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EU summit: Schulz hopes negotiations on UK deal will end 'today' – live EU summit: 'English lunch' delayed until tea time – live
(35 minutes later)
1.38pm GMT
13:38
Cue English lunch gags:
At this rate #EUCO won't be an English lunch, or tea. It'll be an English Friday night in a former industrial town after too many alcopops!
BREAKING: The English Lunch will now be a Dog's Dinner
Three non-meals in one day - English breakfast turns into afternoon tea;https://t.co/7hWfnPb1KO
English breakfast --> Brexit brunch --> Leave Lunch --> and now a Ta ra Tea
1.35pm GMT
13:35
Ben Quinn
Some cabinet ministers are now assuming that the meeting which David Cameron had been expected to call on his return with a deal will now take place tomorrow, according to Sam Coates of the Times.
Some Cabinet ministers now assuming meeting will be tomorrow not tonight
Adam Afriyie, the Tory eurosceptic MP, has been providing some ..er.. interesting metaphors for the negotiations and the UK’s relationship with the EU
“I sometimes think of it as if the UK is incarcerated, unfairly of course. It’s like the prison wardens saying you should really stay and we’ll give you an extra bowel of gruel.”
1.33pm GMT
13:33
English lunch delayed until tea time
“English lunch” has been put back yet another hour until tea time.
Late "English lunch" now at 15h30 (14h30 GMT). Bilateral consultations continue. #euco
"English lunch" now scheduled for 14h30. Tusk @eucopresident & @JunckerEU continue second round of bilateral consultations on #UKinEU
What was originally supposed to be an “English breakfast” meeting, then became “English brunch”, then “English lunch” and has now been put back till early teatime.
No wonder some delegations are reported to have extending hotel bookings.
Some national delegations have extended hotel bookings for tonight acc to EU source. Eek, basically. #EUCO #Brexit
1.19pm GMT
13:19
There’s been more confirmation that Greece is threatening to scupper the whole summit over border pledges.
#BREAKING Greece wants EU open border pledge till March or will block Brexit accord: govt source
BBC Newsnight’s diplomatic editor says the threat could wreck the summit.
This could wreck the entire summit - not least because EU can't give that guarantee. It's down to Macedonia & V4 https://t.co/PNdPJ1Oyos
1.09pm GMT1.09pm GMT
13:0913:09
Crunch time. David Cameron is been holding talks with Poland’s prime minister Beata Szydło.Crunch time. David Cameron is been holding talks with Poland’s prime minister Beata Szydło.
PM @BeataSzydlo & @David_Cameron at #EUCO on #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/Thx8P2K5kTPM @BeataSzydlo & @David_Cameron at #EUCO on #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/Thx8P2K5kT
Consensus will not be reached unless the hundreds of thousands of Poles already living in the UK are allowed to retain their access to in-work benefits and child benefit, a foreign policy advisor to the Polish president told the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour on Thursday.Consensus will not be reached unless the hundreds of thousands of Poles already living in the UK are allowed to retain their access to in-work benefits and child benefit, a foreign policy advisor to the Polish president told the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour on Thursday.
Krzysztof Szczerski said Warsaw would block any move to hit the benefits of up to 600,000 Poles resident in Britain. “We cannot accept retrospective legislation,” he said. “Those that are in the system and part of the system cannot have their rights taken away.”Krzysztof Szczerski said Warsaw would block any move to hit the benefits of up to 600,000 Poles resident in Britain. “We cannot accept retrospective legislation,” he said. “Those that are in the system and part of the system cannot have their rights taken away.”
Poland has accepted the principle of a minimum four-year emergency brake on in work benefits, but their refusal to accept a cut in benefits that applies to Poles already working in the UK shows how tough negotiations have been and how a deal might have a limited impact on migration.Poland has accepted the principle of a minimum four-year emergency brake on in work benefits, but their refusal to accept a cut in benefits that applies to Poles already working in the UK shows how tough negotiations have been and how a deal might have a limited impact on migration.
Szczerski said his government, led by the rightwing Law and Justice party, was prepared to accept that new Polish child benefit claimants working in the UK should not be able to claim benefits at UK rates for its children still in Poland, as long as issues of indexation were resolved.Szczerski said his government, led by the rightwing Law and Justice party, was prepared to accept that new Polish child benefit claimants working in the UK should not be able to claim benefits at UK rates for its children still in Poland, as long as issues of indexation were resolved.
The talks in Brussels may well focus 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.The talks in Brussels may well focus 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.
