Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib claimed the withdrawal agreement the UK and EU had already signed would cause future issues for Britain. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Habib said there were many problems with the withdrawal agreement regarding Northern Ireland. Mr Habib argued these crucial issues would prevent Boris Johnson from fulfilling his Brexit promises on borders, money and sovereignty.

Mr Habib said: "We can't be certain of getting the best deal possible in these Brexit trade negotiations.

"In many respects, we have already failed the United Kingdom.

"When we signed the withdrawal agreement last year, we signed up to the Northern Irish protocol."

Mr Habib went into greater detail of why he felt the Tory Government and Mr Johnson had failed to do what is best for the UK.

DON'T MISS:Brexiteer reveals transition that will see post-Brexit UK DOMINATE

He continued: "The Northern Irish protocol is a binding international treaty.

"That aspect of the withdrawal agreement commits Northern Ireland, therefore any company that has offshoots from Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, to EU state laws.

"It commits Northern Ireland to EU tax laws as far as excise duties and VAT are concerned.

"It commits Northern Ireland to phytosanitary and sanitary measures, as determined by the European Union.

"And finally commits Northern Ireland to have a border down the Irish sea, between Great Britain and itself."

Mr Habib argued these measures meant Boris Johnson and the Government would not be sticking to the promises they were elected on.

The Brexit Party member said: "All these things make it impossible for the Prime Minister to deliver his manifesto pledges of taking back control of our cash, laws and borders."

He closed by admitting his concerns of any deal the UK and EU agree in the Brexit trade talks.

READ MORE:

Boris 'trump card' in EU talks exposed different to predecessor May [REVEALED]Freeports could turn Britain into world's 'money laundering capital' [INSIGHT]David Frost to take NEW Brexit approach to pile pressure on Barnier [ANALYSIS]

Mr Habib said: "Whatever deal comes out between David Frost and Michel Barnier, they so far have not even begun to tackle the Northern Irish protocol.

"There is an elephant in the room that neither party has yet tackled.

"That will become a bigger and more looming elephant as we reach December 2020."

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Brexit fury: Former Brexit Party MEP lashes out at Boris Johnson over 'impossible' promise - Daily Express

The British government and British intelligence failed to prepare or conduct any proper assessment of Kremlin attempts to interfere with the 2016 Brexit referendum, according toa long-delayed parliamentary report.

The damning conclusion is contained within the 50-page document from the UK parliaments intelligence and security committee, which said ministers had not seen or sought evidence of successful interference in UK democratic processes.

The committee, which scrutinises the work of Britains spy agencies, said: We have not been provided with any post-referendum assessment of Russian attempts at interference and contrasted the response with that of the US.

This situation is in stark contrast to the US handling of allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, where an intelligence community assessment was produced within two months of the vote, with an unclassified summary being made public.

Committee members said they could not definitively conclude whether the Kremlin had or had not successfully interfered in the Brexit vote because no effort had been made to find out.

Even if the conclusion of any such assessment were that there was minimal interference, this would nonetheless represent a helpful reassurance to the public that the UKs democratic processes had remained relatively safe, the report added.

The cross-party committee noted that publicly available studies have pointed to the preponderance of pro-Brexit or anti-EU stories on the Russia Today and Sputnik TV channels at the time of the vote and the use of bots and trolls on Twitter, as evidence of Russian attempt to influence the process.

Committee members complained that when they asked for written evidence from MI5 at the start of their inquiry, the domestic spy agency initially provided just six lines of text prompting criticism from the committee.

It accused MI5 of operating with extreme caution and said its attitude is illogical because the issue at hand was the protection of the process and mechanism from hostile state interference, which should fall to our intelligence and security agencies.

There was credible open source commentary that Russia undertook influence campaigns relating to the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, but despite this no effort was made to look at the Kremlin threat to British democracy until after the Brexit vote.

It was only after Russia hacked a Democratic Party emails in July 2016 that any assessment appears to have been made and the document suggests that some sort of exercise was conducted after the 2017 general election.

Had the relevant parts of the Intelligence Community conducted a similar threat assessment prior to the referendum, it is inconceivable that they would not have reached the same conclusion as to Russian intent, which might then have led them to take action to protect the process, the Russia report adds.

Stewart Hosie, a Scottish National Party MP who was one of only two members of the current committee who drew up the report was scathing about Boris Johnsons and Theresa Mays refusal to look at Kremlin interference in Brexit vote: No one wanted to test this issue with a ten-foot barge pole, he said, saying it was an outrage the report wasnt published before last Decembers election.

Downing Street took its eye off the ball over Russian threat, underestimated the response required, and was still trying to play catch up, he said.

No single organisation within government was prepared to take on the hot potato of defending the UKs democratic processes, the committee concluded. Britains spy agencies saw their job as providing secret intelligence as context for ministers.

Instead the job of maintaining the integrity of British democracy nominally fell to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, is largely confined to the broad [government] policy regarding the use of disinformation.

Faced with Russian attempts to try to disrupt and influence British elections, the committee concluded that It has been surprisingly difficult to establish who has responsibility for what.

The keenly anticipated document was completed last October, but was sat on by Boris Johnson before the general election and only declassified and cleared for release by the prime minister in December.

It could not be released until No 10 had nominated Conservative members to the committee, although its nominee for chair Chris Grayling was ambushed by opposition members who voted instead for Julian Lewis.

Downing Street is expected to publish its own response shortly. Guardian

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UK failed to assess if Russia interfered in Brexit referendum - The Irish Times

Russia considers the UK one of its top Western intelligence targets, according to a long-awaited report into Russian interference in UK politics published by Britains parliament on Tuesday, also criticizing the government for failing to investigate charges that Russia influenced the 2016 Brexit referendum.

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The report, compiled by parliaments powerful Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), questioned: whether Government took its eye off the ball on Russia, finds that they underestimated the response required to the Russian threat and are still playing catch up.

In a press release summarizing the report, the ISC said: Russian influence in the UK is the new normal. Successive Governments have welcomed the oligarchs and their money with open arms, providing them with a means of recycling illicit finance through the London laundromat, and connections at the highest levels with access to UK companies and political figures.

This, in turn, led to an industry of enablers, including lawyers, accountants, and estate agents who were wittingly or unwittingly de facto agents of the Russian state.

[The] UK is clearly a target for Russian disinformation. While the mechanics of our paper-based voting system are largely sound, we cannot be complacent about a hostile state taking deliberate action with the aim of influencing our democratic processes, the press release warned.

Yet the defence of those democratic processes has appeared something of a hot potato, with no one organisation considering itself to be in the lead, or apparently willing to conduct an assessment of such interference. This must change, it added.

The committee called on social media to take action and remove hostile state material, as well as calling for greater international cooperation, perhaps looking to its US allies: We need other countries to step up with the UK and attach a cost to Putins actions.

The report was blunt about the threat Russia poses to the UK.

The UK is one of Russias top Western intelligence targets: particularly given the UKs firm stance against recent Russian aggression and the UK-led international response to the 2018 Salisbury attack, it said, referring to the poison attack on SergeiSkripal, a former Russian double agent living in the UK, and his daughter.

Russias intelligence services are disproportionately large and powerful and, given the lack of rule of law, are able to act without constraint. The fusion between state, business, and serious and organised crime provides further weight and leverage: Russia is able to pose an all-encompassing security threat which is fuelled by paranoia about the West and a desire to be seen as a resurgent great power, it said.

Russia is a highly capable cyber actor, employing organised crime groups to supplement its cyber skills. Russia carries out malicious cyber activity in order to assert itself aggressively for example, attempting to interfere in other countries elections.

In the face of detailed accusations by Western spy agencies, Russia has denied interfering in other countries elections.

It has been clear for some time that Russia under Putin has moved from potential partner to established threat, fundamentally unwilling to adhere to international law, the report said.

The [London] murder of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 were stark indicators of this. We, therefore, question whether the Government took its eye off the ball because of its focus on counter-terrorism: it was the opinion of the Committee that until recently the Government had badly underestimated the response required to the Russian threat and is still playing catch up.

Russia poses a tough intelligence challenge and our intelligence agencies must have the tools they need to tackle it.

The report confirmed that there was credible evidence that Russia attempted to influence the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, and that this should have served as a wake-up call.

On the hot topic of Brexit, the report said: There have been widespread allegations that Russia sought to influence voters in the 2016 referendum on the UKs membership of the EU: studies have pointed to the preponderance of pro-Brexit or anti-EU stories on [Russian news outlets] RT and Sputnik, and the use of bots and trolls, as evidence.

The actual impact of such attempts on the result itself would be difficult if not impossible to prove.

The report went on to say that the Government was slow to recognise the existence of the threat.

It was only after Russias hacking of the Democratic National Party in the 2016 US presidential election that the UK understood the threat it faced, when it should have been seen as early as 2014.

As a result, the Government did not take action to protect the UKs process in 2016, the report said. In our view, there must be an analogous assessment of Russian interference in the EU referendum.

The report criticized the illogical intelligence services for their unwillingness to examine Russian interference in the Brexit referendum, in stark contrast with US intelligence and congressional investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

Stewart Hosie, a member of the committee, said the government did not know if Russia influenced the Brexit referendum because they did not want to know and actively avoided any effort to look into the issue.

There has been no assessment of Russian interference in the EU referendum and this goes back to nobody wanting to touch the issue with a 10-foot pole, he told a news conference.

