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Version 16 Version 17
EU summit: 'English lunch' delayed until tea time – live EU summit: 'English lunch' delayed until dinner – live
(35 minutes later)
3.25pm GMT
15:25
An ominous sign perhaps. The Czech State Secretary for European Affairs says he’s becoming “more and more perplexed” by the British approach to “non-negotiation”
As the time passes, I am more and more perplexed by the #British approach of non-negotiation. Quite unorthodox, to say the least.
3.16pm GMT
15:16
So now it’s an “English dinner” according to Donald Tusk’s spokesman:
Now "English dinner" with time tbc. Bilateral consultations continue. #EUCO #UKinEU
At this rate it’s going to be a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
A little recap might be in order. As we reported earlier, officials in Brussels had originally referred to the final session as “the English breakfast”, summoning up visions of hungry leaders tucking into a hearty fry-up as they handed the PM his deal.
As rumours of dissent around the table began to emerge on Thursday, however, the schedule began to slip and word in the Council’s Justus Lipsius building was that the meeting was turning into an “English brunch”. Then it was a lunch. Now it’s a dinner.
All clear? Good.
Spare a thought for Poland’s foreign minister however:
Polish European Minister asked if he's cancelled his weekend plans to stay in Brussels. "I had no weekend plans", he replies, meekly.
3.02pm GMT
15:02
British journalists in Brussels are wondering whether to remain or leave, quips Newsnight’s David Grossman.
The question every hack in brussels is wrestling with right now: Remain or Leave.
Some are already heading home.
I am not the only journalist or politician leaving #euco on 1356 Eurostar. But i think we're all just guessing pic.twitter.com/Kaj0lUcEr8
2.48pm GMT2.48pm GMT
14:4814:48
Polish PM Beata Szydło was all smiles in her meeting with Cameron, while the British PM bites his lip. Check out the grimace from the Polish officials examining the paper work. This was their second meeting of the day.Polish PM Beata Szydło was all smiles in her meeting with Cameron, while the British PM bites his lip. Check out the grimace from the Polish officials examining the paper work. This was their second meeting of the day.
2nd meeting between Prime Minister @BeataSzydlo and @David_Cameron at #EUCO today pic.twitter.com/G2pdIEDRTU2nd meeting between Prime Minister @BeataSzydlo and @David_Cameron at #EUCO today pic.twitter.com/G2pdIEDRTU
Poland is still looking for guarantees on child benefits.Poland is still looking for guarantees on child benefits.
#PAP: min. Konrad Szymański w #Bruksela - Polska chce gwarancji w sprawie zasiłków na dzieci https://t.co/JL2q7aAlXV#PAP: min. Konrad Szymański w #Bruksela - Polska chce gwarancji w sprawie zasiłków na dzieci https://t.co/JL2q7aAlXV
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.53pm GMTat 2.53pm GMT
2.43pm GMT2.43pm GMT
14:4314:43
Notice a theme ? How cartoonists around Europe have been depicting the talks...Notice a theme ? How cartoonists around Europe have been depicting the talks...
