This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2017/oct/20/brexit-theresa-may-angela-merkel-hopeful-deal-europe-politics-live
The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| Brexit: EU leaders agree internal talks on trade with UK - politics live | Brexit: EU leaders agree internal talks on trade with UK - politics live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 11.36am BST | |
| 11:36 | |
| Yet more on the presentational issues associated with Theresa May’s appearance in Brussels: | |
| May: I'll take a question from some of our European colleagues?British voice. "We're all European"Laughter | |
| 11.15am BST | 11.15am BST |
| 11:15 | 11:15 |
| It has been speculated that Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron’s decision to walk to the summit chamber with Theresa May yesterday was intended as a public show of support for her and an attempt to avoid the emergence of more damaging images that appear to cast the prime minister as a lonely figure in Brussels. | It has been speculated that Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron’s decision to walk to the summit chamber with Theresa May yesterday was intended as a public show of support for her and an attempt to avoid the emergence of more damaging images that appear to cast the prime minister as a lonely figure in Brussels. |
| Some are still left wondering if her team has quite mastered the optics, however. | |
| One of these days, No10 will manage to come away from one of these summits without a picture of May on her own looking sad. pic.twitter.com/00eCFyd6IB | One of these days, No10 will manage to come away from one of these summits without a picture of May on her own looking sad. pic.twitter.com/00eCFyd6IB |
| Perhaps this is more the shot they were hoping for: | Perhaps this is more the shot they were hoping for: |
| Updated | |
| at 11.34am BST | |
| 10.59am BST | 10.59am BST |
| 10:59 | 10:59 |
| The final question from journalists is on Catalonia. What advice does May have for the region’s leadership? | The final question from journalists is on Catalonia. What advice does May have for the region’s leadership? |
| May sidesteps that, saying she has spoken to the Spanish prime minister and the country’s law and constitution must be respected. The Spanish courts had ruled Catalonia’s independence referendum unconstitutional prior to it being held. | May sidesteps that, saying she has spoken to the Spanish prime minister and the country’s law and constitution must be respected. The Spanish courts had ruled Catalonia’s independence referendum unconstitutional prior to it being held. |
| 10.57am BST | 10.57am BST |
| 10:57 | 10:57 |
| May is asked when she will be able to put a number on it. | May is asked when she will be able to put a number on it. |
| She says it will “come as part of the final agreement”, without putting a date on it. | She says it will “come as part of the final agreement”, without putting a date on it. |
| 10.57am BST | 10.57am BST |
| 10:57 | 10:57 |
| The prime minister is asked if the bill could go as high as €60bn. | The prime minister is asked if the bill could go as high as €60bn. |
| She responds that she has been very clear in saying the government will go through the financial contribution proposals “line by line”. | She responds that she has been very clear in saying the government will go through the financial contribution proposals “line by line”. |
| 10.54am BST | 10.54am BST |
| 10:54 | 10:54 |
| The next question refers to the December talks: is May willing to give further detail in order to get talks moving? | The next question refers to the December talks: is May willing to give further detail in order to get talks moving? |
| The prime minister rather sidesteps the question, saying she is “positive and optimistic about where we can get to”. | The prime minister rather sidesteps the question, saying she is “positive and optimistic about where we can get to”. |
| 10.52am BST | 10.52am BST |
| 10:52 | 10:52 |
| May is asked about the money to be paid by the UK - has the quantity increased? She says nothing has changed from her Florence speech. | May is asked about the money to be paid by the UK - has the quantity increased? She says nothing has changed from her Florence speech. |
| May says negotiators are going through how much Britain owes the EU in financial contributions line by line | May says negotiators are going through how much Britain owes the EU in financial contributions line by line |
| May doesn't deny that she has told other leaders privately that she'd be willing to pay many billions more than the initial 20 billion | May doesn't deny that she has told other leaders privately that she'd be willing to pay many billions more than the initial 20 billion |
| But she certainly doesnt confirm it either! Rests on the 'we'll go through line by line' answer .... | But she certainly doesnt confirm it either! Rests on the 'we'll go through line by line' answer .... |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.55am BST | at 10.55am BST |
| 10.51am BST | 10.51am BST |
| 10:51 | 10:51 |
| On Brexit, May says the EU and UK “share the same objective” of protecting the rights of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU. | On Brexit, May says the EU and UK “share the same objective” of protecting the rights of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU. |
| May says the Belfast agreement must be at the heart of the approach, that the peace process must not be affected and that there must be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. | May says the Belfast agreement must be at the heart of the approach, that the peace process must not be affected and that there must be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. |
| 10.49am BST | 10.49am BST |
| 10:49 | 10:49 |
| Theresa May is opening her delayed press conference. She says she looks forward to working with the EU in the future. | Theresa May is opening her delayed press conference. She says she looks forward to working with the EU in the future. |
