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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)
12.35am GMT
00:35
Nicholas Watt
The Guardian’s Nicholas Watt sends this dispatch from Brussels:
Martin Schulz, president of the European parliament, has indicated that the parliament is prepared to fight British plans to impose restrictions on in-work benefits for EU migrants on the grounds they are discriminatory.
In a speech to the European Council, in which he warned that Britain would “drift into the insignificant backwaters of the world political scene” if it left the EU, Schulz said Britain was planning to discriminate between EU citizens.
Schulz highlighted the way in which EU migrants could receive different rates of pay for the same job under an emergency brake offered by the European Commission. The brake would allow Britain to deny in-work benefits during an EU migrant’s first year in Britain and then to introduce them gradually over the next three years.
Schulz told EU leaders:
This ‘safeguard mechanism’ would mean that two workers, both EU nationals, paying the same taxes, doing the same work, would for a certain time not be paid the same. Allow me to say this very clearly: the European Parliament will fight discrimination between EU citizens. Non-discrimination and equal treatment are fundamental principles of our union.
If a deal is reached among EU leaders, the European parliament would have to approve the secondary legislation needed to put the emergency brake on a legal footing.
Schulz also used his speech to warn of the dangers of a British exit from the EU:
If we Europeans part ways, labouring under the fond illusion that, now of all times, the finest hour of the nation state has arrived, we should make no mistake about the consequences. We will be left to drift into the insignificant backwaters of the world political scene.
A spokesman for Vote Leave said:
Schulz had let the cat out of the bag over what the EU really thinks about the renegotiation. With David Cameron’s deal having the legal weight of an unsigned contract the agreement will be quickly ignored or overridden. That makes voting remain on the basis of this deal a huge risk.
12.22am GMT
00:22
For those readers champing to hear news of the next round of bilateral talks, due to be happening right around now … patience is advised:
no where near #brexit bilaterals, dinner is still going on.. #3shirtsummit #pray4sherpas #euco
12.19am GMT
00:19
What are the sticking points?
Reports from Brussels suggest talks on migration are proving particularly difficult to reach agreement.
But this is just one of four key questions that need to be thrashed out:
Emergency brake
How long could Britain impose the emergency brake to restrict in-work benefits for EU migrants in the UK? This has been complicated by questions over whether other member countries might want to adopt the scheme.
Curbs on benefits
There is disagreement – particularly from Poland – over UK efforts to restrict child benefit paid to EU workers within the UK whose children live in their home country. Also a bone of contention is whether any curbs should be applied retrospectively to EU migrants already in the UK.
‘Ever-closer union’
Britain wants a treaty change to formalise the UK’s exemption from the EU’s founding declaration to forge an ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe. Some countries think the formal opt-out should be sufficient.
Financial regulation
The UK seeks a further treaty change to underpin protections for non-eurozone members in the single market – opposed by France, which is said to see the move as a restriction on the eurozone and “special protection” for the City of London.
12.06am GMT
00:06
While we wait (and wait) for progress in the crunch talks, why not try our massively scientific and conclusive quiz to discover how EU you really are:
Related: How EU are you? Brexit or bust? Take our definitive referendum quiz
11.35pm GMT11.35pm GMT
23:3523:35
Caroline Lucas, the UK Green party MP, says the forthcoming referendum on UK membership of the EU “should kickstart a movement in Britain to make membership of the European Union work even better for all of us”.Caroline Lucas, the UK Green party MP, says the forthcoming referendum on UK membership of the EU “should kickstart a movement in Britain to make membership of the European Union work even better for all of us”.
She also called for EU meetings to be more transparent and (a request echoed by live bloggers everywhere) for council meetings to be live streamed.She also called for EU meetings to be more transparent and (a request echoed by live bloggers everywhere) for council meetings to be live streamed.
Lucas said:Lucas said:
Though I’m a strong supporter of the EU I do believe it should be more democratic and transparent.Though I’m a strong supporter of the EU I do believe it should be more democratic and transparent.
These negotiations – which are being conducted behind closed doors in Brussels and through tactical press briefings – aren’t a good advert for the EU.These negotiations – which are being conducted behind closed doors in Brussels and through tactical press briefings – aren’t a good advert for the EU.
EU Council meetings should be live streamed and open for Europeans to watch – thus ensuring that the politicians who represent us are also accountable to us.EU Council meetings should be live streamed and open for Europeans to watch – thus ensuring that the politicians who represent us are also accountable to us.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.52pm GMTat 11.52pm GMT
11.22pm GMT11.22pm GMT
23:2223:22
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Hello, this is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog reins from Ben Quinn.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.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.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 GMT10.55pm GMT
22:5522:55
Ukip leader Nigel Farage has popped up on BBC Newsnight, with a Brussels backdrop behind him and a caricature of David Cameron in mind.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.“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.“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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.18pm GMTat 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 10.59pm GMTat 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
ITV’s political editor Robert Peston has reiterated – as reported by the Guardian earlier – that EU leaders are preparing to state that there would be no fresh negotiations about membership if the UK votes to leave the union.ITV’s political editor Robert Peston has reiterated – as reported by the Guardian earlier – that EU leaders are preparing to state that there would be no fresh negotiations about membership if the UK votes to leave the union.
It’s believed David Cameron will not object to this “the deal is the deal” statement in the summit text.It’s believed David Cameron will not object to this “the deal is the deal” statement in the summit text.
Peston adds: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 12.01am GMTat 12.01am 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