There should have been an assessment of Russian interference in the EU referendum and there must now be one, and the public must be told the results of that assessment.

Tobias Ellwood, the chair of parliaments Defence Select Committee, told Sky News: Were actually now seeing the new modern battlefield in play. This is what happens subversion, disinformation, interference in elections.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been widely criticized for delaying publication of the report, despite it being ready for publication since before the last election.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy said: It is extraordinary that the prime minister, Boris Johnson, took the political decision last October ahead of the general election to block the publication of this important report that systematically goes through the threat Russia poses to the UKs national security.

The report is very clear that the government has underestimated the response required to Russia and it is imperative we learn the lessons from the mistakes that have been made.

By Karim El-Bar

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From Brexit To Scottish Referendum, Russia Aggressively Interfering In UK Domestic Politics - EurAsian Times

GBP/USD eases from the intraday high of 1.2685 to 1.2675, up 0.10% on a day, while heading into the London open on Tuesday. The pair seesaws in a choppy range following the run-up to multi-day high as key trade talks are set to begin from Tuesday. Even so, bulls remain hopeful as the US dollar refreshes 19-week low amid broad risk-on sentiment.

Global markets cheer the European policymakers agreement over 750 billion Euros of the aid package. The regional leaders manage to offer 350 billion Euros of loans and the rest as grants after five days of tough talks. On the other hand, the US Senators are also up for discussing another tranche of the stimulus. While the ruling Republican party is about to propose $1.0 trillion of an aid package, the opposition Democratic party prepares for over $3.00 trillion to term themselves as a better ruler.

Other than the hopes of further stimulus, coupled with the recently announced actual one, updates that the joint efforts of Oxford University and AstraZeneca are witnessing welcome results of a vaccine trial also favor the markets risk-tone sentiment. Furthermore, the BOEs Chief Economist Andy Haldanes comments that the UK economy hit the floor in April suggested further recoveries. Though, his outlook for negative rates guarded the gains afterward.

Amid all these plays, the US 10-year Treasury yields drop 1.1 basis points to 0.609% while S&P 500 Futures and stocks in Asia pacific cheer the European Union (EU) Summits welcome results.

Moving on, the sixth round of the EU-UK Brexit talks will resume today after the previous disappointments. While the bloc leaders allege Britain for tough demands, updates from the UK Express suggest that the EU fisherman is pushing the regional leader to have the same access to UK waters after Brexit as they have. The same could give rise to a tough start to the already lingering talks, which in turn may weigh on the Pound.

On the contrary, talks between the British and American diplomats in London are likely to go smoothly due to their leaders bonding. However, comments over China and 5G will offer intermediate moves to the markets. Talking about the calendar, the US Chicago Fed National Activity Index for June, prior 2.61, could also entertain the pair traders.

Not only June 16 top near 1.2690 but 200-day SMA close to 1.2705 will also challenge the Cable bulls ahead of opening gates for June month top surrounding 1.2815. Meanwhile, bears will fear of entering unless the quote drops below an ascending trend line from March 20, at 1.2433 now.

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GBP/USD battles five-week top below 1.2700, focus on Brexit, US-UK trade talks - FXStreet

Sen ODonoghue is the chief executive officer of the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation, the largest producers body of its type in Ireland.

ODonoghue previously worked at the Irish agriculture and fisheries ministries, as well as the national seafood agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhra (BIM). He served on the board of the European Association of Producer Organisations for a decade and is a noted expert in the workings of the European Unions Common Fisheries Policy.

ODonoghue talked to SeafoodSource about falling prices due to a COVID-related collapse in demand, the fishing impacts of Brexit, and explained his opinion as to why there shouldnt be a cut to fuel subsidies at the ongoing World Trade Organization talks on ending harmful subsidies in the global fisheries sector. He also discussed the dispute between fishermen and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) over the method of weighing stocks landed by Irish trawlers.

SeafoodSource: Did the weighing issue you had with the SFPA get sorted out, or are the legal proceedings going ahead?

ODonoghue: We are hoping to get a solution with the SFPA in terms of accurate weighing at the pier side. We are not against weighing on the pier. What we cant accept is weighing of water as fish. We have been working with them [SFPA] very closely in terms of putting in the same flowscale system that exists in the factories which is very accurate putting that on the pier. We are in a very advanced stage of doing that. And if the SFPA signs off on it, then we have solved it there wont be an issue between us.

In terms of the legal proceedings, I am not prepared to comment, but we want that solution as quickly as possible. They are only requesting us in terms of the legal monitoring requirements on them as a control authority of an E.U. member. That is 5 percent of landed and 7.5 percent of a species has to be weighed.

SeafoodSource: You said in May that prices your members were getting for their catch had dropped on average between 50 and 70 percent as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Has the situation improved?

ODonoghue: We were very impacted in April, May, and part of June. Now, prices are down 25 to 35 percent on where they were pre-COVID. This is very worrying. Its not just us; I am in close contact with our European colleagues, but because we are export-oriented, the impact is greater. In our markets like Spain and Italy and the U.K. and China, they were all in lockdown and European markets have not come back to where they were.

SeafoodSource: Have you been able to divert any of your products into other markets, like Asia?

ODonoghue: Our Asian market mainly relates to shellfish and some pelagics. Our mackerel and blue whiting seasons were almost complete when COVID hit. But we are very worried about what happens in the autumn. Our African market is very impacted by lower oil prices, which might be welcome for fishing [fuel] but not for demand in our key markets, like Nigeria.

SeafoodSource: Are you more optimistic or worried about a Brexit fisheries solution?

ODonoghue: We are at a difficult stage. We know now for definite there will be no extension [to the transition period], so its do or die come 31 December. We are concerned that if the whole trade negotiations collapse and theres no deal, [it will be] an unmitigated disaster for the Irish fishing industry and will also impact on the U.K. fishing industry even worse. There will be six meetings [between British and E.U. negotiators] in July and August, with the last one on 17 August. Its absolutely critical for us that the mandate which the E.U. gave [chief Brexit negotiator] Michel Barnier was that fisheries has to be linked to the wider trade negotiations. Barnier has made clear that if there is no fisheries agreement, there will be no trade agreement. Linking these is so important because in 11 of the 12 key areas for discussion, the E.U. has the upper hand. If you have the upper hand on 11 of the 12, then surely you can negotiate on fisheries. [But] assuming theres no give on the E.U. side, the key thing we want is the existing sharing arrangement is maintained. [Ireland] shares a huge number of stocks with the U.K. We cant have negotiations every year on access and quotas.

SeafoodSource: Similar to that kind of negotiations that takes place at the E.U. level every year?

ODonoghue: What we discuss every year is scientific advice but the share of the stocks was decided in 1983. Each nations percentage share doesnt change every year. The U.K. wants a Norway-style deal with the E.U., but we dont discuss every year a sharing arrangement with Norway. This was decided in 1996.

SeafoodSource: There is a new agriculture and fisheries minister in Ireland. How would you like to see him approach his job?

ODonoghue: We have given him our three priorities for discussion: Brexit, a post-COVID reboot for Irish fisheries, and the program for government. There is a whole marine section in the program for government and we want to go through that with him. We do support the program, as there are key things in there about Brexit and COVID, but the important thing will be to implement them.

SeafoodSource: Ireland and Spain were both the target of much criticism this year for allegedly pushing for quota levels beyond scientifically advised levels. Is this criticism fair?

ODonoghue: Neither fair nor accurate. There are totally ignoring that TAC [total allowable catch] and quota system of the E.U. In the E.U. part of the Northeast Atlantic [where Ireland fishes] 99 percent of stocks will be fished at sustainable levels in 2020. They say because we [Ireland] have 21 percent of the mackerel stock, we are 21 percent of the problem. Because Iceland and Russia are fishing beyond sustainable yields, we are presented as being 21 percent of the problem.

SeafoodSource: So there is no sustainability problem in E.U. waters?

ODonoghue: We are not talking about the Mediteranean or the Black Sea, they are a different kettle of fish. But 99 percent of stocks in the Northeast Atlantic are sustainable.

SeafoodSource: Do you think there are overcapacity issues in the European fleet?

ODonoghue: There is a definitional problem. At the moment, the capacity figures related to gross tonnage and power. But its not about capacity or power rather, its about if you have sufficient access to quota to be viable. We need to look at each fleet and the size and the target of that fleet. Do they have access to sufficient quota to be viable? If not, then we have to start introducing decommissioning.

SeafoodSource: How do you view the ongoing talks at the WTO on ending what's termed as harmful subsidies to fisheries?

ODonoghue: I am totally opposed to subsidies that increase capacity, provided were defining capacity properly. But as for fuel, we dont support the removal of the fuel subsidy, as this would make our fleets unviable. If you remove the fuel subsidy and increased carbon tax to EUR 100 [USD 114] per ton [as proposed by Irish government], then overnight, you go to a situation where fuel is six times what you pay now. European fleets cant survive in that scenario and wed become even more dependent on imports.

SeafoodSource:How do you end overfishing?

ODonoghue: You focus on IUU [illegal, unreported, and unregulated] fishing. Most of the international waters have bodies controlling them. The E.U. has been at the forefront on IUU, [and] the industry has really been behind the E.U. on this, because it affects our markets big-time.

SeafoodSource: Many of those international bodies under-resourced and ineffective in policing IUU fishing. What do you do about that?

