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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)
7.14pm GMT
19:14
Philip Oltermann
In Berlin, the Guardian’s Philip Oltermann reports that while David Cameron may have been piling on the martial metaphors as he arrives in Brussels, the German perspective sees the battle as being elsewhere.
Most of the papers here write about tonight’s meeting as a showdown over the refugee crisis.
Bestselling tabloid Bild has to remind its readers that Britain’s demands are also on the agenda, “in the shadow of this refugee summit”. It warns that the risk of the summit failing to come up with a solution is “considerable”. “It’s quite possible that some countries will at the last minute block the existing compromise”.
Daily Suddeutsche [umlaut on first u] Zeitung hinted at the exasperation some in Germany feel towards the British position, quoting a Brussels bureaucrat who complained that “one single man is threatening to push the entire EU into the abyss”. Many broadcasters have taken the summit as an occasion to remind viewers of the various Extrawurste [umlaut on u] or “extra sausages” – meaning special favours – Britain has already received from the European Union.
But not all coverage of Cameron’s agenda is unsympathetic. Die Welt pointed out that many politicians across Europe have recently come to share British concern about welfare abuse, particularly on child benefits. “Maybe the Brits are the better Europeans after all”, asked the centre-right daily.
7.11pm GMT
19:11
While we’re waiting for some of the real red meat to emerge from this evening’s negotiations in Brussels, here’s a little taste of how the question of a potential ‘Brexit’ is being discussed in two of Europe’s principal capitals.
In Paris, the pre-eminent voice of the French left used a ‘British’ teabag on its front page today as a metaphor for the UK’s now potentially tenuous connection to the EU.
#brexit La Une de #Libe pic.twitter.com/10z6TLQ6J0
“Do you want some or not?” Liberation asked readers. While the question of a so-called Brexit is set to dominate British politics, airwaves and pub conversations for weeks or even months to come, the paper went on to reflect what could be a growing indifference on the part of Britain’s nearest neighbours on the continent.
Suggesting that many of its readers might give little more than a Gallic shrug were British voters to opt to leave the European Union, Liberation concluded: “If it’s a yes, then good. If it’s a no, too bad…”
It went on to tell readers that France’s “partners” in Britain were preparing to adopt measures that could allow David Cameron to win a future referendum.
Underneath a teabag attached to a Union flag and the blue and yellow flag of the EU, it adds however: “But would a ‘Brexit’ actually be such a disaster?”
6.50pm GMT
18:50
Today’s comments by the leader of the British labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, have been scrutinised by the New Statesman’s George Eaton, who points out that it’s interesting that the Labour leader avoids outright condemnation of the government’s plans to limit welfare payments to EU migrants.
While coverage at the weekend suggested that Corbyn would attack the plan as “discriminatory”, it turns out that his assault was much milder than expected.
Eaton says that the Labour leader almost certainly does regard the emergency brake as discriminatory and wrong, “but that he has chosen not to say so is another example of the pragmatism he has intermittently displayed since becoming leader.”
Just to recap, Corbyn was addressing a meeting of the Party of European Socialists in Brussels, where he said the Prime Minister’s renegotiation agenda was a “missed opportunity” to make the EU better for workers.
However, Corbyn, who has a history of Euroscepticism, has committed his party to campaign to stay in the EU because it offers “investment, jobs and protection for British workers and consumers”.
The “real reforms” needed in Brussels included “an end to austerity”, he said, dismissing the Prime Minister’s measures to curb benefits for EU workers in the UK, claiming they were “largely irrelevant” to reducing the number of migrants heading to Britain and would not prevent UK citizens having their wages undercut.
Updated
at 6.51pm GMT
6.41pm GMT6.41pm GMT
18:4118:41
“Bremain” (geddit?) That’s the headline on a resolution adopted today by European Parliament’s mainstream centre-right EPP (European People’s Party) grouping, which has just been posted online.“Bremain” (geddit?) That’s the headline on a resolution adopted today by European Parliament’s mainstream centre-right EPP (European People’s Party) grouping, which has just been posted online.
Seeking to press a few buttons, it says: “The United Kingdom fought for Europe’s freedom in Europe’s darkest hour. The United Kingdom led again in extending Europe’s frontier of freedom on the fall of the Iron Curtain. Euroe as we know it today would not exist without the United Kingdom and the UK would not be what it is today without Europe.”Seeking to press a few buttons, it says: “The United Kingdom fought for Europe’s freedom in Europe’s darkest hour. The United Kingdom led again in extending Europe’s frontier of freedom on the fall of the Iron Curtain. Euroe as we know it today would not exist without the United Kingdom and the UK would not be what it is today without Europe.”
It goes on to add though: “The best deal for Britain must be fair to all the European Union member states and to all European citizens. Without discrimination, it myst of course respect the inviolable four freedoms underpinning our union of achievement and values.”It goes on to add though: “The best deal for Britain must be fair to all the European Union member states and to all European citizens. Without discrimination, it myst of course respect the inviolable four freedoms underpinning our union of achievement and values.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.43pm GMTat 6.43pm GMT
6.33pm GMT6.33pm GMT
18:3318:33
Schulz say, in his eyes, that the European Parliament will have an “enormous impact” on what happens after talks in Brussels this week about a UK - EU deal.Schulz say, in his eyes, that the European Parliament will have an “enormous impact” on what happens after talks in Brussels this week about a UK - EU deal.
