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| Barnier says 'huge and serious' gap remains between UK and EU demands on Brexit – Politics live | Barnier says 'huge and serious' gap remains between UK and EU demands on Brexit – Politics live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Labour veteran Tony Lloyd, now shadow Northern Ireland secretary, has welcomed the decision to reconvene the British Irish intergovernmental conference on 25 July. (See 8.53am.) | |
| However while Brexit may come up at the talks, the institution is a legacy of the Good Friday agreement, and it is more likely to focus on the need to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland. Lloyd said: | |
| Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for this in a recent speech at Queen’s University Belfast, as have I during multiple engagements with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland. | |
| This highlights the growing need for the secretary of state to bring together all Northern Ireland political parties to negotiate a return to devolved government. It is simply not good enough to wait until the autumn. Northern Ireland deserves leadership not Tory inaction. | |
| Jeremy Corbyn is using one of his periodic day trips to Scotland to boost Labour’s effort to capitalise on increasing strains and pressures in the health service, by claiming the NHS as a Labour creation. | |
| Labour’s support in Scotland has been slipping in recent polls back down to as low as 22%, down some six points from its recent high last December, and Scottish Labour is hoping to leverage this year’s 70th anniversary of the foundation of the NHS into greater public support. | |
| Corbyn is due to visit St John’s hospital in Livingston with local MSP Neil Findlay, where the local health board controversially closed down a children’s ward last year. In an advance text, he promoted Labour plans to boost public spending by £3bn in Scotland if it wins a UK general election. | |
| “The NHS is Labour’s proudest achievement. NHS values - everybody looking after everybody else - are Labour values,” he is due to say. | |
| A series of polls putting them trailing the Tories has alarmed Labour strategists. It suggests the modest Corbyn bounce last year was shortlived, so converting public dissatisfaction with the NHS is a key strategic priority. “We want to own the NHS,” said one official. | |
| Nicola Sturgeon made that task somewhat harder by appointing Jeane Freeman, a former Labour special adviser, as her new health secretary this week. Tough and experienced, Freeman is likely to prove a stronger opponent for Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour’s health spokesman, than her predecessor Shona Robison. | |
| Here are the EU summit conclusions on Brexit (pdf) in full, with analysis. | |
| In light of the state of play presented by the union negotiator, the European Council welcomes the further progress made on parts of the legal text of the withdrawal agreement. | |
| Analysis: This is the first sentence. Last week the EU and the UK produced a paper (pdf) highlighting the progress made in talks since March. On the big issues the talks have been stalled, but there has been some routine progress on technical matters and this seems a polite way of saying it is not all bad. | |
| The European council takes note, however, that other important aspects still need to be agreed, including the territorial application of the withdrawal agreement, notably as regards Gibraltar. | |
| Analysis: Here’s the “but”. The second sentence of the opening paragraph says don’t read too much into the first sentence. And the reference to Gibraltar is important because EU negotiating guidelines agreed in April last year said that for any post-Brexit deal to apply to the territory of Gibraltar, Spain would have to agree. In other words, the EU could not agree it by a qualified majority against Spain’s wishes - a theoretical possibility, but an unlikely one, because the EU wants to agree the final deal unanimously anyway. | |
| The European council expresses its concern that no substantial progress has yet been achieved on agreeing a backstop solution for Ireland/Northern Ireland. | |
| Analysis: This is the key message. The Irish government wanted substantial progress on the Irish backstop issue by this summit, and that has not materialised. But the EU is saying this is now the key problem. | |
| It recalls the commitments undertaken by the UK in this respect in December 2017 and March 2018, and insists on the need for intensified efforts so that the withdrawal agreement, including its provisions on transition, can be concluded as soon as possible in order to come into effect on the date of withdrawal. It recalls that negotiations can only progress as long as all commitments undertaken so far are respected in full. | |
| Analysis: This is a diplomatic way of telling Theresa May that she can’t wriggle out of the promises made in paragraph 49 of the joint report agreed in December. The big problem, of course, is that the promises in paragraph 49 (no hard border), in paragraph 50 (no effective internal UK border down the middle of the Irish sea), and May’s claim that UK must leave the single market and the customs union are incompatible (as the Centre for European Reform argued in its “Irish trilemma” paper). | |
