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EU summit: UK officials report 'tough going' in talks on deal – live EU summit: UK officials report 'tough going' in talks on deal – live
(35 minutes later)
9.59pm GMT
21:59
Friday’s newspaper front pages are coming in now.
The Guardian splashes on how the Brussels summit has started with several key issues unresolved, and how David Cameron will have “one chance” to strike a deal
No second chance for CameronTomorrow's Guardian pic.twitter.com/4gY7Np75cx
The Telegraph leads on the letter from business leaders in Britain who are backing a vote to keep the UK in the EU
Friday's Telegraph front page:FTSE Chiefs' Yes to Europe#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #euref pic.twitter.com/A2DGny6rAF
The International New York Times makes space for a piece which says that the EU is facing crises which “chip at its ideals” (again?)
Friday's International NY TimesHard choices face E.U. as crises chip at its ideals#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/62rsNMIJZm
Updated
at 10.00pm GMT
9.53pm GMT
21:53
A guide to three approximate camps of EU leaders, and where they stand on the UK’s renegotiation attempts, has been put together by the Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin.
The awkward squad
Includes:
Beata Szydło, Poland
Leading opposition to benefit changes and other measures that could affect Poles living in the UK. Ready to make some concessions on welfare benefits, but only if there is guarantees that restrictions on child benefit will not copied by other countries and applied to other areas, such as pensions.
Bohuslav Sobotka, Czech Republic
A social democrat, he is less Eurosceptic than some of his predecessors but and is staunchly opposed to UK plans to cut child benefit for children living outside Britain.
François Hollande, France
The president has not made many public interventions into the British debate, but behind the scenes French officials have played a vital role in watering down the British text.
Klaus Werner Iohannis, Romania
A former physics teacher, the president is a stern opponent of treating Romanians in the UK differently to British nationals.
The allies
Includes:
Angela Merkel, Germany
A vital ally. The German chancellor has said she shares Cameron’s view that non-eurozone countries should not be sidelined and that member states should be able to protect their benefits systems.
Enda Kenny, Ireland
Dublin is seeking to ensure that Irish citizens are not included in any emergency brake, to reflect the ancient ties between Britain and Ireland.
Werner Faymann, Austria
The Austrian chancellor is facing calls to introduce a local version of the emergency brake that would allow Vienna to stop paying EU migrants’ benefits.
In the middle
Includes:
Stefan Löfven, Sweden
While Sweden is traditional ally of the UK in the councils of Brussels, its centre-left government is wary that some of British proposals on cutting red tape could weaken employment rights.
Nicos Anastasiades, Cyprus
Cyprus has to trade off its role as a traditional British ally, against multibillion-euro bailouts it has received as a member of the eurozone.
Joseph Muscat, Malta
Another small country. The island of Malta has the smallest population in the EU, with just 429,000 people, which makes it smaller than Manchester, but still a player at EU summits.
Updated
at 10.13pm GMT
9.34pm GMT9.34pm GMT
21:3421:34
EU leaders are preparing to state that there would be no fresh negotiations about membership if the UK votes to leave the union, according to ITV’s Political Editor, Robert Peston.EU leaders are preparing to state that there would be no fresh negotiations about membership if the UK votes to leave the union, according to ITV’s Political Editor, Robert Peston.
Sources have told him that David Cameron will not object to this “deal is the deal” statement in the summit text. Peston adds:Sources have told him that David Cameron will not object to this “deal is the deal” statement in the summit text. Peston adds:
It is in the prime minister’s interest of course for the referendum stakes to be - if not life or death - well unambiguously about whether we stay or go.It is in the prime minister’s interest of course for the referendum stakes to be - if not life or death - well unambiguously about whether we stay or go.
His best chance of winning the vote is to persuade us that it really really will decide whether we stay or remain.His best chance of winning the vote is to persuade us that it really really will decide whether we stay or remain.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.37pm GMTat 9.37pm GMT
9.31pm GMT9.31pm GMT
21:3121:31
The disclosure before the crucial European Union summit that the number of citizens of other EU countries working in Britain had risen above the 2 million mark for the last six months was widely reported as bad news for David Cameron.The disclosure before the crucial European Union summit that the number of citizens of other EU countries working in Britain had risen above the 2 million mark for the last six months was widely reported as bad news for David Cameron.
The Guardian’s Home Affairs Editor, Alan Travis, writes, however, that behind unfounded headlines about “EU migrants grabbing British jobs” lies a basic truth: that mass European migration is actually fuelling the relative growth of the UK economy that in turn is making Britain “the jobs factory of Europe”.The Guardian’s Home Affairs Editor, Alan Travis, writes, however, that behind unfounded headlines about “EU migrants grabbing British jobs” lies a basic truth: that mass European migration is actually fuelling the relative growth of the UK economy that in turn is making Britain “the jobs factory of Europe”.
For while some politicians chose only to focus on the growth of EU citizens employed in Britain, they ignored the fact that the same set of official statistics – the quarterly labour market survey – showed that record numbers of British citizens were in work too.For while some politicians chose only to focus on the growth of EU citizens employed in Britain, they ignored the fact that the same set of official statistics – the quarterly labour market survey – showed that record numbers of British citizens were in work too.
Indeed, 1 million more Britons are in work and 850,000 more Europeans are working in Britain since David Cameron became prime minister.Indeed, 1 million more Britons are in work and 850,000 more Europeans are working in Britain since David Cameron became prime minister.
The fact of the matter is that the story of EU migration to work in Britain should not be seen as a sudden, recent mass invasion to be necessarily feared by every British worker. It is now a fact of life that Britain has been a country of net mass migration every year for the past 20 yearsThe fact of the matter is that the story of EU migration to work in Britain should not be seen as a sudden, recent mass invasion to be necessarily feared by every British worker. It is now a fact of life that Britain has been a country of net mass migration every year for the past 20 years
Read on hereRead on here
9.28pm GMT9.28pm GMT
21:2821:28
The talks among leaders about migration is likely to be a short one, according to the Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin.The talks among leaders about migration is likely to be a short one, according to the Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin.
Attempts to stave off a Brexit, it seems, are taking taking priority tonightAttempts to stave off a Brexit, it seems, are taking taking priority tonight
Debate on migration not expected to be a long one: "they see the iceberg of #brexit and they don't want to be diverted", says source. #EUCODebate on migration not expected to be a long one: "they see the iceberg of #brexit and they don't want to be diverted", says source. #EUCO
9.26pm GMT9.26pm GMT
21:2621:26
Microphones, eh? Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajo, was picked up telling David Cameron that the most likely date for new elections in dead-locked Spain is June 26.Microphones, eh? Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajo, was picked up telling David Cameron that the most likely date for new elections in dead-locked Spain is June 26.
“Like my referendum,” replies Cameron, while Rajoy laughs: “the same day”“Like my referendum,” replies Cameron, while Rajoy laughs: “the same day”
(courtesy of Pablo Rodríguez of El Mundo)(courtesy of Pablo Rodríguez of El Mundo)
9.09pm GMT9.09pm GMT
21:0921:09
Britain made a “surprise” bid to extend the proposed “emergency brake” on welfare payments to non-British citizens for a total of 13 years, according to a report by the news agency Bloomberg.Britain made a “surprise” bid to extend the proposed “emergency brake” on welfare payments to non-British citizens for a total of 13 years, according to a report by the news agency Bloomberg.
It adds:It adds:
He asked for an initial suspension of seven years that could be lengthened twice by another three years each, they said, asking not to be named because the talks are private.He asked for an initial suspension of seven years that could be lengthened twice by another three years each, they said, asking not to be named because the talks are private.
The period Cameron requested is longer than had originally been proposed, and leaders from eastern European nations said they would accept an emergency brake lasting no more than five years.The period Cameron requested is longer than had originally been proposed, and leaders from eastern European nations said they would accept an emergency brake lasting no more than five years.
The off the record briefings are getting out of hand meanwhile:The off the record briefings are getting out of hand meanwhile:
Hearing that Poland want a 2 year benefits taper and 12 EuroVision points pa until 2023 #eurefHearing that Poland want a 2 year benefits taper and 12 EuroVision points pa until 2023 #euref
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.14pm GMTat 9.14pm GMT
9.04pm GMT9.04pm GMT
21:0421:04
Nicholas WattNicholas Watt
The Guardian’s Nick Watt reports that the prime minister was due to have a late night bilateral meeting with the European Council president Donald Tusk to demand movement in the five areas where there are still disagreements.The Guardian’s Nick Watt reports that the prime minister was due to have a late night bilateral meeting with the European Council president Donald Tusk to demand movement in the five areas where there are still disagreements.
Cameron expressed irritation that the Britain has given ground on child benefit, which he had hoped to abolish for EU migrants, by saying that it would be paid at a migrant’s home rate.Cameron expressed irritation that the Britain has given ground on child benefit, which he had hoped to abolish for EU migrants, by saying that it would be paid at a migrant’s home rate.