ODonoghue: Yes. But thats where the E.U. has to come in and has been coming in to strengthen those bodies. [By] bringing [them] in under the law of the sea.

Photo courtesy ofSen ODonoghue

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Sen O'Donoghue: Brexit and COVID threatening future of commercial fishing in Ireland - SeafoodSource

BORIS Johnson is set to reward Brexit supporters including Sir Ian Botham with life peerages, it has been reported.

It comes as British and EU negotiators have agreed 80 per cent of a Brexit deal.

A report from MakeUK and BDO revealed regions that had previously been Labour constituencies were now at most risk from a no-deal Brexit.

Areas such as Wales, north-east of England, and Yorkshire and Humber face losing out as nearly two-thirds of their exports go to the EU.

Experts warn that along with the coronavirus pandemic, it could be 'fatal' for some companies.

This latest report comes days after a furious exchanges in the House of Commons regarding the future of Brexit - with the Scottish National Party accused by the government of "stirring up division" as they debated an extension to the transition period beyond 2020.

Scottish Government analysis has found ending the transition period in 2020 could remove 3 billion from the Scottish economy in two years on top of the impact of coronavirus.

Meanwhile Home Secretary Priti Patel announced on Thursday the criteria for the points-based immigration system.

She revealed that foreign nationals coming to the UK for work purposes must have 70 points to successfully apply.

Follow our live blog below for all the latest news and updates.

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Brexit latest: Ex-cricketer Ian Botham to be made peer as 80 per cent of deal agreed LIVE updates - The Sun

PUBLISHED: 08:23 21 July 2020 | UPDATED: 09:25 21 July 2020

Results of a vote is announced in the House of Commons. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/House of Commons.

HOC/JESSICA TAYLOR

An amendment to the governments Trade Bill intended to protect the NHS and publicly funded health and care services from any form of control from outside the UK has been defeated.

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The government insisted UK law offers such protections and any changes would have to come before parliament.

But for Labour, shadow international trade minister Bill Esterson said the lack of scrutiny threatens to leave the health service wide open to pharmaceutical giants.

MPs voted by 340 votes to 251 against supporting the amendment.

We Own It campaigns officer Ellen Lees said: Its frankly sickening that at a time when were more reliant on our NHS than ever before, the government has steaollered through parliament a Trade Bill that offers absolutely no protection for our treasured NHS. Were now at risk of higher drug prices, private companies being able to sue the government if it tries to limit their ability to profit from our healthcare, and Donald Trump getting his hands on our NHS.

Worse still, parliament wont even get to have a say in any future trade deals - meaning our NHS could be offered up on a silver platter to the highest bidder, and we wouldnt know a thing about it before a trade deal is signed and sealed.

This government promised to take back control but theyre doing the opposite. They promised to keep the NHS off the table. Theyre doing the opposite. Now its time for the House of Lords to step up to the plate and fight back against this totally undemocratic power grab from the government.

These MPs voted against the proposal:

Ada, Nigel

Afriyie, Adam

Ahmad Khan, Ian

Aiken, Nickie

Aldous, Peter

Allan, Lucy

Amess, Sir David

Anderson, Lee

Anderson, Stuart

Ansell, Caroline

Argar, Edward

Atherton, Sarah

Atkins, Victoria

Bacon, Gareth

Bacon, Richard

Badenoch, Kemi

Bailey, Shaun

Baillie, Siobhan

Baker, Duncan

Baker, Steve

Baldwin, Harriett

Baron, John

Baynes, Simon

Bell, Aaron

Benton, Scott

Beresford, Sir Paul

Berry, Jake

Bhatti, Saqib

Blackman, Bob

Blunt, Crispin

Bone, Peter

Bowie, Andrew

Bradley, Ben

Bradley, Karen

Braverman, Suella

Brereton, Jack

Bridgen, Andrew

Brine, Steve

Bristow, Paul

Britcliffe, Sara

Brokenshire, James

Browne, Anthony

Bruce, Fiona

Buchan, Felicity

Buckland, Robert

Burghart, Alex

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Burns, Conor

Butler, Rob

Cairns, Alun

Carter, Andy

Cartlidge, James

Cash, Sir William

Cates, Miriam

Caulfield, Maria

Chalk, Alex

Chishti, Rehman

Churchill, Jo

Clark, Greg

Clarke, Simon

Clarke, Theo

Clarke-Smith, Brendan

Clarkson, Chris

Cleverly, James

Clifton-Brown, Sir Geoffrey

Coffey, Dr Thrse

Colburn, Elliot

Collins, Damian

Costa, Alberto

Courts, Robert

Coutinho, Claire

Cox, Geoffrey

Crabb, Stephen

Crosbie, Virginia

Crouch, Tracey

Daly, James

Davies, David T. C.

Davies, Gareth

Davies, Dr James

Davies, Mi

Davis, David

Davison, Dehenna

Dinenage, Caroline

Dines, Miss Sarah

Djanogly, Jonathan

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These MPs just voted against protecting the NHS from a post-Brexit trade deal - The New European

Russia not only meddled in the Brexit vote, but also in the Scottish Independence referendum

A report on Russian interference into British politics was finally published Tuesday, more than a year after allegations surfaced that Moscow sought to meddle in Britains 2019 general election and following similar claims about its2016 Brexit vote to leave the European Union and a 2014 failed referendum on Scottish independence.

The report published today stated that: the Kremlinhas used espionage and diverse forms of subversion, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and state-sponsored assassinations to undermine British democratic processes and divide alliances such as NATO and the EU.

Russia has been adamant and repeatedly denied any such wrongdoing, and has said that the allegations are completely unfounded.

Although the report was initially given to Boris Johnson last October , he said it couldnt be released until it had been reviewed for national security issues.

The opposition Labour Party has accused Johnsons government of failing to publish the report because it would lead to further questions about links between Russia and the pro-Brexit campaign in the 2016 referendum on European Union membership, he said: Whats in the report that Johnson does not want us to see?

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Russia did meddle in the Brexit, Scottish Independence and the 2019 General Election - Euro Weekly News

LONDON (Reuters) - Brexit will make markets less efficient but it wont be disastrous for Britains economy, an appointee to the Bank of Englands Financial Policy Committee (FPC) said on Monday.

FILE PHOTO: A small toy figure is seen in front of a Brexit logo in this illustration picture, March 30, 2019. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Britain left the European Union in January, with transition arrangements that afford continued full access to the bloc ending in December.

Jonathan Hall told the Treasury Select Committee that Brexit represented a longer term risk of increased fragmentation and complexity in financial services.

This would increase friction costs for the economy, the supervisory burden, Hall said in a questionnaire he completed for the lawmakers.

Faced with an economy slammed by the COVID-19 crisis, Hall, a former Goldman Sachs banker, is due to start a three-year term on the FPC, a body set up after regulators failed to spot the last financial crisis coming a decade ago.

Britains financial sector is quite different in size and complexity compared with its European peers, Hall told the online meeting.

Future direct EU access for financial firms in Britain will hinge on Britain remaining equivalent or aligned with rules in Europe, but Hall said Britain cant be a rule taker.

Its very important that the UK does remain the regulator for the financial market in the UK, he said.

Britains banks, some of whom needed rescuing by taxpayers in the last crisis, were in good shape when the COVID-19 shock hit markets in March, he said.

It was so far, so good and there is no evidence that tougher capital rules brought in after the last crisis were restricting the ability of banks to lend to help businesses recover from the impact of COVID, Hall said.

Britain is looking at ways for insurers, pension funds and others to invest in firms struggling to repay loans taken out during the pandemic.

You can imagine some kind of closed-end fund that has a very diversified pool of small and medium sized businesses. But does the public sector need to do anything to help that along given this needs to move faster? Hall said.

(This story replaces Hall quote in paragraph 3 on fragmentation after BOE clarified it referred to clearing houses with new paragraph 3 and 4 from a questionnaire to lawmakers)

Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Ken Ferris and Alison Williams

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Brexit will split financial markets, says Bank of England appointee - Reuters

8.4 million it was the biggest ever political donation in British history, and made by an insurance salesman made uneasy by immigration and who opposed Britains membership of the European Union. Arron Banks gave this enormous sum of money to the 2016 Brexit campaign.

If that money came direct from Bankss bank account, then it was perfectly legal. (Banks has not been found to have breached electoral law). Foreign donations to elections and referendum campaigns have to be declared and identified. One of the biggest failures of the 1997 Labour government was not to adopt clear laws limiting political donations. Britain failed to ban donations by rich individuals or rich trade unions who want to buy influence.

Instead money continues to flow into political parties from the super rich, in exchange for access, peerages, and contracts.

Bankss close associations with the Russian government are not disputed. His own published accounts of his involvement in the Brexit campaign recorded meetings with the Russian ambassador Alexander Yakovenko, a close Putin associate. A Russian spy, Alexander Udod, was tasked with getting close to Nigel Farage, Ukip and Aaron Banks. Udod was expelled from the UK in 2018 following the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.

The Skripal killer squad came from the GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency, headed up to 2016 by Igor Sergun. He was a strong advocate of Brexit, not from any reasons of taking back control or other anti-EU arguments advanced over many years by British politicians and journalists of right and left but simply because Putin intenselydisliked the role of the EU as a supra-national body which imposed sanctions on Russia after Putins invasion and annexation of Crimea.

