuses to waiver on the UK’s red lines. In one of a number of questions to Express.co.uk readers, we are also asking which red lines you think Boris Johnson should compromise on to ensure a deal is reached by October?
Trending
Britain has vowed to stand firm on its red lines, which include greater sovereignty over UK fishing waters, ending free movement, and rejecting the EU’s demands for a level playing field and to continue under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). But the EU is furious with the UK team for refusing to compromise on its demands. Speaking on Friday, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, said the deal remains out of reach because of disagreements over access to Britain’s fishing grounds and the so-called “level-playing field”. The EU chief said: “We have very little time left to conclude the negotiations to ensure an agreement can enter into effect on January 1, 2021 – in four months and 10 days. CAN'T SEE THE POLL BELOW? CLICK HERE TO OPEN IN YOUR BROWSER
“We still have a few months left to find an agreement to find agreement on all issues under discussion to consolidate the text.” Mr Barnier accused the British of refusing to “move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months”. As a result, Express.co.uk is asking its readers what red line you would prefer Britain compromises on, if any. Brussels has been accused of imposing strict trade demands on the UK, in a bid to dissuade other member states from quitting in the future. JUST IN: Furious Barnier blames UK for Brexit deadlock
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Brexit POLL: Would any other sovereign nation sign up to trade demands placed on UK by EU?
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has put forward a number of red lines
But if another country does decide to leave the EU, do you think they would sign up to the trade demands placed on UK by Brussels? Or are the conditions being put forward too tough for any other states to entertain? The next round of Brexit trade talks will resume in London on the week commencing September 7. The two sides have just weeks to agree a deal, as both the UK and EU need its respective Parliament to ratify an agreement in October, to ensure they can implement the changes from the start of 2021. Mr Johnson is determined a deal will be struck by his deadline of the end of September, but what do you think - will the the UK secure a deal with the EU next month? DON'T MISS:
Pound to euro exchange rate: Pound sees boost amid Brexit 'pessimism' [ANALYSIS]
Brexit GAMBLE: Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan [DETAILS]
Brexit LIVE: No deal INEVITABLE as EU refuses to accept UK won't budge [BLOG]
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Moreover, if the UK does agree a deal in time do you think British voters should have a say on its contents, in a final Brexit referendum? The EU transition period will formally end on December 31, the final hurdle in Britain’s bid to quit the bloc. From 2021, the UK will be a sovereign nation unshackled from EU rules and regulations, more than four years after the landmark Brexit referendum. As Britain prepares for this historic moment, Express.co.uk wants to know who you think has done the most to secure Britain’s independence from the EU?
EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters
Do you think David Cameron played an instrumental role for granting the 2016 vote, or Nigel Farage for spending years campaigning for the referendum to be hold. Or do you consider Boris Johnson to have made the most gains in ensuring the UK quits the bloc, or David Frost for his crucial role in the current negotiations. Alternatively, has the EU done the most to turn British voters away from the bloc? As the UK severs all ties with the EU, Britain will no longer be part of the Schengen zone, which allows members to travel between European countries without a visa.
David Frost travelled to Brussels this week for the seventh round of talks


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--EU wastes £20bn on farm subsidies to richer regions, research finds

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Payments intended to support the countryside are going to urban areas , say scientists .
And poorer farming regions are losing out to those that are intensively cultivated .
Consequently , the majority of income support is going to those causing most environmental damage - with the fewest eco-friendly practices and jobs .
Study lead author Professor Kimberly Nicholas said the cash would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aims to protect the environment .
She said : `` Our analysis shows at least 24 billion euros ( £21.7billion ) per year goes to income support in the richest regions .
`` Meanwhile , the poorest regions with the most farm jobs are being left further behind . ''
The Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) offers financial assistance to 12 million farmers .
It is the EU 's largest budget item - averaging 54 billion euros annually .
Long-championed by the French , it has been hit with scandals over waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980s , it led to the creation of notorious butter mountains and wine lakes .
Over 80 percent of payments are received by just one in five farmers .
But how much they support goals is poorly understood , due to a lack of transparency and complex reporting .