This one, from Petar Pismestrovic, who works for Kleine Zeitung in Austria, is called ‘Running out of the clock’This one, from Petar Pismestrovic, who works for Kleine Zeitung in Austria, is called ‘Running out of the clock’
Spiel auf Zeit pic.twitter.com/2uckfRJk4USpiel auf Zeit pic.twitter.com/2uckfRJk4U
Christo Komarnitski, from Bulgaria, focuses on David Cameron and Angela MerkelChristo Komarnitski, from Bulgaria, focuses on David Cameron and Angela Merkel
Such a tiny room #EU #Brexit #migrantcrisis #Merkel #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/5jGGXpHePPSuch a tiny room #EU #Brexit #migrantcrisis #Merkel #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/5jGGXpHePP
Slovakia’s Marian Kamensky puts Cameron in a spot of botherSlovakia’s Marian Kamensky puts Cameron in a spot of bother
EU-ZIPFELhttps://t.co/0S8NbkBZE9https://t.co/6kW8IasSpJhttps://t.co/2ME3NnqN0p#Flüchtlingspolitik #BREXIT pic.twitter.com/bepsnU5KVNEU-ZIPFELhttps://t.co/0S8NbkBZE9https://t.co/6kW8IasSpJhttps://t.co/2ME3NnqN0p#Flüchtlingspolitik #BREXIT pic.twitter.com/bepsnU5KVN
A Dutch reader tweets a picture of one of the latest from Tom JanssenA Dutch reader tweets a picture of one of the latest from Tom Janssen
Cartoonist Tom Janssen over David Cameron en de #EUDeal. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/w2JqlUlkRzCartoonist Tom Janssen over David Cameron en de #EUDeal. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/w2JqlUlkRz
Peter Brooks for the Times has tweeted his Friday latest in the last couple of hoursPeter Brooks for the Times has tweeted his Friday latest in the last couple of hours
My cartoon Friday @TheTimes He's about as useful as a....#Cameron #EUSummit pic.twitter.com/C9R5klojaJMy cartoon Friday @TheTimes He's about as useful as a....#Cameron #EUSummit pic.twitter.com/C9R5klojaJ
… and here is Martin Rowson for the Guardian… and here is Martin Rowson for the Guardian
Precarious. @MartinRowson for the Guardian on the agonising #UKinEU / #brexit talks pic.twitter.com/u8mVugbPxyPrecarious. @MartinRowson for the Guardian on the agonising #UKinEU / #brexit talks pic.twitter.com/u8mVugbPxy
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.46pm GMTat 2.46pm GMT
2.43pm GMT2.43pm GMT
14:4314:43
Talks between Cameron and Merkel looked fairly intense. Furrowed brows from both.Talks between Cameron and Merkel looked fairly intense. Furrowed brows from both.
Am 2.Tag d. EU-Rats im Mittelpunkt: Großbritannien. Kanzlerin #Merkel berät sich m. PM @David_Cameron #EUCO #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/JwaP3HxY18Am 2.Tag d. EU-Rats im Mittelpunkt: Großbritannien. Kanzlerin #Merkel berät sich m. PM @David_Cameron #EUCO #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/JwaP3HxY18
2.39pm GMT2.39pm GMT
14:3914:39
Belgium prime minister Charles Michel has confirmed his proposal to make it clear that Britain could not seek to further renegotiate the terms of its EU membership if the UK were to vote to leave in the referendum.Belgium prime minister Charles Michel has confirmed his proposal to make it clear that Britain could not seek to further renegotiate the terms of its EU membership if the UK were to vote to leave in the referendum.
“There is no second chance. A deal with the UK is final,” he tweeted.“There is no second chance. A deal with the UK is final,” he tweeted.
There is no second chance. A deal with the UK is final. I hope that we will reach an agreement today #EUCO pic.twitter.com/44ewVC6G9lThere is no second chance. A deal with the UK is final. I hope that we will reach an agreement today #EUCO pic.twitter.com/44ewVC6G9l
The proposal would kill off a plan by Vote Leave’s campaign director, Dominic Cummings, arguing that a second referendum could be held after two years of severance negotiations if the UK were to vote to leave.The proposal would kill off a plan by Vote Leave’s campaign director, Dominic Cummings, arguing that a second referendum could be held after two years of severance negotiations if the UK were to vote to leave.
There will be suspicions that the UK has at the very least nudged Belgium, the country keenest to forge a federal Europe and no friend of Britain in the negotiations, to make clear that the vote will be final and definitive, a message the Better Together camp sought to promote during the Scottish independence referendum.There will be suspicions that the UK has at the very least nudged Belgium, the country keenest to forge a federal Europe and no friend of Britain in the negotiations, to make clear that the vote will be final and definitive, a message the Better Together camp sought to promote during the Scottish independence referendum.
2.28pm GMT2.28pm GMT
14:2814:28
English lunch delayed yet againEnglish lunch delayed yet again
The “English meal” has been put back yet again. Donald Tusk’s spokesman Preben Aamann said it had now been shifted to 4pm (CET) but this is still to be confirmed.The “English meal” has been put back yet again. Donald Tusk’s spokesman Preben Aamann said it had now been shifted to 4pm (CET) but this is still to be confirmed.
