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Boris Johnson visits Downing Street for EU talks with Cameron - live Boris Johnson will make EU position 'abundantly clear' by weekend - live
(35 minutes later)
12.12pm GMT
12:12
PA has helpful guide to the sticking points in Cameron’s attempts to forge a new relationship between the UK and European Union.
The document proposes changes in four policy areas - known in Brussels jargon as the “baskets” - which were identified by the prime minister as crucial to addressing the British public’s concerns about Europe.
Some of the proposals on boosting the EU’s competitiveness and asserting the sovereignty of member states have proved relatively uncontroversial.
But plans for new restrictions on benefits for migrant workers and the rights of countries outside the eurozone are more contentious.
The prime minister’s initial proposal for a four-year ban on in-work benefits for EU migrants hit a wall of resistance from eastern European countries, who regarded it as discrimination against their nationals.
The plan was watered down in the Tusk package, but concerns remain about the proposals in the Visegrad group of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The plan would create an “emergency brake” to be activated when the pressure of migration is placing excessive strain on a member-state’s public services, welfare system or labour market.
Crucially, the brake would not stop benefit claims for four years, but would allow them to be phased in gradually over the period as a migrant worker establishes a record of contributing to the host nation through taxes.
Cameron declared himself satisfied with the arrangement, after receiving an assurance from the European Commission that the UK already qualifies to apply the brake.
A key detail left blank in Tusk’s package is the duration of any restrictions. The text states that the brake will be applied for “a period of [X] years, extendable for two successive periods of [Y] years and [Z] years”. Britain is understood to want seven years, while the European Commission has pushed for a two-year brake, renewable for two more.
Another crucial question still open is who approves an application to use the brake. Mr Tusk has proposed that the final say should go to the European Council - the heads of government of the 28 EU member-states.
But his document does not make clear whether the decision should be unanimous - in which case it could be blocked by a single eastern European state.
Another potential obstacle is the plan to limit child benefit for migrant workers’ offspring living overseas. Cameron initially vowed to stop the payments, but secured only a proposal to pay them at the level of the child’s home country - which would in most cases be lower than UK parents receive.
Payments are already being made for around 34,000 overseas children and Cameron faces demands for the restriction only to apply to new claimants.
A further potential source of trouble is the protection demanded by Cameron for non-eurozone states as the single currency becomes more integrated.
Talks between Cameron and French President Francois Hollande appear to have addressed concerns in Paris over potential special treatment for the City of London. But concerns remain over the Tusk document’s apparently bland statement that the EU has more than one currency. Downing Street has welcomed this as the first legal confirmation of the EU’s position as a multi-currency zone.
But supporters of the single currency worry that it will be seen by countries like Poland as an excuse to regard themselves as no longer bound by the obligation to work towards joining the euro - something from which only the UK and Denmark are exempted by previously secured opt-outs.
The UK’s symbolic opt-out from “ever-closer union” is also a cause for concern on the continent, with Belgium reportedly among the countries with reservations about the measure.
12.00pm GMT
12:00
Ladbrokes is offering odds of 11-4 on Boris backing the out campaign, Politics Markets notes.
Ladbrokes In/OutBoris JohnsonRemain 1/4Leave 11/4Michael GoveRemain 1/2Leave 6/4Sajid JavidLeave 1/2Remain 6/4
Johnson “will make everything abundantly clear by the end of the week” sources told PA said after the mayor’s Downing Street talks.
Boris is the opponent the Stronger In campaign would most fear, according to New Statesman’s George Eaton.
Boris is the opponent the In campaign would fear most (https://t.co/oUUxauO5A6). He'll finally show his hand on Friday.
Updated
at 12.04pm GMT
11.42am GMT
11:42
Henry McDonald
More than 80% of business people in Northern Ireland want the UK to remain within the EU, a new survey has found writes Henry McDonald.
The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce poll found only 11% of local business leaders back a British exit.
And more than half (60%) of those surveyed said they will still vote to remain inside the EU regardless of David Cameron’s negotiations with other European leaders.
Stephen McCully, the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Northern Ireland, said the 81% demonstrated that many businessmen and women had already made up their minds on Brexit.
