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| Merkel: Cameron's EU demands are 'justified and necessary' – live | Merkel: Cameron's EU demands are 'justified and necessary' – live |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| 2.36pm GMT | |
| 14:36 | |
| The public lacks confidence in Cameron’s ability to get a good deal in Brussels but still backs staying in the EU, according to a new Ipsos Mori poll. | |
| Despite his efforts to achieve a good deal the public still lack confidence in the prime minister’s ability to do so. One in three say they have confidence in David Cameron (up 3 points) and three in five (62%) have little confidence in him (down 1 point). Conservative supporters are split with half (50%) confident in Cameron achieving a good deal for Britain while 46% say they are not. | |
| 2.20pm GMT | |
| 14:20 | |
| AP has fuller write-up of Merkel’s remarks to the Bundestag. | |
| Merkel painted a largely positive picture of chances of an agreement on Britain’s EU reform demands. “Germany will make its contribution so that a result that satisfies everyone can be achieved, if possible already at the summit beginning tomorrow,” she said. | |
| “I am convinced that is in our national interest for Great Britain to remain an active member in a strong and successful European Union,” she added. | |
| Merkel said Britain is an ally for Germany in promoting competitiveness and free trade, and that “Europe needs Great Britain’s foreign and security policy commitment to assert our values and interests in the world.” | |
| On migrants, Merkel made clear that she won’t be pushing the contentious subject of new quotas to distribute migrants around Europe. She reiterated that it would be “laughable” for Europe to approve such quotas when it has barely started to share refugees under existing agreements. | |
| “A continent that reacts by sealing (borders) off just behind the maritime border, and says ‘we’re not interested in whoever is behind the fence’ I am convinced that can’t be the European answer,” she said. | |
| Despite all the difficulties, Merkel offered an optimistic outlook for this week’s meeting though she said that “the discussion on both issues won’t be ended with the summit.” The meeting “is a stage on the road that, so far, has made Europe stronger after every crisis,” she said. “And I hope that can be the case this time, too.” | |
| AFP quoted Merkel saying: | |
| “These are not just about Britain’s individual interests on some issues or questions, rather it’s about several points that are justified and understandable,” | |
| “Like David Cameron, I believe that it is necessary for the EU to improve our competitiveness, transparency and (reduce) bureaucracy. Germany has shared these concerns for many years.” | |
| Even the controversial proposal to curb benefits to European Union migrants in Britain is “justified and understandable because the jurisdiction for each respective social system lies not in Brussels but in each individual member state,” she said. | |
| “Therefore, it is only natural for every member state to be able to protect its social system against abuse.” | |
| “I share with David Cameron the view that member states that use a currency other than the euro should not be ignored in important questions,” she said. | |
| “Our aim must be to prevent discrimination while at the same time allowing for a differentiation when necessary,” Merkel said. | |
| She added that this principle was compatible with the fact that the eurozone will “continue and is in fact taking the necessary decisions for itself”. | |
| The German leader’s position appeared to run counter to France’s, which had made it clear that EU states that do not share the euro should not have any power to stop the eurozone from seeking deeper integration. | |
| Updated | |
| at 2.23pm GMT | |
| 2.00pm GMT | |
| 14:00 | |
| Tory Eurosceptic MP, John Baron, accused Cameron of “poor” communications with his own backbenchers on the EU negotiation after failing to secure a meeting with the prime minister over his doubts about the deal. | |
| Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme Barron said: “I think the communication between Number 10 and the backbenchers has been poor. A number of us clubbed together and said ‘could we have a meeting’ - 40 MPs signed my letter suggesting it would be good to get together and just air these views. We have been unsuccessful in obtaining that meeting. Boris Johnson apparently has. I wish him well.” | |
| His comments come as Cameron is said to have set aside today to convincing Eurosceptics of the merits of the deal. | |
| Baron said the proposed emergency break on benefits was a being “controlled by the EU backseat driver”. Mixing his metaphors he added: “It doesn’t solve anything, in many respects it’s a smokescreen.” | |
| Baron added: “That is the choice facing the British people in this referendum: leave or stay on this conveyor belt towards ever closer union, if we do not address this opportunity to address the issue of parliamentary sovereignty once and for all ... | |
| “If we could have that guarantee about the supremacy of parliamentary sovereignty, so we can control our borders, that we can control our laws and our regulations then I might be persuadable. But nothing is on the table yet to make me change my mind.” | |
| 1.23pm GMT | 1.23pm GMT |
| 13:23 | 13:23 |