1.07pm GMT1.07pm GMT
13:0713:07
It’s the inter-linking of issues that negotiators in Brussels would not want - more on that reported threat of a Greek veto:It’s the inter-linking of issues that negotiators in Brussels would not want - more on that reported threat of a Greek veto:
Brexit meet Grexit: Greece wants EU open-border pledge till March or will block UK accord - AFP in Athens quoting govt sourceBrexit meet Grexit: Greece wants EU open-border pledge till March or will block UK accord - AFP in Athens quoting govt source
Faisal Islam of Sky News also reports that ‘senior sources’ in the Greek government confirmed that a threat to veto the negotiations was made, although Athens does not have a problem ‘pers se’ with the British proposals.Faisal Islam of Sky News also reports that ‘senior sources’ in the Greek government confirmed that a threat to veto the negotiations was made, although Athens does not have a problem ‘pers se’ with the British proposals.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.07pm GMTat 1.07pm GMT
1.02pm GMT1.02pm GMT
13:0213:02
The chances of UK voters opting to remain in the European Union in a referendum are at 67%, according to a betting barometer being run by Ladbrokes, which is based on live odds.The chances of UK voters opting to remain in the European Union in a referendum are at 67%, according to a betting barometer being run by Ladbrokes, which is based on live odds.
It’s a slight rise towards that outcome from a few days ago.It’s a slight rise towards that outcome from a few days ago.
12.59pm GMT12.59pm GMT
12:5912:59
The lawyers are still at it, EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas assures us.The lawyers are still at it, EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas assures us.
Sleepless @EU_Commission lawyers still going strong in our #EUCO engine room. #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/sc8MXvCsYmSleepless @EU_Commission lawyers still going strong in our #EUCO engine room. #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/sc8MXvCsYm
12.56pm GMT12.56pm GMT
12:5612:56
Eurosceptic MEP Danniel Hannan has seized on that comment by Lithuania’s president about a “facing saving” deal.Eurosceptic MEP Danniel Hannan has seized on that comment by Lithuania’s president about a “facing saving” deal.
Other EU leaders are openly laughing at the idea that the changes are other than cosmetic. #EUCO @vote_leave https://t.co/SprcHtoCXcOther EU leaders are openly laughing at the idea that the changes are other than cosmetic. #EUCO @vote_leave https://t.co/SprcHtoCXc
12.55pm GMT12.55pm GMT
12:5512:55
Coming to a television screen near you soon no doubt: UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s new tie (do not adjust your sets)Coming to a television screen near you soon no doubt: UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s new tie (do not adjust your sets)
Breaking fashion news (as we wait for real news) : Just interviewed Nigel Farage who wore new Grassroots Out tie. pic.twitter.com/EfiJg0WUqtBreaking fashion news (as we wait for real news) : Just interviewed Nigel Farage who wore new Grassroots Out tie. pic.twitter.com/EfiJg0WUqt
12.51pm GMT12.51pm GMT
12:5112:51
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Irish ministers have joined business leaders from both sides of the Irish Sea to plead for a deal to keep Britain in the EU, writes Henry McDonald.Irish ministers have joined business leaders from both sides of the Irish Sea to plead for a deal to keep Britain in the EU, writes Henry McDonald.
Paschal Donohoe, the Republic’s Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, told a gathering at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce that “it is undoubtedly in the interests of Ireland, and of the European Union as a whole, that the UK should remain in the Union and contributing to that outcome is the government’s overall objective in these (Brussels) negotiations.”Paschal Donohoe, the Republic’s Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, told a gathering at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce that “it is undoubtedly in the interests of Ireland, and of the European Union as a whole, that the UK should remain in the Union and contributing to that outcome is the government’s overall objective in these (Brussels) negotiations.”
Meanwhile the President of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce warned those attending the Intercontinental Hotel one day conference about the economic impact on Ireland of Brexit.Meanwhile the President of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce warned those attending the Intercontinental Hotel one day conference about the economic impact on Ireland of Brexit.
Paul Drechsler CBE, said: “When the UK sneezes, Ireland catches a cold. And it’s not hard to see why. Trade between Britain and Ireland stands at 1 billion euros a week - accounting for 30% of imports into Ireland. Ireland is the UK’s largest market for food and drink and our second for clothing, fashion, footwear. “Paul Drechsler CBE, said: “When the UK sneezes, Ireland catches a cold. And it’s not hard to see why. Trade between Britain and Ireland stands at 1 billion euros a week - accounting for 30% of imports into Ireland. Ireland is the UK’s largest market for food and drink and our second for clothing, fashion, footwear. “
Dreschsler warned that post-Brexit trade between Ireland and Britain could be reduced by 20% or more.Dreschsler warned that post-Brexit trade between Ireland and Britain could be reduced by 20% or more.
