The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
I think that Brexit is likely to leave you disappointed.
Brexit will not be a miracle that solves all our problems.
On the contrary Brexit on its own creates problems.
Boris has promised massive increases on infrastructure spending, day to day spending, and a return to pre 2010 staffing levels of police, nurses, GPs, etc. In addition to 50,000 staff to process the new border paperwork.
He cant afford to do this out of a smaller economy, without raising taxes, in addition to the Council Tax increases.
He has already spent the whole of our EU contribution savings, on the NHS.
This is despite the fact that we still pay the usual contributions until the end of this year, and the divorce bill is the equivalent of 3 years payments.
So we will save little on our contributions during this Parliament.
On top of this he has agreed to make good the farmers losses, during this Parliament.
What happens to the farmers after that?
Leaving the EU will not automatically make our borders easier to manage, or police.
Nor will less people wish to get in to our country.
Drug smugglers wont stop the smuggling just because we have left the EU.
The EU have said from the start that we closer we remain aligned, the better deal we can get.
Boris is determined to do the opposite.
A trade deal with the US hardly affects our economy.
Yet the loss of frictionless, tariff free trade with our biggest trading partner causes damage.
We also lose access to trade with around 70 countries that we currently have via our EU membership.
We could of course renegotiate these deals, but that is likely to take years.
I think the optimism that you have illustrated in your most recent posts is completely misplaced, as is your confidence in Boris.
I think Brexit will definitely create more problems than it solves.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
Lighten up . If the virus takes a significant hold, both sides will be fighting over bones anyway. The next two months will see this governments plans scuppered imo. And most governments come to that.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
I think that Brexit is likely to leave you disappointed.
Brexit will not be a miracle that solves all our problems.
On the contrary Brexit on its own creates problems.
Boris has promised massive increases on infrastructure spending, day to day spending, and a return to pre 2010 staffing levels of police, nurses, GPs, etc. In addition to 50,000 staff to process the new border paperwork.
He cant afford to do this out of a smaller economy, without raising taxes, in addition to the Council Tax increases.
He has already spent the whole of our EU contribution savings, on the NHS.
This is despite the fact that we still pay the usual contributions until the end of this year, and the divorce bill is the equivalent of 3 years payments.
So we will save little on our contributions during this Parliament.
On top of this he has agreed to make good the farmers losses, during this Parliament.
What happens to the farmers after that?
Leaving the EU will not automatically make our borders easier to manage, or police.
Nor will less people wish to get in to our country.
Drug smugglers wont stop the smuggling just because we have left the EU.
The EU have said from the start that we closer we remain aligned, the better deal we can get.
Boris is determined to do the opposite.
A trade deal with the US hardly affects our economy.
Yet the loss of frictionless, tariff free trade with our biggest trading partner causes damage.
We also lose access to trade with around 70 countries that we currently have via our EU membership.
We could of course renegotiate these deals, but that is likely to take years.
I think the optimism that you have illustrated in your most recent posts is completely misplaced, as is your confidence in Boris.
I think Brexit will definitely create more problems than it solves.
Brexit was never meant to solve our problems.It was a choice that was voted for. I’m a bit **** ed about not getting my free broadband tbh. Wish I’d voted now.
When it comes to the certain epidemic, and the NHS gets brought up, it’s no different than any other country that has an epidemic. Your health service will get swamped, as all countries with an epidemic will suffer the same fate. When governments tell the populations not to panic, that’s their job. Just take that with a pinch of salt. And relax.
What’s the difference between immigrants crossing the channel or getting trafficked to the U.K, and the masses that want to get into Europe?
I thought this was some sort of joke, and was waiting for you to post the punchline.
If it is a genuine question, it is a silly one.
For years there were camps in Calais, now in Greece. It seems the EU are only interested in folk under their control. And only interested in commerce, not social welfare. They speak with forked tongue.
The EU is only interested in very limited circumstances.
So (for example) there are clear edicts in relation to freedom of movement for EU citizens. But refugees from outside the EU are, and always have been, purely up to individual countries.
It is (IMO) a valid criticism that the EU does little on social welfare. But flouncing off won't help on that score.
So we now with to criticise the EU for too much legislation. but also not enough legislation. We think we should be an independent country, but rely on the EU for legislation. Who will we blame when we have left?
I think you’re taking the Brexit vote far too personally, go with the flow. You’ve no other choice anyway. Apart from emigrating , obv.
