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EU summit: all-night negotiations but no deal yet for David Cameron – live EU summit: all-night negotiations but no deal yet for David Cameron – live
(35 minutes later)
7.50am GMT 8.18am GMT
07:50 08:18
Douglas Carswell, Ukip’s only MP, is looking ahead to the referendum. In a new blogpost he calls for a broad coalition for the leave campaign:
It’s because the EU will never stop centralising that the stakes are so high. This referendum isn’t just In or Out; it’s now or never.
The important thing in the Leave campaign is that Leave wins. It doesn’t matter who leads it. It doesn’t matter who said what about which campaign group. It doesn’t matter who takes the credit.
Instead of focusing on the few big names, we need to look toward the many. To win the referendum, we need to build a broad coalition of voters – bigger than any political party has assembled in recent history. If the campaign is narrow and sectional, we will lose.
We need multiple voices to reach out to people of multiple different backgrounds and opinions. We have to emphasise that people who disagree on everything else should vote Leave to ensure that those disagreements are thrashed out in a democratic, sovereign Parliament, not ignored by remote officials. Above all, we need to be positive, and show that Britain will be better off out.
8.10am GMT
08:10
Ukip leader Nigel Farage is trying to make the most of Cameron’s difficulties at the summit. Speaking to Today he said:
“I simply cannot believe that at some point today Mr Cameron will not get some concessions out of these people because they must know that if Cameron is sent home totally humiliated, Brexit has got that little bit closer.”
“We keep doing this. Government after government says we are going to reform the European Union but the problem is the word ‘reform’ in Britain means something completely different here. ‘Reform’ here means pushing on to closer economic and political union.
“There will have to be a deal but, frankly, we really are scratching around at the edges here. There is no fundamental renegotiation on offer.”
8.05am GMT
08:05
Richard Branson reaffirmed his pro-EU stance as he prepared to unveil Virgin Galactic’s latest spacecraft, PA reports.
The tycoon said “I think it would be a very, very, very, very sad day if British people voted to leave, I think it would be very, very damaging for Great Britain.
“I love Great Britain and I think it would be the start of most likely the break-up of the European Union.”
He told Sky News that his grandfather fought in the First World War and his father in the Second and pointed out there had been no wars within Europe since.
He added: “Having a European Union - there is so many benefits and I just hope sense will prevail when it comes to having the vote on it.”
However Sir Richard said he was “a bit distracted with space” ahead of the roll-out of the successor to the doomed prototype which crashed in October 2014, killing its co-pilot.
8.02am GMT
08:02
Timetable slipping
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
One of the key “sherpas” in the negotiations has warned that the talks could last into the weekend and revealed that Britain’s proposals to curb benefits for EU migrants remains the key sticking point. One of the key “sherpas” in the talks said the negotiations could run into the weekend and that the key sticking point remains the UK’s plans to curb benefits for EU migrants.
Elmar Brok, of European People’s Party and one of three MEPs representing the European Parliament in the talks, confirmed that the timetable is slipping. “As always in life the most difficult things are done in the last minute,” he said. Elmar Brok, of European People’s Party and one of three MEP representing the European Parliament in the negotiations, confirmed the timetable is slipping.
Interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he said: “We will have the discussion with Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker at 12.30pm (CET) so that means the renegotiations will start afterwards. Before that [there will be] bilaterals with Tusk and Juncker with the leaders of the different nations.” He said: “We will have the discussion with Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker at 12.30 (CET) so that means the renegotiations will start afterwards. Before that [there will be] bilaterals with Tusk and Juncker with the leaders of the different nations.”
Asked whether the talks could last into the weekend, Brok said: “That might be a possibility. But on the other side is the possibility that all these bilaterals could lead to a proposal that is more or less acceptable. It will be relatively fast or relatively long. Nobody knows. That is the question.” Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme whether the talks could last into the weekend, he said: “That might be a possibility. But on the other side is the possibility that all these bilaterals could lead to a proposal that is more or less acceptable. It will be relatively fast or relatively long. Nobody knows. That is the question.”
Brok insisted that “major problems are solved” , but he also explained the key sticking points over benefits and the timing of Britain’s “emergency brake” on payments. Brok added: “As always in life the most difficult things are done in the last minute.”
