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Cameron makes final plea to EU leaders as summit gets under way – live Cameron makes final plea to EU leaders as summit gets under way – live
(35 minutes later)
8.28pm GMT
20:28
Peter Mandelson, a former Europe Commissioner and MP, has been offering David Cameron some advice and says it would have been much better if he had started negotiations a long time ago.
Mandelson has told BBC Newsnight:
In a sense he is trying to achieve too much in too short a time and I think that the deal he will get, if it’s anything like that originally outlined, will be relevant, useful and eminently understandable to the British people, but I think more importantly it has to become a platform for a continuous process of reform.
David Cameron "is trying to achieve too much in too short a time": Mandelson on #EU deal + Corbyn & Boris 10.30 BBC2https://t.co/jHLK1zZaAT
8.20pm GMT
20:20
More suggestions coming now about the road ahead. No major progress has been made in the first session of talks this evening, which means the leaders will go into dinner to talk about the migration crisis.
David Cameron and Donald Tusk will then hold a bilateral to plot a way forward, while Tusk himself is expected to hold a press conference at midnight.
No real progress in UK-EU talks - 'serious differences' remain, say sources.
Updated
at 8.21pm GMT
8.08pm GMT
20:08
The haggling is on, with much of the disagreement centred around how long restrictions on benefits sought should last for, according to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Danny Kemp of AFP has more detail on the current state of play:
EU sources - Belgium holding out on ever-closer union. France wants QMV trigger on euro-outs, not just one as UK wants (via @AlexRPigman)
Isabel Hardman of the Spectator has more:
British officials now briefing that going is tough in talks, ‘Tusk shares the assessment that there are some serious differences’
It is likely to be a long night - other countries showing a desire to help but no serious progress yet
Updated
at 8.13pm GMT
8.03pm GMT
20:03
Food is central to the whole thing apparently. The deal will be finalised over brunch tomorrow, according to the Daily Mail’s John Stevens.
Brexit brunch to finalise deal will begin tomorrow at 11am, Tusk has told leaders
8.00pm GMT
20:00
It was’t an à la carte menu, but as it happens, that’s a phrase now being bandied around a bit on the fringes of negotiations to describe how some states are sniffing around to see if they can have slices of the British reform proposals for themselves.
Gary Gibbons of Channel 4 News says that the proposed changes to child benefit, effectively cuts in the payments for migrant EU workers in Britain who leave their offspring at home, are being eyed up by states such as France, the Netherlands and Germany.
7.51pm GMT7.51pm GMT
19:5119:51
Never mind the future of the European experiment though..Never mind the future of the European experiment though..
The big question of the night: what's for dinner: avocado+shrimp imparfait, cod loin with beer emulsion, mango mousse. #euco #brexitThe big question of the night: what's for dinner: avocado+shrimp imparfait, cod loin with beer emulsion, mango mousse. #euco #brexit
7.47pm GMT7.47pm GMT
19:4719:47
Some more now on Cameron’s address to fellow EU leaders earlier, who were told that he hoped the negotiations would be credible enough to allow him to settle Britain’s troubled relationship with the EU.Some more now on Cameron’s address to fellow EU leaders earlier, who were told that he hoped the negotiations would be credible enough to allow him to settle Britain’s troubled relationship with the EU.
He said:He said:
The question of Britain’s place in Europe has been allowed to fester for too long.. . It is time to deal with it.The question of Britain’s place in Europe has been allowed to fester for too long.. . It is time to deal with it.
If we can reach agreement here that is strong enough to persuade the British people to support the UK in membership of the EU then we have an opportunity to settle this issue for a generation.If we can reach agreement here that is strong enough to persuade the British people to support the UK in membership of the EU then we have an opportunity to settle this issue for a generation.
It is an opportunity to move to a fundamentally different approach in our relationship with the EU, what some might call live and let live, reflecting that those states who wish to integrate further can do so while those of us that don’t can be reassured that their interests will be protected, and will not need to fight these at every turn on a case by case, event by event issue.It is an opportunity to move to a fundamentally different approach in our relationship with the EU, what some might call live and let live, reflecting that those states who wish to integrate further can do so while those of us that don’t can be reassured that their interests will be protected, and will not need to fight these at every turn on a case by case, event by event issue.
7.43pm GMT7.43pm GMT
19:4319:43
The prime minister has longer than many might think to get his renegotiation and still deliver a June 23 EU referendum in the UK, according to the Telegraph’s chief political correspondent, Chris Hope, who adds:The prime minister has longer than many might think to get his renegotiation and still deliver a June 23 EU referendum in the UK, according to the Telegraph’s chief political correspondent, Chris Hope, who adds:
The PM has over three weeks to get a deal and still have enough time to designate official “remain” and “leave” campaigns, sources say. 2/2The PM has over three weeks to get a deal and still have enough time to designate official “remain” and “leave” campaigns, sources say. 2/2
7.27pm GMT7.27pm GMT
19:2719:27
Cameron: A chance to settle UK-EU relationship for a generationCameron: A chance to settle UK-EU relationship for a generation
David Cameron has told fellow European leaders that the Brussels summit presents an opportunity to settle Britain’s troubled relationship with the EU for a generation after claiming the issue has been allowed to “fester for too long”.David Cameron has told fellow European leaders that the Brussels summit presents an opportunity to settle Britain’s troubled relationship with the EU for a generation after claiming the issue has been allowed to “fester for too long”.
The Guardian’s team in Brussels report on the prime minister’s address to the formal opening session of the summit, which was told that he hoped to create a “live and let live” approach in which the likes of the UK can remain full members of the EU while standing back from moves towards greater integration.The Guardian’s team in Brussels report on the prime minister’s address to the formal opening session of the summit, which was told that he hoped to create a “live and let live” approach in which the likes of the UK can remain full members of the EU while standing back from moves towards greater integration.
Cameron, who also warned the EU’s other 27 leaders that they must agree to credible changes to allow him to win a referendum, spoke as Britain signalled its support for a plan to make clear that the summit will offer a make or break deal to the UK that cannot be reversed.Cameron, who also warned the EU’s other 27 leaders that they must agree to credible changes to allow him to win a referendum, spoke as Britain signalled its support for a plan to make clear that the summit will offer a make or break deal to the UK that cannot be reversed.
British officials also said they were interested in the proposal, drawn up by the Belgians and supported by the French, that would make clear that Britain could not seek to renegotiate the terms of its EU membership if it votes to leave in the referendum.British officials also said they were interested in the proposal, drawn up by the Belgians and supported by the French, that would make clear that Britain could not seek to renegotiate the terms of its EU membership if it votes to leave in the referendum.
The Franco-Belgian plan, which echoes a warning by the prime minister last year, is designed to kill of a plan by the Vote Leave campaign director, Dominic Cummings, to argue that a second referendum could be held after two years of negotiations if the UK votes to leave.The Franco-Belgian plan, which echoes a warning by the prime minister last year, is designed to kill of a plan by the Vote Leave campaign director, Dominic Cummings, to argue that a second referendum could be held after two years of negotiations if the UK votes to leave.
7.14pm GMT7.14pm GMT
19:1419:14
Philip OltermannPhilip 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.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.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”.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 Süddeutsche 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.Daily Süddeutsche 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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.35pm GMTat 7.35pm GMT
7.11pm GMT7.11pm GMT
19:1119:11
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.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.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#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.“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…”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.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?”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 GMT6.50pm GMT
18:5018:50
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.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.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.”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.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”.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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.51pm GMTat 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.