“For business people, this is a question of in or out. Those within Northern Ireland a those within Northern Ireland who are firmly wedded to the EU have said that Brexit will leave us stranded outside the EU, and coping with the re-emgergence of a land border with the Republic of Ireland,” McCully said.
The Chamber of Commerce is the first major business or social organisation to come out in favour of staying within the EU in the region. Some unionist politicians have sent out Eurosceptic signals in recent weeks including the Democratic Unionist MP Sammy Wilson. However the province is heavily reliant on the EU especially the rural Ulster farming community which receives huge European agricultural subsidies.
11.39am GMT11.39am GMT
11:3911:39
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has warned that Brexit is still possible.European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has warned that Brexit is still possible.
In an interview with the German newspaper Bild Juncker refused to be drawn on the percentage chance of the UK leaving the EU, and he insisted that Europe needed Britain to stay.In an interview with the German newspaper Bild Juncker refused to be drawn on the percentage chance of the UK leaving the EU, and he insisted that Europe needed Britain to stay.
“Our best experts are working on the most creative solutions in order to present Great Britain with a deal that is fair for the British, but also for the other member states. Despite the fact that, on the high sea and within European politics, anything is always possible, I am still convinced that the facts of the inner-European market, the EU trade policy and the global importance of Europe will speak for themselves. We need Great Britain in our European family and the British need the European Union.”“Our best experts are working on the most creative solutions in order to present Great Britain with a deal that is fair for the British, but also for the other member states. Despite the fact that, on the high sea and within European politics, anything is always possible, I am still convinced that the facts of the inner-European market, the EU trade policy and the global importance of Europe will speak for themselves. We need Great Britain in our European family and the British need the European Union.”
But Juncker, who held talks with Cameron on Tuesday, also made clear his commitment to ever closer Union including a Europe-wide finance minister. He said:But Juncker, who held talks with Cameron on Tuesday, also made clear his commitment to ever closer Union including a Europe-wide finance minister. He said:
“Europe does not operate like the dancing procession of Echternach – famous beyond Luxembourg’s borders – where the participants take two steps ahead and jump one step back. Due to the economic, foreign-policy, social, and demographic challenges that Europe is facing, we cannot afford this. Sometimes Europe might be able to take small steps or to take a break in order to gain a new momentum. We will need some momentum in the following weeks and months. The refugee crisis in particular shows that we need new, ambitious solutions for emphatic, joint actions. We need an efficient joint border and coastal protection in Europe. We need more joint financial means in order to care for refugees and for integrating them. And we also need, I think, a European minister of finance who will efficiently administer the European funds and allocate them to where they are most needed. In other words, we in Europe still have a lot of hard work ahead of us.”“Europe does not operate like the dancing procession of Echternach – famous beyond Luxembourg’s borders – where the participants take two steps ahead and jump one step back. Due to the economic, foreign-policy, social, and demographic challenges that Europe is facing, we cannot afford this. Sometimes Europe might be able to take small steps or to take a break in order to gain a new momentum. We will need some momentum in the following weeks and months. The refugee crisis in particular shows that we need new, ambitious solutions for emphatic, joint actions. We need an efficient joint border and coastal protection in Europe. We need more joint financial means in order to care for refugees and for integrating them. And we also need, I think, a European minister of finance who will efficiently administer the European funds and allocate them to where they are most needed. In other words, we in Europe still have a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
11.22am GMT11.22am GMT
11:2211:22
Johnson is concerned about a proposed “red card” that would allow European countries to block laws they don’t like, according to the BBC assistant political editor, Norman Smith, who spoke to the mayor before and after he held talks with Cameron.Johnson is concerned about a proposed “red card” that would allow European countries to block laws they don’t like, according to the BBC assistant political editor, Norman Smith, who spoke to the mayor before and after he held talks with Cameron.
As he left Johnson was asked “Are you satisfied?”. He replied “I’ll be back. No deal as far as I know”.As he left Johnson was asked “Are you satisfied?”. He replied “I’ll be back. No deal as far as I know”.