12.47pm GMT12.47pm GMT
12:4712:47
European parliament president Martin Schulz says he believes there will be a conclusion today.European parliament president Martin Schulz says he believes there will be a conclusion today.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.47pm GMTat 12.47pm GMT
12.44pm GMT12.44pm GMT
12:4412:44
Czech leader Bohuslav Sobotka, the key player in the Visegrád Four, is now holding talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.Czech leader Bohuslav Sobotka, the key player in the Visegrád Four, is now holding talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Bilaterální jednání pokračují, s A. Merkelovou kromě dohody s V. Británií tentokrát i téma migrace. pic.twitter.com/VborbXwaayBilaterální jednání pokračují, s A. Merkelovou kromě dohody s V. Británií tentokrát i téma migrace. pic.twitter.com/VborbXwaay
12.38pm GMT12.38pm GMT
12:3812:38
Lithuania’s president, Dalia Grybauskaitè, appears resigned to a “face saving” deal, tweeting that it will be up to the British public to decide in the referendum.Lithuania’s president, Dalia Grybauskaitè, appears resigned to a “face saving” deal, tweeting that it will be up to the British public to decide in the referendum.
Whatever face saving and face lifting exercise we do @EUCO - decision belongs to British people #UKinEUWhatever face saving and face lifting exercise we do @EUCO - decision belongs to British people #UKinEU
12.35pm GMT12.35pm GMT
12:3512:35
So what is the background to Greek concerns? As we reported yesterday, the leaders of four anti-immigration eastern European countries met in Prague on Monday and demanded alternative EU policies by next month.So what is the background to Greek concerns? As we reported yesterday, the leaders of four anti-immigration eastern European countries met in Prague on Monday and demanded alternative EU policies by next month.
Crucially, their plan amounts to exporting Hungary’s zero-immigration razor-wire model to the Balkans, sealing Macedonia’s border with northern Greece, and bottling up the vast numbers of refugees in Greece unless they are deported back to Turkey.Crucially, their plan amounts to exporting Hungary’s zero-immigration razor-wire model to the Balkans, sealing Macedonia’s border with northern Greece, and bottling up the vast numbers of refugees in Greece unless they are deported back to Turkey.
Read more here:Read more here:
Related: European states deeply divided on refugee crisis before key summitRelated: European states deeply divided on refugee crisis before key summit
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.38pm GMTat 12.38pm GMT
12.32pm GMT12.32pm GMT
12:3212:32
He’s been a relatively peripheral figure so far overall in at these talks (in contrast to many other) but could Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras be about to start playing a more assertive role?He’s been a relatively peripheral figure so far overall in at these talks (in contrast to many other) but could Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras be about to start playing a more assertive role?
It get worse... Greek PM Tsipras says he'll veto all Cameron's work without commitment there'll be no closure of Greece's northern borderIt get worse... Greek PM Tsipras says he'll veto all Cameron's work without commitment there'll be no closure of Greece's northern border
12.31pm GMT12.31pm GMT
12:3112:31
MPs, like the rest of us, our waiting for news of a deal.MPs, like the rest of us, our waiting for news of a deal.
12.24pm GMT12.24pm GMT
12:2412:24
Nicholas WattNicholas Watt
Downing Street sources say David Cameron is about to have a meeting with the Polish prime minister Beata Szydlo who has voiced concerns about UK demands for restrictions on in-work benefits and child benefit.Downing Street sources say David Cameron is about to have a meeting with the Polish prime minister Beata Szydlo who has voiced concerns about UK demands for restrictions on in-work benefits and child benefit.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.30pm GMTat 12.30pm GMT
12.22pm GMT12.22pm GMT
12:2212:22
He told us so? The Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief, Philip Oltermann, wondered a year ago if David Cameron would pay the price for trying to negotiate with Germany over Eastern Europe’s head.He told us so? The Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief, Philip Oltermann, wondered a year ago if David Cameron would pay the price for trying to negotiate with Germany over Eastern Europe’s head.
If Britain really wants to have a serious conversation about immigration with the rest of the EU – as now every party insists it does – it needs to start talkingto the countries it has spent a year talking about.If Britain really wants to have a serious conversation about immigration with the rest of the EU – as now every party insists it does – it needs to start talkingto the countries it has spent a year talking about.
With a Polish president of the European council, and commission vice-presidents from Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia, politicians from the former eastern bloc are an increasingly powerful voice in Brussels.With a Polish president of the European council, and commission vice-presidents from Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia, politicians from the former eastern bloc are an increasingly powerful voice in Brussels.
Has Cameron been paying the price in the last 48 hours?Has Cameron been paying the price in the last 48 hours?