Putin also disliked the EU Commissions competition directorate using EU law to stop Gazproms monopolistic practices in EU energy supply chains. Putins foreign policy is easily summed up. Russia up. America down. Europe out.

Putin had funded other anti-EU politicians like Marine le Pen in France, the Alternative fr Deutschland in Germany and the anti-EU Lega party of Matteo Salvini in Italy. In a sense this was no more than the continuation of a long-standing Russian practice since the 1920s of providing money for politicians and organisations which sympathised with Russian foreign policy objectives.

In evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport, Banks and his associate, Andy Wigmore, denied any Russian connection.

Banks had been in Moscow and at least three business deals were offered at the Russian embassy or by Russian agents to the pair. The Russian ambassador and the spy Udod were invited to parties hosted by Banks.

The Electoral Commission did refer Banks to the National Crime Agency but Theresa May did not order the intelligence agencies help provide evidence. She refused to accept that any question mark might be placed over the very narrow win for Brexit when 36 per cent of the total registered electorate voted to leave the EU. Jeremy Corbyn has been a life-long opponent of EU membership and had voted against every EU treaty in the House of Commons since 1983.

With the arrival of Boris Johnson and a 100 per cent Brexit cabinet, the political establishment began to instinctively retreat from the notion that Russia may have influenced Brexit. Labours new leader, Sir Keir Starmer, also wants to shut down Brexit, believing that to challenge it would alienate Labour Red Wall voters who voted out in 2016.

In a new bookGoing Dark, Julia Ebner, a researcher at Londons Institute for Strategic Dialogue, reports on Russias Internet Research Agency, a Putin trolling operation that reached one in three Americans between 2015 and 2017 when Putin tried to get Trump elected. The Internet Research Agency set up 3,841 fake twitter accounts to pump out Kremlin lines on Trump and also Brexit. The Russian state-controlled TV station, RT, and linked news agency, Sputnik, based in in Edinburgh, provided endless platforms for anti-EU commentators, economists and politicians.

Banks may have gone too far with the chutzpah of his latest demand that he be allowed to see and challenge the suppressed Russia report that the Intelligence and Security Committee of the House of Commons produced last year, and which is released today. Johnson delayed publication but after the farce of his failed efforts to impose Chris Grayling as ISC Chair, we will now get to read it. The ISC Chair is Julian Lewis, a pro-Brexit Tory MP who has spent his political life seeking to expose the baleful Russian interference in democratic politics.

In the end Banks will survive as it was his legal right to give money to a political campaign. The fate of Brexit will be settled not by uncovering the origins of that 8.4 million, but on whether in 12 or 24 months time Brexit has brought us freedom, as the Brexiters always claimed it would, or whether we are left out in the cold.

Original post:

The Russia Report who paid for Brexit? - TheArticle

The UK government failed to investigate potential Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum, according to a long-awaited report into the Kremlin's influence in British politics and society.

The report by the Intelligence & Security Committee (ISC) suggests that ministers "had not seen orsought evidence of successful interference" in Brexit.

He said the ISC found it "astonishing" that the UK government didn't seek to "protect the referendum" by looking into potential Russian interference.

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"This situation is in stark contrast to the US handling of allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, where an intelligence community assessment was produced within two months of the vote, with an unclassified summary being made public."

"Even if the conclusion of any such assessment were that there was minimal interference, this would nonetheless represent a helpful reassurance to the public that the UK's democratic processes had remained relatively safe," it says.

The UK government rejected this call in its response to the report.

The UK government was led by David Cameron in the run-up to the referendum before he was replaced as UK prime minister by Theresa May.

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The UK government 'actively avoided' investigating Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum - Business Insider India

Mr Foxis one of eight candidates vying to replace Brazilian Roberto Azevedo as director-general. If Mr Fox replaced Mr Azevedo, he will bethe first British boss of the WTO.

The UK has been a member of the WTO since it was founded in 1995, but has only sat as an independent member since leaving the EU back in January.

When asked whether he thought it was premateure to expect a UK nominee to lead the body, Mr Fox hit back claiming the UK have had experience working with European partner.

He said: "I say that's wrong.

"We have long experience working with European partners and outside on a range of global issues.

He added: When it comes to the appropriate checks on goods coming in to the country, then of course at Calais it will be the case that the French authorities will be seeking to check export declarations."

Britain will formally leave the European Union following the end of the year.

The UK is set to embark of a new trading relationship with the EU after leaving the single market and customs union.

READ MORE:Brexit chaos: European judges plunge trade talks into doubt

The latest round of Brexit trade talks between the UK negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier will conclude later today in Brussels.

Several outstanding issues remain including trade, fisheries and governance.

Follow Express.co.uk for live Brexit updates:

4.46am update:Sturgeon crisis: Scottish GDP plummets up to 90 percent amid crippling coronavirus

Scottish Government figures released today show that GDP for the end of May was down by almost a quarter compared to the period prior to lockdown.

Performance was 22.1 percent below the level for February although the economy grew by 1.5 percent in real terms.

In the hardest hit sector, accommodation and food services, output plunged by almost 90 percent over three months to May.

Alongside the 89.8 percent slump in the accommodation and food services, arts, culture and recreation saw a drop of 54.3 percent over the three months to May.

Output fell in nearly every industry in March and April, the statistics show, although the results for May were "more mixed".

In the construction sector, total output is estimated to have increased by 8.2 percent in May, after a drop of 40.1 percent in April.

2.35am update:UK and EU deal on 'collision course for failure' - could go down to wire

The UK andtheEuropean Unionare continuing talks in a desperate attempt to strike a post-Brexittrade deal before the end of the transition period on December 31.

The UK officially left the bloc on January 31, with trade talks beginning in Brussels two months later, led byBoris Johnson's chief negotiator David Frost and Brussels counterpartMichel Barnier.

Face-to-face talks were put on hold due to the coronavirus crisis sweeping through the continent, but resumed last month in Brussels, followed by further meetings in London at 10 Downing Street last week.

1.11am update:Brexit breakthrough: Frost hopes to overcome 'significant differences' in London showdown

David Frost is understood to be eyeing his first breakthrough in the future relationship negotiations after holding talks with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier in Brussels.

The pair agreed to put added emphasis on Britains future security pact with the EU as a potential landing zone for an agreement emerged.

The two sides will hold four separate sessions on law enforcement and judicial cooperation as the Capital hosts its first ever round of negotiations with Brussels.

6pm update: Alok Sharma says seamless trade is vital for the economy

As Brexit negotiations continue, concerns over border control in Northern Ireland continues to dominate headlines and discussions.

NowSecretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, has promised plans will make sure trade continues to flow between all four nations of the UK.

Tweeting an article to his latest column in the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Sharma said: "Seamless trade is vital for our economy, boosting business, supporting jobs, and ensuring consumers get the best deal.

"Our Internal Market plans will make sure its business as usual, with trade continuing to flow between all four nations of the UK."

4.30pm update: LiamFox sets out masterplan to UK to lead world on trade as he bids for WTO job

The Brexiteer argued not every country "sees every issuye through the Brexit prism" as he eyes becomingthe first British boss of the World Trade Organisation.

Asked whether ongoing trade talks between the UK and EU would prove an advantage or obstacle to his bid, he replied: "Very fortunately, not everyone in the world sees every issue through the Brexit prism."

"If I were to be elected the director-general... Britain would be one of 164 countries that would be looked after without fear or favour.

"In which case, the discussion between the United Kingdom and the European Union on Brexit would be a matter for those two parties."

3.10pm update: Nick Clegg's 2016 comments suggest Michel Barnier is keen for Britain to fail

Brexitnegotiations have stalled in recent months over two key issues fisheries and regulatory alignment.

Mr Johnson wants to fulfil a Leave campaign promise that the UK will take back control of its waters post-Brexit.

MrBarnierhas warned Mr Johnson he cannot secure access to European markets without allowing EU vessels into UK waters.

One reason Mr Barnier may be holding firm in talks is his apparent eagerness to get the upper hand on the UK as Nick Clegg's comments in 2016 suggest.

The former Liberal Democrat leader said of him: He is no friend of the City of London."

3pm update: Steven Brown takes over from Luke Hawker

1.30pm update: Officials from Japan set to hold Brexit trade talks in London next month

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit the UK next month to discuss a post-Brexit trade deal, according to the Jiji news agency.

1.00pm update: Dutch PM unconvinced EU deal will be reached

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has does not think an agreement will be reached among the EU27 for a coronavirus recovery fund.

In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS in Brussels, he said: I'm not optimistic, but you never know.

12.15am update: Brexit negotiator Frost could be set for influential foreign policy role

Brexit negotiator David Frost could change the traditional role of a National Security Advisor and become the "Dominic Cummings" of Britain's foreign policy, according to Tory MP Tobias Ellwood.

Mr Ellwood, who serves as Chair of the Commons Defence Select Committee, said: I fear though, with Dominic Cummings, he is a domestic revolutionist and he has less interest in what goes on beyond Dover.

We need another version of him because obviously the Prime Minister relies on him incredibly, we need somebody like him maybe David Frost the new National Security Advisor to bring on the arc of interest which is the international interest.

Dominic Cummings is immensely powerful, that concerns some cabinet members significantly because he does change the focus in allowing one individual to yield so much influence.

But that is the choice of the Prime Minister, he can take that approach if he wants to, my concern though is less to do with the individual, but more to do with the perception that Britain is less interested in international affairs than we previously were.

