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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)
11.22pm GMT
23:22
Claire Phipps
Hello, this is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog reins from Ben Quinn.
As talks in Brussels tip into Friday morning, European leaders are expected to peel off to their beds within the next few hours. Lawyers and representatives will continue through the night, with full discussions resuming in the morning – though it could be as late as 11am CET (10am GMT) before the leaders are back round the table.
But the sense still seems to be that a deal this weekend is the preferred option over an inconclusive outcome and a further summit in the next few weeks. So … watch this space.
10.55pm GMT
22:55
Ukip leader Nigel Farage has popped up on BBC Newsnight, with a Brussels backdrop behind him and a caricature of David Cameron in mind.
“He’s rather like Oliver Twist. He has come along with his begging bowl , saying: ‘please sir, can we have more concessions?’ ” said Farage.
“Most of what you are seeing here is theatre. It’s theatre from Mr Cameron and it’s theatre from the other leaders,” added Farage, who predicted that an agreement would be presented earlier tomorrow.
Updated
at 11.18pm GMT
10.45pm GMT10.45pm GMT
22:4522:45
Here’s a summary of how things stand at the moment:Here’s a summary of how things stand at the moment:
• David Cameron embarked on the biggest gamble of his premiership on Thursday evening, as he sought to put Britain’s place in Europe on a permanently new footing at an EU summit in Brussels.If he failed to strike an agreement at the meeting of 28 heads of government that was expected to run through the night, he would not be given a second chance, EU leaders warned Britain.• David Cameron embarked on the biggest gamble of his premiership on Thursday evening, as he sought to put Britain’s place in Europe on a permanently new footing at an EU summit in Brussels.If he failed to strike an agreement at the meeting of 28 heads of government that was expected to run through the night, he would not be given a second chance, EU leaders warned Britain.
• The European council president, Donald Tusk, described the summit as “make-or-break summit.” According to a leaked version of the draft deal seen by the Guardian, differences are widening rather than narrowing, with UK desire for treaty change on a key economic issue now confined to square brackets, the device used in international negotiations to show there is no agreement on the issue.• The European council president, Donald Tusk, described the summit as “make-or-break summit.” According to a leaked version of the draft deal seen by the Guardian, differences are widening rather than narrowing, with UK desire for treaty change on a key economic issue now confined to square brackets, the device used in international negotiations to show there is no agreement on the issue.
• In the first session of talks on Thursday evening in Brussels, 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.The period 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.• In the first session of talks on Thursday evening in Brussels, 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.The period 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.
• Jeremy Corbyn has attacked David Cameron’s emergency brake on migrant benefits as ineffectual, as he branded the whole renegotiation a “theatrical sideshow”.The Labour leader said there was no evidence that the proposed emergency brake on in-work benefits would have any effect on reducing immigration to the UK.• Jeremy Corbyn has attacked David Cameron’s emergency brake on migrant benefits as ineffectual, as he branded the whole renegotiation a “theatrical sideshow”.The Labour leader said there was no evidence that the proposed emergency brake on in-work benefits would have any effect on reducing immigration to the UK.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.46pm GMTat 10.46pm GMT
10.33pm GMT10.33pm GMT
22:3322:33
Even with a potentially long night ahead of him, and further talks tomorrow morning, David Cameron has to continue keeping an eye over his shoulder at how his performance is being viewed in his own party.Even with a potentially long night ahead of him, and further talks tomorrow morning, David Cameron has to continue keeping an eye over his shoulder at how his performance is being viewed in his own party.