Speaking on BBC News from Downing Street, Smith said Johnson has still not decided whether he backed the In campaign. “He is going to wait until Mr Cameron secures that final arrangement and comes back here and says what he’s going to do, before finally publicly committing. So if the prime minister’s hope was to get some sense of which way Boris Johnson was going to jump, I don’t think he has secured that yet.”Speaking on BBC News from Downing Street, Smith said Johnson has still not decided whether he backed the In campaign. “He is going to wait until Mr Cameron secures that final arrangement and comes back here and says what he’s going to do, before finally publicly committing. So if the prime minister’s hope was to get some sense of which way Boris Johnson was going to jump, I don’t think he has secured that yet.”
11.06am GMT11.06am GMT
11:0611:06
Boris Johnson left Downing Street with no agreement after 40 minutes of talks with prime minister, PA reports.Boris Johnson left Downing Street with no agreement after 40 minutes of talks with prime minister, PA reports.
The mayor of London is yet to make clear which side he will back in the in/out referendum with a senior source saying he remains “genuinely conflicted”.The mayor of London is yet to make clear which side he will back in the in/out referendum with a senior source saying he remains “genuinely conflicted”.
He interrupted a half-term break for around 40 minutes of discussions with the PM, with Brexit campaigners still hopeful he will provide a high-profile focus for the Leave campaign.He interrupted a half-term break for around 40 minutes of discussions with the PM, with Brexit campaigners still hopeful he will provide a high-profile focus for the Leave campaign.
“I’ll be back, no deal,” Johnson, who spoke to the PM by telephone on Tuesday, said to waiting reporters as he left.“I’ll be back, no deal,” Johnson, who spoke to the PM by telephone on Tuesday, said to waiting reporters as he left.
He is not expected to make his position public until a final agreement has been reached between EU leaders.He is not expected to make his position public until a final agreement has been reached between EU leaders.
11.01am GMT11.01am GMT
11:0111:01
European leaders are understandably wary of Cameron’s proposals to curb benefits for migrant workers, according to Labour MEP Richard Corbett former adviser to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. In an article for Europe’s World he writes:European leaders are understandably wary of Cameron’s proposals to curb benefits for migrant workers, according to Labour MEP Richard Corbett former adviser to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. In an article for Europe’s World he writes:
For in-work benefits, the draft provisions could lead to employed and taxpaying workers – say, an Irishman, a Brit and a Pole – doing the same job at the same workplace but getting different remuneration for the same work, after tax credits are taken into account.For in-work benefits, the draft provisions could lead to employed and taxpaying workers – say, an Irishman, a Brit and a Pole – doing the same job at the same workplace but getting different remuneration for the same work, after tax credits are taken into account.
Fundamentally, the provisions challenge the principle of non-discrimination on ground of nationality laid down in the treaty. Even if this is circumscribed, it’s understandable why other countries are not enthusiastic about this concession, and they all of course know that the issue is a contrived one, as it didn’t feature in Cameron’s initial speech setting out his intentions to seek reforms to the EU.Fundamentally, the provisions challenge the principle of non-discrimination on ground of nationality laid down in the treaty. Even if this is circumscribed, it’s understandable why other countries are not enthusiastic about this concession, and they all of course know that the issue is a contrived one, as it didn’t feature in Cameron’s initial speech setting out his intentions to seek reforms to the EU.
And most other governments are aware that EU migrants in Britain overall pay more in taxes than they take out in benefits and services. Restricting out-of-work benefits is one thing – and recent case-law at the European Court has made it clear that member countries are entitled to refuse assistance to the so-called benefit tourists, meaning anyone coming to their country simply to claim benefits and not to work. But in-work benefits, not least tax credits and child benefits for employed and therefore taxpaying EU migrants, is another matter.And most other governments are aware that EU migrants in Britain overall pay more in taxes than they take out in benefits and services. Restricting out-of-work benefits is one thing – and recent case-law at the European Court has made it clear that member countries are entitled to refuse assistance to the so-called benefit tourists, meaning anyone coming to their country simply to claim benefits and not to work. But in-work benefits, not least tax credits and child benefits for employed and therefore taxpaying EU migrants, is another matter.