Why are the EU not helping Greece with their border problem? It’s a Union after all. Maybe it’s like the build up over the years from Calais. Turn a blind eye, unless they’re under our control?
It may surprise you to find out that each EU member is an independent country.
I don't believe that there is a build up in Calais.
I don't think anyone turns a blind eye, although we have been pretty bad on controls in this country.
It is a pity that some people can only criticise families attempting to escape wars, and persecution, in a number of places throughout the world.
Losing the plot there a bit Haysie, as I’m criticizing the powers.
Pots and kettles.
The EU have an arrangement with Turkey to look after the Syrian refugees, and make a financial contribution to Turkey for doing so.
The Turks have got the hump for a minute, but I am sure it will be resolved.
They seem to be just making a point.
This would seem preferable to many of them killing themselves at sea, trying to reach Europe.
Although it would seem that many people wouldn't care what happens to them.
The EU have a rule that migrants are dealt with by the first member country they enter.
Although some members have helped out other member countries, by accepting migrants that have landed elsewhere.
Calais doesn't have a build up.
There was a camp in Calais, but not anymore.
There are a number of refugees that try to access the UK, to join their families, etc.
What have migrants in Greece or Calais got to do with Brexit?
Or are you daft enough to think that Brexit will stop migrants from attempting to access the UK?
This is the Brexit thread.
Why don't you start a moaning about migrants thread?
Glaringly obvious. Part of the election and Brexit was to do with our borders, was it not? Think so.
We had borders before Brexit. We just didn't look after them very well.
It’s not only migrants that our border forces should keep a close eye on, it’s many things.
Leaving the EU will not stop migrants.
That Lorry that contained the deceased could have been full of arms, drugs, radical terrorists, gold, diamonds etc.
True, but leaving the EU, does not automatically stop a repeat.
When the investigations are over, you’ll find out how many corrupt drivers there are. If they publish them , that is.
I don't think you will. How will an investigation into one particular incident do that?
If you want borders, then have them. Beef them up.
We have always had borders. We could have beefed them up while being members of the EU.
I couldn’t care less if there are delays. It’s tough.
You don't matter very much. People running big businesses do care.
Better to act responsibly than to focus on commerce all the time.
We had illegal immigration before we joined the EU.
Some folk will suffer,that’s life.
Who will suffer?
One of the biggest problems in this country is drugs. We had drugs before we joined the EU, and leaving will make no difference to drugs.
It only gets a mention every now and then.
I worry about you on times.
You do know that this is the Brexit thread not the flooding thread?
You are producing arguments that will be unaffected by Brexit.
As EU members we have freedom of movement which allows EU citizens to come here to legally live and work.
Therefore the asylum seekers don't come from other EU member countries.
When we leave, freedom of movement will stop, but the asylum seekers wont.
They estimate that we may have one and a half million illegal immigrants living and working in this country.
Boris wanted to give them an amnesty.
Well how did they get here?
They are not from within the EU.
We currently have record immigration figures from outside the EU, while immigration from inside the EU is falling.
So immigration is increasing.
Leaving the EU will not necessarily decrease immigration, legal or otherwise, or put a stop to smuggling.
Nor will it reduce the number of refugees trying to reach the UK.
There’s no possible way you could know the outcome of a far stronger border, more checking, more bodies available. Personally I’ve always been self employed, looked after myself. So I struggle to cope with the ‘ job for life’ mob, that tend to get bailed out so often. Goes for individual businesses too.Its a jungle out there for some. History teaches that nearly all people who had a buisness that failed, or had lost their job in the past, went out a started again or got another job.Its surprising how many businesses fail per year,but life goes on.So I’m not bothered about each individual at all. I’ve said somewhere else, there are a lot of businesses that barely turn a profit, if at all, and are saddled with debt.Theyre not really viable imo,we’ll see in the coming months.
HuffPost reports that US President Donald Trump used a Fox News interview to suggest that many people with mild symptoms "could still go to work and get better" - defying the advice from medical professionals that patients should self-isolate. The Daily Mail says President Trump later took to Twitter to deny making such a remark.
The Guardian suggests that "ministers, police and prosecutors are under pressure" to take action against Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, after the High Court ruled that he orchestrated the abduction of his two daughters - "one from the streets of Cambridge". The Times points out that the case highlighted "extraordinary claims about some of the region's most powerful families" and "could cause significant diplomatic difficulties with Britain's allies in the Middle East". For the Financial Times, it's "embarrassing for the man who has overseen Dubai's development into the area's trade hub". Sheikh Mohammed's legal team has rejected the claims against him and insists the court heard only one side of the story.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said by the Times and Financial Times to be facing his first Commons rebellion next week over his decision to allow Huawei to play a role in the UK's 5G network. A group of senior Conservatives - including the former Cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith and David Davis - are said to be seeking legislation to ban the use of all Huawei equipment after 2022.