READ MORE Boris Johnson's masterstroke: David Frost tipped to secure arc of interest in new role

11.15am update: Italy set to push for exit from the EU

Italy could be set to follow the UK and quit the European Union, as "Italy's Nigel Farage" vows to ramp up campaigning and force a vote, plunging the bloc into crisis.

Gianluigi Paragone, a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement has announced the launch of a single-issue party, much like the Brexit Party, to push for Italys departure from the EU.

READ MORE: Italexit closer than ever! Italy's 'Nigel Farage' warns Rome better off before EU project

10.30am update: Brexit battle: Sturgeon pledges to defy Boris Johnsons new law with OWN EU rules

Wesminster and Holyrood are set for an extraordinary Brexit battle after Nicola Sturgeons government threatened to defy a major post-Brexit law with their very own legislation.

The SNP has warned they are prepared to take the UK Government all the way to the Supreme Court over plans to give Westminster the power to set food and environmental standards after Brexit.

Michael Russell, SNP cabinet secretary for constitutional affairs, said Holyrood will plough ahead with proposals for its own rival law if Westminster are handed the power to force Scotland to accept new standards on food, environmental, animal welfare and state aid.

Mr Russell said: The Scottish Government now intends to publish a full rebuttal of these proposals and then debate that document in the Scottish Parliament and we will recommend that the Parliament refuses to give the legislative consent which it will need.

We will also now review our work on joint frameworks given the negative impact these proposals will have on them, and furthermore we will seek alignment with EU standards including via the Continuity Bill which we intend to have on the statute book by the end of the year.

We will actively oppose the UK Governments proposals at every opportunity, including at every legislative stage, and pursue every avenue to challenge the Bill should it pass no one should be in any doubt about our determination to defend the powers of the Scottish Parliament and the founding principles of devolution.

Tory MP Tom Tugendhat has hit out at SNP plans to block Boris Johnsons plan to create in internal market within the UK to allow goods to trade freely without barriers beyond Brexit.

Mr Tugendhat wrote on Twitter: Putting barriers to trade in the UK will cost us all.

Separating business from customers theyre already hurting the tourism sector, not content with damaging hotels and restaurants in pursuit of separation, theyre turning on others too.

This week Downing Street published a 106-page white paper setting out trade terms between the four nations after Brexit.

9.25am update: Czech PM hits out at plans to triple rebates in EU fund after the UK leaves bloc

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babishas hit out at the EUs plan to triple rebates in the proposed recovery fund plan.

The Czech Prime Minister said the funds were increased to 14.5bn euros following the UKs exit from the EU but they are now 45bn euros.

In Brussels, he said: "Before the pandemic, we were criticising these rebate.

"They were increased because of the UK and the UK has left.

"Originally these rebates were 14.5bn euros and now they are 45bn euros. Why are we increasing? They are not fair.

8.50am update: Brexit talks clash with EU summit in Brussels

Brexit talks in Brussels between UK negotiator David Frost and Michel Barnier have clashed with an EU summit as leaders also gather in the Belgian capital to discuss bloc's long-term budget and an economic recovery fund.

European Council President Charles Michel hasput forwarda compromise package worth more than 1.82 trillion.

He said: We have worked very hard in order to prepare this summit.

Even if it is difficult, I am convinced that with political courage it is possible to reach an agreement.

Originally posted here:

Brexit LIVE: WTO takeover shock as Brexiteer outlines top job plans - Daily Express

The European Commission is in the process of reviewing and where necessary updating the over 100 sector-specific stakeholder preparedness notices it published during the Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom (here). These include its notices relating to banking and payment services, markets in financial instruments, post-trade financial services, credit rating agencies and asset management (the "Notices"). The share and derivatives trading obligations are considered in the notices on markets in financial instruments (the MIFID Notice).

The Share and Derivatives Trading Obligations

The Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation 600/2014 (MiFIR) sets out requirement relating to the trading of certain shares and derivatives. Specifically, Article 23 of MiFIR requires investment firms to ensure that the trades they undertake in shares admitted to trading on a regulated market, or traded on a trading venue, take place on a regulated market, multilateral trade facility ("MTF"), systematic internaliser, or an equivalent third-country trading venue.

According to a statement published by ESMA on 29 May 2019, in its view, all EU27 shares, i.e. ISINs starting with a country code corresponding to an EU27 Member State and, in addition, shares with an ISIN from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are within the scope of the share trading obligation under EU MiFIR and must therefore be traded on an EU venue.

Article 28 of MiFIR requires in-scope entities to trade a limited range of liquid derivatives on a regulated market, MTF, organized trading facility, or an equivalent third country trading venue. ESMA maintains a public register (here) setting out:

The MiFID Notice

After the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom will be a third country as regards the implementation and application of EU law in the EU Member States. This means that in order to continue to use UK trading venues when trading shares and derivatives in scope of the trading obligations, those venues will need to be recognized as equivalent third country trading venues by the European Commission.

According to the MiFID Notice, while the assessment of the UKs equivalence for the purpose of the share and derivatives trading obligations is ongoing, the assessment has not been finalised. All stakeholders must therefore be informed and ready for a scenario where shares and derivatives subject to the EU trading obligations can no longer be traded in the UK trading venues. In both cases, EU counterparts need to reassess their trading arrangements to ensure continued compliance with their obligations under the MiFID framework.

While COVID-19 has dominated the news over the last months, the updated Notices are a timely reminder that Brexit is fast approaching. Unfortunately, it is still unclear what final form Brexit is likely to take and, as is clear from the Notices, financial service providers need to ensure that they prepare for the worst case scenario of a no-deal Brexit, despite the strenuous efforts being undertaken to avoid this eventuality.

While this briefing has focused on the share and derivatives trading obligations, the outcome of the EUs on-going equivalence assessments will impact a much broader range of issues. In the context of EMIR, one particular point to note is that in the absence of an equivalence decision, derivatives traded on a UK regulated market will become over-the counter (OTC) derivatives for the purposes of EMIR and subject to all EMIR requirements applicable to OTC derivatives. Further information on this issue is available in the Commissions notice on post trade financial services, referred to above.

This briefing is for general guidance only and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice. Such advice should always be taken before acting on any of the matters discussed.

Read more from the original source:

Brexit and the Share and Derivatives Trading Obligations - Still at Square One! - Lexology

Post-Brexit trade with India to focus on 5 sectors - india news - Hindustan Times "; forYoudata += ""; forYoudata += ""; forYoudata += ""; count++; if (i === 7) { return false; } }); forYouApiResponse=forYoudata; $(forutxt).html('Recommended for you'); $(foruContent).html(forYoudata); } } }); } else if(forYouApiResponse!=''){ $(forutxt).html('Recommended for you'); $(foruContent).html(forYouApiResponse); } } function getUserData(){ $.ajax({ url:"https://www.hindustantimes.com/newsletter/get-active-subscription?usertoken="+user_token, type:"GET", dataType:"json", success: function(res){ if(res.length>0) { $("[id^=loggedin]").each(function(){ $(this).hide(); }); } } }); } function postUserData(payLoad, elm){ var msgelm=$(elm).parents(".subscribe-update").nextAll("#thankumsg"); $.ajax({ url:"https://www.hindustantimes.com/newsletter/subscribe", type:"POST", data:payLoad, contentType: "application/json", dataType: "json", success: function(res){ if(res.success===true){ $(msgelm).show(); $("[id^=loggedin]").each(function(){ $(this).css("display","none"); 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Post-Brexit trade with India to focus on 5 sectors - Hindustan Times

Brexit. Since the onset of the coronavirus crisis, it has been largely absent from our headlines and public discourse.

It might have been so different. The year began in a blaze of red, white and blue, with leavers in triumphal mood looking forward to the sunny uplands of a future outside the dastardly European Union.

When the news emerged that the UKs chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost, had enjoyed a "delicious patriotic breakfast of sausages, baked beans, bacon and eggs" ahead of the latest round of negotiations, drawing hoots of derision from remain-y Twitter, it seemed like this particular interminable culture war would continue as normal.

But then Covid-19 swept across the UK and we all found new culture wars to pursue and dealt with lockdown loneliness, working from home and, sadly in many cases, loss.

Now, as the country dusts itself down after thousands of deaths and the start of the worst recession in 300 years, Brexit has reared its head again in the form of a new government ad campaign, "Check, change, go". The upbeat spot urges consumers and businesses to embrace the post-Brexit world with gusto.

However, after playing such a prominent role in the Tories December election win in the slogan "Get Brexit done", the B-word finds itself expunged from the corridors of Whitehall and this ad because, to quote Boris Johnson from February, "its happened" and is "behind us in history".

On the same day, Johnson gave a major speech in which, in typical Johnsonian style, he mused that "humanity needs some government somewhere that is willing at least to make the case powerfully for freedom of exchange, some country ready to take off its Clark Kent spectacles and leap into the phone booth and emerge with its cloak flowing as the supercharged champion of the right of the populations of the Earth to buy and sell freely among each other I can tell you in all humility that the UK is ready for that role".

Some will be roused by that tub-thumping rhetoric, while others will cringe horribly. Either way, this is clearly the philosophy underpinning the ads strategy.

So is this the right approach to get the public and business pumped up about our new relationship with the EU and the opportunities that lie ahead? Or in a post-Covid world, does it, as TBWALondon chief executive Sara Tate argues, evoke "a school trip we never signed up for, whilst the teachers deny its raining"?

