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Brexit: Britain's most senior EU official resigns after UK vote to leave – live Brexit: Britain's most senior EU official resigns after UK vote to leave – live
(35 minutes later)
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Sadiq Khan will tell the 1 million Europeans who live in the capital that they remain welcome in the wake of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union when he addresses Pride in London.
The London mayor is expected to say: “We are grateful for the enormous contribution you make, and that will not change as a consequence of yesterday’s referendum result.”
Khan will say that Pride underlines London’s reputation as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world: “In light of yesterday’s result and in the spirit of inclusiveness that binds the LGBT+ community, we all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that emerged throughout the last weeks and months of the referendum campaign and to focus on what unites us, rather than that which divides us.”
More about today’s Pride in London festivities here.
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Britain’s defence secretary, Michael Fallon, has denied the UK government is a rudderless ship after David Cameron’s post-Brexit resignation.
Speaking at an Armed Forces Day event in Cleethorpes, where he is with the prime minister, Fallon told the Press Association:
The prime minister goes on, the government goes on until the autumn, until there is a new leader and a new government.
We’ll remain at our posts and we have a big agenda. We were elected only a year ago and we’ve set out fresh legislation, which we’re taking through parliament at the moment.
Cabinet is meeting on Monday. We were all elected just a year ago on a big programme of continuing to move the economy forward, creating more jobs, a programme of social reform, and investment in defence which you can see today.
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This sign is on disaplay at the main post office in Belfast:
So here's where we're at. This is the central post office in Belfast #brexit #EURefResults pic.twitter.com/YiZsSID3kU
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Latvia’s Valdis Dombrovskis will take over the EU’s financial services portfolio following the resignation of Britain’s Jonathan Hill.
Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister, is responsible for the single currency in the 28-member college of commissioners – one from each EU member state. He is also the commission’s vice-president.
The UK will be entitled to nominate a new commissioner for its remaining time in the EU. The UK’s portfolio will be determined by commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in consultation with the UK government.
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Britain should begin informal negotiations on a full settlement governing its post-exit relationship with the EU before invoking article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, according to the chief executive of the Vote Leave campaign.
“We don’t think there is a need to swiftly invoke article 50,” Matthew Elliott, the chief executive of Vote Leave, told Reuters in an interview. “It’s best for the dust to settle over the summer and during that time for there to be informal negotiations with other states,” he said.
Elliott said the full settlement on Britain’s exit would include all aspects of the relationship, including the British contribution to the EU, access to the single market, extradition agreements and so-called “passporting” for financial services.
“There is no reason why a sensible arrangement couldn’t be put in place for passporting to continue,” he said.
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Lunchtime summary
Ben Quinn
• European Union governments have piled pressure on the UK to leave the bloc quickly, saying talks on the UK’s exit must begin soon and and urging a new British prime minister to take office quickly.As Europe scrambled on Saturday to respond to the momentous Brexit vote, foreign ministers from the EU’s six founding members states meeting in emergency session in Berlin demanded the earliest possible start to the Brexit process.
• Britain’s most senior EU official, Jonathan Hill, is resigning his position following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.Lord Hill, who was sent to Brussels by David Cameron and took the highly-prized portfolio of financial services, said he didn’t believe it was right for him to carry on in the post. He was standing down in line with what he had discussed with the president of the European Commission some weeks ago, he added.
• France’s foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, said Britain “must trigger” article 50 – the procedure for leaving the EU, adding that it was urgent Cameron step aside for a new leader to manage the transition out of the union: “A new prime minister must be designated, that will take a few days.”It would “not be respectful” for Britain to delay the process, Ayrault said. “It’s a question of respect.” On Friday, Cameron said he would delay the start of Brexit negotiations until his successor as prime minister is in place in the autumn.• The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, says it “shouldn’t take forever” for the UK to deliver formal notification that it wants to leave the European Union but is making clear that the matter is in London’s hands.Merkel said she is seeking a “objective, good” climate in talks on Britain’s exit from the EU and that there’s no need to make deterrence a priority.
• Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, is to directly lobby European Union member states for support in ensuring that Scotland can remain part of the EU, after Scots voted emphatically against Brexit on Thursday.The first minister has disclosed that she is to invite all EU diplomats based in Scotland to a summit at her official residence in Edinburgh within the next two weeks, in a bid to sidestep the UK government.
• Jeremy Corbyn , the leader of Britain’s Labour party, has said that areas that voted most strongly to leave in the EU referendum are “communities that have effectively been abandoned” by economic change and the austerity policies of Britain’s Conservative government.Corbyn, who is under pressure from MPs in his party to step down and faces a motion of no confidence in his leadership, said “I am here” when asked if he would take part in any new leadership contest.
You can watch the full video of Corbyn’s address here.
