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Brexit: No 10 tells Tusk there's 'no prospect of deal' unless withdrawal agreement reopened – live news Brexit: No 10 tells Tusk there's 'no prospect of deal' unless withdrawal agreement reopened – live news
(32 minutes later)
Here is the Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson on Boris Johnson’s letter to Donald Tusk. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has told an audience at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that there is “no place in Scotland” for anti-English sentiment, insisting that the “civic nationalism” of the SNP was “on another spectrum altogether” from “far right, racist, insular movements” seen in other parts of the world.
Asked by comedian Matt Forde about Scottish nationalism, Sturgeon said:
A lot of the regimes called nationalist today are not countries striving to be independent, because often they already are, but are based on some kind of racial exceptionalism or superiority - often very illiberal and oppressive of minorities. And Scottish independence is not just at the other end of the spectrum of that, but on another spectrum altogether.
Questioned specifically about a protester who has been pictured on the Royal Mile with a ‘England get out of Scotland’ banner, Sturgeon said:
The person with that banner does not speak for the SNP. That kind of sentiment has no place in Scotland. You can’t get to a situation in any party where you say we’ll never attract the wrong kind of person but you can be absolutely vehement and resolute about calling it out. The people who put up that banner, I don’t want them in the SNP.
Sturgeon also made reference to the online reaction to comments made by the Scottish national poet Jackie Kay over the weekend about Scotland’s relationship with race. She said:
At the heart of what she was saying was that for all the progress we have made, Scotland still has a lot of work to do on tackling racism and equality. She got a lot of criticism online from people who would not accept that there’s anything wrong with Scotland and frankly we should never be complacent about racism or bigotry.
Sturgeon was also challenged about the behaviour of independence supporters online, but said that there was “an unrealistic expectation given social media and the way people operate online that any leader of any party can police that completely”.
To laughter from the audience, she added:
I’m not responsible for everything people say on Twitter, thank God! It cuts both ways. Some, which I try not to look at, of the abuse I get would literally make your hair curl, it’s horrible, misogynist, filthy, disgusting and women across all parties get that. There’s a much bigger debate, not confined to Scotland, about how social media is distorting our political debate.
Here is the Lib Dem leader, Jo Swinson, on Boris Johnson’s letter to Donald Tusk.
Boris is making demands he knows the EU will turn down so he can blame them for no-deal Brexit. He’s set his sights on crashing us out without a deal, and we have to stop him. https://t.co/3twyHD4g1mBoris is making demands he knows the EU will turn down so he can blame them for no-deal Brexit. He’s set his sights on crashing us out without a deal, and we have to stop him. https://t.co/3twyHD4g1m
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, said the EU was ready to find a solution to the backstop issue during a visit to Iceland today. According to Reuters, she said:Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, said the EU was ready to find a solution to the backstop issue during a visit to Iceland today. According to Reuters, she said:
The moment we have a practical arrangement on how to preserve the Good Friday agreement and at the same time define the borders of the [European Union’s] internal market, we would not need the backstop anymore.The moment we have a practical arrangement on how to preserve the Good Friday agreement and at the same time define the borders of the [European Union’s] internal market, we would not need the backstop anymore.
This means we would naturally think about practical solutions. And I’ve always said that when one has the will to find these solutions, one can do so in a short period of time. The EU is ready to find a solution.This means we would naturally think about practical solutions. And I’ve always said that when one has the will to find these solutions, one can do so in a short period of time. The EU is ready to find a solution.
According to Reuters, Merkel said this would not require the withdrawal agreement to be re-opened and was instead a question for the so-called political declaration on future relations.According to Reuters, Merkel said this would not require the withdrawal agreement to be re-opened and was instead a question for the so-called political declaration on future relations.
On the World at One Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP chief whip, claimed that the backstop would be contrary to the Good Friday agreement. He explained:On the World at One Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP chief whip, claimed that the backstop would be contrary to the Good Friday agreement. He explained:
The reality is that for unionists the Good Friday agreement was an agreement between Unionists and nationalists, and there isn’t unionist consent for the backstop, and therefore there is no cross-community consensus on this proposal and that breaches the principles of the GFA.The reality is that for unionists the Good Friday agreement was an agreement between Unionists and nationalists, and there isn’t unionist consent for the backstop, and therefore there is no cross-community consensus on this proposal and that breaches the principles of the GFA.
In his letter to Donald Tusk, Boris Johnson also made a similar argument. He said:In his letter to Donald Tusk, Boris Johnson also made a similar argument. He said:
It has become increasingly clear that the backstop risks weakening the delicate balance embodied in the Belfast (Good Friday) agreement.It has become increasingly clear that the backstop risks weakening the delicate balance embodied in the Belfast (Good Friday) agreement.