The "English meal" now to start at 16h (tbc). Bilateral #UKinEU consultations go on. #eucoThe "English meal" now to start at 16h (tbc). Bilateral #UKinEU consultations go on. #euco
2.26pm GMT2.26pm GMT
14:2614:26
Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico says a compromise is likely on the timing of the Cameron’s emergency brake on benefits, according to PA’s Jakub Krupa.Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico says a compromise is likely on the timing of the Cameron’s emergency brake on benefits, according to PA’s Jakub Krupa.
Fico on emergency brake "we'll most probably meet somewhere in between [7 & 13y] & that in-work ban will not affect those already in the UK.Fico on emergency brake "we'll most probably meet somewhere in between [7 & 13y] & that in-work ban will not affect those already in the UK.
If my understanding is correct, Fico added some countries seek compensation for indexation of child benefits, but for SK it's just 1k kidsIf my understanding is correct, Fico added some countries seek compensation for indexation of child benefits, but for SK it's just 1k kids
Fico wouldn’t be drawn on Greece’s threat to block the deal unless it get border guarantees.Fico wouldn’t be drawn on Greece’s threat to block the deal unless it get border guarantees.
Fico asked about Tsipras:"Well, the Greek PM is just being the Greek PM" and does classic shoulder shrug ¯\_(ツ)_/¯#EUCOFico asked about Tsipras:"Well, the Greek PM is just being the Greek PM" and does classic shoulder shrug ¯\_(ツ)_/¯#EUCO
2.17pm GMT2.17pm GMT
14:1714:17
The office of Poland’s prime minister Beata Szydło confirms that Cameron’s proposed welfare restrictions remain a “particularly difficult” issue.The office of Poland’s prime minister Beata Szydło confirms that Cameron’s proposed welfare restrictions remain a “particularly difficult” issue.
Minister Szymański on current stage of #EUCO negoatiations: social benefits' issue is particularly difficult. pic.twitter.com/rL1ZJUZHnXMinister Szymański on current stage of #EUCO negoatiations: social benefits' issue is particularly difficult. pic.twitter.com/rL1ZJUZHnX
PM @BeataSzydlo & @David_Cameron at #EUCO on #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/Thx8P2K5kTPM @BeataSzydlo & @David_Cameron at #EUCO on #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/Thx8P2K5kT
2.13pm GMT2.13pm GMT
14:1314:13
Ben QuinnBen Quinn
Back in the UK, the Church of Scotland has intervened in discussions over the forthcoming referendum by calling for a “positive debate” about the EU’s role in promoting international peace and cooperation.Back in the UK, the Church of Scotland has intervened in discussions over the forthcoming referendum by calling for a “positive debate” about the EU’s role in promoting international peace and cooperation.
Rev Dr Richard Frazer, vice convener of the Church of Scotland’s church and society council, said:Rev Dr Richard Frazer, vice convener of the Church of Scotland’s church and society council, said:
“Since last year’s general election, we have known that there will be a referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union. There is likely to be a very short timescale to discuss such an important set of issues. It will be a decision which will shape our country, our communities and our lives for generations to come.”“Since last year’s general election, we have known that there will be a referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union. There is likely to be a very short timescale to discuss such an important set of issues. It will be a decision which will shape our country, our communities and our lives for generations to come.”
With memories, perhaps, of some of the more robust aspects of the Scottish referendum campaign, he added: “It is vital that there is now a respectful, engaging, but above all positive debate which will focus on important issues.”With memories, perhaps, of some of the more robust aspects of the Scottish referendum campaign, he added: “It is vital that there is now a respectful, engaging, but above all positive debate which will focus on important issues.”
2.08pm GMT2.08pm GMT
14:0814:08
Poland says close to a dealPoland says close to a deal
Poland’s Europe minister, Konrad Szymański, has told journalists that some progress has been made, but more guarantees are needed after Cameron held talks with his Polish counterpart.Poland’s Europe minister, Konrad Szymański, has told journalists that some progress has been made, but more guarantees are needed after Cameron held talks with his Polish counterpart.
