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Boris Johnson drops target for getting annual net migration below 100,000 – live news Boris Johnson drops target for getting annual net migration below 100,000 – live news
(32 minutes later)
We told you earlier that the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, had told Johnson the EU would not give in to his demand to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement.
The EU will not renegotiate Brexit deal, Juncker tells Johnson
My colleague, Jennifer Rankin, has a succinct assessment of the discussions between Johnson and Juncker
Jean-Claude Juncker and Boris Johnson have swapped mobile phone numbers, but doesn’t sound as if they agreed anything else. JCJ told Johnson WDA “best and only agreement possible” according to EC readout.
And the sting in the tail: Juncker remains available should the UK wish to hold talks “and clarify its position in more detail”.
There are multiple unconfirmed reports from Westminster correspondents of more ministerial movement, as Boris Johnson continues to build his government this evening
BREAKING: @nadams, who has been one of Boris Johnson's most loyal supporters, even opening his car door for him repeatedly during the campaign, is appointed Culture Minister.
Nigel Adams on way out says he's DCMS minister including sport
Harriet Baldwin also gone, I'm told
Jesse Norman staying as Financial Secretary to the Treasury
Yet more MPs have been seen heading into No 10, including the hardline Brexiter, Steve Baker:
Steve Baker, Kit Malthouse and Conor Burns, Nick Gibb in Lucy Frazer all inside now
George Eustice into No 10
Therese Coffey goes into No10
Boris Johnson is still reshuffling his government. These are from Stephen Hammond, one of the most pro-European Conservatives, who has quit as a health minister.Boris Johnson is still reshuffling his government. These are from Stephen Hammond, one of the most pro-European Conservatives, who has quit as a health minister.
It has been a privilege to serve as Minister for Health. I'm proud to have contributed to the NHS long term plan. I'd like to thank the team at @DHSCgovuk for all their support, and all the staff at the NHS who do a fantastic job everyday.It has been a privilege to serve as Minister for Health. I'm proud to have contributed to the NHS long term plan. I'd like to thank the team at @DHSCgovuk for all their support, and all the staff at the NHS who do a fantastic job everyday.
I will support any Government efforts to secure a good deal with the EU, and I remain absolutely opposed to No Deal.I will support any Government efforts to secure a good deal with the EU, and I remain absolutely opposed to No Deal.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
This is from Reuters.This is from Reuters.
EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has told Britain’s new prime minister, Boris Johnson, that the bloc’s member nations will not give in to his demand to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal treaty.EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has told Britain’s new prime minister, Boris Johnson, that the bloc’s member nations will not give in to his demand to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal treaty.
Juncker called the existing deal “the best and only agreement possible.”Juncker called the existing deal “the best and only agreement possible.”
Juncker and Johnson had their first phone conversation late Thursday since Johnson took over from Theresa May as Britain’s leader.Juncker and Johnson had their first phone conversation late Thursday since Johnson took over from Theresa May as Britain’s leader.
Johnson has insisted that the current agreement to leave the EU and arrangements regarding the Irish border were not good enough and had to be renegotiated.Johnson has insisted that the current agreement to leave the EU and arrangements regarding the Irish border were not good enough and had to be renegotiated.
An EU official with knowledge of the exchange said that despite Juncker’s refusal to reopen the legal 585-page legal agreement, Juncker said he “remains at the disposal of the United Kingdom to add language” to a political text on future relations and “to analyze any ideas put forward by the United Kingdom, providing they are compatible with the withdrawal agreement.”An EU official with knowledge of the exchange said that despite Juncker’s refusal to reopen the legal 585-page legal agreement, Juncker said he “remains at the disposal of the United Kingdom to add language” to a political text on future relations and “to analyze any ideas put forward by the United Kingdom, providing they are compatible with the withdrawal agreement.”
And here is my colleague Owen Jones on Boris Johnson.And here is my colleague Owen Jones on Boris Johnson.