He said it was possible that there would be a change to the Lisbon treaty to allow the UK to opt out of ever closer union. “It is sad that Britain has an exception from further political integration. Here there is more or less an understanding that it might be possible. It will be clear that Britain as a non-Euro member will have no disadvantages within the internal market. What is being negotiated now by us, by the French and others, is whether it should not have advantages. Whether there is a level playing field. I think this is more or less sorted out.” He insisted that “major problems are solved” but he explained the key disagreements centred around benefits and the timing of the emergency brake.
Brok added: “We are now in that difficult question of social benefits. But if we need an emergency brake, then a brake should not work 13 years. That it is forever in the working life for someone, this will be very difficult to accept by eastern European, southern European countries.” Brok said it was possible that there would be a change to the Lisbon treaty to allow the UK to opt out of ever closer union. “It is sad that Britain has an exception from further political integration. Here there is more or less and understanding that it might be possible. It will be clear that Britain as a non-Euro member will have no disadvantages within the internal market. What is being negotiated now by us, by the French and others, is whether it should not have advantages. Whether there is a level playing field. I think this is more or less sorted out.”
Brok said the aim was to have everything decided before Tusk and Juncker meet members of the European parliament at 12.30pm (CET). “That is the aim - they want to talk with the European parliament last because of the special role we play - especially in the social benefit questions. We have to say yes to that otherwise we will have problems in the parliament. We will be asked whether the compromise that is emerging will be acceptable for us.” Brok said there was less agreement on proposed welfare changes. “We are now in that difficult question of social benefits. If we need an emergency brake, then a brake should not work 13 years. That it is forever in working life for someone, this will be very difficult to accept by eastern European, southern European countries.”
Brok said the aim was to have everything decided before Tusk and Juncker meets members of the European parliament. “That is the aim - they want to talk with the European parliament last because of the special role we play - especially in the social benefit questions. We have to say yes to that otherwise we will have problems in the parliament. We will be asked whether the compromise that is emerging will be acceptable for us.
Updated
at 8.11am GMT
7.23am GMT7.23am GMT
07:2307:23
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Talks in Brussels on the future of the UK within the EU have continued throughout Thursday night into Friday, with British prime minister David Cameron leaving a bilateral meeting at 5.30am CET (4.30am GMT) – giving no word on the progress of the discussions.Talks in Brussels on the future of the UK within the EU have continued throughout Thursday night into Friday, with British prime minister David Cameron leaving a bilateral meeting at 5.30am CET (4.30am GMT) – giving no word on the progress of the discussions.
Who met with whom?Who met with whom?
European Council president – and key broker – Donald Tusk, along with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker held late-night bilateral talks with several leaders crucial to the UK/EU deal:European Council president – and key broker – Donald Tusk, along with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker held late-night bilateral talks with several leaders crucial to the UK/EU deal:
A proposal, drawn up by the Belgians and supported by the French, seeks to impose a condition that Britain could not try to renegotiate further its terms of membership if it were to vote to leave the EU.A proposal, drawn up by the Belgians and supported by the French, seeks to impose a condition that Britain could not try to renegotiate further its terms of membership if it were to vote to leave the EU.
What David Cameron saidWhat David Cameron said
Post-bilateral talks, nothing … yet. A Downing Street source told Press Association the night had been “hard going”.Post-bilateral talks, nothing … yet. A Downing Street source told Press Association the night had been “hard going”.
What Donald Tusk saidWhat Donald Tusk said
In a brief press conference in the early hours of Friday, before he headed into bilateral talks with Cameron, Tusk told reporters:In a brief press conference in the early hours of Friday, before he headed into bilateral talks with Cameron, Tusk told reporters:
We have made some progress but a lot still remains to be done.We have made some progress but a lot still remains to be done.
What the other leaders saidWhat the other leaders said
Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi said there had been:Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi said there had been:
some timid steps forward on migration, some steps back on a UK deal …some timid steps forward on migration, some steps back on a UK deal …
I’m always confident, but a bit less optimistic than when I arrived.I’m always confident, but a bit less optimistic than when I arrived.
Finnish PM Juha Sipilä suggested an agreement would be struck by Friday:Finnish PM Juha Sipilä suggested an agreement would be struck by Friday:
The European Council debate on migration is coming to an end. Then UK negotiations continue. The project should be ready by morning.The European Council debate on migration is coming to an end. Then UK negotiations continue. The project should be ready by morning.
Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy said:Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy said:
I think it is going well. I hope that tomorrow [Friday] we will have a deal.I think it is going well. I hope that tomorrow [Friday] we will have a deal.