Professor Nicholas , of Lund University , Sweden , said : `` That misspent money would more than cover the 20 billion euros ( £18billion ) per year needed to meet the EU 's Biodiversity Strategy . ''

Payments intended to support the countryside are going to urban areas, say scientists. And poorer farming regions are losing out to those that are intensively cultivated. Consequently, the majority of income support is going to those causing most environmental damage - with the fewest eco-friendly practices and jobs. Study lead author Professor Kimberly Nicholas said the cash would pay for the EU Biodiversity Strategy which aims to protect the environment.
She said: "Our analysis shows at least 24 billion euros (£21.7billion) per year goes to income support in the richest regions.
"Meanwhile, the poorest regions with the most farm jobs are being left further behind."
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) offers financial assistance to 12 million farmers. It is the EU's largest budget item - averaging 54 billion euros annually.
Long-championed by the French, it has been hit with scandals over waste, fraud and mismanagement.
In the 1980s, it led to the creation of notorious butter mountains and wine lakes.
Over 80 percent of payments are received by just one in five farmers. But how much they support goals is poorly understood, due to a lack of transparency and complex reporting. Professor Nicholas, of Lund University, Sweden, said: "That misspent money would more than cover the 20 billion euros (£18billion) per year needed to meet the EU's Biodiversity Strategy."


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Brexit LIVE: UK ramps up post-Brexit plans as no deal edges closer

Four sites in Kent and one in Hull are thought to be under consideration to ease pressure on busy ports such as Dover .
In a letter , the paymaster general Penny Mordaunt said : `` Intense engagement is now underway with ports and we are beginning to speak to local authorities about potential inland sites .
`` I would like to emphasise that final decisions on inland sites will not be made until we have established the extent of new infrastructure capacity at ports . ''
the seventh round of talks between UK chief negotiator David Frost and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement on Friday .
Several outstanding issues remain including trade , fisheries and state aid , ahead of the October deadline to reach an agreement provisionally set by Mr Barnier earlier this week .
Following the talks in the Belgian capital , a frustrated Mr Barnier warned the prospect of a deal being reached before the deadline was “ unlikely ” and put the blame firmly towards the UK .
The EU chief said : “ Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are wasting valuable time .
At this stage , an agreement between the UK and the EU remains unlikely.
” 1.30pm update : UK and EU must quickly find 'reasonable landing zone ' as no deal looms The UK and the European Union are heading for a no deal outcome unless both sides can find a `` reasonable landing zone '' to break the deadlock , an expert has said .
Speaking prior to the conclusion of the latest round of talks in the Belgian capital , Alex De Ruyer , Politics Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centre for Brexit Studies , said : “ It ’ s tautological to state that if we can ’ t agree a deal then there will be no deal .
In any case , both sides know that this is a real risk in the present talks .
`` The purpose of these is to find a mutually beneficial situation that is better for both sides than “ no deal ” .
Negotiations are exactly that – they involve give-and-take on both sides and you should never expect to achieve all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a deal that is mutually beneficial – i.e .
it is better for both sides than no deal at all .
Ultimately , although these are tough negotiations - they are not a competition.
” READ MORE : Brexit warning : UK and EU must quickly find 'reasonable landing zone ' as no deal looms 12.45pm update : Brexiteer tells Boris to walk away with no deal and tear up withdrawal agreement Boris Johnson should walk away from Brexit talks with no deal according to Brexiteer Alex Phillips Former Brexit Party MEP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Michel Barnier have “ ground to a halt ” .
Ms Phillips also called for Mr Johnson to axe the Withdrawal Agreement signed in January .
Appearing on TalkRADIO , she said : `` I have gotten to the point where I think we need to ground zero the whole lot .
`` The withdrawal agreement needs to go , we need to say that was a big mistake , we need to tear it up and be prepared to leave without a deal .
`` Under any circumstances , the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal free trading relationship that does n't infringe on our sovereignty .
`` That is just not acceptable . ''
11.20am update : Brexit POLL : Who is to blame for the UK-EU trade talks deadlock ?