| Merkel delivered a powerful message of support for David Cameron’s EU reform plans, according to the FT’s Berlin correspondent Stefan Wagstyl. | Merkel delivered a powerful message of support for David Cameron’s EU reform plans, according to the FT’s Berlin correspondent Stefan Wagstyl. |
| On ever-closer union, she said it should always be “possible for further integration” to take place but there was no “obligation for every country to join every step”. She also backed Cameron’s proposals to boost the role of national parliaments. | On ever-closer union, she said it should always be “possible for further integration” to take place but there was no “obligation for every country to join every step”. She also backed Cameron’s proposals to boost the role of national parliaments. |
| “I think it’s in our national interest that Great Britain should remain an active member in a strong and successful EU,” she said, adding that Germany and the UK had common views on boosting the union’s competitiveness. | “I think it’s in our national interest that Great Britain should remain an active member in a strong and successful EU,” she said, adding that Germany and the UK had common views on boosting the union’s competitiveness. |
| Merkel said relations between eurozone and non-eurozone countries should be managed in a way that “avoided discrimination” by the eurozone of non-eurozone states but the eurozone had to able to “make its own decisions for itself,” for example on further reforms. | Merkel said relations between eurozone and non-eurozone countries should be managed in a way that “avoided discrimination” by the eurozone of non-eurozone states but the eurozone had to able to “make its own decisions for itself,” for example on further reforms. |
| 1.13pm GMT | 1.13pm GMT |
| 13:13 | 13:13 |
| Nicholas Watt | Nicholas Watt |
| Boris Johnson told David Cameron that more was needed to win his support in the referendum campaign, writes Nicholas Watt. | Boris Johnson told David Cameron that more was needed to win his support in the referendum campaign, writes Nicholas Watt. |
| Nothing had changed, the mayor is said to have remarked and reportedly added that more was needed. | Nothing had changed, the mayor is said to have remarked and reportedly added that more was needed. |
| A source close to the mayor said he would live up to his commitment to outline his position on the EU “with deafening eclat” on Friday if the prime minister secures a deal at the EU summit, which opens in Brussels on Thursday afternoon. The source said: “The mayor will make everything abundantly clear by the end of the week if the prime minister gets a deal on Friday. He is genuinely undecided.” | A source close to the mayor said he would live up to his commitment to outline his position on the EU “with deafening eclat” on Friday if the prime minister secures a deal at the EU summit, which opens in Brussels on Thursday afternoon. The source said: “The mayor will make everything abundantly clear by the end of the week if the prime minister gets a deal on Friday. He is genuinely undecided.” |
| Johnson told Cameron more work was necessary on his plan to assert parliament’s sovereignty. Oliver Letwin, the prime minister’s policy chief, has been tasked with outlining measures to deliver on his pledge to put that issue “beyond doubt”. | Johnson told Cameron more work was necessary on his plan to assert parliament’s sovereignty. Oliver Letwin, the prime minister’s policy chief, has been tasked with outlining measures to deliver on his pledge to put that issue “beyond doubt”. |
| Cameron’s vow in the Commons earlier this month came after Johnson asked him to explain how his EU reforms would “assert the sovereignty of this House of Commons and these Houses of Parliament”. Cameron replied: “I am keen to do even more to put it beyond doubt that this House of Commons is sovereign. We will look to do that at the same time as concluding these negotiations.” | Cameron’s vow in the Commons earlier this month came after Johnson asked him to explain how his EU reforms would “assert the sovereignty of this House of Commons and these Houses of Parliament”. Cameron replied: “I am keen to do even more to put it beyond doubt that this House of Commons is sovereign. We will look to do that at the same time as concluding these negotiations.” |
| Letwin is understood to be examining two ways to deliver on this pledge: | Letwin is understood to be examining two ways to deliver on this pledge: |
| Johnson’s talks with the prime minister mainly focused on the sovereignty of parliament because that is a matter that rests entirely with the UK government and is not part of the EU negotiations. But Downing Street believes it has to chart a careful course to win over Johnson without alarming EU leaders who may fear that Britain is seeking to overturn one of the key principles of the EU – the primacy of EU law. | Johnson’s talks with the prime minister mainly focused on the sovereignty of parliament because that is a matter that rests entirely with the UK government and is not part of the EU negotiations. But Downing Street believes it has to chart a careful course to win over Johnson without alarming EU leaders who may fear that Britain is seeking to overturn one of the key principles of the EU – the primacy of EU law. |