10.37am GMT10.37am GMT
10:3710:37
PA has a helpful summary of what could happen over the next 48 hours and beyond:PA has a helpful summary of what could happen over the next 48 hours and beyond:
Talks on the reform package will reach a potentially decisive stage when the prime minister meets leaders from across the 28-strong bloc at Thursday’s European Council summit to thrash out a deal based on proposals put forward earlier this month.Talks on the reform package will reach a potentially decisive stage when the prime minister meets leaders from across the 28-strong bloc at Thursday’s European Council summit to thrash out a deal based on proposals put forward earlier this month.
The wrangling could run into the weekend but, if the package is approved, it will pave the way for a swift referendum.The wrangling could run into the weekend but, if the package is approved, it will pave the way for a swift referendum.
Cameron is believed to be keen to hold a vote on 23 June as a quick poll would avoid giving Eurosceptics time to make headway with voters and pre-empt a repeat of the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean and eastern Europe over the summer months.Cameron is believed to be keen to hold a vote on 23 June as a quick poll would avoid giving Eurosceptics time to make headway with voters and pre-empt a repeat of the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean and eastern Europe over the summer months.
Cameron will call a Cabinet meeting on Friday if he secures an early deal on his renegotiation of Britain’s EU membership.Cameron will call a Cabinet meeting on Friday if he secures an early deal on his renegotiation of Britain’s EU membership.
If the summit runs into Friday evening or Saturday, the PM will review whether to call Cabinet ministers in to Number 10 for a rare weekend meeting.If the summit runs into Friday evening or Saturday, the PM will review whether to call Cabinet ministers in to Number 10 for a rare weekend meeting.
The Cabinet meeting will effectively fire the starting gun on the referendum race, as Eurosceptic ministers will then be allowed to campaign for a Leave vote.The Cabinet meeting will effectively fire the starting gun on the referendum race, as Eurosceptic ministers will then be allowed to campaign for a Leave vote.
Technical work will also begin, with secondary legislation setting the date and rules for the vote likely to be laid in Parliament rapidly.Technical work will also begin, with secondary legislation setting the date and rules for the vote likely to be laid in Parliament rapidly.
The Electoral Commission will rule on which groups are designated the main Remain and Leave groups for the campaign, which must last at least 10 weeks, allowing them access to higher spending limits.The Electoral Commission will rule on which groups are designated the main Remain and Leave groups for the campaign, which must last at least 10 weeks, allowing them access to higher spending limits.
If no agreement is reached at the February summit, there will be a second chance on 17 March, although an emergency meeting could be called before then to preserve some chance of a referendum before the summer.If no agreement is reached at the February summit, there will be a second chance on 17 March, although an emergency meeting could be called before then to preserve some chance of a referendum before the summer.
10.29am GMT10.29am GMT
10:2910:29
Boris Johnson has left talks with Cameron without agreement.Boris Johnson has left talks with Cameron without agreement.
“I’ll be back, no deal” he is reported to have told reporters in Downing Street.“I’ll be back, no deal” he is reported to have told reporters in Downing Street.
Boris leaves number 10 - 'I ll be back - no deal'Boris leaves number 10 - 'I ll be back - no deal'
10.23am GMT10.23am GMT
10:2310:23
On the subject of Johnson, Guardian columnist Rafael Behr, says the London Mayor does “not want to be on the side of the mavericks and also-rans”. Behr puts Johnson in his place:On the subject of Johnson, Guardian columnist Rafael Behr, says the London Mayor does “not want to be on the side of the mavericks and also-rans”. Behr puts Johnson in his place:
His trajectory through public life, impressive by many accounts, disappoints his vanity. His first parliamentary career was stalled by gaffe and scandal. His two terms as London mayor leave a thin legacy. His return to the Commons has been unremarkable, and his efforts atwooing colleagues underwhelming. He treats MPs to takeaway curry in tinfoil boxes, while Osborne hosts catered dinners in Downing Street’s state rooms. One guest at a Team Boris reception describes it as a gaggle of “people who feel rejected and passed over” by Cameron.His trajectory through public life, impressive by many accounts, disappoints his vanity. His first parliamentary career was stalled by gaffe and scandal. His two terms as London mayor leave a thin legacy. His return to the Commons has been unremarkable, and his efforts atwooing colleagues underwhelming. He treats MPs to takeaway curry in tinfoil boxes, while Osborne hosts catered dinners in Downing Street’s state rooms. One guest at a Team Boris reception describes it as a gaggle of “people who feel rejected and passed over” by Cameron.