This is a note to me, as much as it is to anyone else. It will be easy just to go hard on the terrible threat posed by Boris Johnson's hard right government. But the left has to combine that with a relentless message of optimism, too: that a new Britain is within our grasp.This is a note to me, as much as it is to anyone else. It will be easy just to go hard on the terrible threat posed by Boris Johnson's hard right government. But the left has to combine that with a relentless message of optimism, too: that a new Britain is within our grasp.
The Boris Johnson statement to the Commons, and the two and a half hours he spent responding to questions from MPs, threw up quite a lot interesting material. You can read his opening statement here. My colleague Jessica Elgot has written a summary and analysis of the policy pledges he made in it here. And I have written about some of other newsy comments Johnson made later in the session on the blog, including his support for an amnesty for up to 500,000 undocumented migrants (see 2.34pm) and his call for all government cleaners to get the London living wage (see 4.09pm).The Boris Johnson statement to the Commons, and the two and a half hours he spent responding to questions from MPs, threw up quite a lot interesting material. You can read his opening statement here. My colleague Jessica Elgot has written a summary and analysis of the policy pledges he made in it here. And I have written about some of other newsy comments Johnson made later in the session on the blog, including his support for an amnesty for up to 500,000 undocumented migrants (see 2.34pm) and his call for all government cleaners to get the London living wage (see 4.09pm).
There was also a lot of political knockabout in the session. Normally this does not get a lot of attention, but it is worth flagging up today because it felt as if we were getting a sneak preview of the Tory autumn election campaign. It also felt as if we were getting a strong hint that there will be an autumn election campaign. When Johnson was talking about policy, he sounded unengaged, but when he was rehearsing attack lines for use against Labour and the SNP, he sounded - to use his own word - “energised”. And in the context of the Commons chamber, he was effective.There was also a lot of political knockabout in the session. Normally this does not get a lot of attention, but it is worth flagging up today because it felt as if we were getting a sneak preview of the Tory autumn election campaign. It also felt as if we were getting a strong hint that there will be an autumn election campaign. When Johnson was talking about policy, he sounded unengaged, but when he was rehearsing attack lines for use against Labour and the SNP, he sounded - to use his own word - “energised”. And in the context of the Commons chamber, he was effective.
Five key campaign themes emerged.Five key campaign themes emerged.
Boris Johnson’s election campaign themesBoris Johnson’s election campaign themes
1) Johnson is explicitly running on a Trump-style ‘make Britain Great again’ platform. He did not use that slogan, but that nevertheless it was the message. Election campaigners often argue that appeals to emotion are more powerful than appeals to reason. And hope is seen as easier to sell than fear (although there are lots of election where fear wins). Johnson has absorbed these ideas. This is how he started his statement.1) Johnson is explicitly running on a Trump-style ‘make Britain Great again’ platform. He did not use that slogan, but that nevertheless it was the message. Election campaigners often argue that appeals to emotion are more powerful than appeals to reason. And hope is seen as easier to sell than fear (although there are lots of election where fear wins). Johnson has absorbed these ideas. This is how he started his statement.
Our mission is to deliver Brexit on 31 October for the purpose of uniting and re-energising our great United Kingdom and making this country the greatest place on earth. When I say “the greatest place on earth”, I am conscious that some may accuse me of hyperbole, but it is useful to imagine the trajectory on which we could now be embarked. By 2050, it is more than possible that the United Kingdom will be the greatest and most prosperous economy in Europe, at the centre of a new network of trade deals, which we have pioneered.Our mission is to deliver Brexit on 31 October for the purpose of uniting and re-energising our great United Kingdom and making this country the greatest place on earth. When I say “the greatest place on earth”, I am conscious that some may accuse me of hyperbole, but it is useful to imagine the trajectory on which we could now be embarked. By 2050, it is more than possible that the United Kingdom will be the greatest and most prosperous economy in Europe, at the centre of a new network of trade deals, which we have pioneered.
2) He is happy to attack Labour as a remain party. In his response to Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn called for a referendum on Johnson’s Brexit plans and said Labour would campaign for remain. In his reply, Johnson seized on this, claiming Corbyn had made a strategic error.2) He is happy to attack Labour as a remain party. In his response to Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn called for a referendum on Johnson’s Brexit plans and said Labour would campaign for remain. In his reply, Johnson seized on this, claiming Corbyn had made a strategic error.