“The core lawmakers in the follow up of the agreement is the European Parliament. So therefore I think members of the European Parliament express permanently their views.”“The core lawmakers in the follow up of the agreement is the European Parliament. So therefore I think members of the European Parliament express permanently their views.”
We have asked to look at the text and I can assure you that the amendments tabled by the European Parliament here during the last two or three weeks have changed or will change considerably tomorrow the draft of Mr [Donald] Tusk.”We have asked to look at the text and I can assure you that the amendments tabled by the European Parliament here during the last two or three weeks have changed or will change considerably tomorrow the draft of Mr [Donald] Tusk.”
That’ll come as quite a shock to the senior parliamentary official who was widely quoted this week as saying: “The parliament can be unpredictable, it can be like monkeys with guns.”That’ll come as quite a shock to the senior parliamentary official who was widely quoted this week as saying: “The parliament can be unpredictable, it can be like monkeys with guns.”
The press conference has ended now.The press conference has ended now.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.34pm GMTat 6.34pm GMT
6.19pm GMT6.19pm GMT
18:1918:19
Schulz is told by a journalist that there is a lot of criticism in the European Parliament about the “modest” role the parliament gets in Brexit. What’s his take on this?Schulz is told by a journalist that there is a lot of criticism in the European Parliament about the “modest” role the parliament gets in Brexit. What’s his take on this?
Schulz says members of the parliament are strongly involved and will discuss everything.Schulz says members of the parliament are strongly involved and will discuss everything.
“I can’t see why groups in the parliament or groups can’t express their view,” he adds.“I can’t see why groups in the parliament or groups can’t express their view,” he adds.
6.06pm GMT6.06pm GMT
18:0618:06
There’s also much focus on the refugee crisis. Schulz links plans on that score with the question over UK membership.There’s also much focus on the refugee crisis. Schulz links plans on that score with the question over UK membership.
#Schulz: on #migrantcrisis we can't just make financial pledges, but we need to pay them. UK is one of most generous & pays commitments.#Schulz: on #migrantcrisis we can't just make financial pledges, but we need to pay them. UK is one of most generous & pays commitments.
#Schulz: Each EU MS should ask themselves, "who are we alone." Need to stick together to face global challenges. #EUCO#Schulz: Each EU MS should ask themselves, "who are we alone." Need to stick together to face global challenges. #EUCO
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.07pm GMTat 6.07pm GMT
5.57pm GMT5.57pm GMT
17:5717:57
They’re into questions now. Schulz is told by a journalist that more and more people in the UK are inclining towards voting to leave the UK.They’re into questions now. Schulz is told by a journalist that more and more people in the UK are inclining towards voting to leave the UK.
Is it a good idea to hold a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU in the midst of the “biggest crisis” yet faced by the union (an apparent reference towards numbers of people crossing into Europe to flee conflict in Syria and elsewhere).Is it a good idea to hold a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU in the midst of the “biggest crisis” yet faced by the union (an apparent reference towards numbers of people crossing into Europe to flee conflict in Syria and elsewhere).
“The referendum is fixed. I will do the utnost to convince citizens in the UK to vote to stay,” replies Schulz, who adds that the EU is stronger with the UK in it.“The referendum is fixed. I will do the utnost to convince citizens in the UK to vote to stay,” replies Schulz, who adds that the EU is stronger with the UK in it.
SCHULZ: “If we Europeans part ways… we will be left to drift into the insignificant backwaters of the world political scene” #EUSummit 1/2SCHULZ: “If we Europeans part ways… we will be left to drift into the insignificant backwaters of the world political scene” #EUSummit 1/2
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.59pm GMTat 5.59pm GMT
5.54pm GMT5.54pm GMT
17:5417:54
Schulz says that the European Parliament has identified three sectors which are of central importance to a UK- EU deal, according to the Open Europe think tank.Schulz says that the European Parliament has identified three sectors which are of central importance to a UK- EU deal, according to the Open Europe think tank.
The reforms which the UK government has in mind cannot get in the way of further EU integration, he adds, and it is important to be careful that any deal does not “institutionalis” a divide between euro and non euro states.The reforms which the UK government has in mind cannot get in the way of further EU integration, he adds, and it is important to be careful that any deal does not “institutionalis” a divide between euro and non euro states.
“We are not a multi-currency union” he states, although it’s fair for the UK to ensure that it doesn’t want to be discriminated aganst as a non euro state in the single market.“We are not a multi-currency union” he states, although it’s fair for the UK to ensure that it doesn’t want to be discriminated aganst as a non euro state in the single market.
5.47pm GMT5.47pm GMT
17:4717:47
Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament, is holding press conference, which you can view here.Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament, is holding press conference, which you can view here.
It’s in German for the moment (a language I lack, sorry), but we’ll bring you some details shortly.It’s in German for the moment (a language I lack, sorry), but we’ll bring you some details shortly.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.47pm GMTat 5.47pm GMT
5.36pm GMT5.36pm GMT
17:3617:36
The doors have been closed on the leaders and senior officials and talks about the UK deal are now underway.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.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.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.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..Here’s the customary ‘family photo’ which was taken earlier by the way. I know you want to see it..
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.38pm GMTat 5.38pm GMT
5.22pm GMT5.22pm GMT
17:2217:22
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.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/edsUeIznCGThe 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.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.