| The EU leaders also discussed foreign policy, May says, adding that they reiterate their “firm commitment” to the Iran nuclear deal. She also condemns North Korea and specifically names China as a nation that must help deal with the issue. | The EU leaders also discussed foreign policy, May says, adding that they reiterate their “firm commitment” to the Iran nuclear deal. She also condemns North Korea and specifically names China as a nation that must help deal with the issue. |
| 10.44am BST | 10.44am BST |
| 10:44 | 10:44 |
| EU27 to begin internal trade talk deliberations | EU27 to begin internal trade talk deliberations |
| As mentioned earlier - now confirmed - EU leaders have agreed to start internal discussions on their approach to the “second phase” - talks on trade and the transition to Brexit. This does not mean that such talks between the UK and EU27 are set to start, however. | As mentioned earlier - now confirmed - EU leaders have agreed to start internal discussions on their approach to the “second phase” - talks on trade and the transition to Brexit. This does not mean that such talks between the UK and EU27 are set to start, however. |
| Brexit conclusions adopted. Leaders green-light internal EU27 preparations for 2nd phase. #EUCO | Brexit conclusions adopted. Leaders green-light internal EU27 preparations for 2nd phase. #EUCO |
| But the move does pave the way for the possible start of formal talks on the future EU/UK trade relationship in December. | But the move does pave the way for the possible start of formal talks on the future EU/UK trade relationship in December. |
| So not enough progress for next phase of talks, but they will start prep for next bit - so it's not no, it's definitely maybe | So not enough progress for next phase of talks, but they will start prep for next bit - so it's not no, it's definitely maybe |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.47am BST | at 10.47am BST |
| 10.15am BST | 10.15am BST |
| 10:15 | 10:15 |
| Theresa May’s press conference, which was due to start about 15 minutes ago, is likely to get going closer to 10.30am, we’re told. | Theresa May’s press conference, which was due to start about 15 minutes ago, is likely to get going closer to 10.30am, we’re told. |
| 9.47am BST | 9.47am BST |
| 09:47 | 09:47 |
| Rowena Mason | Rowena Mason |
| The former Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, is floating around the European Council, saying Theresa May’s efforts are “absolutely dismal” and she should not have signed up to talking simply about three red-line issues - EU citizens, Northern Ireland and money - before going on to discuss trade. | The former Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, is floating around the European Council, saying Theresa May’s efforts are “absolutely dismal” and she should not have signed up to talking simply about three red-line issues - EU citizens, Northern Ireland and money - before going on to discuss trade. |
| But he held out some hope there could be a breakthrough, courtesy of the German chancellor Angela Merkel, who he said was under pressure from domestic industry. “Merkel could be the peace broker. She is the only hope,” he said. | But he held out some hope there could be a breakthrough, courtesy of the German chancellor Angela Merkel, who he said was under pressure from domestic industry. “Merkel could be the peace broker. She is the only hope,” he said. |
| 9.23am BST | 9.23am BST |
| 09:23 | 09:23 |
| A Commons committee will examine how prepared the government is for a “no deal” exit from the European Union. | A Commons committee will examine how prepared the government is for a “no deal” exit from the European Union. |
| The Treasury select committee will hear from Sir Ivan Rogers, the UK’s former ambassador to the European Union, who has described a no deal Brexit as “nuts”. | The Treasury select committee will hear from Sir Ivan Rogers, the UK’s former ambassador to the European Union, who has described a no deal Brexit as “nuts”. |
| The committee, which is led by the former cabinet minister Nicky Morgan, will consider transitional arrangements and the long-term economic relationship between the UK and EU as part of its inquiry. Morgan, a Conservative MP and a prominent Remain supporter, said: | The committee, which is led by the former cabinet minister Nicky Morgan, will consider transitional arrangements and the long-term economic relationship between the UK and EU as part of its inquiry. Morgan, a Conservative MP and a prominent Remain supporter, said: |
| The progress and outcome of the Brexit negotiations will have profound implications for the economy and public finances. The committee will consider the short-term risks to an orderly withdrawal, and the shape of the long-term economic relationship. | The progress and outcome of the Brexit negotiations will have profound implications for the economy and public finances. The committee will consider the short-term risks to an orderly withdrawal, and the shape of the long-term economic relationship. |
| Firms and individuals need certainty about the situation after March 2019. The priority of the inquiry, therefore, will be to consider the negotiation, design and governance of transitional arrangements. | Firms and individuals need certainty about the situation after March 2019. The priority of the inquiry, therefore, will be to consider the negotiation, design and governance of transitional arrangements. |
| Sir Ivan, who quit his Brussels post in January citing “muddled thinking” about Brexit, will give evidence on October 25 along with legal experts Professor Sir Alan Dashwood QC and Professor Catherine Barnard. | Sir Ivan, who quit his Brussels post in January citing “muddled thinking” about Brexit, will give evidence on October 25 along with legal experts Professor Sir Alan Dashwood QC and Professor Catherine Barnard. |
| 9.07am BST | 9.07am BST |
| 09:07 | 09:07 |
| The Department for Exiting the EU has responded to reports that the minister in charge, David Davis, is planning to present a “no-deal” plan to the cabinet, saying: | The Department for Exiting the EU has responded to reports that the minister in charge, David Davis, is planning to present a “no-deal” plan to the cabinet, saying: |
| It is in everyone’s interests to secure a good deal for both sides. We think that is by far and away the most likely outcome, but we have a duty to plan for the alternative. | It is in everyone’s interests to secure a good deal for both sides. We think that is by far and away the most likely outcome, but we have a duty to plan for the alternative. |
| 9.02am BST | 9.02am BST |
| 09:02 | 09:02 |
| EU officials say: don't expect any changes to EU position (no talks on trade or trans) in wake of PM's candid appeal to EU27 at dinner | EU officials say: don't expect any changes to EU position (no talks on trade or trans) in wake of PM's candid appeal to EU27 at dinner |
| If there is a lengthy discussion of the EU27 this morning, it will be over agencies, says EU source. Member states not budging an inch | If there is a lengthy discussion of the EU27 this morning, it will be over agencies, says EU source. Member states not budging an inch |
| As expected, May and Tusk are meeting in Brussels. | As expected, May and Tusk are meeting in Brussels. |
| Meeting with PM @theresa_may on #Brexit ahead of today’s #EUCO EU27 meeting. pic.twitter.com/MOSXivqkzc | Meeting with PM @theresa_may on #Brexit ahead of today’s #EUCO EU27 meeting. pic.twitter.com/MOSXivqkzc |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.05am BST | at 9.05am BST |
| 8.58am BST | 8.58am BST |
| 08:58 | 08:58 |
| Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary defends the Universal Credit rollout. Opponents have attacked it for pushing people into debt, among other things. | Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary defends the Universal Credit rollout. Opponents have attacked it for pushing people into debt, among other things. |
| The way it was set to roll out is unique because, in the past when tax credit was rolled out, it was rolled out cross the country at one go. Nearly a million people got not money. And, since then, it’s been open to fraud and abuse. Some people say over £20bn has been lost through fraud and tax credits. | The way it was set to roll out is unique because, in the past when tax credit was rolled out, it was rolled out cross the country at one go. Nearly a million people got not money. And, since then, it’s been open to fraud and abuse. Some people say over £20bn has been lost through fraud and tax credits. |
| People still arrive in my surgery and many surgeries having huge debts at the end of the year because of tax credits. | People still arrive in my surgery and many surgeries having huge debts at the end of the year because of tax credits. |
| All of this goes with Universal Credit. But the problem is that when they moved tax credits over... many of these people - 60% coming on to Universal Credit - carry debts and arrears already, directly as a result of those arrangement which are failing. | All of this goes with Universal Credit. But the problem is that when they moved tax credits over... many of these people - 60% coming on to Universal Credit - carry debts and arrears already, directly as a result of those arrangement which are failing. |
| 8.52am BST | 8.52am BST |
| 08:52 | 08:52 |
| Iain Duncan Smith opens his Today programme interview by objecting to the connotations of the phrase ‘no deal’, saying it suggests a position with no trade rules. Instead, it is a case of “what deal”, he says, and World Trade Organisation rules, which would be used if no deal was reached, is a position with trade rules. But he clarifies: it is not a position he would want necessarily to see. | Iain Duncan Smith opens his Today programme interview by objecting to the connotations of the phrase ‘no deal’, saying it suggests a position with no trade rules. Instead, it is a case of “what deal”, he says, and World Trade Organisation rules, which would be used if no deal was reached, is a position with trade rules. But he clarifies: it is not a position he would want necessarily to see. |
| 8.39am BST | 8.39am BST |
| 08:39 | 08:39 |
| The Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said Theresa May told Europe’s leaders she will not accept a physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. He commended her address at the summit and said her language on the issue had strengthened. | The Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said Theresa May told Europe’s leaders she will not accept a physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. He commended her address at the summit and said her language on the issue had strengthened. |
| She specifically referenced the unique situation for both Ireland and Northern Ireland, which I think was very positive. She strengthened her language in relation to the border. She said the UK would not accept a physical border on the island of Ireland - again very positive language. | She specifically referenced the unique situation for both Ireland and Northern Ireland, which I think was very positive. She strengthened her language in relation to the border. She said the UK would not accept a physical border on the island of Ireland - again very positive language. |
| But Varadkar repeated his call for more detail on the border question. | But Varadkar repeated his call for more detail on the border question. |
| 8.31am BST | 8.31am BST |
| 08:31 | 08:31 |
| The Leave-supporting former cabinet member, Iain Duncan Smith, is also due to give an interview to the same programme in about 15 minutes - check back for updates on that. | The Leave-supporting former cabinet member, Iain Duncan Smith, is also due to give an interview to the same programme in about 15 minutes - check back for updates on that. |