He speaks about trust in our democracy. I have to say that a most extraordinary thing has just happened today. Did anybody notice? Did anybody notice the terrible metamorphosis that took place, like the final scene of “Invasion of the Bodysnatchers”? At last, this long-standing eurosceptic, the right hon. Gentleman, has been captured. He has been jugulated—he has been reprogrammed by his hon. Friends. He has been turned now into a remainer! Of all the flip-flops that he has performed in his tergiversating career, that is the one for which I think he will pay the highest price.He speaks about trust in our democracy. I have to say that a most extraordinary thing has just happened today. Did anybody notice? Did anybody notice the terrible metamorphosis that took place, like the final scene of “Invasion of the Bodysnatchers”? At last, this long-standing eurosceptic, the right hon. Gentleman, has been captured. He has been jugulated—he has been reprogrammed by his hon. Friends. He has been turned now into a remainer! Of all the flip-flops that he has performed in his tergiversating career, that is the one for which I think he will pay the highest price.
It is this party now, this government, who are clearly on the side of democracy in this country.It is this party now, this government, who are clearly on the side of democracy in this country.
Theresa May also used to attack Labour for supporting a second referendum. But Johnson did it today with more gusto, and he sought to frame it as an argument not about the EU, but about democracy. It also sounded like an argument you would deploy in an election before the UK had left the EU - another reason why journalists came away sensing an autumn election was likely.Theresa May also used to attack Labour for supporting a second referendum. But Johnson did it today with more gusto, and he sought to frame it as an argument not about the EU, but about democracy. It also sounded like an argument you would deploy in an election before the UK had left the EU - another reason why journalists came away sensing an autumn election was likely.
3) Johnson sought to steal Labour’s main party slogan. Corbyn says Labour is the party for the many, not the few. Today Johnson sought to appropriate this. In his response to Corbyn he also said:3) Johnson sought to steal Labour’s main party slogan. Corbyn says Labour is the party for the many, not the few. Today Johnson sought to appropriate this. In his response to Corbyn he also said:
The reality now is that we are the party of the people. We are the party of the many, and they are the party of the few. We will take this country forwards; they, Mr Speaker, would take it backwards.The reality now is that we are the party of the people. We are the party of the many, and they are the party of the few. We will take this country forwards; they, Mr Speaker, would take it backwards.
4) Johnson is going campaign on an old-fashioned, law-and-order platform. The independent MP Chris Leslie tried to embarrass him by asking him about Priti Patel, the new home secretary’s, previous support for the death penalty. Johnson said he did not support it himself, but then he went on the offensive over crime. He told Leslie:4) Johnson is going campaign on an old-fashioned, law-and-order platform. The independent MP Chris Leslie tried to embarrass him by asking him about Priti Patel, the new home secretary’s, previous support for the death penalty. Johnson said he did not support it himself, but then he went on the offensive over crime. He told Leslie:
I do not support the death penalty, but what the people of this country want to see is proper sentencing for serious violent and sexual offenders.I do not support the death penalty, but what the people of this country want to see is proper sentencing for serious violent and sexual offenders.
He claimed some Labour MPs were nodding, and went on:He claimed some Labour MPs were nodding, and went on:
There are members opposite who know where their constituents truly are on some of these issues, and they are right, unlike the current leadership of the Labour party.There are members opposite who know where their constituents truly are on some of these issues, and they are right, unlike the current leadership of the Labour party.
5) Johnson is challenging Labour to a spending war. This came when the Labour MP Meg Hillier challenged Johnson to explain how he spending promises were affordable. In reply he claimed his proposals were modest and easily affordable. He then challenged Labour to say if they were not prepared to match his spending plans. He said:5) Johnson is challenging Labour to a spending war. This came when the Labour MP Meg Hillier challenged Johnson to explain how he spending promises were affordable. In reply he claimed his proposals were modest and easily affordable. He then challenged Labour to say if they were not prepared to match his spending plans. He said:
If Labour members are now opposing that spending—if they now think that we should not be putting another £1bn into policing and another £4.6bn into education—then now is the time to speak.If Labour members are now opposing that spending—if they now think that we should not be putting another £1bn into policing and another £4.6bn into education—then now is the time to speak.