So Johnson is using the referendum to bolster his credentials as a contender. He hoists himself on to the fence for maximum attention before jumping to one side with a show-stopping crash. The strangest aspect of this spectacle is that anyone in the Tory party should go along with it. The idea that the mayor of London has some privileged right to pass judgment on Cameron’s EU deal, that his opinion matters at all when his motives are so flagrantly self-aggrandising, is absurd ...So Johnson is using the referendum to bolster his credentials as a contender. He hoists himself on to the fence for maximum attention before jumping to one side with a show-stopping crash. The strangest aspect of this spectacle is that anyone in the Tory party should go along with it. The idea that the mayor of London has some privileged right to pass judgment on Cameron’s EU deal, that his opinion matters at all when his motives are so flagrantly self-aggrandising, is absurd ...
Too much is now at stake for the process to be hijacked for use as a glorified leadership hustings or an audition to be prime minister before there is a vacancy. Boris’s failure to appreciate that should disqualify him from the job.Too much is now at stake for the process to be hijacked for use as a glorified leadership hustings or an audition to be prime minister before there is a vacancy. Boris’s failure to appreciate that should disqualify him from the job.
Related: Sorry Boris, this referendum is bigger than you | Rafael BehrRelated: Sorry Boris, this referendum is bigger than you | Rafael Behr
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.39am GMTat 10.39am GMT
10.12am GMT10.12am GMT
10:1210:12
Boris Johnson wavering?Boris Johnson wavering?
London Mayor Boris Johnson has yet to decide whether to back Cameron on the deal as he holds talks at Number 10.London Mayor Boris Johnson has yet to decide whether to back Cameron on the deal as he holds talks at Number 10.
The BBC’s Norman Smith has been told Johnson’s decision is “very finely balanced”.The BBC’s Norman Smith has been told Johnson’s decision is “very finely balanced”.
Sources close to @MayorofLondon say final decision on whether he backs PMs EU deal is "very finely balanced"Sources close to @MayorofLondon say final decision on whether he backs PMs EU deal is "very finely balanced"
Boris Johnson decision on EU "not predicated on any leadership question" say sourcesBoris Johnson decision on EU "not predicated on any leadership question" say sources
Sources say @MayorofLondon decision on EU will be based on what he thinks in best interests of the country.Sources say @MayorofLondon decision on EU will be based on what he thinks in best interests of the country.
Boris Johnson arrives for meeting with Robert Peston #whatnottowear pic.twitter.com/Fj6MRZTdKsBoris Johnson arrives for meeting with Robert Peston #whatnottowear pic.twitter.com/Fj6MRZTdKs
10.02am GMT10.02am GMT
10:0210:02
The Telegraph says it has seen the text of proposals by Belgium, France, Hungary and Spain to waterdown Cameron’s deal.The Telegraph says it has seen the text of proposals by Belgium, France, Hungary and Spain to waterdown Cameron’s deal.
It is said to reveal plans to limit benefit curbs to only newly-arrived migrants, and weaken a mechanism sought by George Osborne to prevent Eurozone countries from ganging-up against the City of London.It is said to reveal plans to limit benefit curbs to only newly-arrived migrants, and weaken a mechanism sought by George Osborne to prevent Eurozone countries from ganging-up against the City of London.
9.54am GMT9.54am GMT
09:5409:54
The influential Tory backbencher, Sarah Wollaston, a former GP who chairs the health select committee, has underlined her recent conversion to the Brexit camp, by describing Cameron’s proposed reforms as “homeopathic”.The influential Tory backbencher, Sarah Wollaston, a former GP who chairs the health select committee, has underlined her recent conversion to the Brexit camp, by describing Cameron’s proposed reforms as “homeopathic”.
If the EU regards these homeopathic proposals as a 'contagion' there really is no hope of meaningful reform https://t.co/3Ihg6dBNTAIf the EU regards these homeopathic proposals as a 'contagion' there really is no hope of meaningful reform https://t.co/3Ihg6dBNTA
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.54am GMTat 9.54am GMT
9.43am GMT9.43am GMT
09:4309:43
Politico Europe has plotted the power of European leaders on two axes: Brexit and Migration.Politico Europe has plotted the power of European leaders on two axes: Brexit and Migration.