Boris Johnson news - live: Outrage at ‘astounding’ cost of Brexit, as PM faces Commons rebellion over Huawei
Boris Johnson’s government has been accused of “keeping the public in the dark” over the “astounding” true cost of Brexit, as a Whitehall watchdog revealed at least £4.4bn of taxpayers’ money has been spent on preparations since 2016. It comes as former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith leads a new rebellion over Huawei’s role in Britain’s 5G network, tabling an amendment to the telecoms bill to prevent a future role for “high risk vendors” in the UK. Elsewhere, home secretary Priti Patel has been defended as an “assertive” leader who has “never crossed a line” by a group of nearly 100 allies. Amid bullying allegations, they signed an open letter stating: “We do not recognise the picture that has been painted of her.”
Key Points Billions 'thrown away' in Brexit planning, claim Lib Dems Iain Duncan Smith leads new Tory rebellion over Huawei Almost 100 Priti Patel allies sign letter defending 'tough' minister
Shortages caused by coronavirus could be a dry run for a no-deal Brexit We don’t know how bad the outbreak will get, says James Moore, but efforts to contain the spread of the virus are starting to have an impact on manufacturing and the supply of goods
Michel Barnier warns of 'very serious divergences' with UK after first round of talks Boris Johnson has said he wants a comprehensive agreement on Britain's future relationship with the EU by the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of the year and has ruled out any extension
Muslim Council reveals 300 Islamophobia cases in the Tories in damning dossier The submission to the Equality and Human Rights Commission contains allegations against 16 MPs, one MEP, nine election candidates and 183 party members according to the MCB. They want the body to investigate the party
Lighten up . If the virus takes a significant hold, both sides will be fighting over bones anyway. The next two months will see this governments plans scuppered imo. And most governments come to that.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
I think that Brexit is likely to leave you disappointed.
Brexit will not be a miracle that solves all our problems.
On the contrary Brexit on its own creates problems.
Boris has promised massive increases on infrastructure spending, day to day spending, and a return to pre 2010 staffing levels of police, nurses, GPs, etc. In addition to 50,000 staff to process the new border paperwork.
He cant afford to do this out of a smaller economy, without raising taxes, in addition to the Council Tax increases.
He has already spent the whole of our EU contribution savings, on the NHS.
This is despite the fact that we still pay the usual contributions until the end of this year, and the divorce bill is the equivalent of 3 years payments.
So we will save little on our contributions during this Parliament.
On top of this he has agreed to make good the farmers losses, during this Parliament.
What happens to the farmers after that?
Leaving the EU will not automatically make our borders easier to manage, or police.
Nor will less people wish to get in to our country.
Drug smugglers wont stop the smuggling just because we have left the EU.
The EU have said from the start that we closer we remain aligned, the better deal we can get.
Boris is determined to do the opposite.
A trade deal with the US hardly affects our economy.
Yet the loss of frictionless, tariff free trade with our biggest trading partner causes damage.
We also lose access to trade with around 70 countries that we currently have via our EU membership.
We could of course renegotiate these deals, but that is likely to take years.
I think the optimism that you have illustrated in your most recent posts is completely misplaced, as is your confidence in Boris.
I think Brexit will definitely create more problems than it solves.
Brexit was never meant to solve our problems.It was a choice that was voted for. I’m a bit **** ed about not getting my free broadband tbh. Wish I’d voted now.
For many people it was, and you appear to be one of them.
Comments
Brexit will not be a miracle that solves all our problems.
On the contrary Brexit on its own creates problems.
Boris has promised massive increases on infrastructure spending, day to day spending, and a return to pre 2010 staffing levels of police, nurses, GPs, etc. In addition to 50,000 staff to process the new border paperwork.
He cant afford to do this out of a smaller economy, without raising taxes, in addition to the Council Tax increases.
He has already spent the whole of our EU contribution savings, on the NHS.
This is despite the fact that we still pay the usual contributions until the end of this year,
and the divorce bill is the equivalent of 3 years payments.
So we will save little on our contributions during this Parliament.
On top of this he has agreed to make good the farmers losses, during this Parliament.
What happens to the farmers after that?
Leaving the EU will not automatically make our borders easier to manage, or police.