Labour’s responseLabour’s response
Much of what Johnson said today was implausible, evasive or just downright wrong - like his reply to Meg Hillier quoted above. (The Institute for Fiscal Studies says his plans are anything but modest.) Many Labour MPs made these points, including Jeremy Corbyn, whose opening statement highlighted numerous flaws in Johnson’s case. Corbyn ended up making a sound plea for competence over bluster.Much of what Johnson said today was implausible, evasive or just downright wrong - like his reply to Meg Hillier quoted above. (The Institute for Fiscal Studies says his plans are anything but modest.) Many Labour MPs made these points, including Jeremy Corbyn, whose opening statement highlighted numerous flaws in Johnson’s case. Corbyn ended up making a sound plea for competence over bluster.
The challenge to end austerity, tackle inequality, resolve Brexit and tackle the climate emergency will define the new prime minister. Instead, we have a hard-right cabinet staking everything on tax cuts for the few and a reckless race-to-the-bottom Brexit. He says he has “pluck and nerve and ambition”; our country does not need arm-waving bluster; we need competence, seriousness and, after a decade of divisive policies for the few, to focus for once on the interests of the many.The challenge to end austerity, tackle inequality, resolve Brexit and tackle the climate emergency will define the new prime minister. Instead, we have a hard-right cabinet staking everything on tax cuts for the few and a reckless race-to-the-bottom Brexit. He says he has “pluck and nerve and ambition”; our country does not need arm-waving bluster; we need competence, seriousness and, after a decade of divisive policies for the few, to focus for once on the interests of the many.
But does this message work? It is hard to know without proper polling, but the election of Trump in America showed that reason and truth does not always win over against emotive falsehoods. It felt as if the two Labour MPs who did the most to puncture the Johnson hubris bubble were Liz Kendall (see 12.32pm) and Hillier (see 12.45pm) who both asked questions that contrasted Johnson’s “fantasy” with reality. But, overall, no one came close to discomforting Johnson. Labour and the other opposition parties will need to think harder about how to upend him.But does this message work? It is hard to know without proper polling, but the election of Trump in America showed that reason and truth does not always win over against emotive falsehoods. It felt as if the two Labour MPs who did the most to puncture the Johnson hubris bubble were Liz Kendall (see 12.32pm) and Hillier (see 12.45pm) who both asked questions that contrasted Johnson’s “fantasy” with reality. But, overall, no one came close to discomforting Johnson. Labour and the other opposition parties will need to think harder about how to upend him.
Verdict from Twitter commentariatVerdict from Twitter commentariat
Other commentators feel the same way. Here are some of their tweets.Other commentators feel the same way. Here are some of their tweets.
From LabourList’s Sienna RodgersFrom LabourList’s Sienna Rodgers
I’m really quite worried about Boris Johnson speaking with total incoherence but a huge amount of optimism, and Labour responding with a load of stats about the negative impact of no deal.I’m really quite worried about Boris Johnson speaking with total incoherence but a huge amount of optimism, and Labour responding with a load of stats about the negative impact of no deal.
From Sky’s Lewis GoodallFrom Sky’s Lewis Goodall
Boris Johnson knows full well parliament will stop no-deal in October. He obviously intends to go the country in the autumn having been "thwarted", probably never having really wanted it in the first place.Boris Johnson knows full well parliament will stop no-deal in October. He obviously intends to go the country in the autumn having been "thwarted", probably never having really wanted it in the first place.
From the Daily Mail’s Jason GrovesFrom the Daily Mail’s Jason Groves
Labour backbenchers looking thoroughly miserable watching Boris Johnson's debut as PM. Do they sense an election is hurtling down the track at them?Labour backbenchers looking thoroughly miserable watching Boris Johnson's debut as PM. Do they sense an election is hurtling down the track at them?