Brexit negotiations between the UK and the European Union remain at a deadlock , but who is to blame for the continued impasse in trade talks .
Vote now .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier launched a scathing attack on the UK for the lack of progress in post-Brexit trade talks following the seventh round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost , the UK chief Brexit negotiator David Frost , refused to budge on his red lines and urged the bloc to recognise Britain will take sovereign control of its laws , borders , and waters .
10.30am update : Frost 'stresses UK 's £2trillion financial muscle ' in stark warning to EU Brexit negotiator David Frost would have the latest round of trade talks to warn the EU about Britain ’ s huge financial wealth , a leading economist has said .
Former Irish diplomat Ray Bassett suggested an `` Anglophone alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the UK would outclass the EU financially .
He pointed to IMF figures which put the UK 's annual GDP for 2020 at just under £2.25trillion , which when allied to that of Canada and the USA adds up to just over £20.5trillion .
By contrast , the EU 's GDP in 2020 stands at £14.8trillion - but will drop to less than £13trillion without the UK .
READ MORE : Brexit showdown : Frost 'stresses UK 's £2trillion financial muscle ' in stark warning to EU 10.00am update : Brexit POLL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline to strike a trade deal ?
VOTE HERE Brexit negotiations with the EU remain deadlocked despite months of talks with a number of tough decisions facing the UK 's Brexit negotiators .
Will the UK meet its September deadline ?
The Government has identified four sites in Kent and one in Hull to deal with extra border checks after Brexit .
In a letter , the paymaster general Penny Mordaunt said : `` Intense engagement is now underway with ports and we are beginning to speak to local authorities about potential inland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasise that final decisions on inland sites will not be made until we have established the extent of new infrastructure capacity at ports . ''
9.00am update PM must pull plug and walk away , says Brexiteer ‘ no ifs , no buts ’ Boris Johnson has been urged to walk away from 'floundering ' Brexit talks , pull the plug on the Withdrawal Agreement and declare in favour of a no deal Brexit , by a leading Brexiteer .
Former Brexit Party MP Ben Habib believes Mr Johnson is essentially flogging a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement with the bloc - and thinks it is time for the PM to play hardball .
Pointing out the negotiating mandate released in February stipulates that if no deal was reached by June 30 , the UK would cease negotiations and prepare for no deal , Mr Habib said : `` That deadline came and went but the UK did not do as it suggested it might .
`` The EU no doubt saw this as weak .
Notwithstanding the entirely reasonable demand of the UK to be sovereign , agreement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floundered on this point of principle . ''
READ MORE : Brexit warning : Boris must pull plug and walk away , says Brexiteer ‘ no ifs , no buts ’ A British fishing chief has identified the exact moment EU policies devastated the fishing industry in the UK .
John Balls , chairman of North Devon Fishermen 's Association , said the strict rules and regulations of the EU 's controversial Common Fisheries Policy ( CFP ) have made it almost impossible for newcomers to the industry .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day one was literally signed away by Ted Heath in 1973 .
`` I could see the volume of fishing vessels that were working out of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth .
`` The heyday would have been up through about the mid-80s but after that there was a massive decline .
”

Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
The Government has accelerated plans for its future trading arrangements once Britain is outside the shackles of Brussels. Up to five sites across the UK have now been identified to deal with border checks and allow freight to move outside of the customs union and the single market.
Four sites in Kent and one in Hull are thought to be under consideration to ease pressure on busy ports such as Dover. In a letter, the paymaster general Penny Mordaunt said: "Intense engagement is now underway with ports and we are beginning to speak to local authorities about potential inland sites. "I would like to emphasise that final decisions on inland sites will not be made until we have established the extent of new infrastructure capacity at ports." The move comes as the seventh round of talks between UK chief negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier ended without an agreement on Friday.