I get it. Brexit has happened. There is no going back. Time has come to stop arguing about it and work out what on Earth we do now. However, there is something about the tone of the governments message that jars with me, as someone heading up an SME.

It sweeps under the carpet the fact that businesses are being asked to shoulder the burdensome task of getting Brexit ready, on top of the post-Covid economic uncertainties. It is all a bit jolly hockey sticks: "Come on, seize the day, lets get started, the early bird gets the worm, no whinging at the back." Like we are being cajoled along by Boris nanny, on a school trip we never signed up for, whilst the teachers deny its raining. I think most businesspeople would rather be spoken to and treated like adults and that means acknowledging the full reality of the current situation.

Why spend money on advertising for life after 31 December?

Because many things we take for granted will be different. This is true for citizens as well as for business. The rules will be different. So 'Check, change, go' is a highly relevant message. Do I like the electronic jingles in the ad? No, but others will.

Readers, I hope, believe that advertising works; certainly the "stay at home" message has been devastatingly powerful. So a clear brief to get us all prepared through an ad campaign is the right strategy; ministers lecturing us on the news is less persuasive.

Unlike the "Get ready for Brexit" campaign, whose target audience was the EU, this campaign is aimed at UK business. Its message, "Check, change, go", reminds me of the one at train stations instructing me to "See it, say it, sorted". I always think: "Isnt that your job?"

The creative is perfectly nice and depicts our human industry. But theres no nod to the Covid context. So, to "Lets get going", I ask: "How?" We cant get going masks are compulsory in retail, travel is tricky, many schools are closed and contact tracing is suboptimal. Its the UK government, not UK businesses, that need to get going.

With monumental insensitivity to what we have been through, the government has decided that we need a "new start". With 44,000 of us dead, our economy in tatters and many of our businesses, charities and national institutions facing questions of survival, this is a triumph of wishful thinking over decency.As if one shake of the Etch A Sketch and that pesky pandemic will be forgotten, leaving us free to contemplate the sunny uplands of Brexit Britain.

If we must have another "Get ready for Brexit" campaign, a little empathy would go a long way, and watch the random checklist of words after "stay alert", we arent listening any more.

The commercial encourages us to "check the guidance, make the changes and get going". We see industrious people doing industrious things before the commercial crescendos and instructs us to "lets get going". The problem is I dont know what Im meant to feel or do (or where I am going).

The government clearly have a flavour for simple, instructive messaging like "Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives". In general, I have a lot of time for this approach, but in this instance its a dud. Im afraid it feels like someones bastardised a few Billy Ocean lyrics.

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Has the govt got the right strategy for its post-Brexit 'Check, change, go' campaign? - CampaignLive

As Messrs Legge and True have demonstrated, Brexit is still very much a hot potato.

While many passionately believe in their stance there are those on either side who stand to gain personally from their stand.

If Leave had only got 49.5 per cent they would not have gone away but it is difficult see they would have disputed the result as a few Remainers do.

Four years of bickering have left the country not knowing which way to turn. Let us face it neither EU nor Brexit is going to be the answer.

Whatever happens we will have to handle the folly, selfishness and greed of people. As Peter says, the EU does seem to be a protectionist league supporting ever closer union, but stopping that is not the answer. As Qoheleth wrote millennia back, it is all vanity of vanities (in Ecclesiastes). I think the archaic English emphasises the starkness of the statement. The writer goes on to give his conclusion,that only two things matter serving God and ones fellow humanity.

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'Neither the EU nor Brexit is the answer' - Northampton Chronicle and Echo

IT IS becoming difficult for the public to discern what is really happening to Brexit.TCWhas pointed to the extraordinary new establishment attacks on a clean Brexit in the form of rich Tory farming protectionismthe covert subversion of the MoD towards integration into PESCO and away from the USA.Perhaps it would be worthwhile to look at the characteristics of remainerdom which still has the power to change Brexit into Brino and so give Theresa May her victory after all.

We could listen to an outsiders voice on the British establishment, that of Mareike Ohlberg whose bookHidden Hand: Exposing how the Chinese Communist Party is reshaping the world,co-authored with Clive Hamiliton, examines the covert tactics of the CCP in infiltrating the UK elite. You can watchthe authors discuss this with theAustralian Institute of International Affairshere.

In a serialisation of the book in theDaily Maillast week, Ohlberg points out that attempts to groom leading figures in business and politics are at an advanced stage in the UK, way beyond the sort of success the Chinese are having in other western states. She writes:To me, the UK has always stood out for the very advanced stage of elite capture compared with other European countries. She warns that numerous high-profile individuals linked to Chinas united front underground diplomacy network are embedded in the UK where they seek to influence politicians, and thatChinese companies such as Huawei have been able to succeed in Britain by establishing local stakeholders on the ground who are invested in your success.

Well, listen up, George Osborne, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, all your permanent secretaries in Whitehall and all those mentioned by Bruce Newsome in his devasting expose forTCWof Huaweis influence at the highest levels of the establishment you have failed this country very badly indeed.

Only now, in the light of strangely disliked USAs expose of Chinese state strategy, are our Parliamentarians properly putting the brakes on to this Huawei insinuation of the CCP intothe UKs spinal column and nerve centres. Even now our bone-headed governmental machine is saying that Huawei will not be eradicated till 2027.

Sir Mark Sedwill told the PM that it was too late, that there was no alternative, till President Trump banged his shoe on the table.

What can we learn from this utter fiasco and massive cost to the nation about our governmental class? The sameDaily Mailarticle reports Matthew Henderson, a former British diplomat in China, saying:China had locked on to the way the British establishment works . . . China is basically replicating that. It has found vanities, it has found greed, it has found a sense of cosiness, people who like wearing funny robes and hats and free trips to China.

Vanities, greed and lots of free trips: is this also part of the reason for the passive aggressive resistance to Brexit? That our governing class, elected and administrative, simply dont like change and are wedded to the cosiness (and gravy train) of the EU system? Democracy was a terrible nuisance, just when they thought they had suffocated it.

The same phenomenon appears with our energy supply policy. China and France are being given vast contracts for huge nuclear reactors though we have the technology and wherewithal to build our own small reactors instead. Has our elephantine government machine already poured billions into the hands of big corporations and ensured that it is too late?As with HS2, the interests of big corporations come before those of the taxpayer and consumer.

This same cosy protectionist vanity and greed might be discerned in the brand new Commission for Trade and Agriculture, adeus ex machinadropping on to the stage, full of Tory remainers and representatives of farming interests.If we look at the official announcement of this protectionist and anti-scientific lobby group, labelled a Commission, lo and behold our old friend the American chlorine-washed chicken gets a special mention:Chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef are illegal in the UK. Any changes would need to be approved by Parliament. The release goes on to say that this Government will not compromise the UKs high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards.

It is wearisome yet again to point to the overwhelming counter-evidence on the Yankee Chicken. No mention of course of its Islamic sister, Halal Chicken, happily approved by our lobbyists although slaughtered unstunned against normal animal welfare regulation. Danish pork production also fails UK regulation on animal welfare, as Catherine McBride has pointed out, but hey, who cares if the EU approves it?

Who are the guardians of our consumer choices appointed to this Commission? The members representing well-established interests are listed here.

Peter Foster reports for theFTthat as regards lorry drivers getting over to Calais the UK is not ready. Michael Gove admitted the same in the Commons, but so opaquely that it appears otherwise.

Given that last October drivers were under constant instructionto have their post-Brexit papers in order, it is odd that these plans should still need dusting off. Referring to them on Sky TV in March, former Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: Ironically, I think a lot of the work we did last year preparing for the supposed no-deal Brexit on October 31 has stood the Government in incredibly good stead, looking at packages of support and how you might be able to help companies keep going should something dramatic happen.

In one amazing coup however the Conservative MP Dr Julian Lewis has managed to defeat the Governments safe choice, Chris Grayling MP, to become chairman of the Security Select Committee.Hopefully hewill open up to public gaze the MoDs planned defence collaboration with the EU post Brexit.

Once again the public is being taken up hill and down dale in the countrys tortuous journey towards Brexit. Above all we do not see a PM charged with the vision and determination to implement it. We see an inattentive, some say lazy, and diffident leader, far too easily led and nudged by his advisers of the cosy and vain kind perhaps; all, including Dominic Cummings, content with recent Brino-ist protectionist developments.

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TCW's Brexit Watch: A weak PM led by his 'advisers' - The Conservative Woman

The Prime Minister is set to announce 30 new peers later this month to mark his first year in Downing Street. The list is said to include arch-Remainers Philip Hammond, Ken Clarke and Ed Vaizey in a bid to heal divisions in the Conservative Party.

Former chancellors Mr Hammond and Mr Clarke and ex-culture minister Mr Vaizey had the Tory whip withdrawn after attempting to block Mr Johnsons efforts to reach a Brexit agreement with the EU.

The list also includes a string of Brexit supporters including former England cricketer Sir Ian Botham, according to The Times.

And it was reported that there will be peerages for exLabour MPs Frank Field and Gisela Stuart who both supported Brexit in the 2016 referendum.

Former Labour MPs Ian Austin and John Woodcock, who backed Remain but supported Mr Johnson's Brexit deal and urged Labour voters not to support Jeremy Corbyn, are also said to be on the list.