From BuzzFeed’s Alberto NardelliFrom BuzzFeed’s Alberto Nardelli
Boris Johnson doesn’t want a deal. He’s preparing for an election. He will paint himself as the champion of Britain, everyone else as talking the country down. Reality is project fear & gloom. He speaks in slogans. No details nor policies. It’s the 2016 referendum all over again.Boris Johnson doesn’t want a deal. He’s preparing for an election. He will paint himself as the champion of Britain, everyone else as talking the country down. Reality is project fear & gloom. He speaks in slogans. No details nor policies. It’s the 2016 referendum all over again.
And every single MP or pundit that asks him about no deal is simply an opportunity to repeat an empty slogan again and again. Like the 350 million on the side of a bus. It doesn’t matter what the actual figure is - it’s about framing the debate on his terms.And every single MP or pundit that asks him about no deal is simply an opportunity to repeat an empty slogan again and again. Like the 350 million on the side of a bus. It doesn’t matter what the actual figure is - it’s about framing the debate on his terms.
From the Evening Standard’s Kate ProctorFrom the Evening Standard’s Kate Proctor
Jeremy Corbyn may find it very difficult to counter Boris Johnson's robust style in the Commons, especially with the new found voice of the Tory backbenchers (quiet as mice for May) to cheer him on. Will he carry on as usual, or work on a new approach over the summer hols?Jeremy Corbyn may find it very difficult to counter Boris Johnson's robust style in the Commons, especially with the new found voice of the Tory backbenchers (quiet as mice for May) to cheer him on. Will he carry on as usual, or work on a new approach over the summer hols?
From the Times’ Matt ChorleyFrom the Times’ Matt Chorley
What Boris Johnson is showing is that May, Corbyn and Blackford each benefitted from being equally hopeless in the Commons. You might not like what he is saying (you might not believe it either) but bombastic colourful performance makes a change after three turgid yearsWhat Boris Johnson is showing is that May, Corbyn and Blackford each benefitted from being equally hopeless in the Commons. You might not like what he is saying (you might not believe it either) but bombastic colourful performance makes a change after three turgid years
From the Spectator’s James ForsythFrom the Spectator’s James Forsyth
Boris Johnson is running an outside / in strategy. He needs the public to put pressure on parliament. That’s why it is so crucial how the polls react. If it looks like he'd win a majority in an election, parliamentary opposition to him will subside https://t.co/7RhOR2fJqrBoris Johnson is running an outside / in strategy. He needs the public to put pressure on parliament. That’s why it is so crucial how the polls react. If it looks like he'd win a majority in an election, parliamentary opposition to him will subside https://t.co/7RhOR2fJqr
Alister Jack, the new Scottish secretary, has implied he may not back a no deal Brexit if the government has failed to properly prepare for it, despite positioning himself as a supporter of Boris Johnson’s readiness for a no deal divorceAlister Jack, the new Scottish secretary, has implied he may not back a no deal Brexit if the government has failed to properly prepare for it, despite positioning himself as a supporter of Boris Johnson’s readiness for a no deal divorce
In an interview to be broadcast by the BBC, Jack was asked whether he backed exiting without an agreement. His answer strongly suggested his support for Johnson’s no deal agenda is not unconditional.In an interview to be broadcast by the BBC, Jack was asked whether he backed exiting without an agreement. His answer strongly suggested his support for Johnson’s no deal agenda is not unconditional.
I will take stock of the situation and if we have to leave without a deal, if I feel we have prepared for that, then we will leave without a deal. That will be a cabinet decision and that is what we have all signed up to and the preparations start in earnest … We need to make sure we are absolutely ready.I will take stock of the situation and if we have to leave without a deal, if I feel we have prepared for that, then we will leave without a deal. That will be a cabinet decision and that is what we have all signed up to and the preparations start in earnest … We need to make sure we are absolutely ready.
He said it was essential that Johnson spent the £4.2bn made available for no deal contingency preparations.He said it was essential that Johnson spent the £4.2bn made available for no deal contingency preparations.
Jack was appointed Scottish secretary after Johnson sacked the veteran and originally pro-remain Tory MP David Mundell on Tuesday. Jack and Mundell hold neighbouring constituencies in southern Scotland, but Jack only became an MP in 2017; Mundell has sat in the Scottish and then Westminster parliaments for 20 years.Jack was appointed Scottish secretary after Johnson sacked the veteran and originally pro-remain Tory MP David Mundell on Tuesday. Jack and Mundell hold neighbouring constituencies in southern Scotland, but Jack only became an MP in 2017; Mundell has sat in the Scottish and then Westminster parliaments for 20 years.
Jack told the BBC he believed a no deal Brexit could prove liberating for the British economy but stressed again he believed there had to be proper preparation for that:Jack told the BBC he believed a no deal Brexit could prove liberating for the British economy but stressed again he believed there had to be proper preparation for that:
I don’t think a no deal Brexit will be seriously damaging if we prepare for it properly. I do think there will be bumps along the way. I’m quite realistic about that … One thing I would like to see is a strong deal with our European partners – so that’s quite clear: a free trade agreement.I don’t think a no deal Brexit will be seriously damaging if we prepare for it properly. I do think there will be bumps along the way. I’m quite realistic about that … One thing I would like to see is a strong deal with our European partners – so that’s quite clear: a free trade agreement.
A leave supporter, Jack voted three times for May’s deal but has latterly hovered on the fringes of the hard Brexiteers, signing the rebel letter written by 62 MPs in February 2018 urging Theresa May to guarantee the UK would not be tied to the customs union or single market post Brexit.A leave supporter, Jack voted three times for May’s deal but has latterly hovered on the fringes of the hard Brexiteers, signing the rebel letter written by 62 MPs in February 2018 urging Theresa May to guarantee the UK would not be tied to the customs union or single market post Brexit.
However, he is also seen as a classic shire Tory: a farmer and self-made millionaire educated at Glenalmond boarding school, he is a member of the Queen’s Royal Company of Archers, who act as a ceremonial honour guard in Scotland, and was previously chair of the River Annan Trust and District Salmon Fishery Board.However, he is also seen as a classic shire Tory: a farmer and self-made millionaire educated at Glenalmond boarding school, he is a member of the Queen’s Royal Company of Archers, who act as a ceremonial honour guard in Scotland, and was previously chair of the River Annan Trust and District Salmon Fishery Board.
Dominic Raab has been addressing Foreign Office staff in his new capacity as foreign secretary.Dominic Raab has been addressing Foreign Office staff in his new capacity as foreign secretary.
Great to be back at @foreignoffice where I first worked as a young lawyer and to address staff this afternoon. I made clear that we must be confident and grasp the opportunities ahead, as a free trading nation with a strong moral anchor pic.twitter.com/1qROWLwCREGreat to be back at @foreignoffice where I first worked as a young lawyer and to address staff this afternoon. I made clear that we must be confident and grasp the opportunities ahead, as a free trading nation with a strong moral anchor pic.twitter.com/1qROWLwCRE
This is what Boris Johnson said to the Labour MP Catherine West when she asked for an assurance that every single entry-level cleaner in Whitehall would be paid the London living wage. Johnson replied:This is what Boris Johnson said to the Labour MP Catherine West when she asked for an assurance that every single entry-level cleaner in Whitehall would be paid the London living wage. Johnson replied:
I have to say – the answer is yes. I was very proud that I when I was running London that we massively expanded with the living wage. And we made sure that it was paid not just by by GLA bodies, but by their contractors as well. And that is what we should be doing.I have to say – the answer is yes. I was very proud that I when I was running London that we massively expanded with the living wage. And we made sure that it was paid not just by by GLA bodies, but by their contractors as well. And that is what we should be doing.
When asked of evidence for his commitment to social justice, Johnson tends to refer to his record as London mayor, and particularly the expansion of the London living wage, The Greater London authority was one of the bodies that paid it to all its staff.When asked of evidence for his commitment to social justice, Johnson tends to refer to his record as London mayor, and particularly the expansion of the London living wage, The Greater London authority was one of the bodies that paid it to all its staff.
The London living wage is currently set at £10.55 per hour. It is a voluntary target which is intended to set what would be an acceptable minimum for workers in the capital. It is not the same as the national living wage, the statutory minimum wage for workers over 25, which is £8.21 per hour.The London living wage is currently set at £10.55 per hour. It is a voluntary target which is intended to set what would be an acceptable minimum for workers in the capital. It is not the same as the national living wage, the statutory minimum wage for workers over 25, which is £8.21 per hour.
Here is my colleague Daniel Boffey on Michel Barnier’s note to the EU27. (See 3.15pm.)Here is my colleague Daniel Boffey on Michel Barnier’s note to the EU27. (See 3.15pm.)
Michel Barnier's note to dippos after Boris speech a sign of the growing belief that UK heading to a general election. He notes "many strong reactions to the speech.. in this context we must follow carefully the further political and economic reactions and developments in the UK"Michel Barnier's note to dippos after Boris speech a sign of the growing belief that UK heading to a general election. He notes "many strong reactions to the speech.. in this context we must follow carefully the further political and economic reactions and developments in the UK"
The new government has abandoned the target of getting annual net migration below 100,000. This was set as a goal by David Cameron, and maintained by Theresa May, but their governments never came close to meeting it.The new government has abandoned the target of getting annual net migration below 100,000. This was set as a goal by David Cameron, and maintained by Theresa May, but their governments never came close to meeting it.
After Boris Johnson’s statement to MPs, the prime minister’s spokesman, when asked about the 100,000, target, said Johnson was not interested in a “numbers game”. The spokesman said:After Boris Johnson’s statement to MPs, the prime minister’s spokesman, when asked about the 100,000, target, said Johnson was not interested in a “numbers game”. The spokesman said:
His view is that we need to introduce an Australian points-based system that allows us to take back control of our bordersHis view is that we need to introduce an Australian points-based system that allows us to take back control of our borders
He is determined to deliver it, which is why he has commissioned Mac (the Migration Advisory Committee) to carry out the work to get that system.He is determined to deliver it, which is why he has commissioned Mac (the Migration Advisory Committee) to carry out the work to get that system.
He said in the campaign he wasn’t interested in a numbers game.He said in the campaign he wasn’t interested in a numbers game.
Here is my colleague Jessica Elgot’s summary of what Boris Johnson was promising in his statement to MPs in the Commons.Here is my colleague Jessica Elgot’s summary of what Boris Johnson was promising in his statement to MPs in the Commons.
Boris Johnson's first Commons speech as PM: what is he promising?Boris Johnson's first Commons speech as PM: what is he promising?
The Financial Times’ Alex Barker says Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has written to EU member states saying that Boris Johnson’s call for the backstop to be removed is “unacceptable”.The Financial Times’ Alex Barker says Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has written to EU member states saying that Boris Johnson’s call for the backstop to be removed is “unacceptable”.
Here’s the @MichelBarnier email to EU member states calling Boris’ statement “rather combative” and basically unnegotiable. pic.twitter.com/wUAizfXsUBHere’s the @MichelBarnier email to EU member states calling Boris’ statement “rather combative” and basically unnegotiable. pic.twitter.com/wUAizfXsUB
Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister), has restated his government’s support for the backstop. He said:Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister), has restated his government’s support for the backstop. He said:
The position of the European Union and the position of Ireland has not changed.The position of the European Union and the position of Ireland has not changed.
The backstop is an integral part of the withdrawal agreement; without the backstop there is no withdrawal agreement, there is no transition phase, there is no implementation phase and there will be no free trade agreement until all those matters are resolved.The backstop is an integral part of the withdrawal agreement; without the backstop there is no withdrawal agreement, there is no transition phase, there is no implementation phase and there will be no free trade agreement until all those matters are resolved.
So I hope that the new UK prime minister has not chosen no deal, but that will be up to them.So I hope that the new UK prime minister has not chosen no deal, but that will be up to them.