Heroic MP haunted by PC’s murder
BREXIT SECRETARY David Davis has called on European officials to show some “flexibility” in crucial talks over the rights of EU citizens and the UK’s “divorce bill” after the British government was accused of lacking clarity on its negotiating position.
The Haltemprice and Howden MP maintained an optimistic tone in the wake of the latest round of meetings in Brussels, describing discussions as “robust” and claiming there was “a lot to be positive about”.
However, his EU counterpart – the commission’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier – spoke of a “fundamental” disagreement between the two parties on the question of citizens’ rights, with the supremacy of European Courts flagged up as a key sticking point.
He also stressed the need for greater “clarification” from the British government on multiple issues, before repeating his warning that the UK’s financial obligations “must be settled” before it quits the bloc.
The commission has already made clear its disapproval of Britain’s offer on the future rights of EU nationals, arguing that the guarantees do not go far enough.
Although the UK Government has confirmed that citizens who have been resident for at least five years will be free to apply for “settled” status, many in the EU would like to see this extended to include future family members.
Speaking at a joint press conference yesterday, Mr Barnier added that the commission is also clear that it wants the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to continue ruling on issues relating to citizens’ rights.
He stated that this was not a “choice” or a “political point”, but a legal “obligation”.
“There does remain one fundamental divergence on the way in which such rights would be guaranteed, and on several other points,” he said.
“Simply, if there is to be continuity of EU law, that has to be framed by case law of the court... It’s not a choice, it’s an obligation.”
He went on to reaffirm the EU’s position on the timetabling of talks, stating its support for an “orderly” withdrawal process that sees an agreement on the UK’s financial settlement reached before any talk of a future trade deal.
However, he suggested there was a lack of “clarification” in the UK position on payments, MORLEY AND Outwood, Pudsey and Scarborough are among the five Yorkshire seats being targeted by Labour this summer as Jeremy Corbyn readies the party for another snap election.
The party has drawn up a list of 73 marginal constituencies where it will focus campaign efforts in coming weeks – enough to secure a working majority should Theresa May’s government collapse.
has learnt that the Conservative-held seats of Calder Valley and Shipley are also down as Yorkshire targets. adding: “As soon as the UK is ready to clarify the nature of its commitments, we will be prepared to discuss this with the British negotiators.”
Ending the supremacy of the ECJ in UK law has long been a red line for Theresa May. Meanwhile, reports that the EU could demand up to £66bn from the UK as part of the exit deal has met with fierce resistance from eurosceptics within her own party.
Responding to Mr Barnier, Mr Davis acknowledged that “further work” was needed before negotiations over the divorce bill can be “resolved”. He stated that while talks had been “constructive” there was still “a lot left to talk about”.
But he also stressed the need This is despite Philip Davies holding on to his Shipley seat with a majority of 4,600 votes in June.
Mr Corbyn is expected to tour at least half of the marginals on the list over the course of the summer in a bid to maintain the momentum built up during last month’s election. The Labour leader is seeking to persuade voters that his part is “a government in waiting”.
The offensive was launched in London last week and continued with a string of appearances in the Midlands yesterday. for “flexibility” from both sides, as he urged all parties to work towards an agreement “in the spirit of mutual cooperation”.
“All in all, the second round of
Addressing activists in Telford, Mr Corbyn accused Mrs May of “running out of ideas” while setting out Labour’s promise to “put power and opportunity in the hands of the many not the few”.
“The Conservatives held Telford by just 720 votes this year. We are campaigning to win here at the next general election, whenever it is called,” the Islington MP said. “The Conservatives have run out of ideas, their Cabinet is in chaos and Ministers are divided over Brexit. Labour is a government in waiting.” negotiations have given us a lot to be positive about,” he said.
“And they have also highlighted the need for both sides to demonstrate a dynamic and flexible
Pudsey is top of the party’s target seats in Yorkshire, where Tory MP Stuart Andrew saw his 4,500 majority reduced to just 331 in June. This is followed by Calder Valley, where Craig Whittaker held on to his seat by 609 votes.
Ed Balls’ former seat of Morley and Outwood is also named, despite incumbent Andrea Jenkyns increasing her lead to 2,104. Lower down the list is Scarborough and Whitby – where Education Minister Robert Goodwill has a majority of 3,435 – and Shipley.
Talk of a snap election in Westminster approach in the way we approach these challenges.
“We have conducted this round constructively and at pace, and I hope this is a model we can continue going forward.”
His optimism failed to convince Labour and Lib Dem critics, with Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer describing the “lack of progress” as “deeply concerning”. “On issues such as the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in Europe... we learn today that there remain ‘fundamental divergences’... this means more waiting and more anxiety for millions of families,” he said. “The reality is that we have a Government that is unprepared, divided and incapable of securing a good deal for Britain.” is largely limited to opposition parties, with Tory MPs making it clear their members have “no appetite” for further uncertainty. The latest polls have Labour leading by one point, and reveal a surge in Mr Corbyn’s approval ratings.
However, Labour have endured fierce criticism in recent days after the party toned down its rhetoric on tackling student debts. There are also signs of a growing rift over Brexit, with Europhile MPs renewing efforts to keep Britain in the Single Market. HEROIC MP Tobias Ellwood has said not a day goes by without him thinking about the police officer whose life he tried to save during the Westminster terrorist attack.
Mr Ellwood also revealed to MPs how he attempted to explain the atrocity to his eight-year-old son, saying that “there are occasionally some very bad people that do very bad things”.
The Defence Minister ran towards gunfire to help PC Keith Palmer, who was stabbed in March’s attack by terrorist Khalid Masood. Mr Ellwood was pictured with blood on his face and clothes as he tried to give Pc Palmer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and stem the blood amid the carnage in New Palace Yard, but the officer died from his injuries.
His comments came during a Westminster Hall debate on compensation in the armed forces, as MPs praised former solider Mr Ellwood for his actions during the tragedy.
Mr Ellwood said: “It was a very difficult day for me.”