| The London mayor also asked the prime minister about the state of the negotiations on restricting in-work benefits, asserting the role of national parliaments, giving Britain an opt-out from the EU’s commitment to ever closer union and promoting competitiveness. But the EU negotiation package was not the main part of their discussions because the mayor accepts that he can bring the greatest influence to bear on asserting the sovereignty of parliament. | The London mayor also asked the prime minister about the state of the negotiations on restricting in-work benefits, asserting the role of national parliaments, giving Britain an opt-out from the EU’s commitment to ever closer union and promoting competitiveness. But the EU negotiation package was not the main part of their discussions because the mayor accepts that he can bring the greatest influence to bear on asserting the sovereignty of parliament. |
| Related: Boris Johnson tells Cameron he must do more to win his support | Related: Boris Johnson tells Cameron he must do more to win his support |
| 1.09pm GMT | 1.09pm GMT |
| 13:09 | 13:09 |
| In further backing for Cameron, Merkel said every member state must be able to protect its welfare system. | In further backing for Cameron, Merkel said every member state must be able to protect its welfare system. |
| #Merkel: "Goes w/out saying that each MS must be able to protect its social system. Not a disagreement point betwn Britain & Germany." #EUCO | #Merkel: "Goes w/out saying that each MS must be able to protect its social system. Not a disagreement point betwn Britain & Germany." #EUCO |
| 12.56pm GMT | 12.56pm GMT |
| 12:56 | 12:56 |
| Reuters quotes Merkel saying: | Reuters quotes Merkel saying: |
| “Cameron’s demands are far from being demands that are just for Britain. They are also European demands and many of them are justified and necessary.” | “Cameron’s demands are far from being demands that are just for Britain. They are also European demands and many of them are justified and necessary.” |
| She added that any deal with Cameron should not hinder closer integration of euro zone members. | She added that any deal with Cameron should not hinder closer integration of euro zone members. |
| 12.47pm GMT | 12.47pm GMT |
| 12:47 | 12:47 |
| Merkel: In Germany's 'national interest' for Britain to remain 'active' in EU. | Merkel: In Germany's 'national interest' for Britain to remain 'active' in EU. |
| German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a lot of Cameron’s demands for EU reform are justified. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a lot of Cameron’s demands for EU reform are justified. |
| She made the remarks in a speech is she currently giving in the Bundestag. | She made the remarks in a speech is she currently giving in the Bundestag. |
| Merkel said Britain was a key ally of Germany on many issues and that she would do everything possible to ensure that the nation remained an “active member” of the trade bloc. | Merkel said Britain was a key ally of Germany on many issues and that she would do everything possible to ensure that the nation remained an “active member” of the trade bloc. |
| The pro-EU thinktank is translating her remarks. “I am convinced that it is in our national interet that the UK stays a strong active partner in [a] strong EU,” it quotes Merkel saying. | The pro-EU thinktank is translating her remarks. “I am convinced that it is in our national interet that the UK stays a strong active partner in [a] strong EU,” it quotes Merkel saying. |
| #Merkel: We need UK's economic outlook, we need the UK's foreign policy power for a strong UK in EU. #EUCO | #Merkel: We need UK's economic outlook, we need the UK's foreign policy power for a strong UK in EU. #EUCO |
| #Merkel: I am convinced that it is in our national interest that the UK stays a strong active partner in strong EU. #EUCO | #Merkel: I am convinced that it is in our national interest that the UK stays a strong active partner in strong EU. #EUCO |
| #Merkel: I think Tusk's proposals are a very good basis for negotiations. #EUCO | #Merkel: I think Tusk's proposals are a very good basis for negotiations. #EUCO |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.54pm GMT | at 12.54pm GMT |
| 12.12pm GMT | 12.12pm GMT |
| 12:12 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 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 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | 12.00pm GMT |
| 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Ladbrokes is offering odds of 11-4 on Boris backing the out campaign, Politics Markets notes. | 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 | 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. | 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 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. | Boris is the opponent the In campaign would fear most (https://t.co/oUUxauO5A6). He'll finally show his hand on Friday. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.04pm GMT | at 12.04pm GMT |
| 11.42am GMT | 11.42am GMT |
| 11:42 | 11:42 |
| Henry McDonald | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | “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. | 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 GMT | 11.39am GMT |
| 11:39 | 11:39 |
| 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 GMT | 11.22am GMT |
| 11:22 | 11:22 |
| 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 GMT | 11.06am GMT |
| 11:06 | 11:06 |
| 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 GMT | 11.01am GMT |
| 11:01 | 11:01 |
| 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 GMT | 10.37am GMT |
| 10:37 | 10:37 |
| 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. |