Michel Barnier has warned a Brexit trade deal now looks unlikely before the deadline
The seventh round of talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier ended on Friday
Several outstanding issues remain including trade, fisheries and state aid, ahead of the October deadline to reach an agreement provisionally set by Mr Barnier earlier this week. Following the talks in the Belgian capital, a frustrated Mr Barnier warned the prospect of a deal being reached before the deadline was “unlikely” and put the blame firmly towards the UK. The EU chief said: “Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards. I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time. At this stage, an agreement between the UK and the EU remains unlikely.” Mr Frost said the EU’s insistence on accepting its terms on aid and fishing had made an agreement “unnecessarily difficult”. The next round of talks will officially start in London on September 7. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
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10.30pm update: EU's ‘obsession’ could leave them with nothing The EU's refusal to allow any progress in the talks unless Britain agrees to its "obsessions" on fishing and state subsidies means that the talks will time out next month with no deal. The warning from Britain’s negotiating team led by David Frost comes ahead of another crucial week of talks with Brussels accused of only being interested in “trying to take the moral high ground” rather than “knuckle down” to make a deal. The Brussels negotiators led by Michel Barnier are actively blocking the writing of complex legal texts on the areas where there is agreement to allow for trade in goods and services unless Britain agrees to their “unreasonable obsessions”. Boris Johnson has already warned that a deal needs to have been agreed by the end of next month or he will pull the plug on the talks and go for no deal at the end of the transition period on December 31 this year. This, according to Brexiteers, would jeopardise the Withdrawal Agreement at a great cost for the EU because it would lose out on the £39 billion divorce bill from Britain. 10pm update: EU blamed for trade talks deadlock in poll The EU is to blame for the deadlock in post-Brexit trade talks with Britain, according to a new poll. Express.co.uk readers voted in our poll on who is to blame for the stalemate in negotiations between the UK and Brussels. A huge 62 percent of respondents said the EU, while 29 percent pointed to the bloc’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier. Some seven percent hold the UK responsible and two percent said another EU member state. The options of Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost, no one and don’t know received zero percent.
The EU is to blame for the deadlock in post-Brexit trade talks with Britain, according to a new poll
9.25pm update: Ex-MEP calls on UK to abandon EU talks Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib tweeted: “To get a good deal, the UK must be prepared to leave without one. “@borisjohnson was elected on a promise of taking back control of our laws, borders, cash and fishing. “It’s 4 years since we voted to regain our sovereignty. It is high time to enact it.” 8.40pm update: UK’s fishermen will soon thrive, Brexiteer claims Britain’s fishing industry is set to thrive from next year once the UK is free from the EU's rules, a Brexiteer has claimed. Ex-Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy told Express.co.uk: “Brexit could give our fishing industry sufficient opportunity to thrive. “With Brexit we can ban supertrawlers, increase quotas for British fishermen, regulate the industry locally in a way that best suits our interests and the environment, stop throwing dead fish back into the sea and inspire a whole new generation of new fishing families to re-energise our coastal communities, economy and health of our nation. “There is so much money to be made, jobs to be had and fish to be caught and sold.”
Britain’s fishing industry is set to thrive from next year once the UK is free from the EU's rules, a Brexiteer has claimed
8.05pm update: UK and EU must find 'reasonable landing zone' The UK and EU have been warned they quickly need to find a "reasonable landing zone" to break the continued stalemate in post-Brexit trade talks. Alex De Ruyer, Politics Professor at Birmingham City University and Director at the Centre for Brexit Studies, told Express.co.uk: "It’s tautological to state that if we can’t agree a deal then there will be no deal. In any case, both sides know that this is a real risk in the present talks. "The purpose of these is to find a mutually beneficial situation that is better for both sides than ‘no deal’. Negotiations are exactly that – they involve give-and-take on both sides and you should never expect to achieve all of your objectives. "What is needed is a deal that is mutually beneficial – i.e. it is better for both sides than no deal at all. Ultimately, although these are tough negotiations - they are not a competition. "The aim is to come up with something that is win-win, but I still think a no deal outcome is a very real possibility, particularly given that the UK Government was unwilling to extend the transition period after December 31, so leaving very little time for negotiation. "If the UK tries to achieve 100 percent of its objectives then there certainly will be no deal because the EU will walk away (and vice versa). "What both sides profess to be looking for is a 'reasonable' landing zone that is better than “no deal” for both of them. 7.15pm update: UK must ‘walk away’ from EU talks - Brexiteer Former Brexit Party MEP Dr David Bull has said Britain must abandon trade talks with Brussels. Dr Bull was reacting to comments by Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost who accused the bloc of making negotiations “unnecessarily difficult” by insisting teh UK signs up to the EU’s state aid and fisheries rules before allowing further work in other areas. He tweeted: “No deal it is then. The UK must walk away.”
Former Brexit Party MEP Dr David Bull has said Britain must abandon trade talks with Brussels
6.20pm update: Think tank says EU ‘may well blink’ if they see UK is serious about no deal The Bruges Group has insisted the EU could back down if they see Britain will follow through with no deal. The pro-Brexit think tank tweeted: “Barnier is often portrayed as a cartoon baddie, but it’s important to remember that he doesn’t run the EU. “He’s a negotiator with a mandate. He can’t change the mandate, but the EU Council can. “If they see we’re serious about No Deal, they may well blink.” 5.50pm update: ‘Entitled and arrogant’ EU attacked over demands in trade talks The EU has been accused of "arrogance and entitlement" for making unreasonable demands in post-Brexit trade talks with the UK. Former Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy hit out at EU negotiators for attempting to scupper the current trade talks with Britain. She accused the bloc of behaving with “arrogance and entitlement towards the UK” and suggested Brussels was determined to ensure Britain comes off badly in the current negotiations. When discussing the current deadlock in the EU negotiations, the Brexiteer urged Britain to stand firm and not waive on its red lines. She said Boris Johnson’s key areas of fishing rights, the level-playing field and the European Court of Justice are “the very essence of Brexit”.
Former Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy hit out at EU negotiators for attempting to scupper the current trade talks with Britain
5pm update: Tories warn Brussels now know it's ALL to lose Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said: “This is a wake-up moment for the EU. “We became a sovereign country earlier this year and the EU needs to start treating us like one. If they don’t want to, then so be it. “The EU sells more goods and agricultural products to the UK than we sell to them. If they don’t want a deal, the cost will be on their heads. “We are negotiating trade deals with countries around the world while the EU stews in its own bullying, bureaucratic juices.” Fellow Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns added: "The lack of flexibility is typical of the EU's bureaucratic roots and of its inability to adapt. “It's time they realised that the UK has left the EU and we are not considering extending the transition period. “EU citizens and businesses will benefit from an advantageous trade deal with an independent UK in line with the result of the referendum. “At such a difficult time, we have to uphold the values of democracy, encourage a deal with the EU and boost our new independent trade policy with the rest of the world. “We are leaving the EU because we don't want to be told what to do by Brussels, and we won't cave in their unrealistic requests on fishing, which was one of the main drives of the referendum result."
Iain Duncan Smith has led warnings from Westminster that Brussels has most to lose if post-Brexit trade talks collapse
4.10pm update: Furious ex-MEP says fishing not even a debate The EU's continued demands for access to the UK's fishing waters after Brexit shows the delusion running through Brussels, a former MEP has said. Ex-Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy told Express.co.uk: “What other trade deal has there been where the EU demanded unfettered access to another nation’s natural resources? “It is a reflection of the delusion the EU is operating under that it thinks it can impose such terms on the UK for a trade deal. “Talks about fishing should have ended officially by June and yet there are three more dates for negotiations on this. There should be no debate. “Our elected Government should be able to say who can and can't fish in our waters, what is so revolutionary about this?” 3.30pm update: Brexiteer predicts next members to leave EU A Brexiteer has predicted that France and Italy could follow the UK out of the EU. Former Brexit Party MEP Alexandra Phillips told Express.co.uk: “I think really all eyes on France and Italy. “And especially France as we’re gearing up for another presidential election soon. “If a Frexit candidate goes into the running then that person is going to suddenly have a very significant platform because they will be part of the presidential debates and really bring the issue of leaving the EU to light. “The only thing I would say is those countries are in the euro and that makes departure very difficult. “There’s a more complicated process in having to completely change a currency.”
David Frost has refused to back down to the EU on fishing
1.30pm update: UK and EU must quickly find 'reasonable landing zone' as no deal looms The UK and the European Union are heading for a no deal outcome unless both sides can find a "reasonable landing zone" to break the deadlock, an expert has said. Speaking prior to the conclusion of the latest round of talks in the Belgian capital, Alex De Ruyer, Politics Professor at Birmingham City University and Director at the Centre for Brexit Studies, said: “It’s tautological to state that if we can’t agree a deal then there will be no deal. In any case, both sides know that this is a real risk in the present talks. "The purpose of these is to find a mutually beneficial situation that is better for both sides than “no deal”. Negotiations are exactly that – they involve give-and-take on both sides and you should never expect to achieve all of your objectives. "What is needed is a deal that is mutually beneficial – i.e. it is better for both sides than no deal at all. Ultimately, although these are tough negotiations - they are not a competition.” 12.45pm update: Brexiteer tells Boris to walk away with no deal and tear up withdrawal agreement Boris Johnson should walk away from Brexit talks with no deal according to Brexiteer Alex Phillips Former Brexit Party MEP Alex Phillips said talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier have “ground to a halt”. Ms Phillips also called for Mr Johnson to axe the Withdrawal Agreement signed in January. Appearing on TalkRADIO, she said: "I have gotten to the point where I think we need to ground zero the whole lot. "The withdrawal agreement needs to go, we need to say that was a big mistake, we need to tear it up and be prepared to leave without a deal. "Under any circumstances, the EU are not going to offer us a normal free trading relationship that doesn't infringe on our sovereignty. "That is just not acceptable."
Brexit news: The next round of talks will begin on September 7
11.20am update: Brexit POLL: Who is to blame for the UK-EU trade talks deadlock? Brexit negotiations between the UK and the European Union remain at a deadlock, but who is to blame for the continued impasse in trade talks. Vote now. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier launched a scathing attack on the UK for the lack of progress in post-Brexit trade talks following the seventh round of negotiations this week in Brussels. David Frost, the UK chief Brexit negotiator David Frost, refused to budge on his red lines and urged the bloc to recognise Britain will take sovereign control of its laws, borders, and waters. 10.30am update: Frost 'stresses UK's £2trillion financial muscle' in stark warning to EU Brexit negotiator David Frost would have the latest round of trade talks to warn the EU about Britain’s huge financial wealth, a leading economist has said. Former Irish diplomat Ray Bassett suggested an "Anglophone alliance" of the two North American countries and the UK would outclass the EU financially. He pointed to IMF figures which put the UK's annual GDP for 2020 at just under £2.25trillion, which when allied to that of Canada and the USA adds up to just over £20.5trillion. By contrast, the EU's GDP in 2020 stands at £14.8trillion - but will drop to less than £13trillion without the UK.
Brexit news: Michel Barnier has taken aim at the UK
10.00am update: Brexit POLL: Will the UK meet its September deadline to strike a trade deal? VOTE HERE Brexit negotiations with the EU remain deadlocked despite months of talks with a number of tough decisions facing the UK's Brexit negotiators. Will the UK meet its September deadline? 9.25am update: Sites identified for post-Brexit border checks The Government has identified four sites in Kent and one in Hull to deal with extra border checks after Brexit. In a letter, the paymaster general Penny Mordaunt said: "Intense engagement is now underway with ports and we are beginning to speak to local authorities about potential inland sites. "I would like to emphasise that final decisions on inland sites will not be made until we have established the extent of new infrastructure capacity at ports."
A timeline of Brexit talks between the UK and EU
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thedailyexpress--2020-08-23--EU's ‘obsession’ could leave them with NOTHING, Frost's Brexit team rages ‘accept it!’

The warning from Britain ’ s negotiating team led by David Frost comes ahead of another crucial week of talks with Brussels accused of only being interested in “ trying to take the moral high ground ” rather than “ knuckle down ” to make a deal .
The Brussels negotiators led by Michel Barnier are actively blocking the writing of complex legal texts on the areas where there is agreement to allow for trade in goods and services unless Britain agrees to their “ unreasonable obsessions ” .
Boris Johnson has already warned that a deal needs to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month or he will pull the plug on the talks and go for no deal at the end of the transition period on December 31 this year .
This , according to Brexiteers , would jeopardise the Withdrawal Agreement at a great cost for the EU because it would lose out on the £39 billion divorce bill from Britain .
The UK Government has made it clear that the EU demands on access to fishing waters and forcing Britain to abide by Single Market rules are “ unacceptable ” .
And writing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister and European Research Group deputy chairman David Jones has warned that any compromise in these areas will be damaging to the party in the red wall seats won in December .
He wrote : “ Last year ’ s election presented a very clear , unambiguous , message to the Conservative Party : secure a strong Brexit deal and leave the European Union if you want to hold power in Westminster .
The voters who abandoned Labour in its northern heartlands in December 2019 , and swung behind the Tories , did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and final separation from Brussels and the diktats of EU Commissioners.
” They have accused Brussels of trying to “ pick and choose ” what parts of Brexit the EU accepts and failing to understand that Britain will be a sovereign country .
In a dig at Theresa May ’ s government , a senior Whitehall source suggested that the EU has not understood that part of the problem is that the previous negotiating team led by Lord Robbins only believed in “ Brexit in name only.
” The source said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU were dealing with a negotiating team that may have wanted Brexit in name only , with minimal changes .
That is clearly not the case now .
The EU needs to realise that we are not up for continuing previous arrangements : when they understand that , it will be much easier to make progress.
” Mr Frost ’ s team has put forward a compromise with the EU on fishing based on the Norwegian precedent which recognises it as a sovereign coastal state with control over its own fishing waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ The EU knows that the UK got a bad deal on fish when we joined .
“ We need more realism from them on the scale of the change that results from our leaving the EU ; this is not a request but will be the legal default under international law if no deal is reached before the transition period ends.
” Meanwhile , other EU trade deals including Canada do not tie the non-EU parties into Single Market rules on state aid .
The source suggested : “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid system like the one which applies to countries inside the Single Market and the Customs Union .
That is not going to happen – we will not accept single market-like rules when we are not asking to be a member of the single market.
” The source close to UK negotiations added : “ The EU ’ s insistence that nothing can now progress until we have accepted EU positions on fisheries and state aid policy is a recipe for holding up the whole negotiation at a moment when time is short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may try and take the moral high ground , it remains the fact that their obsession with these two issues risks blocking progress .
For our part we are ready to knuckle down and get into the detailed discussions of legal texts that are what is needed now .
We hope the EU will do likewise.
” The source added : “ The EU say they understand that ‘ Brexit means Brexit ’ , their fixation on continuity shows that perhaps they do not .
“ The UK will become a sovereign state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the sooner we will make progress .
”

Brexit: David Frost ‘holding firm’ on negotiations says Tice
The warning from Britain’s negotiating team led by David Frost comes ahead of another crucial week of talks with Brussels accused of only being interested in “trying to take the moral high ground” rather than “knuckle down” to make a deal. The Brussels negotiators led by Michel Barnier are actively blocking the writing of complex legal texts on the areas where there is agreement to allow for trade in goods and services unless Britain agrees to their “unreasonable obsessions”.
Boris Johnson has already warned that a deal needs to have been agreed by the end of next month or he will pull the plug on the talks and go for no deal at the end of the transition period on December 31 this year. This, according to Brexiteers, would jeopardise the Withdrawal Agreement at a great cost for the EU because it would lose out on the £39 billion divorce bill from Britain. The UK Government has made it clear that the EU demands on access to fishing waters and forcing Britain to abide by Single Market rules are “unacceptable”. And writing for the Sunday Express today, former Brexit minister and European Research Group deputy chairman David Jones has warned that any compromise in these areas will be damaging to the party in the red wall seats won in December.
EU's ‘obsession’ could leave them with nothing
Michel Barnier leads Brussels' negotiating team
He wrote: “Last year’s election presented a very clear, unambiguous, message to the Conservative Party: secure a strong Brexit deal and leave the European Union if you want to hold power in Westminster. The voters who abandoned Labour in its northern heartlands in December 2019, and swung behind the Tories, did so in the expectation of a clean and final separation from Brussels and the diktats of EU Commissioners.” They have accused Brussels of trying to “pick and choose” what parts of Brexit the EU accepts and failing to understand that Britain will be a sovereign country. In a dig at Theresa May’s government, a senior Whitehall source suggested that the EU has not understood that part of the problem is that the previous negotiating team led by Lord Robbins only believed in “Brexit in name only.” The source said: “When talking to the previous government, the EU were dealing with a negotiating team that may have wanted Brexit in name only, with minimal changes. That is clearly not the case now. The EU needs to realise that we are not up for continuing previous arrangements: when they understand that, it will be much easier to make progress.”
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The warning from Britain’s negotiating team led by David Frost comes ahead of another crucial week of talks with Brussels
Mr Frost’s team has put forward a compromise with the EU on fishing based on the Norwegian precedent which recognises it as a sovereign coastal state with control over its own fishing waters. A source close to Mr Frost said: “The EU knows that the UK got a bad deal on fish when we joined. “We need more realism from them on the scale of the change that results from our leaving the EU; this is not a request but will be the legal default under international law if no deal is reached before the transition period ends.” Meanwhile, other EU trade deals including Canada do not tie the non-EU parties into Single Market rules on state aid.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-23--Brexit showdown: Frost 'stresses UK's £2trillion financial muscle' in stark warning to EU

Mr Frost , the UK 's chief negotiator , met with counterpart Mr Barnier this week for the seventh round of talks aimed at thrashing out a trade deal before December 31 - the date when the post-Brexit transition period comes to an end .
Speaking to Express.co.uk earlier this week , former Irish diplomat Ray Bassett suggested an `` Anglophone alliance '' of the two North American countries and the UK would outclass the EU financially .
He pointed to IMF figures which put the UK 's annual GDP for 2020 at just under £2.25trillion , which when allied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds up to just over £20.5trillion .
By contrast , the EU 's GDP in 2020 stands at £14.8trillion - but will drop to less than £13trillion without the UK .
Mark Littlewood , director-general of London-based think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs , told Express.co.uk : `` The thing is you start with the USA but if you can bolt on Mexico and Canada you definitely end up with a bloc which is bigger than the European Union .
`` The UK is the extra weight - if you bolt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that trading bloc grows and obviously we are leaving the EU , and that trading bloc will fall .
`` But also , the EU is not the growing part of the global economy . ''
Mr Littlewood stressed : `` It is still a big part of the global economy and our trade with the EU matters but each year that passes , the proportion of our trade with the EU tends to shrink .
`` It wo n't fall to zero but it is certainly on a downward trajectory .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to email things , to WhatsApp across the globe , so it becomes incumbent on us to lift our hats somewhat to countries such as the USA .
READ MORE : Kim Jong-un health fears - leader weak as sister lined up as 'successor '' We trade a lot with the USA of course without a trade deal in place and we can contrast that with some of the scare stories about what would happen if we left the EU without a trade deal . ''
Looking to the future , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike a deal with the USA and NAFTA and I think there is every chance that in the course of time we could join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( TPP11 ) .
`` There is a world of possibilities out there .
`` In due course of time , we have got to take a look at the Commonwealth .
DO N'T MISS Varadkar condemned : PM 's last-ditch bid to cling to power [ INSIGHT ] Leo Varadkar ’ s true disappointment exposed in leaked emails [ OPINION @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make OUTRAGEOUS demand in bid to cling on [ COMMENT ] '' At the time we joined the EU , the argument was the Commonwealth was a shrinking , post-imperial part of the world economy and western Europe was the future .
`` That 's been flipped on its head . ''
The crunch trade talks have yielded little in the way of progress this week , with each side pointing the finger at the other on Friday after two full days of discussions .
Mr Barnier said : `` Those who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week will have been disappointed .
`` This week , once again , as in the July round , the British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union `` And this despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months . ''