• The European Central Bank has fanned fears that London could lose its status as Europe’s financial capital after warning that the Brexit vote might sever the City’s trade relationship with the EU.A top ECB official said banks in the City of London risked being stripped of their lucrative EU “passports” that allow them to sell services to the rest of the union. François Villeroy de Galhau said keeping the so-called “passport” would not be possible if the UK leaves the single market.
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Merkel wants 'good, objective' climate for Brexit talksMerkel wants 'good, objective' climate for Brexit talks
Angela Merkel says she is seeking a “good, objective” climate for talks about Britain’s departure from the European Union, and that there was no need to be nasty.Angela Merkel says she is seeking a “good, objective” climate for talks about Britain’s departure from the European Union, and that there was no need to be nasty.
The Guardian’s Chris Johnston listened to her speech and reports that the German chancellor said that the EU must work with member countries that are unsure about the benefits of union membership.The Guardian’s Chris Johnston listened to her speech and reports that the German chancellor said that the EU must work with member countries that are unsure about the benefits of union membership.
Merkel said the bloc could “help them with external borders”, for example, in a bid to allay fears that politicians are not taking the concerns of citizens seriously.Merkel said the bloc could “help them with external borders”, for example, in a bid to allay fears that politicians are not taking the concerns of citizens seriously.
She added that the EU needed to work out “how to make people feel good in a fast-changing world”.She added that the EU needed to work out “how to make people feel good in a fast-changing world”.
Merkel also said that the “Christian framework is the basis of what we do”.Merkel also said that the “Christian framework is the basis of what we do”.
The Wall Street Journal’s Berlin correspondent tweets:The Wall Street Journal’s Berlin correspondent tweets:
Merkel says ball is in UK's court now but Germany plans to keep the relationship close #brexit #euref pic.twitter.com/JeChUT7JKXMerkel says ball is in UK's court now but Germany plans to keep the relationship close #brexit #euref pic.twitter.com/JeChUT7JKX
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In his resignation, Hill added:In his resignation, Hill added:
Like many people here and in the UK, I am obviously very disappointed about the result of the referendum.Like many people here and in the UK, I am obviously very disappointed about the result of the referendum.
I wanted it to end differently and had hoped that Britain would want to play a role in arguing for an outward-looking, flexible, competitive, free trade Europe. But the British people took a different decision, and that is the way that democracy works.I wanted it to end differently and had hoped that Britain would want to play a role in arguing for an outward-looking, flexible, competitive, free trade Europe. But the British people took a different decision, and that is the way that democracy works.
As the UK enters “a new phase”, he didn’t believe that it was right for him to carry on as the British Commissioner “as if nothing had happened”.As the UK enters “a new phase”, he didn’t believe that it was right for him to carry on as the British Commissioner “as if nothing had happened”.
In line with what I discussed with the President of the Commission some weeks ago, I have therefore told him that I shall stand down. At the same time, there needs to be an orderly handover, so I have said that I will work with him to make sure that happens in the weeks ahead.In line with what I discussed with the President of the Commission some weeks ago, I have therefore told him that I shall stand down. At the same time, there needs to be an orderly handover, so I have said that I will work with him to make sure that happens in the weeks ahead.
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Britain's most senior EU official resignsBritain's most senior EU official resigns
Britain’s most senior EU official, Jonathan Hill, is resigning following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.Britain’s most senior EU official, Jonathan Hill, is resigning following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.
The Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports that Lord Hill was sent to Brussels by David Cameron and took the highly-prized portfolio of financial services.The Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports that Lord Hill was sent to Brussels by David Cameron and took the highly-prized portfolio of financial services.
But his departure after Brexit was a foregone conclusion, as many European politicians oppose a Briton presiding over EU financial stability, when the UK is on the way out. Several MEPs have already called on Hill to go.But his departure after Brexit was a foregone conclusion, as many European politicians oppose a Briton presiding over EU financial stability, when the UK is on the way out. Several MEPs have already called on Hill to go.
Hill, said he didn’t think it was right to carry on as commissioner as if nothing had happened.Hill, said he didn’t think it was right to carry on as commissioner as if nothing had happened.
I came to Brussels as someone who had campaigned against Britain joining the euro and who was sceptical about Europe.I came to Brussels as someone who had campaigned against Britain joining the euro and who was sceptical about Europe.
I will leave it certain that, despite its frustrations, our membership was good for our place in the world and good for our economy. But what is done cannot be undone and now we have to get on with making our new relationship with Europe work as well as possible.I will leave it certain that, despite its frustrations, our membership was good for our place in the world and good for our economy. But what is done cannot be undone and now we have to get on with making our new relationship with Europe work as well as possible.
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France wants new UK prime minister 'in coming days'France wants new UK prime minister 'in coming days'
France has called for new British prime minister ‘in the coming days’, according to reports by the AFP press agency.France has called for new British prime minister ‘in the coming days’, according to reports by the AFP press agency.