Poland’s Beata Szydło prime minister rates highest on the Brexit axis as the leader most determined to “throw its weight around” on Britain’s membership of the EU.Poland’s Beata Szydło prime minister rates highest on the Brexit axis as the leader most determined to “throw its weight around” on Britain’s membership of the EU.
Poland, together with Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic have rejected Britain’s proposals to curb child benefits for their migrant workers in western Europe - a key demand in Cameron’s campaign.Poland, together with Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic have rejected Britain’s proposals to curb child benefits for their migrant workers in western Europe - a key demand in Cameron’s campaign.
Great way to understand the #EU summit - @PoliticoRyan's view of who matters round the table https://t.co/JZEnfZ5btB pic.twitter.com/ScCyBFnqe4Great way to understand the #EU summit - @PoliticoRyan's view of who matters round the table https://t.co/JZEnfZ5btB pic.twitter.com/ScCyBFnqe4
9.25am GMT9.25am GMT
09:2509:25
Poll: 60% of Europeans want Britain to remain in the EUPoll: 60% of Europeans want Britain to remain in the EU
A big European poll by Lord Ashcroft has found that 60% of Europeans want Britain to remain in the EU.A big European poll by Lord Ashcroft has found that 60% of Europeans want Britain to remain in the EU.
The findings were published in the Eurosceptic Sun which conceded that the poll represents a boost to David Cameron.The findings were published in the Eurosceptic Sun which conceded that the poll represents a boost to David Cameron.
The poll of 28,720 people across all 28 member states by Lord Ashcroft has revealed a total of three out of five Europeans want Britain in Europe.The poll of 28,720 people across all 28 member states by Lord Ashcroft has revealed a total of three out of five Europeans want Britain in Europe.
Only one in 10 said they wanted Britain to leave.Only one in 10 said they wanted Britain to leave.
Would people in other EU countries prefer us to stay or go…? pic.twitter.com/WiVss7X1UpWould people in other EU countries prefer us to stay or go…? pic.twitter.com/WiVss7X1Up
The poll also revealed big national variations in attitudes to membership of the EU. Just over half of people in Britain (52%) regard membership of the EU as positive compared to 67% of Germans and 72% of Spaniards and 63% of French. Of all the countries polled only the Swedes are more Eurosceptic than the Brits, according to Ashcroft’s figures.The poll also revealed big national variations in attitudes to membership of the EU. Just over half of people in Britain (52%) regard membership of the EU as positive compared to 67% of Germans and 72% of Spaniards and 63% of French. Of all the countries polled only the Swedes are more Eurosceptic than the Brits, according to Ashcroft’s figures.
How much do we (and others) like being members of the EU? pic.twitter.com/Rl0VuqDCPzHow much do we (and others) like being members of the EU? pic.twitter.com/Rl0VuqDCPz
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am GMTat 10.04am GMT
8.58am GMT8.58am GMT
08:5808:58
The BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg has been told that Britain is to put forward details to give the UK’s supreme court more powers to make it harder the European courts to overturn British laws.The BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg has been told that Britain is to put forward details to give the UK’s supreme court more powers to make it harder the European courts to overturn British laws.
Speaking on the Today programme about the tip off, she said the legally tricky idea would be proposed alongside the deal being negotiated with Brussels as another way of trying to placate Tory Eurosceptic MPs.Speaking on the Today programme about the tip off, she said the legally tricky idea would be proposed alongside the deal being negotiated with Brussels as another way of trying to placate Tory Eurosceptic MPs.
Kuenssberg has been told that David Cameron will be “working the phones” to share details of the courts idea with MPs, including Boris Johnson, thought to be flirting with the idea of backing the out campaign.Kuenssberg has been told that David Cameron will be “working the phones” to share details of the courts idea with MPs, including Boris Johnson, thought to be flirting with the idea of backing the out campaign.