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE BREXIT UPDATES:

Sunday, July 19

00:15am update: Liam Fox says Brexit won't derail his WTO bid

Liam Fox, the former Secretary of State for International Trade, has insisted Brexit won't stop his campaign to become the first British head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Mr Fox, a Brexit backing Scottish Tory MP, is one of eight candidates bidding to replace Brazilian Roberto Azevedo as WTO chief.

He claimed not every country "sees every issue through the Brexit prism".

Britain has been a WTO member since its founder but has only sat independently since it left the EU earlier this year.

James Bickerton takes over live reporting from Laura O'Callaghan

Saturday, July 18

10.48pm update:Nicola Sturgeon savaged for sacrificing Brexit benefits in plot for independent Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon may be willing to trade Scottish Brexit benefits in exchange for her dream of independence, a former MEP has claimed.

Brexiteer and former BrexitParty MEP, Ben Habib, attackedMs Sturgeonfor her appraoch to the Scottish independence cause.

During an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Habib claimed Nicola Sturgeon would have to meet three crucial requirements before the EU would consider Scotland's membership.

He argued that the First Minister would be willing to sacrifice access to Scottish fishing waters and willing to pay massive sums into the EU.

Mr Habib said: "There are three instant requirements the EU would have if they were to entertain any application from Scotland.

"The first would be that they would require Scotland to be a net contributor to the EU.

"I think the Scots might find that unpalatable."

9.51pm update: Brexit farce: How David Beckham claimed 'Man Utd won more trophies because of EU'

David Beckham risked the wrath of Leave voters during the Brexit debate as he suggested Manchester United were more successful because Britain was in the EU, unearthed reports reveal.

The former England captain risked a backlash as he suggested Britains EU membership contributed to his sporting success.

For the full story click here.

8.40pm update:EU nations deadlocked at tense coronavirus recovery summit

A stand-off between EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on Saturday threatened to derail plans for a massive stimulus fund to breathe life into their coronavirus-hammered economies.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte issued a warning in a video on Facebook as the 27EuropeanUnionleaders neared the end of a second day of talks.

He said: "We are in an impasse now.

"It is more complex than what was expected.

"There are many issues that remain unresolved.''

With the pandemic dealing Europe its worst economic shock since World War II, leaders gathered on Friday to haggle over a proposed 750 billion recovery fund and a 2021-27 EU budget of more than 1 trillion.

7.27pm update: Brexiteers hailed as 'well-deserving' peerage recipients

Pro-Brexit think-thank the Bruges Group has congratulated Brexiteers Gisela Stuart and Frank Field on their peerages.

The Bruges Group tweeted: "Gisela Stuart and Frank Field are two well-deserving recipients of peerages.

"In particular, Giselas dedication to Brexit and democracy has been absolute - even when it took her from the Labour backbenches to campaigning in last years GE for Boris.

"Congratulations both."

6.50pm update: EU superstate: All members should unite and form one economic nation says expert

EU states should go further than the single market and merge together to create a Single Economic Territory, an expert has said.

Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive of the European Policy Centre said that COVID-19 triggered unprecedented government interventions across the EU.

Mr Zuleeg stressed that because of this, it was making the Single Market vulnerable.

For the full story click here.

5.38pm update: 'Enough's enough!' - Ian Botham on the EU

Sir Ian Botham looks set to be given a peerage in recognition of his support for Brexit - and archive reports reveal how the England cricket legend hit out at Remainers for failing to accept the result of the 2016 referendum.

Sir Ian publicly supported the Brexit campaign and appeared alongside Mr Johnson before the referendum four years ago.

Vowing to back Leave with a straight bat he claimed enoughs enough when probed about the EU.

He appeared at a County Durham event with Mr Johnson and said: "I have been lucky enough to grow up in a wonderful country, a country that has always been able to look after itself."

For the full story click here.

4.54pm update:Six in 10 firms have not made any no-deal preparations

British firms are now less prepared for a no-deal Brexit than they were this time last year, a new report has said.

The warning for ministers come from the Institute for Government thinktank.

It cites official data suggesting that 61 percent of businesses have made no preparations at all for December 31 - when the Brexit transition period comes to a close.

3.44pm update: US ambassador says EU criticism of Poland 'overblown'

The US ambassador to Poland said the European Union's criticism of Poland's adherence to democracy is "overblown", as Warsaw faces cuts to EU budget funds over its judiciary reforms.

Since coming to power in 2015, Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has faced criticism from the EU over its overhaul of its judiciary system, with Brussels accusing Poland of violating EU laws.

As its relationship with the EU has faltered, PiS has focused on building strong ties with the United States, especially since President Donald Trump came to power in 2016.

US ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher said: "If you're asking me...do I think that a lot of the attacks on Poland about democratic values is overblown, my answer is yes, I do."

The EU is struggling to respond to what many in western Europe see as creeping authoritarianism in the eastern wing of the bloc, especially Poland, Hungary and Romania.

3.18pm update: Cornwall calls for 700m in funding to soften blow of Brexit

Cornwall, which voted for Brexit, has called on the Conservative Government to pump 700 million into its local economy to fill the gap left by the European Union's funding post-Brexit.

Cornwall Council is petitioning the Government for the money which would cover the loss the popular tourist region is set to suffer over the next 10 years due to the impact of Brexit.

The council's chief executive Kate Kennally said: "The amountis the same as what Cornwall Council has been calling for in terms of the equivalent of what Cornwall would have received from the EU and as the level of funds to catch up with other parts of the country as part of the levelling up agenda.

"We are calling for it as a single pot to prevent us having to continually bid for separate pots.

"We want to have the funding in a single pot that will be managed by organisations here in Cornwall."

Laura O'Callaghan takes over the blog from Katie Harris.

2.50pm update: Norway rushes to sign post-Brexit trade deal with UK

Boris Johnson is on track for an early trade victory after Norway moved to sign an ambitious and free post-Brexit deal by the end of this year.

Norway, not part of the EU and reliant on Britain as its single largest trading partner, said it is keen to strike an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement by the end of the transition period on December 31.

Oslo is keen for Norwegian companies to have at least as much access to the UK market as EU companies.

Trade and Industry Minister Iselin Nyb said: We want to negotiate a comprehensive free trade agreement with the British, in which current trade is continued as much as possible.

This is about goods and services that cross our borders every year worth billions of krone.

Unfortunately, the agreement will not be able to replace the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, and business will have to prepare to face new trade barriers when the UK leaves the single market.

2.30pm update: Do you agree with Boris giving honours to Remainers to heal Tory divide? - Poll

Boris Johnson is set to give three Remainers peerages in a bid to heal divisions in the Conservative Party - but do you agree with the Prime Minister handing out honours to Tories who tried to block Brexit?

Express.co.uk is asking readers if you agree with the PM rewarding Tory Remainers with peerages to heal Tory divisions.

Former chancellors Philip Hammond, Ken Clarke and ex-culture minister Ed Vaizey are said to be in line for peerages despite their attempts to frustrate Brexit.

Click here to cast your vote in our poll.

1.40pm update: SNP MP furious Brexiteers to be honoured - but Bercow snubbed

SNP MP Pete Wishart flew off the handle over reports that Boris Johnson plans to award peerages to "Brexit loyalists" despite still not offering one to former Commons Speaker John Bercow.

Referring to former England cricketer Sir Ian Botham, Mr Wishart told Sky News: "This is just the most absurd and ridiculous political institution anywhere in the world.

"We're going to be having a whole raft of Brexiteers appointed by the Prime Minister to have a part in our legislature.

"These people can now make laws, make amendments and initiate legislation. What's his qualification? He's a cricketer who supported Brexit. It's absolutely absurd."

He continued: "Let's look at two candidates for the House of Lords: Ian Botham, Brexiteer and cricketer, and John Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons with something like 25 years political experience.

"I'd ask your listeners: who is more qualified to have a role in deciding the laws of this country? Who is more qualified?

"But it's not up to anybody to decide that, it's should be up to an electorate. It's actually up to the PM now.

"He will appoint his donors, his cronies, his friends. Those people that he owes favours to. It has to stop, enough is enough."

12.45pm update:Goodbye Project Fear: Carney's 5.5m home for sale as he returns to Canada

Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney - regarded by many Brexiteers as the embodiment of Project Fear - has quit Britain and returned to his native Canada after seven years - with the luxury north London home in which he and his family have been living on the market for an eye-watering 5.5million.

Mr Carney, who holds Canadian, British and Irish citizenship, had been renting the property for 3,500 a week.

Wife Diana had previously raised the subject of expensive London homes on Twitter - but the couple and their five daughters subsequently moved into a five-bedroom property in West Hampstead, before relocating to an eight-bedroom house in South Hampstead five years ago.

Mr Carney was lured from his job at the Bank of Canada in 2013 for an annual salary of 624,000, along with a housing allowance of 250,000 a year.

12pm update: Ex-MEP fumes over Hammond peerage reports

Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe has warned Boris Johnson has got this so wrong following reports former chancellor Philip Hammond is in line for a peerage.

He tweeted: Giving Philip Hammond a peerage is an utter disgrace.

See the original post:

Brexit LIVE: Boris to announce shock plan to REWARD Remainers including Philip Hammond - Daily Express

What is not appreciated even by ministers and MPs is firstly that 33billion is not an absolute number: it is an estimate by the Office for Budget Responsibility, of which the major portion is pension payments.

