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| Cameron 'won't take EU deal that doesn't meet British needs' – live | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.24pm GMT | |
| 16:24 | |
| The debate on the so-called welfare brake won’t take place until tomorrow, according to the Irish Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, who hopes that a vote will be called soon after that. | |
| He didn’t want to hang around to talk about a certain other issue, tweets Suzanne Lynch of the Irish Times. | |
| @EndaKennyTD declines to answer questions about special deal for Irish #migrants in Britain #Brexit + Irish govt plan to curb child benefits | |
| The Irish Ambassador to Britain has already said however that his government has held talks with London to ensure that Irish nationals living in Britain are not affected by any restrictions to benefits which may emerge as part of a deal in Brussels this week. | |
| 4.13pm GMT | |
| 16:13 | |
| An nugget from the Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel, according to the Brussels deputy bureau chief of Agence France-Presse. | |
| Belgium's Michel: 'Mr Cameron has also given up a few things'. Psst, don't tell the British press... | |
| Michel was also asked by journalists if a Brexit was avoidable. | |
| His reply? “Not at any cost, we will need to find the right balance.” | |
| Some photographers snapping leaders arriving at the summit seem to have mistakenly identified Martin Schulz as Michel. One balding, bespectacled western European politician is as good as another it seems. | |
| Updated | |
| at 4.15pm GMT | |
| 4.00pm GMT | |
| 16:00 | |
| The heads of British businesses have been asked to sign a letter endorsing David Cameron’s proposed European Union reform deal, according to a snap tweeted by Sky News. | |
| It’s a tactic which has the Conservatives have run during general election campaigns (perhaps with mixed results) and was also deployed during the referendum campaign on Scottish independence. | |
| For background, we covered a poll four days ago which suggested that almost a third of British and German companies operating in the UK would consider moving jobs out of the country following a vote to leave the European Union. | |
| Related: German poll finds one in three firms would leave UK after Brexit | |
| Updated | |
| at 4.02pm GMT | |
| 3.54pm GMT | 3.54pm GMT |
| 15:54 | 15:54 |
| A guide to David Cameron’s negotiations “in numbers” has been published by Politics Home. | A guide to David Cameron’s negotiations “in numbers” has been published by Politics Home. |
| Here’s a snippet: | Here’s a snippet: |
| And one that the Prime minister may yet come to regret... | And one that the Prime minister may yet come to regret... |
| 3.41pm GMT | 3.41pm GMT |
| 15:41 | 15:41 |
| Back in the UK, pre-referendum statements and warnings continue to be issued by various groups. | Back in the UK, pre-referendum statements and warnings continue to be issued by various groups. |
| This time it’s the RAC (Royal Automobile Club), which has claimed that two-car families could pay around 8 a month more to fill up their cars if Britain leaves the EU. | This time it’s the RAC (Royal Automobile Club), which has claimed that two-car families could pay around 8 a month more to fill up their cars if Britain leaves the EU. |
| The motoring organisation calculated that a 20% fall in the value of sterling - as US banking giant Goldman Sachs has predicted could happen after a Brexit vote - may increase the average price of a litre of petrol by around four pence. | The motoring organisation calculated that a 20% fall in the value of sterling - as US banking giant Goldman Sachs has predicted could happen after a Brexit vote - may increase the average price of a litre of petrol by around four pence. |
| The Press Association reports that the analysis found that this would mean a household with two 55-litre petrol cars refuelling twice a month would spend 232 a month compared to 224 today, based on average prices. | The Press Association reports that the analysis found that this would mean a household with two 55-litre petrol cars refuelling twice a month would spend 232 a month compared to 224 today, based on average prices. |
| Simon Williams, the RAC’s fuel spokesman, said: | Simon Williams, the RAC’s fuel spokesman, said: |
| While the RAC has no view on the UK’s membership of the EU, the impact on fuel prices of Britain leaving is not likely to be as dramatic as motorists might be led to think. | While the RAC has no view on the UK’s membership of the EU, the impact on fuel prices of Britain leaving is not likely to be as dramatic as motorists might be led to think. |
| While the strength of the pound is a significant factor in the price motorists pay for petrol and diesel due to wholesale fuel being traded in dollars, the oil price is currently a greater influence. | While the strength of the pound is a significant factor in the price motorists pay for petrol and diesel due to wholesale fuel being traded in dollars, the oil price is currently a greater influence. |
| 3.30pm GMT | 3.30pm GMT |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
| Here’s a glimpse of David Cameron’s home this evening, courtesy of BBC producer Imelda Flattery. | Here’s a glimpse of David Cameron’s home this evening, courtesy of BBC producer Imelda Flattery. |
| Soon to be covered in post-it notes, document binders ... as well as blood, sweat and tears? | Soon to be covered in post-it notes, document binders ... as well as blood, sweat and tears? |
| David Cameron's desk for the EU Summit. Our guide said they once decorated with flowers until budget was cut. #euco pic.twitter.com/mCyLj6f1Uy | David Cameron's desk for the EU Summit. Our guide said they once decorated with flowers until budget was cut. #euco pic.twitter.com/mCyLj6f1Uy |
| UPDATE / STOP PRESS: | UPDATE / STOP PRESS: |
| David Cameron's desk now... With flowers.... https://t.co/56Emlcczkb | David Cameron's desk now... With flowers.... https://t.co/56Emlcczkb |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.45pm GMT | at 3.45pm GMT |
| 3.26pm GMT | 3.26pm GMT |
| 15:26 | 15:26 |
| David Cameron’s negotiations have been described as “largely irrelevant” by the British Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who is also in Brussels today meeting with fellow European socialists. | David Cameron’s negotiations have been described as “largely irrelevant” by the British Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who is also in Brussels today meeting with fellow European socialists. |
| At a meeting of the Party of European Socialists discussing future of EU & Cameron's largely irrelevant negotiations pic.twitter.com/VXM4RBfU1T | At a meeting of the Party of European Socialists discussing future of EU & Cameron's largely irrelevant negotiations pic.twitter.com/VXM4RBfU1T |
| Richard Corbett, a Labour MEP who is also a former EU Commission spokesman, has said meanwhile that Corbyn confirmed Labour’s “unequivocal position to stay in EU irrespective of Cameron reforms”. | Richard Corbett, a Labour MEP who is also a former EU Commission spokesman, has said meanwhile that Corbyn confirmed Labour’s “unequivocal position to stay in EU irrespective of Cameron reforms”. |
| 3.12pm GMT | 3.12pm GMT |
| 15:12 | 15:12 |
| Donald Tusk has also been speaking in the last few minutes about the state of negotiations, telling journalists: “We are in the middle of still very difficult and sensitive issues on the UK question.” | Donald Tusk has also been speaking in the last few minutes about the state of negotiations, telling journalists: “We are in the middle of still very difficult and sensitive issues on the UK question.” |
| “One thing is clear to me though. This is a make or break summit.” | “One thing is clear to me though. This is a make or break summit.” |
| 3.10pm GMT | 3.10pm GMT |
| 15:10 | 15:10 |
| Here’s a glimpse of what things look like behind the scenes in (not so smoke-filled) rooms, courtesy of Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council. | Here’s a glimpse of what things look like behind the scenes in (not so smoke-filled) rooms, courtesy of Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council. |
| Last bilateral meeting with PM @David_Cameron before #EUCO begins talks on new settlement for #UKinEU. pic.twitter.com/NBUodjeg8y | Last bilateral meeting with PM @David_Cameron before #EUCO begins talks on new settlement for #UKinEU. pic.twitter.com/NBUodjeg8y |
| 3.04pm GMT | 3.04pm GMT |
| 15:04 | 15:04 |
| The French president, Francois Hollande, has told waiting reporters that an agreement on Britain’s EU membership is possible “because it is necessary”. | The French president, Francois Hollande, has told waiting reporters that an agreement on Britain’s EU membership is possible “because it is necessary”. |
| He added however, that no country should have a veto right. Europe must not be stopped from “moving forward,” he added, using one of those vague terms EU leaders are fond of using at times like this. | He added however, that no country should have a veto right. Europe must not be stopped from “moving forward,” he added, using one of those vague terms EU leaders are fond of using at times like this. |
| #brexit hollande - if cameron gets too much, others will demand 'exceptions' | #brexit hollande - if cameron gets too much, others will demand 'exceptions' |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.43pm GMT | at 3.43pm GMT |
| 3.02pm GMT | 3.02pm GMT |
| 15:02 | 15:02 |
| Some more positive initial soundings - from the point of view of British negotiators - now from leaders arriving at the summit. | Some more positive initial soundings - from the point of view of British negotiators - now from leaders arriving at the summit. |
| Lithuanian leader Dalia Grubauskaite 'everybody will have its own drama, and then we will agree.' (best description of EU summit ever?) | Lithuanian leader Dalia Grubauskaite 'everybody will have its own drama, and then we will agree.' (best description of EU summit ever?) |
| Merkel arrives... says 'we will do everything to ensure that the UK stays part of the EU' | Merkel arrives... says 'we will do everything to ensure that the UK stays part of the EU' |
| 2.59pm GMT | 2.59pm GMT |
| 14:59 | 14:59 |