The Guardian’s Angelique Chrisafis says:The Guardian’s Angelique Chrisafis says:
The French government had always been expected to take a hard line on the UK’s timeframe over negotiations to leave.The French government had always been expected to take a hard line on the UK’s timeframe over negotiations to leave.
France is among countries wishing for article 50 to be enacted as soon as is feasible. But in Paris there had also been an understanding that the British process to appoint a new prime minister would take a certain amount of time and that the British democratic and political party process had to be respected.France is among countries wishing for article 50 to be enacted as soon as is feasible. But in Paris there had also been an understanding that the British process to appoint a new prime minister would take a certain amount of time and that the British democratic and political party process had to be respected.
However, the mood in Paris is that once a new prime minister was in place, that new prime minister would have to act swiftly to begin the process.However, the mood in Paris is that once a new prime minister was in place, that new prime minister would have to act swiftly to begin the process.
There is a sense that no stalling or delaying tactics could be tolerated once a new prime minister was in place.There is a sense that no stalling or delaying tactics could be tolerated once a new prime minister was in place.
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The speech by Jeremy Corbyn in London has finished, and he’s still leader of the Labour party, despite the earlier rumours that he would resign. Asked if he would stand again in the event of a leadership contest, he responded: “Yes, I am here. Thank you.”The speech by Jeremy Corbyn in London has finished, and he’s still leader of the Labour party, despite the earlier rumours that he would resign. Asked if he would stand again in the event of a leadership contest, he responded: “Yes, I am here. Thank you.”
The Observer’s Dan Boffey also reports that a Labour supporter in the audience said that as a black woman she feels safer with Corbyn as leader. She questioned whether others in the Labour party understood that.The Observer’s Dan Boffey also reports that a Labour supporter in the audience said that as a black woman she feels safer with Corbyn as leader. She questioned whether others in the Labour party understood that.
Corbyn responded by saying he can’t answer ‘to what is going through the minds of those who want another change in the leadership of the Labour Party’.Corbyn responded by saying he can’t answer ‘to what is going through the minds of those who want another change in the leadership of the Labour Party’.
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Scotland to enter into "immediate discussions" with Brussels - SturgeonScotland to enter into "immediate discussions" with Brussels - Sturgeon
The Scottish government will seek to enter into “immediate discussions” with Brussels to “protect Scotland’s place in the EU” in the wake of the Brexit vote, Scotland’s first minister also says.The Scottish government will seek to enter into “immediate discussions” with Brussels to “protect Scotland’s place in the EU” in the wake of the Brexit vote, Scotland’s first minister also says.
As a takeaway, that’s likely to trump Sturgeon’s comments about the preparations for a second independence referendum, which may be some time away.As a takeaway, that’s likely to trump Sturgeon’s comments about the preparations for a second independence referendum, which may be some time away.
Sturgeon said:Sturgeon said:
Cabinet agreed that we will seek to enter into immediate discussions with the EU institutions and other EU member states to explore all possible options to protect Scotland’s place in the EU.Cabinet agreed that we will seek to enter into immediate discussions with the EU institutions and other EU member states to explore all possible options to protect Scotland’s place in the EU.
Over the next few days I will establish an advisory panel comprising a range of experts who can advise me and the Scottish government on a number of important matters – legal, financial and diplomatic.Over the next few days I will establish an advisory panel comprising a range of experts who can advise me and the Scottish government on a number of important matters – legal, financial and diplomatic.
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Sturgeon says that most of the meeting’s discussions focused on what the Scottish government can do “in the here and now” to protect Scotland’s relationship with the EU.Sturgeon says that most of the meeting’s discussions focused on what the Scottish government can do “in the here and now” to protect Scotland’s relationship with the EU.
As a result, she will be establishing a panel of experts from across Scotland to advise on a range of areas – legal, economic and diplomatic. She and the Scottish government want to continue to emphasise that Scotland is an attractive place to do business and will reaching out to the business community.As a result, she will be establishing a panel of experts from across Scotland to advise on a range of areas – legal, economic and diplomatic. She and the Scottish government want to continue to emphasise that Scotland is an attractive place to do business and will reaching out to the business community.
Thirdly, she wants to work to reassure citizens of EU states who are living in Scotland in the wake of the Brexit vote.Thirdly, she wants to work to reassure citizens of EU states who are living in Scotland in the wake of the Brexit vote.
As part of this, he will invite the consul generals of all EU states to a summit in Bute house to make clear how much Scotland values their contribution to Scottish society, its economy and its culture.As part of this, he will invite the consul generals of all EU states to a summit in Bute house to make clear how much Scotland values their contribution to Scottish society, its economy and its culture.