But Dutch PM Mark Rutte raised the possibility of talks on a UK deal running into Saturday and Irish taoiseach Enda Kenny warned:But Dutch PM Mark Rutte raised the possibility of talks on a UK deal running into Saturday and Irish taoiseach Enda Kenny warned:
It might take longer than they think.It might take longer than they think.
And German chancellor Angela Merkel said discussions on Europe’s migration crisis were the “priority” for the summit:And German chancellor Angela Merkel said discussions on Europe’s migration crisis were the “priority” for the summit:
The important statement for me today is that we have not only reaffirmed the EU-Turkey action plan, but we have said it is our priority.The important statement for me today is that we have not only reaffirmed the EU-Turkey action plan, but we have said it is our priority.
What happens next?What happens next?
Full discussions between the leaders are due to resume around 9.30am CET (8.30am GMT), with bilateral talks expected to start again around 11am local time.Full discussions between the leaders are due to resume around 9.30am CET (8.30am GMT), with bilateral talks expected to start again around 11am local time.
Before that, a number of spin-off talks are slated to take place, including between Angela Merkel, François Hollande and Alexis Tsipras.Before that, a number of spin-off talks are slated to take place, including between Angela Merkel, François Hollande and Alexis Tsipras.
A fresh draft deal could be tabled by late morning. And then, importantly, it’s lunch at 1.30pm.A fresh draft deal could be tabled by late morning. And then, importantly, it’s lunch at 1.30pm.
The big questionThe big question
Where did the union flag go? From the discussion on Thursday …Where did the union flag go? From the discussion on Thursday …
… to the dead-of-night talks in the early hours of Friday.… to the dead-of-night talks in the early hours of Friday.
Answers on a postcard with a stamp bearing Her Majesty’s head, please.Answers on a postcard with a stamp bearing Her Majesty’s head, please.
I’m now signing out and handing this live blog over to my colleague Matthew Weaver, who’ll bring you the latest with talks set to resume in Brussels.I’m now signing out and handing this live blog over to my colleague Matthew Weaver, who’ll bring you the latest with talks set to resume in Brussels.
7.14am GMT7.14am GMT
07:1407:14
Jennifer RankinJennifer Rankin
The Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, Jennifer Rankin, has compiled these profiles of Cameron’s friends, foes and on-the-fences as he tries to renegotiate the UK’s place within the EU.The Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, Jennifer Rankin, has compiled these profiles of Cameron’s friends, foes and on-the-fences as he tries to renegotiate the UK’s place within the EU.
Three of the leaders who also held bilateral talks with Tusk and Juncker overnight feature in the so-called “awkward squad”:Three of the leaders who also held bilateral talks with Tusk and Juncker overnight feature in the so-called “awkward squad”:
Bohuslav Sobotka, Czech RepublicBohuslav Sobotka, Czech Republic
Sobotka is the chair of the Visegrád countries. A social democrat, he is less Eurosceptic than some of his predecessors and is staunchly opposed to UK plans to cut child benefit for children living outside Britain.Sobotka is the chair of the Visegrád countries. A social democrat, he is less Eurosceptic than some of his predecessors 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. France is concerned that the UK could walk away with strong protections for the City of London, which would undermine the smooth functioning of the eurozone. Paris is fighting a rearguard action against UK demands to get a special procedure written into EU law that would allow non-eurozone countries to slow down eurozone laws.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. France is concerned that the UK could walk away with strong protections for the City of London, which would undermine the smooth functioning of the eurozone. Paris is fighting a rearguard action against UK demands to get a special procedure written into EU law that would allow non-eurozone countries to slow down eurozone laws.
Charles Michel, BelgiumCharles Michel, Belgium
Small countries like the EU because it stands up for their interests against bigger powers. Nowhere is this more true than Belgium. Its Francophone, liberal prime minister has been a staunch defender of the interests of the EU in the UK negotiations. Belgium has been leading efforts to defend the “ever-closer union” provision of the treaties. Reportedly told Cameron recently: “If you want to go, just go. We will not let you ruin Europe by staying.”Small countries like the EU because it stands up for their interests against bigger powers. Nowhere is this more true than Belgium. Its Francophone, liberal prime minister has been a staunch defender of the interests of the EU in the UK negotiations. Belgium has been leading efforts to defend the “ever-closer union” provision of the treaties. Reportedly told Cameron recently: “If you want to go, just go. We will not let you ruin Europe by staying.”
Related: The EU summit figures who could help or hinder UK's renegotiation attemptsRelated: The EU summit figures who could help or hinder UK's renegotiation attempts
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.17am GMTat 7.17am GMT
7.01am GMT7.01am GMT
07:0107:01
What are the sticking points?What are the sticking points?