Szymańsk is quoted as saying that he is not sure if a deal will be made today. The key sticking point is the indexation of child benefits, but agreement could have been reached on the timing of the Cameron’s emergency brake.Szymańsk is quoted as saying that he is not sure if a deal will be made today. The key sticking point is the indexation of child benefits, but agreement could have been reached on the timing of the Cameron’s emergency brake.
Polish minister: We are close, we've managed to find many compromises, but we still need more guarantees to get something satisfactoryPolish minister: We are close, we've managed to find many compromises, but we still need more guarantees to get something satisfactory
Polish Europe Minister suggests duration of 'emergency brake' now settled, but won't reveal number of years. #EUCO https://t.co/AWE5fuMh89Polish Europe Minister suggests duration of 'emergency brake' now settled, but won't reveal number of years. #EUCO https://t.co/AWE5fuMh89
Polish Europe Minister says indexation of child benefits needs more work. Not sure deal will be struck today. #EUCO https://t.co/YeBD0fi5b8Polish Europe Minister says indexation of child benefits needs more work. Not sure deal will be struck today. #EUCO https://t.co/YeBD0fi5b8
Polish Minister exits #EUCO marathon with update "we are close" More on @SkyNews with @faisalislam @adamboultonSKY pic.twitter.com/c6TIXObSmdPolish Minister exits #EUCO marathon with update "we are close" More on @SkyNews with @faisalislam @adamboultonSKY pic.twitter.com/c6TIXObSmd
Britain proposed that child benefit be capped at the level appropriate to the standard of living in the member state where the child resides. But it is unclear how the measure would apply to EU nationals already working abroad and sending benefits to their home country.Britain proposed that child benefit be capped at the level appropriate to the standard of living in the member state where the child resides. But it is unclear how the measure would apply to EU nationals already working abroad and sending benefits to their home country.
Poland and other eastern European nations fear the measure could set a precedent for other countries or for restricting other benefits. The latter is now addressed directly in the documents. A new sentence inserted in the draft proposal specifically excludes future proposals to index other types of exportable benefits, such as pensions:Poland and other eastern European nations fear the measure could set a precedent for other countries or for restricting other benefits. The latter is now addressed directly in the documents. A new sentence inserted in the draft proposal specifically excludes future proposals to index other types of exportable benefits, such as pensions:
“The Commission does not intend to propose that the future system of optional indexation of child benefits be extended to other types of exportable benefits, such as old-age pensions.”“The Commission does not intend to propose that the future system of optional indexation of child benefits be extended to other types of exportable benefits, such as old-age pensions.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.11pm GMTat 2.11pm GMT
1.52pm GMT
13:52
AFP has more on Greece’s threat to block Cameron’s deal if it doesn’t get an EU border pledge.
Greece wants its EU peers to pledge to keep their borders open to refugees until March or it will refuse to adopt an accord keeping Britain in the bloc at marathon talks on Friday, a government source said.
“We are asking for a unanimous decision that until (an EU-Turkey summit planned for) 6 March, no state will unilaterally close its borders... if not, the Greek government will not approve the conclusion text” at the so-called Brexit summit, the source told AFP.
The arrival of over a million refugees and migrants in Europe last year has caused a chain reaction of border closures and restrictions among several EU member states.
As the main gateway into Europe, Greece is particularly worried that scores of thousands of refugees and migrants will become trapped on its territory.
Austria earlier Friday announced it would only accept a maximum of 80 asylum applications per day, and also limited the daily number of people transiting through to seek asylum in a neighbouring state to 3,200.
“If Austria closes its borders there will be a domino effect towards us,” the Greek government source added.
“(German Chancellor Angela) Merkel has pledged that Germany’s position will not change (until 6 March). We are asking the remaining member states to do the same,” the official said.
Updated
at 1.52pm GMT
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
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.”
Updated
at 2.13pm GMT
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 GMT
13:09
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/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.
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.
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.
1.07pm GMT
13:07
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 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.
Updated
at 1.07pm GMT
1.02pm GMT
13:02
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.
It’s a slight rise towards that outcome from a few days ago.
12.59pm GMT
12:59
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/sc8MXvCsYm
12.56pm GMT
12:56
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/SprcHtoCXc