Sources expect No 10 to start sharing details of Supreme Court sovereignty plan today -Sources expect No 10 to start sharing details of Supreme Court sovereignty plan today -
One of the options would be to declare that the UK supreme court vested with powers akin to those of the German constitutional court, which has the right to assess whether legal acts by the EU’s institutions remain within the scope of the powers of the EU.One of the options would be to declare that the UK supreme court vested with powers akin to those of the German constitutional court, which has the right to assess whether legal acts by the EU’s institutions remain within the scope of the powers of the EU.
Nick Watt pointed out Cameron first floated this idea in a speech at Chatham House in November after Johnson had outlined in a private plea to the prime minister to his calls for an assertion of parliamentary sovereignty.Nick Watt pointed out Cameron first floated this idea in a speech at Chatham House in November after Johnson had outlined in a private plea to the prime minister to his calls for an assertion of parliamentary sovereignty.
8.38am GMT8.38am GMT
08:3808:38
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said leaving the EU would put at risk workers’ rights such as paid holiday and parental leave.TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said leaving the EU would put at risk workers’ rights such as paid holiday and parental leave.
She urged the EU to provide more jobs and strengthen protection for workers otherwise many will vote to leave, PA reports.She urged the EU to provide more jobs and strengthen protection for workers otherwise many will vote to leave, PA reports.
Ahead of a meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, she said: “It won’t be politicians or business leaders who decide the referendum. It will be working people and their families. And yet the debate so far has just been about benefits to business.Ahead of a meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, she said: “It won’t be politicians or business leaders who decide the referendum. It will be working people and their families. And yet the debate so far has just been about benefits to business.
“Leaving the EU would risk lots of the rights at work we all rely on - like paid holidays and breaks, parental leave, health and safety, and equal treatment for part-time workers.“Leaving the EU would risk lots of the rights at work we all rely on - like paid holidays and breaks, parental leave, health and safety, and equal treatment for part-time workers.
“People will only vote to stay in the EU if it offers them more and better jobs, with a stronger voice for workers, and fair growth at its heart. That’s what I’ll be putting to President Juncker today.”“People will only vote to stay in the EU if it offers them more and better jobs, with a stronger voice for workers, and fair growth at its heart. That’s what I’ll be putting to President Juncker today.”
Meanwhile, a Guardian editorial urges Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is due in Brussels, to put his qualms about Europe aside and restate Labour’s position on Europe.Meanwhile, a Guardian editorial urges Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is due in Brussels, to put his qualms about Europe aside and restate Labour’s position on Europe.
Mr Corbyn is by instinct more Eurosceptic than his party. In this respect he is out of step not just with most Labour MPs, but also with most trade unions and most Labour voters. Since becoming leader he has, however, recognised that this is not the issue on which to pick a fight with the party. This has been to his credit and to Labour’s benefit. Now is not the time to change that approach. However much the Conservative party deserves censure for its Europe policy, and the EU merits criticism for its economic failings, from this week on, Europe is not a Tory cause but a national one.Mr Corbyn is by instinct more Eurosceptic than his party. In this respect he is out of step not just with most Labour MPs, but also with most trade unions and most Labour voters. Since becoming leader he has, however, recognised that this is not the issue on which to pick a fight with the party. This has been to his credit and to Labour’s benefit. Now is not the time to change that approach. However much the Conservative party deserves censure for its Europe policy, and the EU merits criticism for its economic failings, from this week on, Europe is not a Tory cause but a national one.
8.27am GMT8.27am GMT
08:2708:27
Welcome to Politics live where we will be focusing on the build-up to Thursday’s crucial summit to reform Britain’s relationship with the EU.Welcome to Politics live where we will be focusing on the build-up to Thursday’s crucial summit to reform Britain’s relationship with the EU.
David Cameron is facing fraught final stages to secure a European deal on the eve of summit.David Cameron is facing fraught final stages to secure a European deal on the eve of summit.
The prime minister said he had “extra mile” to go to persuade eastern European leaders to agree to proposed reforms and is also battling to keep his party together as Eurosceptic ministers get ready to speak out.The prime minister said he had “extra mile” to go to persuade eastern European leaders to agree to proposed reforms and is also battling to keep his party together as Eurosceptic ministers get ready to speak out.
Here’s a roundup of how things currently stand:Here’s a roundup of how things currently stand: