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Cameron 'won't take EU deal that doesn't meet British needs' – live Cameron 'won't take EU deal that doesn't meet British needs' – live
(35 minutes later)
5.36pm GMT
17:36
The doors have been closed on the leaders and senior officials and talks about the UK deal are now underway.
They’re expected to go on until about 8pm or some time after, when they will break for dinner. Talks about refuguees will also come later.
Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, will decide after dinner it’s worth having another UK session. At this stage though, it’s likely that they will at least go into bilateral meetings later on, according to the Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin.
Either way, sounds like it makes sense to stock up on the Red Bull.
Here’s the customary ‘family photo’ which was taken earlier by the way. I know you want to see it..
Updated
at 5.38pm GMT
5.22pm GMT
17:22
An interesting little encounter between UKIP’s Nigel Farage and Syed Kamall, he most senior Tory MEP in the European parliament (captured by Alex Pigman of AFP):dmitted that Strasbourg could scupper the prime minister’s EU reform plan.
The real #Brexit fight. Cameron man @SyedKamall has a chat with @Nigel_Farage on #euco sideline. pic.twitter.com/edsUeIznCG
kamall, the chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the parliament, admitted on Tuesday that Strasbourg could yet scupper the prime minister’s EU reform plan.
5.04pm GMT5.04pm GMT
17:0417:04
The mingling is underway meanwhile. Here’s Cameron with Schulz..The mingling is underway meanwhile. Here’s Cameron with Schulz..
.. and Cameron with Jean-Claude Juncker... and Cameron with Jean-Claude Juncker.
4.52pm GMT4.52pm GMT
16:5216:52
Aiming squarely at the debate around proposed restrictions to child benefits and in-work benefits of some EU citizens in the UK, he added:Aiming squarely at the debate around proposed restrictions to child benefits and in-work benefits of some EU citizens in the UK, he added:
EP will fight against discrimination between EU citizens. Non-discrimination & equal treatment are fundamental principles of our Union #EUCOEP will fight against discrimination between EU citizens. Non-discrimination & equal treatment are fundamental principles of our Union #EUCO
Tackling concerns of UK shouldn't turn into opportunity for other Member States to start rolling out lists of backdoor Treaty changes #EUCOTackling concerns of UK shouldn't turn into opportunity for other Member States to start rolling out lists of backdoor Treaty changes #EUCO
“If this Pandora’s box is opened then we are in Treaty change mode and EP would see fit to convene a Convention,” Schulz also said.“If this Pandora’s box is opened then we are in Treaty change mode and EP would see fit to convene a Convention,” Schulz also said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.53pm GMTat 4.53pm GMT
4.48pm GMT4.48pm GMT
16:4816:48
Here are some interventions, in the last few minutes, by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, who has been preparing to speak at the summit in Brussels.Here are some interventions, in the last few minutes, by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, who has been preparing to speak at the summit in Brussels.
EP thinks ever-closer union shouldn't only be abt our past, but what we can do together. Majority of MSs & citizens want to go further #EUCOEP thinks ever-closer union shouldn't only be abt our past, but what we can do together. Majority of MSs & citizens want to go further #EUCO
There can be no veto on Eurozone governance issues. Eurozone cannot be paralysed #EUCOThere can be no veto on Eurozone governance issues. Eurozone cannot be paralysed #EUCO
Schulz was the source earlier this week of a set back for David Cameron’s insistence that settlement terms defining a new deal for Britain in the EU must be immediately legally watertight and irreversible.Schulz was the source earlier this week of a set back for David Cameron’s insistence that settlement terms defining a new deal for Britain in the EU must be immediately legally watertight and irreversible.
The German social democrat, who met the prime minister on Tuesday, said that he could not guarantee such a scenario.The German social democrat, who met the prime minister on Tuesday, said that he could not guarantee such a scenario.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.49pm GMTat 4.49pm GMT
4.41pm GMT4.41pm GMT
16:4116:41
Patrick WintourPatrick Wintour
As many as 600,000 Poles already living in the UK must be allowed to retain their access to in-work benefits and child benefit, or else no consensus will be reached on the UK’s renegotiated terms for continued EU membership, according to the foreign policy adviser to the Polish President.As many as 600,000 Poles already living in the UK must be allowed to retain their access to in-work benefits and child benefit, or else no consensus will be reached on the UK’s renegotiated terms for continued EU membership, according to the foreign policy adviser to the Polish President.
Krzysztof Szczerski was speaking to the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour, who reports as David Cameron begins the detailed negotiations in Brussels that may well turn on whether the so-called British emergency brake temporarily depriving EU migrants of access to in work benefits is seen as an effective way of controlling migration in to the UK.Krzysztof Szczerski was speaking to the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour, who reports as David Cameron begins the detailed negotiations in Brussels that may well turn on whether the so-called British emergency brake temporarily depriving EU migrants of access to in work benefits is seen as an effective way of controlling migration in to the UK.
Szczerski said:Szczerski said:
We cannot accept retrospective legislation Those that are in the system and part of the system cannot have their rights taken away.We cannot accept retrospective legislation Those that are in the system and part of the system cannot have their rights taken away.
He also insisted an emergency brake will anyway not have much impact on the flow of migrants to the UK saying:He also insisted an emergency brake will anyway not have much impact on the flow of migrants to the UK saying:
The Polish people in this country are not benefit seekers.The Polish people in this country are not benefit seekers.
Nearly 93 % of Poles are either studying or working so they are contributing rather than benefiting from the system.Nearly 93 % of Poles are either studying or working so they are contributing rather than benefiting from the system.
We have to protect the rights of those already in the system.We have to protect the rights of those already in the system.
4.31pm GMT4.31pm GMT
16:3116:31
The prize for outfit of the summit might already have been scooped by Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel, who arrived wearing... er.. quite a scarf.The prize for outfit of the summit might already have been scooped by Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel, who arrived wearing... er.. quite a scarf.
“We count on a common european solution, solidarity must be key principle,” he said.“We count on a common european solution, solidarity must be key principle,” he said.
4.24pm GMT4.24pm GMT
16:2416:24
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.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.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@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.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 GMT4.13pm GMT
16:1316:13
An nugget from the Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel, according to the Brussels deputy bureau chief of Agence France-Presse.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...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.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.”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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.15pm GMTat 4.15pm GMT
4.00pm GMT4.00pm GMT
16:0016:00
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.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.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.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 BrexitRelated: German poll finds one in three firms would leave UK after Brexit
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.02pm GMTat 4.02pm GMT
3.54pm GMT3.54pm GMT
15:5415:54
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 GMT3.41pm GMT
15:4115:41
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 GMT3.30pm GMT
15:3015:30
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/mCyLj6f1UyDavid 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/56EmlcczkbDavid Cameron's desk now... With flowers.... https://t.co/56Emlcczkb
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.45pm GMTat 3.45pm GMT
3.26pm GMT3.26pm GMT
15:2615:26
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/VXM4RBfU1TAt 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 GMT3.12pm GMT
15:1215:12
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 GMT3.10pm GMT
15:1015:10
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/NBUodjeg8yLast bilateral meeting with PM @David_Cameron before #EUCO begins talks on new settlement for #UKinEU. pic.twitter.com/NBUodjeg8y