Four key questions need to be thrashed out in any UK/EU deal:Four key questions need to be thrashed out in any UK/EU deal:
The emergency brakeThe 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.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 benefitsCurbs 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.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’‘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.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 regulationFinancial 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.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.
6.51am GMT6.51am GMT
06:5106:51
So, what if no deal is reached?So, what if no deal is reached?
It doesn’t necessarily mean an inexorable skid towards Brexit. The likelihood is that EU leaders would probably agree to a fresh summit within the next 10 days – this timeline would ensure that Cameron could still stage a referendum by the expected date of 23 June.It doesn’t necessarily mean an inexorable skid towards Brexit. The likelihood is that EU leaders would probably agree to a fresh summit within the next 10 days – this timeline would ensure that Cameron could still stage a referendum by the expected date of 23 June.
And if there is a deal?And if there is a deal?
Cameron will head directly back to London – after a celebratory Brussels press conference – and straight into a special cabinet meeting.Cameron will head directly back to London – after a celebratory Brussels press conference – and straight into a special cabinet meeting.
But the announcement that the government will formally endorse the deal, and campaign to stay in the EU, lets off the leash those cabinet members who want to campaign for Brexit.But the announcement that the government will formally endorse the deal, and campaign to stay in the EU, lets off the leash those cabinet members who want to campaign for Brexit.
6.30am GMT6.30am GMT
06:3006:30
Cameron had two meetings overnight with Tusk, No 10 has said, as well as a third with French president François Hollande also in attendance.Cameron had two meetings overnight with Tusk, No 10 has said, as well as a third with French president François Hollande also in attendance.
Press Association cites a Downing Street source saying:Press Association cites a Downing Street source saying:
It’s hard going. Some signs of progress but nothing yet agreed and still a lot to do.It’s hard going. Some signs of progress but nothing yet agreed and still a lot to do.
We expect the PM will have a further bilateral with Donald Tusk at 11.45.We expect the PM will have a further bilateral with Donald Tusk at 11.45.
6.23am GMT6.23am GMT
06:2306:23
Philip OltermannPhilip Oltermann
The Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief, Philip Oltermann, sends this early dispatch:The Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief, Philip Oltermann, sends this early dispatch:
In Eurosceptic circles, the idea prevails that the European Union is essentially a racket dominated by German interests. Yet the opposition David Cameron faced in Brussels last night had very little to do with Europe’s biggest economy.In Eurosceptic circles, the idea prevails that the European Union is essentially a racket dominated by German interests. Yet the opposition David Cameron faced in Brussels last night had very little to do with Europe’s biggest economy.
In fact, what is striking is how eager Angela Merkel appears to wave through Cameron’s reform requests. Asked about the British prime minister upping his demands for the duration of the “emergency brake” to a maximum of 13 years, Merkel this morning said:In fact, what is striking is how eager Angela Merkel appears to wave through Cameron’s reform requests. Asked about the British prime minister upping his demands for the duration of the “emergency brake” to a maximum of 13 years, Merkel this morning said:
I believe we should listen very closely to Britain’s position on this. To be honest, I am not going to spend my time haggling for one month more or one month less.I believe we should listen very closely to Britain’s position on this. To be honest, I am not going to spend my time haggling for one month more or one month less.
One reason, of course, is that the German chancellor is saving herself for much bigger battles over the refugee crisis.One reason, of course, is that the German chancellor is saving herself for much bigger battles over the refugee crisis.
But it is also true the German government – as well as others, such as Austria and the Danes – seems to have recently developed a genuine fondness for some of Cameron’s proposals, such as the indexation of child benefits.But it is also true the German government – as well as others, such as Austria and the Danes – seems to have recently developed a genuine fondness for some of Cameron’s proposals, such as the indexation of child benefits.
Germany pays considerably more child benefits for Polish migrants than Britain does, and after the recent clashes over refugee policies, Merkel’s government has little interest in doing Eastern Europe any favours.Germany pays considerably more child benefits for Polish migrants than Britain does, and after the recent clashes over refugee policies, Merkel’s government has little interest in doing Eastern Europe any favours.
6.11am GMT6.11am GMT
06:1106:11
What happens now?What happens now?
Friday’s (daylight) plans have been disrupted a little by Friday’s (night-time) talks.Friday’s (daylight) plans have been disrupted a little by Friday’s (night-time) talks.