| Lest we regard the negotiations around the UK’s proposed reforms as the only game in town, here’s a reminder of the impact of an other crisis facing the EU. | Lest we regard the negotiations around the UK’s proposed reforms as the only game in town, here’s a reminder of the impact of an other crisis facing the EU. |
| The European Union’s migration chief warned Austria that its plans to cap migrant numbers would break the bloc’s laws, reports Reuters. | The European Union’s migration chief warned Austria that its plans to cap migrant numbers would break the bloc’s laws, reports Reuters. |
| Austria, on the migrant route from Turkey via Greece and the Balkans to Germany, said this week it would let in no more than 3,200 people a day and also cap asylum claims at 80 a day from Friday.. | Austria, on the migrant route from Turkey via Greece and the Balkans to Germany, said this week it would let in no more than 3,200 people a day and also cap asylum claims at 80 a day from Friday.. |
| “What the Austrians have decided is not according to European laws,” European Union Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told Reuters. | “What the Austrians have decided is not according to European laws,” European Union Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told Reuters. |
| He said he would send the Austrian government a letter “telling them that what they decided to do is not compatible to the European legislation. The Austrians are obliged to accept asylum applications without putting a cap.” | He said he would send the Austrian government a letter “telling them that what they decided to do is not compatible to the European legislation. The Austrians are obliged to accept asylum applications without putting a cap.” |
| Around 700,000 migrants, many of them fleeing fighting in Syria, Afghanistan and other conflict zones, entered Austria last year, and about 90,000 of them applied for asylum there. | Around 700,000 migrants, many of them fleeing fighting in Syria, Afghanistan and other conflict zones, entered Austria last year, and about 90,000 of them applied for asylum there. |
| 2.43pm GMT | 2.43pm GMT |
| 14:43 | 14:43 |
| Here’s reminder of the potential struggle which David Cameron will face later today, particularly when it comes to key central and eastern European member states. The Guardian’s Ian Traynor quotes Poland’s prime minister, Beata Szydło: | Here’s reminder of the potential struggle which David Cameron will face later today, particularly when it comes to key central and eastern European member states. The Guardian’s Ian Traynor quotes Poland’s prime minister, Beata Szydło: |
| #brexit polish pm - we want an agreement but not at any price | #brexit polish pm - we want an agreement but not at any price |
| This is Ben Quinn picking up the baton over from Matt Weaver. | This is Ben Quinn picking up the baton over from Matt Weaver. |
| 2.15pm GMT | 2.15pm GMT |
| 14:15 | 14:15 |
| The UK’s attempts to restrict child benefits and in-work benefits for EU migrants is put in context in a blogpost by Bruegel the Brussels-based economic thinktank. | The UK’s attempts to restrict child benefits and in-work benefits for EU migrants is put in context in a blogpost by Bruegel the Brussels-based economic thinktank. |
| It has dug out House of Commons figures which show that only a tiny fraction (0.26%) of child benefits are paid to EU migrants. | It has dug out House of Commons figures which show that only a tiny fraction (0.26%) of child benefits are paid to EU migrants. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.24pm GMT | at 2.24pm GMT |
| 2.00pm GMT | 2.00pm GMT |
| 14:00 | 14:00 |
| “Cameron’s pettiness demeans and embarrasses Britain,” writes Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee. | “Cameron’s pettiness demeans and embarrasses Britain,” writes Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee. |
| Cameron enters the “in” campaign having spent his entire decade as party leader undermining support for it. He deserves to lose, but we have to hope to God he doesn’t. Under him, Britain has had next to nothing constructive to contribute to the EU’s troubles, riven and immobilised over the migration crisis, and by the euro’s weakness to which austerity was the wrong answer ... | Cameron enters the “in” campaign having spent his entire decade as party leader undermining support for it. He deserves to lose, but we have to hope to God he doesn’t. Under him, Britain has had next to nothing constructive to contribute to the EU’s troubles, riven and immobilised over the migration crisis, and by the euro’s weakness to which austerity was the wrong answer ... |
| Cameron has even undermined the great reasons for the EU’s existence. Securing democratic freedom was its founding postwar purpose, which explains the hasty eastward enlargement when the Berlin Wall fell. Former communist countries, and Greece, Spain and Portugal, were all embraced, regardless of economic cost. Because the EU is a beacon of decency, the world’s oppressed travel here to this most stable, well-governed zone. But in begging for tiny concessions on benefits, Cameron has grovelled to authoritarian governments in Poland and Hungary who already test the margins of human rights acceptability. His promise of a British bill of human rights would let Hungarians and Poles claim the right to pick and choose their own too. | Cameron has even undermined the great reasons for the EU’s existence. Securing democratic freedom was its founding postwar purpose, which explains the hasty eastward enlargement when the Berlin Wall fell. Former communist countries, and Greece, Spain and Portugal, were all embraced, regardless of economic cost. Because the EU is a beacon of decency, the world’s oppressed travel here to this most stable, well-governed zone. But in begging for tiny concessions on benefits, Cameron has grovelled to authoritarian governments in Poland and Hungary who already test the margins of human rights acceptability. His promise of a British bill of human rights would let Hungarians and Poles claim the right to pick and choose their own too. |
| If Cameron returns triumphant this weekend, award him no laurels. Even if he wins the referendum for “remain”, he will have left both Britain and Europe in a weaker state than when he first aspired to become leader of his country. | If Cameron returns triumphant this weekend, award him no laurels. Even if he wins the referendum for “remain”, he will have left both Britain and Europe in a weaker state than when he first aspired to become leader of his country. |
| 1.47pm GMT | 1.47pm GMT |
| 13:47 | 13:47 |
| Gianni Pittella, the president of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the second largest political group in the European Parliament, says his bloc will support Britain remaining in the EU but not at the cost of sacrificing its values. | Gianni Pittella, the president of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the second largest political group in the European Parliament, says his bloc will support Britain remaining in the EU but not at the cost of sacrificing its values. |
| Al via il prevertice socialista: sosterremo la permanenza del Regno Unito in UE ma senza sacrificare i nostri valori pic.twitter.com/4WMDWqqUEp | Al via il prevertice socialista: sosterremo la permanenza del Regno Unito in UE ma senza sacrificare i nostri valori pic.twitter.com/4WMDWqqUEp |
| 1.31pm GMT | 1.31pm GMT |
| 13:31 | 13:31 |
| Cameron’s Twitter feed echoed his remarks. | Cameron’s Twitter feed echoed his remarks. |
| I'm in Brussels where I'm negotiating hard for Britain. I'm clear, I'm not prepared to take a deal that does not meet what Britain needs. | I'm in Brussels where I'm negotiating hard for Britain. I'm clear, I'm not prepared to take a deal that does not meet what Britain needs. |
| 1.30pm GMT | 1.30pm GMT |
| 13:30 | 13:30 |
| Cameron: 'battling for Britain' | Cameron: 'battling for Britain' |
| Cameron has arrived at the talks insisting he won’t take agree a deal that “does not meet what we need.” | Cameron has arrived at the talks insisting he won’t take agree a deal that “does not meet what we need.” |
| Speaking to reporters in Brussels he said he would be “battling for Britain”. He added: “ I will not take a deal that does not meet what we need. With good will and hard work, we can get a good deal for Britain.” | Speaking to reporters in Brussels he said he would be “battling for Britain”. He added: “ I will not take a deal that does not meet what we need. With good will and hard work, we can get a good deal for Britain.” |
| #brexit cameron arrives with a mouthful of martial metaphors. battling for britain. fighting. it will be hard | #brexit cameron arrives with a mouthful of martial metaphors. battling for britain. fighting. it will be hard |
| 1.21pm GMT | 1.21pm GMT |
| 13:21 | 13:21 |
| Kevin Rawlinson | Kevin Rawlinson |
| BBC journalists have been given guidelines to govern their coverage of the EU referendum in a bid to ensure impartiality, writes Kevin Rawlinson. | BBC journalists have been given guidelines to govern their coverage of the EU referendum in a bid to ensure impartiality, writes Kevin Rawlinson. |
| They have been told they will be expected to ensure “broad balance” between the two sides of the debate, while also taking into account differing agendas within the same campaign. | They have been told they will be expected to ensure “broad balance” between the two sides of the debate, while also taking into account differing agendas within the same campaign. |
| They will not be obliged to make sure that the views of the two official campaign groups are given equal exposure at all times, but will be required to focus on “finding ‘broad balance’ between the arguments”. | They will not be obliged to make sure that the views of the two official campaign groups are given equal exposure at all times, but will be required to focus on “finding ‘broad balance’ between the arguments”. |
| The guidelines read: “There may be circumstances in which other voices, beyond the formal representatives, are relevant to the arguments: these too should be weighed in terms of the broad balance.” | The guidelines read: “There may be circumstances in which other voices, beyond the formal representatives, are relevant to the arguments: these too should be weighed in terms of the broad balance.” |
| Related: BBC journalists given EU referendum rules to ensure impartiality | Related: BBC journalists given EU referendum rules to ensure impartiality |