A failure to reach a deal would mean that EU leaders would probably reconvene in the next ten days to ensure a referendum can be held by 23 June.A failure to reach a deal would mean that EU leaders would probably reconvene in the next ten days to ensure a referendum can be held by 23 June.
But No 10 may be seeking to portray the prime minister as isolated and battling for Britain to allow him to hail a deal on Friday as an historic victory.But No 10 may be seeking to portray the prime minister as isolated and battling for Britain to allow him to hail a deal on Friday as an historic victory.
If a deal is secured he will fly back to London after a Brussels press conference to chair a cabinet meeting where he will say the government will formally endorse the deal.If a deal is secured he will fly back to London after a Brussels press conference to chair a cabinet meeting where he will say the government will formally endorse the deal.
But the meeting will also lead to the suspension of collective cabinet responsibility, allowing at least five cabinet ministers to campaign for a no vote.But the meeting will also lead to the suspension of collective cabinet responsibility, allowing at least five cabinet ministers to campaign for a no vote.
8.48pm GMT8.48pm GMT
20:4820:48
N10: Cameron prepared to 'walk away'N10: Cameron prepared to 'walk away'
David Cameron warned EU leaders that he will walk away from the summit without a deal on Friday if they fail to give ground on a series of fronts and allow him to present a “credible” set of reforms to the British people.David Cameron warned EU leaders that he will walk away from the summit without a deal on Friday if they fail to give ground on a series of fronts and allow him to present a “credible” set of reforms to the British people.
That’s according to briefings from the British side. In what were described as ill-tempered exchanges at the formal opening of the summit, the prime minister told European leaders that they need to match supportive rhetoric in favour of British membership of the EU with action to meet his needs.That’s according to briefings from the British side. In what were described as ill-tempered exchanges at the formal opening of the summit, the prime minister told European leaders that they need to match supportive rhetoric in favour of British membership of the EU with action to meet his needs.
A No 10 source said:A No 10 source said:
The going is tough. This could be a long night. Many countries were saying that they want to help and make sure they keep Britain in the EU. But there was not much sign of that.The going is tough. This could be a long night. Many countries were saying that they want to help and make sure they keep Britain in the EU. But there was not much sign of that.
The prime minister left the council in no doubt: we will only reach an agreement if it meets our requirements.The prime minister left the council in no doubt: we will only reach an agreement if it meets our requirements.
If we can’t we are not going to get an agreement at this summit.If we can’t we are not going to get an agreement at this summit.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.49pm GMTat 8.49pm GMT
8.41pm GMT8.41pm GMT
20:4120:41
So after they digest their mango mousse and caramelised pineapple, the British delegation will be meeting up for a face to face with the Visegrad-4 group of countries, which comprises Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Czech Republic.So after they digest their mango mousse and caramelised pineapple, the British delegation will be meeting up for a face to face with the Visegrad-4 group of countries, which comprises Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Czech Republic.
Jakub Krupa, UK correspondent for the Polish PAP press agency, tweets:Jakub Krupa, UK correspondent for the Polish PAP press agency, tweets:
As signalled to me by a senior UK official y'day, there will be a UK-Visegrad working meeting tonight after dinner https://t.co/cy5u9tptNHAs signalled to me by a senior UK official y'day, there will be a UK-Visegrad working meeting tonight after dinner https://t.co/cy5u9tptNH
The V4 group reached a common position on Tuesday rejecting current proposals on curbing child benefits for their migrant workers in western Europe, a key demand in David Cameron’s campaign.The V4 group reached a common position on Tuesday rejecting current proposals on curbing child benefits for their migrant workers in western Europe, a key demand in David Cameron’s campaign.
8.28pm GMT8.28pm GMT
20:2820:28
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.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: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.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/jHLK1zZaATDavid 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 GMT8.20pm GMT
20:2020:20
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.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.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.No real progress in UK-EU talks - 'serious differences' remain, say sources.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.21pm GMTat 8.21pm GMT
8.08pm GMT8.08pm GMT
20:0820:08
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.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: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)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: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’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 yetIt is likely to be a long night - other countries showing a desire to help but no serious progress yet
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.13pm GMTat 8.13pm GMT
8.03pm GMT8.03pm GMT
20:0320:03
Food is central to the whole thing apparently. The deal will be finalised over brunch tomorrow, according to the Daily Mail’s John Stevens.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 leadersBrexit brunch to finalise deal will begin tomorrow at 11am, Tusk has told leaders
8.00pm GMT8.00pm GMT
20:0020:00
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.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.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.