But it looks as if the negotiations will resume again around 9.30am CET (8.30am GMT), with bilateral talks expected to start again around 11am local time.But it looks as if the negotiations will resume again around 9.30am CET (8.30am GMT), with bilateral talks expected to start again around 11am local time.
Before that, a number of spin-off talks are slated to take place, including between Angela Merkel, François Hollande and Alexis Tsipras.Before that, a number of spin-off talks are slated to take place, including between Angela Merkel, François Hollande and Alexis Tsipras.
A fresh draft deal could be tabled by late morning.A fresh draft deal could be tabled by late morning.
And then, importantly, it’s lunch at 1.30pm.And then, importantly, it’s lunch at 1.30pm.
6.04am GMT6.04am GMT
06:0406:04
For an at-a-glance guide to what happened in Brussels overnight, take a look at our (well, my) EU briefing:For an at-a-glance guide to what happened in Brussels overnight, take a look at our (well, my) EU briefing:
Related: EU briefing: what you need to know about overnight Brussels talksRelated: EU briefing: what you need to know about overnight Brussels talks
Warning: includes gratuitous conspiracy theorising about the appearance and disappearance of Union flags in the meeting rooms.Warning: includes gratuitous conspiracy theorising about the appearance and disappearance of Union flags in the meeting rooms.
5.50am GMT5.50am GMT
05:5005:50
Our latest report rounds up the key moves – and lack of – overnight:Our latest report rounds up the key moves – and lack of – overnight:
Negotiations that could decide Britain’s future in the European Union remain on a knife-edge after all-night meetings in Brussels ended without any form of a deal.Negotiations that could decide Britain’s future in the European Union remain on a knife-edge after all-night meetings in Brussels ended without any form of a deal.
David Cameron left talks with European Council president Donald Tusk and commission president Jean-Claude Juncker at 5.30am (CET), making no comment. Further discussions are reportedly scheduled for 9am.David Cameron left talks with European Council president Donald Tusk and commission president Jean-Claude Juncker at 5.30am (CET), making no comment. Further discussions are reportedly scheduled for 9am.
Cameron has been warned by EU leaders that he would not be given a second chance if he failed to strike an agreement at the gathering of 28 heads of government.Cameron has been warned by EU leaders that he would not be given a second chance if he failed to strike an agreement at the gathering of 28 heads of government.
Shortly before the talks broke up Tusk, a key broker in the negotiations, said: “For now I can only say that we have made some progress but a lot needs to be done.”Shortly before the talks broke up Tusk, a key broker in the negotiations, said: “For now I can only say that we have made some progress but a lot needs to be done.”
Read the full article here:Read the full article here:
Related: No deal yet for Cameron after marathon talks at EU summitRelated: No deal yet for Cameron after marathon talks at EU summit
5.37am GMT5.37am GMT
05:3705:37
Questioned in the early hours of Friday – before the latest round of bilateral talks with David Cameron and other leaders – Donald Tusk said some progress had been made on a UK/EU deal, “but a lot still remains to be done”.Questioned in the early hours of Friday – before the latest round of bilateral talks with David Cameron and other leaders – Donald Tusk said some progress had been made on a UK/EU deal, “but a lot still remains to be done”.
5.08am GMT5.08am GMT
05:0805:08
Opening summaryOpening summary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Talks in Brussels on the future of the UK within the EU have continued throughout the night, with British prime minister David Cameron leaving a bilateral meeting at 5.30am local time – giving no word on the progress of the discussions.Talks in Brussels on the future of the UK within the EU have continued throughout the night, with British prime minister David Cameron leaving a bilateral meeting at 5.30am local time – giving no word on the progress of the discussions.
Here is what we do know, as day two emerges from a sleepless day one:Here is what we do know, as day two emerges from a sleepless day one:
We have made some progress but a lot still remains to be done.We have made some progress but a lot still remains to be done.
The important statement for me today is that we have not only reaffirmed the EU-Turkey action plan, but we have said it is our priority.The important statement for me today is that we have not only reaffirmed the EU-Turkey action plan, but we have said it is our priority.
He has come along with his begging bowl, saying please sir, can we have more concessions? Most of what you are seeing here is theatre. It’s theatre from Mr Cameron and it’s theatre from the other leaders.He has come along with his begging bowl, saying please sir, can we have more concessions? Most of what you are seeing here is theatre. It’s theatre from Mr Cameron and it’s theatre from the other leaders.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.39am GMTat 5.39am GMT