| Work must also be accelerated with a view to preparing a political declaration on the framework for the future relationship. This requires further clarity as well as realistic and workable proposals from the UK as regards its position on the future relationship. | |
| Analysis: The political declaration is the document that will be published alongside the withdrawal agreement in the autumn giving the outlines of a future trade agreement. We’ve got to get on with it, the EU is saying. But it is also politely blaming the UK for the delay, saying it needs to know what the UK wants. The call for “realistic and workable” proposals in the white paper echoes exactly what Michel Barnier said earlier. (See 9.58am.) You might think that having to spell out the importance of proposals being “realistic and workable” ought to be unnecessary; the fact that this line has been included suggests that EU leaders are not confident yet that May has managed to see off all the hardliners in her cabinet less tethered to what’s practical. | |
| The European council reconfirms the principles set out in its guidelines and the position defined in March 2018. The European council recalls that if the UK positions were to evolve, the Union will be prepared to reconsider its offer in accordance with the principles stated in the guidelines of 29 April and 15 December 2017 as well as of 23 March 2018. | |
| Analysis: This is the EU telling Theresa May that, if she were to relax her red lines (especially on the European court of justice and free movement, where she wants the UK to be unencumbered by both), it could substantially improve its own offer. EU leaders have been saying this for some time. If, even at this relatively late stage, they are still doing so, that suggests they haven’t yet given up hope that May could rethink her red relines. | |
| The European council renews its call upon member states, union institutions and all stakeholders to step up their work on preparedness at all levels and for all outcomes. | |
| Analysis: This is the EU warning government and business in Europe to prepare for the possibility of a no deal Brexit. It is not intended to be overtly alarmist. But it does seem designed to jolt people out a sense of complacency. A no deal Brexit remains unlikely, but it is by no means impossible. | |
| The EU has agreed its conclusions on Brexit. | The EU has agreed its conclusions on Brexit. |
| This is from Donald Tusk, the European council president. | This is from Donald Tusk, the European council president. |
| EU27 conclusions on #Brexit adopted. | EU27 conclusions on #Brexit adopted. |
| And here is a link. | And here is a link. |
| European Council (Art. 50) conclusions, 29 June 2018 https://t.co/EC1Ck9OQvj#EUCO #Brexit | European Council (Art. 50) conclusions, 29 June 2018 https://t.co/EC1Ck9OQvj#EUCO #Brexit |
| The statement runs to only four paragraphs. The key sentence is probably his one. | The statement runs to only four paragraphs. The key sentence is probably his one. |
| The European council expresses its concern that no substantial progress has yet been achieved on agreeing a backstop solution for Ireland/Northern Ireland. | The European council expresses its concern that no substantial progress has yet been achieved on agreeing a backstop solution for Ireland/Northern Ireland. |
| I will post a full summary shortly. | I will post a full summary shortly. |
| And, while we’re on the subject of growth, there is some modest good news for the government from the Office for National Statistics. The ONS has this morning issued its revised estimate for growth in the first three months of 2018, and it is now put at 0.2%, not 0.1% as in the previous estimate. | And, while we’re on the subject of growth, there is some modest good news for the government from the Office for National Statistics. The ONS has this morning issued its revised estimate for growth in the first three months of 2018, and it is now put at 0.2%, not 0.1% as in the previous estimate. |
| In other words, growth is twice as high as originally thought. But 0.2% is still, in historic terms, pretty feeble. | In other words, growth is twice as high as originally thought. But 0.2% is still, in historic terms, pretty feeble. |
| Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, says he wants “workable and realistic” proposals from the UK in the white paper due to be published the week after next. (See 9.58am.) But, according to Politico Europe’s Jack Blanchard, in his London Playbook morning briefing, the white paper won’t cover immigration. He writes: | Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, says he wants “workable and realistic” proposals from the UK in the white paper due to be published the week after next. (See 9.58am.) But, according to Politico Europe’s Jack Blanchard, in his London Playbook morning briefing, the white paper won’t cover immigration. He writes: |
| A senior government source tells Playbook there will be no immigration policy in the Brexit white paper next month. “That’s coming in September.” | A senior government source tells Playbook there will be no immigration policy in the Brexit white paper next month. “That’s coming in September.” |
