Bleak sounding ring round on British side despite good mood music from M. Barnier. State aid still a major standoff. And no progress on fishing - they're still asking for 8 YEARS transition, meaning 13 years on from Ref, UK still not taken back control - "unreasonable" says PM 1
On State Aid EU want to exempt three quarters of a trillion euro funds the institutions pump across the Continent from any accord. While Britain would be punished for bailing out or subsidising industries, EU would be allowed. "That's not a level playing field" say one source..
Another described the proposed EU terms as "bordering on offensive" and all say the PM cannot sign in its current terms. EU side say State Aid is being "worked through". Pinch of salt? Barnier says deal can be done by Saturday. But UK side highly sceptical of that currently.
Remember all the but it was nothing to do with brexit nonsense last week... UK broke away from the project and was not bound by this bonkers sit and wait for all PR stunt. Also unfortunate the EMA is under staffed and funded after it’s rushed revenge move to Amsterdam post ref.
Last week German MEP Gunnar Beck told sun EU covid response was “slow, expensive, and badly managed. There was no rush to move the EMA out of London...” thesun.co.uk/news/13367605/…
He Added: “In doing so as quickly as possible, they've tied one arm behind their back. Instead they chose to cut off their nose to spite their face and put people at risk." thesun.co.uk/news/13367605/…
Speaking to @TheSun in Estonia, Ben Wallace says:I’ll miss Donald Trump, because he was quite a good friend to Britain. Whatever people think of him, Donald Trump’s position towards the United Kingdom in many areas was totally aligned with us...
... And we should all be grateful or happy when we have a US administration that supports Britain’s interests.”
JUST IN: Defence Sec vows Navy will protect Brit fishermen’s “lawful businesses” after Channel blockade threats... thesun.co.uk/news/13477669/…
Ben Wallace warned Britain was ready for “whatever is the challenge on 1 January” after French fishermen vowed to blockade the Channel if there is No Deal. thesun.co.uk/news/13477669/…
He hit out: “When it comes to a Brexit deal whatever that is, it is no secret that we would use our military to help support in logistics or anything else as required by other departments - we only do things at the request of civilians. If they ask for help we will give it.”
Priti apology: “I am sorry that my behaviour in the past has upset people. It has never been my intention to cause upset to anyone. I am very grateful for the hard work of thousands of civil servants who help to deliver the Government’s agenda.”
Home Office Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft said:
“Sir Alex Allan’s findings make difficult reading, including for the Civil Service.”
“The Prime Minister has full confidence in the Home Secretary and considers this matter now closed. He is grateful to the thousands of civil servants working extremely hard to support delivery of the Government’s priorities.” V Allan:
UPDATED: "Frustrated" Home Secretary Priti Patel “unintentionally” broke Cabinet rules, a Whitehall bullying probe has concluded.
But Boris Johnson is unlikely to sack his close ally after her department was also blasted for poor performance. thesun.co.uk/news/politics/…
Report likely to warn civil servants working at the Home Office must also “reflect” on their behaviour after ignoring Ms Patel's directions. But it will also flag up strict rules that say ministers must always treat staff with “consideration and respect" thesun.co.uk/news/politics/…
Also suggestion from source familiar with the full findings that the formal probe sparked in the Spring has concluded PP's frustration with the poor leadership from officials in her department was at times justified. thesun.co.uk/news/politics/…