Here’s one of the Tory party’s most vocal and effective eurosceptics with some helpful commentary on his leader’s actions in Brussels: Here’s one of the Tory party’s most vocal and effective Eurosceptics with some helpful commentary on his leader’s actions in Brussels:
Why is the PM in such a hurry to hold the vote by June? Because he knows that the euro and Schengen crises will only get worse. #VoteLeaveWhy is the PM in such a hurry to hold the vote by June? Because he knows that the euro and Schengen crises will only get worse. #VoteLeave
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.44pm GMT at 10.59pm GMT
10.21pm GMT10.21pm GMT
22:2122:21
That earlier report from Bloomberg that Cameron has requested a longer than anticipated ‘emergency brake clause’ (13 years) on the issue of social welfare benefits for some EU workers in Britain is being carried by other outlets now.That earlier report from Bloomberg that Cameron has requested a longer than anticipated ‘emergency brake clause’ (13 years) on the issue of social welfare benefits for some EU workers in Britain is being carried by other outlets now.
It’s going to be a tough one for eastern European and Baltic states in particular to stomachIt’s going to be a tough one for eastern European and Baltic states in particular to stomach
That's a significantly long period - longer than Baltic countries and Eastern Europeans happy with or expected from sounds of thingsThat's a significantly long period - longer than Baltic countries and Eastern Europeans happy with or expected from sounds of things
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.44pm GMTat 10.44pm GMT
9.59pm GMT9.59pm GMT
21:5921:59
Friday’s newspaper front pages are coming in now.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 dealThe 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/4gY7Np75cxNo 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 EUThe 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/A2DGny6rAFFriday'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?)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/62rsNMIJZmFriday's International NY TimesHard choices face E.U. as crises chip at its ideals#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/62rsNMIJZm
The Times splashes on EU leaders letting Britain that he has “one shot” at securing a dealThe Times splashes on EU leaders letting Britain that he has “one shot” at securing a deal
Friday's Times front page:This is your last chance, EU leaders tell Britain#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #euref pic.twitter.com/nk65buYZU8Friday's Times front page:This is your last chance, EU leaders tell Britain#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #euref pic.twitter.com/nk65buYZU8
The Daily Mail’s splash describes events in Brussels as a “shambles” and the deal between the UK and other member states as “watered down”The Daily Mail’s splash describes events in Brussels as a “shambles” and the deal between the UK and other member states as “watered down”
Friday's Daily Mail:Face that says it all#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #euref pic.twitter.com/aRxvukNX2fFriday's Daily Mail:Face that says it all#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #euref pic.twitter.com/aRxvukNX2f
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.26pm GMTat 10.26pm GMT
9.53pm GMT9.53pm GMT
21:5321:53
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.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 squadThe awkward squad
Includes:Includes:
Beata Szydło, PolandBeata 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.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 RepublicBohuslav 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.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, FranceFrançois 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.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, RomaniaKlaus Werner Iohannis, Romania
A former physics teacher, the president is a stern opponent of treating Romanians in the UK differently to British nationals.A former physics teacher, the president is a stern opponent of treating Romanians in the UK differently to British nationals.
The alliesThe allies
Includes:Includes:
Angela Merkel, GermanyAngela 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.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, IrelandEnda 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.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, AustriaWerner 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.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 middleIn the middle
Includes:Includes:
Stefan Löfven, SwedenStefan 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.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, CyprusNicos 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.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, MaltaJoseph 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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.13pm GMTat 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
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.45pm GMTat 10.45pm GMT
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 GMT
21:26
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 26 June.
“Like my referendum,” replies Cameron, while Rajoy laughs: “the same day”
(courtesy of Pablo Rodríguez of El Mundo)
Updated
at 10.46pm GMT
9.09pm GMT
21:09
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.
It adds:
He asked for an initial suspension of seven years that could be lengthened twice by another three years each, said European officiers, 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 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 #euref
Updated
at 10.30pm GMT
9.04pm GMT
21:04
Nicholas 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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 10.46pm GMT
8.48pm GMT
20:48
No 10: Cameron prepared to 'walk away'
David Cameron warned EU leaders that he would walk away from the summit without a deal on Friday if they failed 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.
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 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.
Updated
at 10.46pm GMT
8.41pm GMT
20:41
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.
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/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.
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
Updated
at 10.47pm GMT
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.