| The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg thinks it could come even later. | The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg thinks it could come even later. |
| Think it may well even be after tory conference after the MAC reports - and preferential-non-preferential options for EU citizens may be used in the negotiations, so can’t be clear until after October summit https://t.co/gHQpmv6ZG1 | Think it may well even be after tory conference after the MAC reports - and preferential-non-preferential options for EU citizens may be used in the negotiations, so can’t be clear until after October summit https://t.co/gHQpmv6ZG1 |
| The MAC is the migration advisory committee, which is due to report on the UK’s post-Brexit migration needs later this year. An interim report published in March said cutting EU immigration after Brexit would probably lead to lower growth. | The MAC is the migration advisory committee, which is due to report on the UK’s post-Brexit migration needs later this year. An interim report published in March said cutting EU immigration after Brexit would probably lead to lower growth. |
| Manfred Weber, a key Angela Merkel ally in Brussels, who is the leader of the European parliament’s largest party, the European People’s party, welcomed last night’s agreement. In a statement he said: | Manfred Weber, a key Angela Merkel ally in Brussels, who is the leader of the European parliament’s largest party, the European People’s party, welcomed last night’s agreement. In a statement he said: |
| The EU summit took a big step towards a better migration policy. Europe stands for humanity towards people in need, determination in the protection of external borders and in the fight against illegal migration, as well as for solidarity with one another. | The EU summit took a big step towards a better migration policy. Europe stands for humanity towards people in need, determination in the protection of external borders and in the fight against illegal migration, as well as for solidarity with one another. |
| It is good that the EPP’s demand for at least 10,000 Frontex officials has been taken on board. The EU is showing its ability to act. This path must now be pursued resolutely and swiftly by the new Austrian presidency. The policy of responsibility and reason prevails. | It is good that the EPP’s demand for at least 10,000 Frontex officials has been taken on board. The EU is showing its ability to act. This path must now be pursued resolutely and swiftly by the new Austrian presidency. The policy of responsibility and reason prevails. |
| The extension of Russian sanctions is also a clear signal. Europe remains united, determined and strong. Only together and from a position of strength can we be successful. | The extension of Russian sanctions is also a clear signal. Europe remains united, determined and strong. Only together and from a position of strength can we be successful. |
| Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said as he arrived at the summit he was pleased with the outcome of the extended talks last night, and that the leaders had reinforced the principles of protecting Europe’s borders and solidarity. | Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said as he arrived at the summit he was pleased with the outcome of the extended talks last night, and that the leaders had reinforced the principles of protecting Europe’s borders and solidarity. |
| He said he had asked the European commission to flesh out the concept of the control centres. He went on: | He said he had asked the European commission to flesh out the concept of the control centres. He went on: |
| People thought it was totally impossible to deliver an agreement yesterday. We found an agreement. And we decided altogether to work for European cooperation and to have a cooperative approach. And I think that’s a very positive outcome. | People thought it was totally impossible to deliver an agreement yesterday. We found an agreement. And we decided altogether to work for European cooperation and to have a cooperative approach. And I think that’s a very positive outcome. |
| Second, we decided to have a holistic approach, speaking about third countries, external borders and internal channels. And I think that’s a second, very positive outcome. | Second, we decided to have a holistic approach, speaking about third countries, external borders and internal channels. And I think that’s a second, very positive outcome. |
| We know our differences but on the basis of the agreements we decided altogether yesterday, it is according to me the right balance between responsibility and solidarity. | We know our differences but on the basis of the agreements we decided altogether yesterday, it is according to me the right balance between responsibility and solidarity. |
| The man who is said to be the real prime minister of Italy, the interior minister Matteo Salvini, has said of last night’s summit conclusions on Italian radio this morning: | The man who is said to be the real prime minister of Italy, the interior minister Matteo Salvini, has said of last night’s summit conclusions on Italian radio this morning: |
| I won’t trust words, let’s see what concrete commitments are [taken]. | I won’t trust words, let’s see what concrete commitments are [taken]. |
| Sounds a bit ominous. | Sounds a bit ominous. |
