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Cameron: 'no Cabinet meeting tonight' as EU talks continue – live | |
(35 minutes later) | |
4.28pm GMT | |
16:28 | |
Cameron: Talks to go on this evening | |
Negotiations are continuing into this evening, according to the prime minister. Is a deal on tonight? | |
Negotiations are continuing into this evening. A Cabinet meeting won't be possible tonight. One will be held if and when a deal is done. | |
Among other effects, that’s a potential nightmare for newspapers and how headlines will be written when they go to press. | |
Updated | |
at 4.29pm GMT | |
4.14pm GMT | |
16:14 | |
Significant perhaps, although not entirely a shock: The prime minister is resigned to losing the justice secretary, Michael Gove, to the ranks of those who will campaign for a referendum vote in favour of the UK leaving the EU. | |
Cameron circle now pretty much resigned to losing Michael Gove to the Out campaign once the deal is done. More soon on @SpecCoffeeHouse | |
As recently as two weeks ago, Gove had been regarded as more likely to join Cameron, George Osborne, and the foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, in campaigning to keep Britain in the EU. | |
4.09pm GMT | |
16:09 | |
There is confidence on the part of the Commission that a “conclusion” might be reached this evening at a working dinner (8pm local time), according to a commission spokesman who has been talking to journalists in Brussels in the last few minutes. | |
3.54pm GMT | 3.54pm GMT |
15:54 | 15:54 |
The British are briefing journalists. Fingers crossed for some movement.. | The British are briefing journalists. Fingers crossed for some movement.. |
Excited huddle taking place. We may actually get news shortly, and hopefully not just about food pic.twitter.com/GmOsXdGDCg | Excited huddle taking place. We may actually get news shortly, and hopefully not just about food pic.twitter.com/GmOsXdGDCg |
3.43pm GMT | 3.43pm GMT |
15:43 | 15:43 |
When it comes to the crunch, eastern European countries states who have been battling the UK over welfare payment restrictions will eventually give ground, predicts the director of the Budapest-based think-tank Political Capital. | When it comes to the crunch, eastern European countries states who have been battling the UK over welfare payment restrictions will eventually give ground, predicts the director of the Budapest-based think-tank Political Capital. |
It’s all about the “external legitimisation”- which the UK can give them apparently. Dan Nolan, for the Guardian, has been speaking to Péter Krekó. | It’s all about the “external legitimisation”- which the UK can give them apparently. Dan Nolan, for the Guardian, has been speaking to Péter Krekó. |
His analysis analysis of Cameron, Hungary and the Visegrad Four is interesting: | His analysis analysis of Cameron, Hungary and the Visegrad Four is interesting: |
While of course there are disagreements and some tensions in the talks, after David Cameron visited Budapest last month, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán talked about the new axis of Great Britain plus the Visegrad Four, who he said should set the direction of a less integrated Europe that is more built on economic cooperation than political cooperation. | While of course there are disagreements and some tensions in the talks, after David Cameron visited Budapest last month, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán talked about the new axis of Great Britain plus the Visegrad Four, who he said should set the direction of a less integrated Europe that is more built on economic cooperation than political cooperation. |
My feeling is the Eastern European countries are willing to give up some their current advantages, for example on the EU labour market, in return for external legitimisation from Cameron. | My feeling is the Eastern European countries are willing to give up some their current advantages, for example on the EU labour market, in return for external legitimisation from Cameron. |
For example it is very rare for Orbán to hold bilateral meetings with Western European politicians, and he is still quite isolated and very frequently criticised. But then Cameron, an unquestionably democratic Western leader comes to Hungary and is quite friendly. | For example it is very rare for Orbán to hold bilateral meetings with Western European politicians, and he is still quite isolated and very frequently criticised. But then Cameron, an unquestionably democratic Western leader comes to Hungary and is quite friendly. |
Here is some more background from earlier this week, by the Guardian’s Europe Editor, Ian Traynor: | Here is some more background from earlier this week, by the Guardian’s Europe Editor, Ian Traynor: |
Related: Four EU states reject Cameron's migrant benefits plan | Related: Four EU states reject Cameron's migrant benefits plan |
3.31pm GMT | 3.31pm GMT |
15:31 | 15:31 |
A good day to bury bad (or no) news? The Guardian’s Rowena Mason points out that Britain’s Department of Work and Pensions have chosen to publish a potentially key document which is supposed to describe its priority objectives for 2015 to 2020. | A good day to bury bad (or no) news? The Guardian’s Rowena Mason points out that Britain’s Department of Work and Pensions have chosen to publish a potentially key document which is supposed to describe its priority objectives for 2015 to 2020. |
Single departmental plans sneaked out on Friday in recess+ day of EU summit - little/no detail of where cuts to fall https://t.co/3xTXClyT5F | Single departmental plans sneaked out on Friday in recess+ day of EU summit - little/no detail of where cuts to fall https://t.co/3xTXClyT5F |
3.25pm GMT | 3.25pm GMT |
15:25 | 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” | 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. | As the time passes, I am more and more perplexed by the #British approach of non-negotiation. Quite unorthodox, to say the least. |
The Czechs are among those leading central European countries that demand limits on proposed cuts in benefits for EU workers in Britain. | The Czechs are among those leading central European countries that demand limits on proposed cuts in benefits for EU workers in Britain. |
Updated | Updated |
at 3.32pm GMT | at 3.32pm GMT |
3.16pm GMT | 3.16pm GMT |
15:16 | 15:16 |
So now it’s an “English dinner” according to Donald Tusk’s spokesman: | So now it’s an “English dinner” according to Donald Tusk’s spokesman: |
Now "English dinner" with time tbc. Bilateral consultations continue. #EUCO #UKinEU | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | All clear? Good. |
Spare a thought for Poland’s foreign minister however: | 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. | 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 | 3.02pm GMT |
15:02 | 15:02 |
British journalists in Brussels are wondering whether to remain or leave, quips Newsnight’s David Grossman. | 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. | The question every hack in brussels is wrestling with right now: Remain or Leave. |
Some are already heading home. | 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 | 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 GMT | 2.48pm GMT |
14:48 | 14:48 |
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/G2pdIEDRTU | 2nd 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 |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.53pm GMT | at 2.53pm GMT |
2.43pm GMT | 2.43pm GMT |
14:43 | 14:43 |
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/2uckfRJk4U | Spiel auf Zeit pic.twitter.com/2uckfRJk4U |
Christo Komarnitski, from Bulgaria, focuses on David Cameron and Angela Merkel | Christo Komarnitski, from Bulgaria, focuses on David Cameron and Angela Merkel |
Such a tiny room #EU #Brexit #migrantcrisis #Merkel #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/5jGGXpHePP | Such a tiny room #EU #Brexit #migrantcrisis #Merkel #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/5jGGXpHePP |
Slovakia’s Marian Kamensky puts Cameron in a spot of bother | Slovakia’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/bepsnU5KVN | EU-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 Janssen | A 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/w2JqlUlkRz | Cartoonist 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 hours | Peter 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/C9R5klojaJ | My 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/u8mVugbPxy | Precarious. @MartinRowson for the Guardian on the agonising #UKinEU / #brexit talks pic.twitter.com/u8mVugbPxy |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.46pm GMT | at 2.46pm GMT |
2.43pm GMT | 2.43pm GMT |
14:43 | 14:43 |
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/JwaP3HxY18 | Am 2.Tag d. EU-Rats im Mittelpunkt: Großbritannien. Kanzlerin #Merkel berät sich m. PM @David_Cameron #EUCO #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/JwaP3HxY18 |
2.39pm GMT | 2.39pm GMT |
14:39 | 14:39 |
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/44ewVC6G9l | 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/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 GMT | 2.28pm GMT |
14:28 | 14:28 |
English lunch delayed yet again | English 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. #euco | The "English meal" now to start at 16h (tbc). Bilateral #UKinEU consultations go on. #euco |
2.26pm GMT | 2.26pm GMT |
14:26 | 14:26 |
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 kids | If 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)_/¯#EUCO | Fico asked about Tsipras:"Well, the Greek PM is just being the Greek PM" and does classic shoulder shrug ¯\_(ツ)_/¯#EUCO |
2.17pm GMT | 2.17pm GMT |
14:17 | 14:17 |
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/rL1ZJUZHnX | Minister 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/Thx8P2K5kT | PM @BeataSzydlo & @David_Cameron at #EUCO on #UKinEU pic.twitter.com/Thx8P2K5kT |
2.13pm GMT | 2.13pm GMT |
14:13 | 14:13 |
Ben Quinn | Ben 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 GMT | 2.08pm GMT |
14:08 | 14:08 |
Poland says close to a deal | Poland 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 satisfactory | Polish 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/AWE5fuMh89 | Polish 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/YeBD0fi5b8 | Polish 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/c6TIXObSmd | Polish 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.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.11pm GMT | at 2.11pm GMT |