Ms Sturgeon stresses that other EU citizens who "have done us the honour of making this their home" are welcome in ScotlandMs Sturgeon stresses that other EU citizens who "have done us the honour of making this their home" are welcome in Scotland
Sturgeon plays up pro-indy contrast: "As Westminster is engulfed in political turmoil... Scotland is led by a stable & effective government"Sturgeon plays up pro-indy contrast: "As Westminster is engulfed in political turmoil... Scotland is led by a stable & effective government"
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Sturgeon - legislation for a second independence referendum to be put in placeSturgeon - legislation for a second independence referendum to be put in place
Steps will now be taken to ensure that the necessary legislation will be put in place for a second Scottish independence referendum, Scotland’s first minister has said.Steps will now be taken to ensure that the necessary legislation will be put in place for a second Scottish independence referendum, Scotland’s first minister has said.
[We’re just breaking away from the Corbyn speech as Sturgeon has emerged from the cabinet meeting of the Scottish government in Edinburgh].[We’re just breaking away from the Corbyn speech as Sturgeon has emerged from the cabinet meeting of the Scottish government in Edinburgh].
The meeting formally agreed that this work should proceed, Sturgeon tells the press outside Bute House.The meeting formally agreed that this work should proceed, Sturgeon tells the press outside Bute House.
One thing she doesn’t do in the short address is guarantee that the second referendum will now take place, but there’s more.One thing she doesn’t do in the short address is guarantee that the second referendum will now take place, but there’s more.
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Corbyn makes the one and only mention of his leadership - he’s certainly not resigning now by the looks of it – saying he was elected to be leader on a platform that included a mandate to campaign on the “issue of our times”, the gap between the richest and the poorest.Corbyn makes the one and only mention of his leadership - he’s certainly not resigning now by the looks of it – saying he was elected to be leader on a platform that included a mandate to campaign on the “issue of our times”, the gap between the richest and the poorest.
Those expectations of a resignations are off the mark by the looks of it.Those expectations of a resignations are off the mark by the looks of it.
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It was clear that Thursday’s vote was a backlash against the free movement of people, Corbyn says, but there was no single offer from the leave side.It was clear that Thursday’s vote was a backlash against the free movement of people, Corbyn says, but there was no single offer from the leave side.
“In fact, there was no manifesto of what a post-Brexit UK Britain would look like.”“In fact, there was no manifesto of what a post-Brexit UK Britain would look like.”
The whole country has to come together to discuss issues “calmly and rationally” and Labour should lead it. He mentions Andy Burnham’s role in this and how the Labour MP Keir Starmer is currently travelling around the UK taking soundings from members of the party.The whole country has to come together to discuss issues “calmly and rationally” and Labour should lead it. He mentions Andy Burnham’s role in this and how the Labour MP Keir Starmer is currently travelling around the UK taking soundings from members of the party.
But it’s also important to talk about much more – employment and human rights, the UK’s economic relationship with Europe among them.But it’s also important to talk about much more – employment and human rights, the UK’s economic relationship with Europe among them.
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The Labour leader moves on to speak specifically about the issue of immigration – saying it is one “we can’t duck”.The Labour leader moves on to speak specifically about the issue of immigration – saying it is one “we can’t duck”.
“We have to start an open and honest debate,” he says, adding that it is clear from discussions he and others have had on the streets is that immigration played a central role in the campaign.“We have to start an open and honest debate,” he says, adding that it is clear from discussions he and others have had on the streets is that immigration played a central role in the campaign.
He says that he is certainly not afraid to talk about immigration and believes it has enriched the country (applause from supporters present) but he understands that rapid changes can place strains on communities.He says that he is certainly not afraid to talk about immigration and believes it has enriched the country (applause from supporters present) but he understands that rapid changes can place strains on communities.
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Corbyn says that the referendum revealed a very divided Britain – between London, Scotland and and other areas who voted to remain and those areas who voted to leave.Corbyn says that the referendum revealed a very divided Britain – between London, Scotland and and other areas who voted to remain and those areas who voted to leave.
But there is another divide – “between thriving multicultural cities and often post-industrial communities who voted to leave”.But there is another divide – “between thriving multicultural cities and often post-industrial communities who voted to leave”.
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Many former industrial heartlands voted to leave the European Union, he says. These are communities who have been hit hard by deregulation and the shifting economic landscape.Many former industrial heartlands voted to leave the European Union, he says. These are communities who have been hit hard by deregulation and the shifting economic landscape.
“A Sports Direct factory on a site of a former mine says it all about what has happened to Britain,” he says, going on to hit out at the “nasty form of divisive” form of politics that have emerged.“A Sports Direct factory on a site of a former mine says it all about what has happened to Britain,” he says, going on to hit out at the “nasty form of divisive” form of politics that have emerged.
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