| There has been increasing speculation that Theresa May will propose a Brexit outcome that would effectively keep the UK in the single market for goods. If she does, according to Business Insider’s Adam Payne, the EU will say no. | There has been increasing speculation that Theresa May will propose a Brexit outcome that would effectively keep the UK in the single market for goods. If she does, according to Business Insider’s Adam Payne, the EU will say no. |
| Exclusive: The EU will reject any UK proposal to stay in the single market for goods, a source close to Michel Barnier told me. With just 6 weeks of Cabinet negotiating left, the Brexit proposal May has reportedly been considering is dead prior to arrival. https://t.co/n1uwxWVaVB | Exclusive: The EU will reject any UK proposal to stay in the single market for goods, a source close to Michel Barnier told me. With just 6 weeks of Cabinet negotiating left, the Brexit proposal May has reportedly been considering is dead prior to arrival. https://t.co/n1uwxWVaVB |
| Dalia Grybauskaitė, the president of Lithuania, told reporters in Brussels that it was clear that a “hard landing” for the UK was “on the table” but that, even should the talks breakdown, she was confident that the UK would continue to be a close security partner. | Dalia Grybauskaitė, the president of Lithuania, told reporters in Brussels that it was clear that a “hard landing” for the UK was “on the table” but that, even should the talks breakdown, she was confident that the UK would continue to be a close security partner. |
| She added that it was “in nobody’s interests” to have a no deal. | She added that it was “in nobody’s interests” to have a no deal. |
| This is what Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said in full when he spoke to reporters as he arrived for this morning’s meeting. | This is what Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said in full when he spoke to reporters as he arrived for this morning’s meeting. |
| On Brexit, we have made progress, but huge and serious divergence remains, in particular on Ireland and Northern Ireland. | On Brexit, we have made progress, but huge and serious divergence remains, in particular on Ireland and Northern Ireland. |
| After Brexit, we want, the EU want, an EU-UK ambitious partnership, on trade as well as on security. | After Brexit, we want, the EU want, an EU-UK ambitious partnership, on trade as well as on security. |
| But we have to base this partnership on our values and principles, respecting also the UK red lines. That means for us integrity of the single market, indivisibility of the four freedoms, autonomy of the decision making of the EU, and protection and respect of the fundamental rights of EU citizens. And this point is key for our future cooperation and security. | But we have to base this partnership on our values and principles, respecting also the UK red lines. That means for us integrity of the single market, indivisibility of the four freedoms, autonomy of the decision making of the EU, and protection and respect of the fundamental rights of EU citizens. And this point is key for our future cooperation and security. |
| Now we are waiting for the UK white paper. And I hope it will contain workable and realistic proposals. | Now we are waiting for the UK white paper. And I hope it will contain workable and realistic proposals. |
| But let me mention once again that time is very short. We want a deal, and are working for a deal, but time is short and I’m ready to invite the UK delegation to come back and present next Monday. | But let me mention once again that time is very short. We want a deal, and are working for a deal, but time is short and I’m ready to invite the UK delegation to come back and present next Monday. |
| He took just one question, about citizens’ rights, and said that this was a matter where agreement had already been reached in the draft treaty. | He took just one question, about citizens’ rights, and said that this was a matter where agreement had already been reached in the draft treaty. |
| So, in news terms, that means: | So, in news terms, that means: |
| Barnier said a “huge and serious” gap remains between UK and EU demands on Brexit, especially on Ireland. | Barnier said a “huge and serious” gap remains between UK and EU demands on Brexit, especially on Ireland. |
| He restated the EU’s commitment to the four freedoms and the autonomy of EU decision making, in what sounded like a refusal to concede to the request Theresa May made yesterday for more cooperation from the EU on security matters after Brexit. | He restated the EU’s commitment to the four freedoms and the autonomy of EU decision making, in what sounded like a refusal to concede to the request Theresa May made yesterday for more cooperation from the EU on security matters after Brexit. |
| He said the EU was still waiting to hear what the UK wants. | He said the EU was still waiting to hear what the UK wants. |
| He urged May to ensure that the plans in her white paper are “workable and realistic”. | He urged May to ensure that the plans in her white paper are “workable and realistic”. |
| He stressed that there was little time in which to reach a deal. | He stressed that there was little time in which to reach a deal. |