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| Tuesday briefing: 'Free and frictionless' – the new Tory mantra | Tuesday briefing: 'Free and frictionless' – the new Tory mantra |
| (5 months later) | |
| Top story: Brexit transition vision published | Top story: Brexit transition vision published |
| Good morning – it’s Warren Murray with the news at breakfast time. | Good morning – it’s Warren Murray with the news at breakfast time. |
| Theresa May’s government seems set to ask for a transitional period of up to two years on customs and trade with the European Union. But the idea of temporarily staying under the existing EU trade umbrella after Brexit has been scotched on the grounds it would not allow Britain to negotiate deals with other countries. | Theresa May’s government seems set to ask for a transitional period of up to two years on customs and trade with the European Union. But the idea of temporarily staying under the existing EU trade umbrella after Brexit has been scotched on the grounds it would not allow Britain to negotiate deals with other countries. |
| The Tories have been tying themselves in knots over how to avoid a “cliff-edge” Brexit with catastrophic consequences for British business. Today, the government will put out a position paper that calls for a “temporary customs union” allowing movement of goods across borders to continue as now. | The Tories have been tying themselves in knots over how to avoid a “cliff-edge” Brexit with catastrophic consequences for British business. Today, the government will put out a position paper that calls for a “temporary customs union” allowing movement of goods across borders to continue as now. |
| Longer term, the government proposes to either set up a streamlined customs border with the EU that would be managed by Britain alone; or mirror the EU’s approach to trade so closely that there would be no need for such a border at all. | Longer term, the government proposes to either set up a streamlined customs border with the EU that would be managed by Britain alone; or mirror the EU’s approach to trade so closely that there would be no need for such a border at all. |
| A chunk of May’s senior ministry, as well as business leaders, still favour a longer, softer transition. Labour’s Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, said the latest proposals were “incoherent, inadequate and designed to gloss over deep and continuing divisions within the cabinet”. The Lib Dem Brexit spokesman, Tom Brake, said: “The only way to ensure ‘free and frictionless’ trade with the EU is to remain a full member of the customs union and single market.” | A chunk of May’s senior ministry, as well as business leaders, still favour a longer, softer transition. Labour’s Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, said the latest proposals were “incoherent, inadequate and designed to gloss over deep and continuing divisions within the cabinet”. The Lib Dem Brexit spokesman, Tom Brake, said: “The only way to ensure ‘free and frictionless’ trade with the EU is to remain a full member of the customs union and single market.” |
| The Confederation of British Industry welcomed the new details but said “all efforts should be made to deliver a single-step transition, so that businesses don’t have to adapt twice”. | The Confederation of British Industry welcomed the new details but said “all efforts should be made to deliver a single-step transition, so that businesses don’t have to adapt twice”. |
| Charlottesville fallout – A string of CEOs have quit Donald Trump’s business advisory board after the president took days to directly condemn the racist groups behind deadly violence in Charlottesville. “Racism is evil,” the US president said at the White House on Monday, while finally singling out the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups as “repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans”. Critics said he should have summoned those words straight away on Saturday as rioting took off. Web domain registration and hosting companies have been kicking hate sites off their servers in the wake of Charlottesville, while the likes of Airbnb are trying to stop “alt-right” members making bookings. | Charlottesville fallout – A string of CEOs have quit Donald Trump’s business advisory board after the president took days to directly condemn the racist groups behind deadly violence in Charlottesville. “Racism is evil,” the US president said at the White House on Monday, while finally singling out the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups as “repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans”. Critics said he should have summoned those words straight away on Saturday as rioting took off. Web domain registration and hosting companies have been kicking hate sites off their servers in the wake of Charlottesville, while the likes of Airbnb are trying to stop “alt-right” members making bookings. |