Secondly, there are future liabilities lurking in the small print of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) and, in the analogy, these relate to the investment portfolio: if the EU's investments fail to pay out full value, the UK could be asked to share the loss.

Rewind to the report published by the Centre for Brexit Policy last weekend. Replacing the Withdrawal Agreement: How to ensure the UK takes back control on exiting the transition period includes a section on the UKs future financial liabilities under the WA.

This is a complex and little-known aspect of the WA, but it occupies nearly fifty pages. It comes down to this: during the UKs EU membership, different parts of the EU have made long-dated loans or financial commitments.

The WA saddles the UK with a responsibility to pay for a portion of any future losses on those loans/financial commitments, regardless of whether the UK benefited from them. Furthermore, the marker point for the UKs being responsible is not the end of the Brexit transition period, but the expiry of the loan/financial commitment itself, or of the facility or fund out of which the loan/financial commitment was made.

The only limitation is that the loan or financial commitment must have been granted while the UK was an EU member. However, this limitation is of little comfort: a loan agreed before 31st December 2020 but drawn later will be chalked up against the UKs liability.

The WA states that the UK should have to pay a portion of the amount at risk through the EU Budget, in line with its historical share of the cash budget, or about 12 per cent. But this 12 per cent figure must be regarded as elastic, as it could increase markedly (perhaps double) if, in the midst of a crisis, the likes of Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and Ireland were not able to pay their shares.

This total liability now amounts to 185 billion through the EU Budget and 37 billion in subscribed-but-not-called capital in the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Central Bank (ECB).Additionally, in a crisis, the UK probably would have its paid-in capital of 3.6 billion in the EIB and ECB written off.

But there is more. The amount at risk of 185 billion through the EU Budget could rise by 198 billion to 383 billion during 2021 thanks to the headroom in and carry-over provision for the 2014-2020 EU budget period. The hoped-for maximum amount at risk would then be 12 per cent of 383 billion plus 40.6 billion for the EIB/ECB totalling 86.6 billion, noting the elasticity of the 12%.

In addition, there are significant potential liabilities that are largely unquantifiable, such as

The UKs payments, should losses materialise, would simply be debited to the UKs budget - diverting money that would otherwise fund the NHS, schools, paying our own debt costs, etc - and be credited to the respective EU organisation to cover its losses.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) made a calculation of the Brexit Divorce Bill deriving from the WA of around 39billion.They issued a chart for when they believed the payments would materialise, and stated that most of the payments related to pension costs, thereby assigning a very low likelihood of payments being made to Brussels for these reasons described above. The OBRs apparent confidence does not seem to be based on any detailed study of the financings being made through InvestEU or the EIB, and crucially it pre-dated the coronavirus crisis.

The WA saddles the UK with a potential liability, at best of 86 billion and possibly a lot more. Should payments to Brussels be demanded, an equal-and-opposite reduction in public spending in the UK would result.

The risk of loss and the amounts at stake were already rising before coronavirus, and to the UKs detriment. The EUs coronavirus response has just twisted the screw. The result is manifestly unfair when the UK has drawn so little benefit from the EUs various loan and financing schemes.

Bob Lyddon is an experienced management consultant both privately and with PwC, with a specialization in banking and payments. He has published numerous papers about the financial mechanisms of the EU, through the Bruges Group, Politeia and Global Britain. He authored Global Britains series The Brexit Papers.

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Just 33bn? Here's why the Brexit divorce bill could cost tens of billions more than you thought - Telegraph.co.uk

After three months in what Dominic Cummingss wife Mary Wakefield mendaciously called London lockdown, I have just driven through five countries in two days. I had to go to southern Germany for a work-related thing, didnt much fancy plane or train, so decided to drive, and my partner Fiona suggested we tag on a few days in the Dolomites. Why not? After all, given the way the Brexit farce is going, it may be the last time we can take the dog abroad without booking four months in advance.

As we set off on Monday morning, I saw at a news stand the Daily Express, propaganda sheet for whatever false hope or fantasy Boris Johnson is peddling. It led with the screaming headline: GET READY! 93M BLITZ KICKSTARTS BRITAINS EU EXIT.

Blitz sounds so exciting, and of course resonates with the spirit of the blitz tone of the Expresss flag-waving coverage of Johnson and his Vote Leave cronies. It turned out to be a publicity blitz around the theme Lets Get Going. Four years on from when many thought we were already supposed to have gone, this was but the latest three word troll by the team that gave you Take Back Control, Get Brexit Done, Whatever It Takes, and Build, Build, Build, when it looks like the only things being built right now are a massive lorry park in Kent, and a few hundred million quids worth of border posts.

Sadly the BBC got into the Number 10 propaganda game on that one, presenting this 705 million splurge on infrastructure they said we would never need as a plan for what Michael Gove assured us would be the most secure border in the world.

Back in the real world, the actual news is that we should prepare for a hike in health insurance bills and higher phone bills. Also, businessmen and women, some of whom may well have voted for this sh*t-show on the basis that Brussels bureaucracy was holding them back, and that Brexit would sweep it all away, were learning that they may have to fill in five times as many forms, and pay for the privilege. According to the Financial Times, the combined cost will be 7bn. Less red tape, they said. The reality is a little different 215 million new forms, and 50,000 new Customs officials. At least they wont be short of applicants. Add Brexit to Covid and youre looking at an unemployment meltdown, made in Number 10. They failed on Covid. They failed on Brexit. The combination is lethal.

We drove through the future lorry park, once known as the Garden of England, listening to the Ashford MP Damian Green on the radio. He complained about it being sited there. Fiona checked out how Ashford had voted in the referendum 60-40 for Brexit.

By the time Gove set out his plans in the Commons, we were heading through France and Germany, listening to Billy Connollys brilliant autobiography, and so despite a bit of twitter media monitoring when we stopped, I didnt really follow what happened.

So yesterday morning, keen to put my recent Goethe Institut German refresher course to good use, I got all the papers in the hotel reception, thinking that, though the UKs latest pronouncements on Brexit might not be front page news, the broadsheets would at least cover it. Not a word. Manchester City was the only British institution to get a mention anywhere.

It called to mind the recent roundtable Chancellor Angela Merkel did with a group of European journalists, including from the Guardian, ahead of the German Presidency of the EU. It was noteworthy for the fact there was just one question on Brexit, briefly despatched, with the observation that the Brits have made their choice and if they want to leave the single market and customs union, they will have to live with the consequences. The tone suggested to me she had pretty much given up on us. As one of her team said to me when Johnson became Prime Minister, as you know, she likes serious people.

From Germany we drove into Switzerland, passing mile after mile of lorries queueing to get through customs checks, necessary despite the special deal they have with the EU. These are the queues and the checks the Brexit fantasists waved away as Project Fear. Of course, back then there was no question of leaving the single market. They needed us more than we needed them, remember? David Davis and Iain Duncan-Smith told us so. We held all the cards, said Gove. Simplest deal in human history, said Liam Fox, currently the butt of bemused jokes in any discussion about who might be the next head of the World Trade Organisation, his nomination by Johnson further evidence of their total unseriousness.

Now that reality is dawning, the fantasists, for whom responsibility is not an option, really are thrashing around. Reading the latest whinings of John Longworth, former chief of the CBI who now runs the Centre for Brexit Policy, I sense the Brexiters only route now is to say that Remainers forced them to do it. They certainly seem to be claiming that the Withdrawal Agreement was not their work.

Longworth thundered recently: The Remainers will always be shamed for shackling the country to a poison pill: the Withdrawal Agreement. But hold on, wasnt this the oven-ready deal that Johnson promised during the election, another of the glib soundbites that litter this wretched story? People like me always said it was a load of nonsense. It was your beloved Get Brexit Done-man Johnson who told us how easy it would be. Sorry, Longworth, Martin, Dyson, Farage, Rees-Mogg, Francois, Duncan-Smith, Murdoch and all who sail in him, this is your sh*t-show, and its time you had the decency to own it.

As for Davis, who with Duncan-Smith might as well have their own chairs in the broadcasters studio, did he really tell Radio 4 yesterday that if the Chinese want to trade with us, they have to follow our rules? Yes yes, he did. Self-awareness is not their strong point. Davis, one of a succession of failed Brexit Secretaries, is among those now urging a review of the Withdrawal Agreement.

It was implicit in the Withdrawal Agreement that we would have a free-trade agreement, he said. Was it? What sort of implicit? As implicit as the explicit promises made that there would be no checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland? As implicit as the promises of more money for the NHS? As implicit as all the trade deals that would be unleashed on the day we left?

In any event, if you are negotiating something as serious as your countrys future, I wonder if implicit is really enough.What a mess these clowns have made of it. Their great project is falling apart before it has even got going.

Its a mess that originates from the lies on which Brexit was sold, and the lies and laziness since. They have had four years to sort this out. They have nothing sorted on trade, immigration, banks, fish; you name it, they have ballsed it up. Even the blue passport they were so excited about isnt really blue.

Billy Connolly does not get political too often. But he did towards the end of his book, written in 2018, as he reflected on his life. He had never been in favour of Scottish independence, he said, but Brexit was pushing him that way. Brexit, he added, was a sin and a crime.

He is absolutely right. And the men they are nearly all men who drove it, lied for it, cheated for it, and are lying and cheating for it still, need to be hounded until they pay for those sins and crimes.

The problem is, meantime, they are destroying a once great country. They no longer even pretend to know why.

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Brexit isn't working - TheArticle