Nor will less people wish to get in to our country.
Drug smugglers wont stop the smuggling just because we have left the EU.
The EU have said from the start that we closer we remain aligned, the better deal we can get.
Boris is determined to do the opposite.
A trade deal with the US hardly affects our economy.
Yet the loss of frictionless, tariff free trade with our biggest trading partner causes damage.
We also lose access to trade with around 70 countries that we currently have via our EU membership.
We could of course renegotiate these deals, but that is likely to take years.
I think the optimism that you have illustrated in your most recent posts is completely misplaced, as is your confidence in Boris.
I think Brexit will definitely create more problems than it solves.
The next two months will see this governments plans scuppered imo.
And most governments come to that.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That’s a lot of haves.
I’m a bit **** ed about not getting my free broadband tbh. Wish I’d voted now.
When governments tell the populations not to panic, that’s their job. Just take that with a pinch of salt.
And relax.
Personally I’ve always been self employed, looked after myself.
So I struggle to cope with the ‘ job for life’ mob, that tend to get bailed out so often.
Goes for individual businesses too.Its a jungle out there for some.
History teaches that nearly all people who had a buisness that failed, or had lost their job in the past, went out a started again or got another job.Its surprising how many businesses fail per year,but life goes on.So I’m not bothered about each individual at all.
I’ve said somewhere else, there are a lot of businesses that barely turn a profit, if at all, and are saddled with debt.Theyre not really viable imo,we’ll see in the coming months.
HuffPost reports that US President Donald Trump used a Fox News interview to suggest that many people with mild symptoms "could still go to work and get better" - defying the advice from medical professionals that patients should self-isolate. The Daily Mail says President Trump later took to Twitter to deny making such a remark.
The Guardian suggests that "ministers, police and prosecutors are under pressure" to take action against Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, after the High Court ruled that he orchestrated the abduction of his two daughters - "one from the streets of Cambridge".
The Times points out that the case highlighted "extraordinary claims about some of the region's most powerful families" and "could cause significant diplomatic difficulties with Britain's allies in the Middle East". For the Financial Times, it's "embarrassing for the man who has overseen Dubai's development into the area's trade hub".
Sheikh Mohammed's legal team has rejected the claims against him and insists the court heard only one side of the story.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said by the Times and Financial Times to be facing his first Commons rebellion next week over his decision to allow Huawei to play a role in the UK's 5G network. A group of senior Conservatives - including the former Cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith and David Davis - are said to be seeking legislation to ban the use of all Huawei equipment after 2022.
Boris Johnson news - live: Outrage at ‘astounding’ cost of Brexit, as PM faces Commons rebellion over Huawei
Boris Johnson’s government has been accused of “keeping the public in the dark” over the “astounding” true cost of Brexit, as a Whitehall watchdog revealed at least £4.4bn of taxpayers’ money has been spent on preparations since 2016.
It comes as former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith leads a new rebellion over Huawei’s role in Britain’s 5G network, tabling an amendment to the telecoms bill to prevent a future role for “high risk vendors” in the UK.
Elsewhere, home secretary Priti Patel has been defended as an “assertive” leader who has “never crossed a line” by a group of nearly 100 allies. Amid bullying allegations, they signed an open letter stating: “We do not recognise the picture that has been painted of her.”
Key Points
Billions 'thrown away' in Brexit planning, claim Lib Dems
Iain Duncan Smith leads new Tory rebellion over Huawei
Almost 100 Priti Patel allies sign letter defending 'tough' minister
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-news-live-brexit-coronavirus-huawei-priti-patel-latest-a9380611.html
Shortages caused by coronavirus could be a dry run for a no-deal Brexit
We don’t know how bad the outbreak will get, says James Moore, but efforts to contain the spread of the virus are starting to have an impact on manufacturing and the supply of goods
https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/business/coronavirus-drug-face-mask-hand-sanitiser-shortages-no-deal-brexit-a9374886.html
Michel Barnier warns of 'very serious divergences' with UK after first round of talks
Boris Johnson has said he wants a comprehensive agreement on Britain's future relationship with the EU by the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of the year and has ruled out any extension
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/michel-barnier-warns-very-serious-21640373
Muslim Council reveals 300 Islamophobia cases in the Tories in damning dossier
The submission to the Equality and Human Rights Commission contains allegations against 16 MPs, one MEP, nine election candidates and 183 party members according to the MCB. They want the body to investigate the party
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/muslim-council-reveals-300-islamophobia-21640080