| Swift wins groping case – A jury has ruled in favour of Taylor Swift who went to court against a DJ she accused of grabbing her backside during a backstage meet-and-greet in 2013. The musician counter-sued Denver host David Mueller for a symbolic $1 after he demanded $3m on the grounds that her complaint was false and ruined his career. A judge threw out Mueller’s claim on Friday. Swift said her victory was only possible because she could afford the “enormous cost” of the legal fight, and she would be donating to organisations that “help sexual assault victims defend themselves”. | Swift wins groping case – A jury has ruled in favour of Taylor Swift who went to court against a DJ she accused of grabbing her backside during a backstage meet-and-greet in 2013. The musician counter-sued Denver host David Mueller for a symbolic $1 after he demanded $3m on the grounds that her complaint was false and ruined his career. A judge threw out Mueller’s claim on Friday. Swift said her victory was only possible because she could afford the “enormous cost” of the legal fight, and she would be donating to organisations that “help sexual assault victims defend themselves”. |
| Kim’s missiles ‘look Soviet’ – Rocket engines used in North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests probably came from Russia or former Soviet state Ukraine, experts have said. The International Institute for Strategic Studies said they were different from any rockets the regime had used before and seemed to be modified Soviet-era RD-250 engines. Ukraine has denied supplying the technology, calling any such claims a Russian smear attempt. The Ukrainian company that makes the engines was the target of North Korean espionage in 2011, according to the UN. | Kim’s missiles ‘look Soviet’ – Rocket engines used in North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests probably came from Russia or former Soviet state Ukraine, experts have said. The International Institute for Strategic Studies said they were different from any rockets the regime had used before and seemed to be modified Soviet-era RD-250 engines. Ukraine has denied supplying the technology, calling any such claims a Russian smear attempt. The Ukrainian company that makes the engines was the target of North Korean espionage in 2011, according to the UN. |
| The Trump administration and Kim Jong-un have meanwhile continued to exchange prickly language as joint US-South Korean military exercises get under way. James Mattis, the US defence secretary, warned things could quickly escalate into war if North Korea attacks Guam as threatened. The North said the US-led military drills could have the same effect. But in a slight easing of tensions, Kim Jong-un signalled he was prepared to wait and see what the “foolish Yankees” do next before deciding whether to launch ballistic missiles in the direction of Guam. | The Trump administration and Kim Jong-un have meanwhile continued to exchange prickly language as joint US-South Korean military exercises get under way. James Mattis, the US defence secretary, warned things could quickly escalate into war if North Korea attacks Guam as threatened. The North said the US-led military drills could have the same effect. But in a slight easing of tensions, Kim Jong-un signalled he was prepared to wait and see what the “foolish Yankees” do next before deciding whether to launch ballistic missiles in the direction of Guam. |
| ‘A true hero’ – Bernard Kenny, who was stabbed trying to ward off Jo Cox’s killer, has died aged 79 from cancer. Kenny was awarded the George Medal for his bravery but had not yet received it. He was hit in the stomach as he rushed in to tackle the rightwing extremist Thomas Mair. | ‘A true hero’ – Bernard Kenny, who was stabbed trying to ward off Jo Cox’s killer, has died aged 79 from cancer. Kenny was awarded the George Medal for his bravery but had not yet received it. He was hit in the stomach as he rushed in to tackle the rightwing extremist Thomas Mair. |
| Kenny had the same birthday as Cox. He worked as a miner for 40 years, including as a rescuer who tried to save victims of the Lofthouse mine disaster in 1973. His son, Phil, said Kenny died peacefully at home yesterday. “He was a very private, unassuming, family man. Stubborn, kind and fair. An excellent bloke.” | Kenny had the same birthday as Cox. He worked as a miner for 40 years, including as a rescuer who tried to save victims of the Lofthouse mine disaster in 1973. His son, Phil, said Kenny died peacefully at home yesterday. “He was a very private, unassuming, family man. Stubborn, kind and fair. An excellent bloke.” |
| Since you’re here ... | Since you’re here ... |
| … today we have a small favour to ask. More people than ever are regularly reading the Guardian, but far fewer are paying for it. Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can. So we think it’s fair to ask people who read us often for their help. The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters – because it might well be your perspective, too. | … today we have a small favour to ask. More people than ever are regularly reading the Guardian, but far fewer are paying for it. Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can. So we think it’s fair to ask people who read us often for their help. The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters – because it might well be your perspective, too. |
| If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps to support it, our future would be much more secure. You can give to the Guardian by becoming a monthly Supporter or by making a one-off contribution. | If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps to support it, our future would be much more secure. You can give to the Guardian by becoming a monthly Supporter or by making a one-off contribution. |
| Closing the pay gaps – Advertising all jobs with flexible working could help tackle the 18% gender pay gap, according to the equalities watchdog, which has taken a snapshot of disparities across the population. Giving men more parental leave would alleviate pressure on women to take lengthier breaks or leave their jobs upon becoming mothers, say the report’s authors. People from ethnic minorities are behind by 5.7% on pay, while people with disabilities get 13.6% less. Male Bangladeshi immigrants have a gap of 48% compared with white British men, but most female ethnic minority groups have a pay advantage over white British women. Health and mental wellbeing also form part of the picture – men with epilepsy earn 40% less, men with depression or anxiety have a pay gap of about 30%, while women with mental health problems earn 10% less. | Closing the pay gaps – Advertising all jobs with flexible working could help tackle the 18% gender pay gap, according to the equalities watchdog, which has taken a snapshot of disparities across the population. Giving men more parental leave would alleviate pressure on women to take lengthier breaks or leave their jobs upon becoming mothers, say the report’s authors. People from ethnic minorities are behind by 5.7% on pay, while people with disabilities get 13.6% less. Male Bangladeshi immigrants have a gap of 48% compared with white British men, but most female ethnic minority groups have a pay advantage over white British women. Health and mental wellbeing also form part of the picture – men with epilepsy earn 40% less, men with depression or anxiety have a pay gap of about 30%, while women with mental health problems earn 10% less. |
| Losing the force, Luke? – The neophyte Jedi of the original Star Wars films was always a little whiney, but in old age this has apparently worsened into a deep funk about the Force and its gifts. Luke Skywalker intones that “it is time for the Jedi to end” after he is found hiding out on a space rock in upcoming instalment The Last Jedi. Ben Child wants to know how he made this journey from the heights of blowing up two Death Stars and redeeming his dad, Darth Vader, to falling into a Sarlacc pit of crotchety despair. | Losing the force, Luke? – The neophyte Jedi of the original Star Wars films was always a little whiney, but in old age this has apparently worsened into a deep funk about the Force and its gifts. Luke Skywalker intones that “it is time for the Jedi to end” after he is found hiding out on a space rock in upcoming instalment The Last Jedi. Ben Child wants to know how he made this journey from the heights of blowing up two Death Stars and redeeming his dad, Darth Vader, to falling into a Sarlacc pit of crotchety despair. |
| Lunchtime read: How the Saudis kidnapped their own princes | Lunchtime read: How the Saudis kidnapped their own princes |
| Sensational accounts have emerged of how Saudi Arabia snatched away three members of its own royal family who were known for their dissident views. Prince Sultan bin Turki was kidnapped mid-air, according to westerners who were on board his plane. Saudi security forces posing as flight attendants pulled out weapons and the Cairo-bound aircraft was diverted to Riyadh. The screaming prince was separated from his entourage and has not been seen since. | Sensational accounts have emerged of how Saudi Arabia snatched away three members of its own royal family who were known for their dissident views. Prince Sultan bin Turki was kidnapped mid-air, according to westerners who were on board his plane. Saudi security forces posing as flight attendants pulled out weapons and the Cairo-bound aircraft was diverted to Riyadh. The screaming prince was separated from his entourage and has not been seen since. |
| The westerners say they were made to sign documents, then flown out of the country. They have told their story to the BBC’s Arabic network. A similar fate seems to have befallen Prince Turki bin Bandar – scooped up in Morocco and then deported to Saudi – and Prince Saud bin Saif al-Nasr, who disappeared after being lured on to a private plane for a purported business trip to Italy. | The westerners say they were made to sign documents, then flown out of the country. They have told their story to the BBC’s Arabic network. A similar fate seems to have befallen Prince Turki bin Bandar – scooped up in Morocco and then deported to Saudi – and Prince Saud bin Saif al-Nasr, who disappeared after being lured on to a private plane for a purported business trip to Italy. |
| Sport | Sport |
| “A step into the unknown” is how Stuart Broad has described England’s maiden day-night Test match against West Indies this week as his team prepare for the Ashes series later this year. | “A step into the unknown” is how Stuart Broad has described England’s maiden day-night Test match against West Indies this week as his team prepare for the Ashes series later this year. |
| The former world 400m record holder, Michael Johnson, has urged the public not to get carried away with Britain’s late haul of medals at the world championships and says he is concerned that athletics is not doing enough to justify its £27m investment from UK Sport. | The former world 400m record holder, Michael Johnson, has urged the public not to get carried away with Britain’s late haul of medals at the world championships and says he is concerned that athletics is not doing enough to justify its £27m investment from UK Sport. |
| Jürgen Klopp has described Liverpool’s Champions League play-off with Hoffenheim as “the most difficult step” towards reaching the lucrative group stage for only the second time in eight seasons, while Chelsea have responded firmly to Diego Costa’s claims of maltreatment, demanding the striker return to training and get himself fit for first-team selection. Premier League clubs are set to discuss a landmark change to the transfer window that could end domestic player movement before the start of the season. And the Australian track cyclist Stephen Wooldridge, an Olympic and world champion, has died aged 39. | Jürgen Klopp has described Liverpool’s Champions League play-off with Hoffenheim as “the most difficult step” towards reaching the lucrative group stage for only the second time in eight seasons, while Chelsea have responded firmly to Diego Costa’s claims of maltreatment, demanding the striker return to training and get himself fit for first-team selection. Premier League clubs are set to discuss a landmark change to the transfer window that could end domestic player movement before the start of the season. And the Australian track cyclist Stephen Wooldridge, an Olympic and world champion, has died aged 39. |
| Business | Business |
| Asian markets seemed to react positively to signals that tensions between North Korea and the US may be easing, with shares experiencing a rally along with the US dollar. Japan’s Nikkei stock index was 1.3% higher at the end of morning trading following increases on Wall Street on Monday. Overnight the pound was buying US$1.30 and €1.10. | Asian markets seemed to react positively to signals that tensions between North Korea and the US may be easing, with shares experiencing a rally along with the US dollar. Japan’s Nikkei stock index was 1.3% higher at the end of morning trading following increases on Wall Street on Monday. Overnight the pound was buying US$1.30 and €1.10. |
| The papers | The papers |
| The Financial Times and the i lead today with news that the UK government will try to hang on to something like existing customs arrangements with the EU for “several years” following Brexit – a revelation that already has Nigel Farage fulminating. | The Financial Times and the i lead today with news that the UK government will try to hang on to something like existing customs arrangements with the EU for “several years” following Brexit – a revelation that already has Nigel Farage fulminating. |
| The Guardian and the Times also feature that story on page one, alongside Donald Trump’s belated announcement, in response to the killing of a civil rights activist in Charlottesville, that “racism is evil”. For the Telegraph, today’s biggest news is that Big Ben is to fall silent for four years to protect the ears of those carrying out restoration work inside the tower – or, according to the Daily Mail, to ensure that health and safety succeeds where the Luftwaffe failed. (It is not, incidentally, the first time the clock has gone quiet for repair work.) | The Guardian and the Times also feature that story on page one, alongside Donald Trump’s belated announcement, in response to the killing of a civil rights activist in Charlottesville, that “racism is evil”. For the Telegraph, today’s biggest news is that Big Ben is to fall silent for four years to protect the ears of those carrying out restoration work inside the tower – or, according to the Daily Mail, to ensure that health and safety succeeds where the Luftwaffe failed. (It is not, incidentally, the first time the clock has gone quiet for repair work.) |
| The Sun and Metro lead on a court hearing over a fatal collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian. The cyclist said it was the fault of the pedestrian, who was killed, but prosecutors say his riding was dangerous. The Mirror’s front page has ex-BHS boss Sir Philip Green bathing in bubbles at a champagne party in Greece – perhaps having heeded news in the Daily Express, which wants us to drink more wine to live longer. | The Sun and Metro lead on a court hearing over a fatal collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian. The cyclist said it was the fault of the pedestrian, who was killed, but prosecutors say his riding was dangerous. The Mirror’s front page has ex-BHS boss Sir Philip Green bathing in bubbles at a champagne party in Greece – perhaps having heeded news in the Daily Express, which wants us to drink more wine to live longer. |
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