The historic compromise in Northern Ireland is based upon a carefully negotiated balance between both traditions in Northern Ireland, grounded in agreement, consent, and respect for minority rights.The historic compromise in Northern Ireland is based upon a carefully negotiated balance between both traditions in Northern Ireland, grounded in agreement, consent, and respect for minority rights.
While I appreciate the laudable intentions with which the backstop was designed, by removing control of such large areas of the commercial and economic life of Northern Ireland to an external body over which the people of Northern Ireland have no democratic control, this balance risks being undermined.While I appreciate the laudable intentions with which the backstop was designed, by removing control of such large areas of the commercial and economic life of Northern Ireland to an external body over which the people of Northern Ireland have no democratic control, this balance risks being undermined.
The Belfast (Good Friday) agreement neither depends upon nor requires a particular customs or regulatory regime. The broader commitments in the agreement, including to parity of esteem, partnership, democracy, and to peaceful means of resolving differences, can best be met if we explore solutions other than the backstop.The Belfast (Good Friday) agreement neither depends upon nor requires a particular customs or regulatory regime. The broader commitments in the agreement, including to parity of esteem, partnership, democracy, and to peaceful means of resolving differences, can best be met if we explore solutions other than the backstop.
This is a relatively novel argument from Johnson against the backstop, although some unionists have been making it for a while. It also contradicts the more conventional view (shared by everyone from Theresa May to Sinn Fein) which is that the backstop would help to maintain the Good Friday agreement.This is a relatively novel argument from Johnson against the backstop, although some unionists have been making it for a while. It also contradicts the more conventional view (shared by everyone from Theresa May to Sinn Fein) which is that the backstop would help to maintain the Good Friday agreement.
The GFA sought to stop Northern Ireland being contested territory by, among other provisions, allowing anyone born there to hold British citizenship, Irish citizenship, or both, and having an open border has been seen as an important enabling factor that helps to make fluid citizenship possible. May’s government and the EU agreed the backstop because they thought that, without it, border controls would reappear, and territorial disputes would follow.The GFA sought to stop Northern Ireland being contested territory by, among other provisions, allowing anyone born there to hold British citizenship, Irish citizenship, or both, and having an open border has been seen as an important enabling factor that helps to make fluid citizenship possible. May’s government and the EU agreed the backstop because they thought that, without it, border controls would reappear, and territorial disputes would follow.
Arlene Foster found herself channelling Mandy Rice-Davies (an unlikely heroine for the DUP leader) when she was interviewed on BBC Radio Ulster earlier. Asked about Leo Varadkar, the taoiseach, saying the backstop would have to be maintained, she said:Arlene Foster found herself channelling Mandy Rice-Davies (an unlikely heroine for the DUP leader) when she was interviewed on BBC Radio Ulster earlier. Asked about Leo Varadkar, the taoiseach, saying the backstop would have to be maintained, she said:
I am not surprised by the taoiseach’s reaction. I am almost tempted to say ‘He would say that, wouldn’t he?’I am not surprised by the taoiseach’s reaction. I am almost tempted to say ‘He would say that, wouldn’t he?’
But I think the letter that the prime minister has sent to President Tusk explains very clearly why the backstop cannot be entered into.But I think the letter that the prime minister has sent to President Tusk explains very clearly why the backstop cannot be entered into.
Apart from, of course, the simple political reality that it has been rejected three times by the House of Commons, it is anti-democratic, it is inconsistent with the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, and, of course, it risks weakening the delicate balance, as is pointed out in the letter, between the parties to the Belfast [Good Friday] agreement.Apart from, of course, the simple political reality that it has been rejected three times by the House of Commons, it is anti-democratic, it is inconsistent with the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, and, of course, it risks weakening the delicate balance, as is pointed out in the letter, between the parties to the Belfast [Good Friday] agreement.
I think that’s very important because, of course, the Belfast agreement has been used to justify the backstop but, as the prime minister points out, it doesn’t have the support of ourselves - political unionism as we are so-called.I think that’s very important because, of course, the Belfast agreement has been used to justify the backstop but, as the prime minister points out, it doesn’t have the support of ourselves - political unionism as we are so-called.
I mean, when you look across unionism, we are all against the backstop so that should concern the Dublin government, because if the Dublin government is genuine and values the Belfast agreement they should be very concerned that unionism does not support the backstop.I mean, when you look across unionism, we are all against the backstop so that should concern the Dublin government, because if the Dublin government is genuine and values the Belfast agreement they should be very concerned that unionism does not support the backstop.
More on the decision by the UK to stop sending ministers and officials to some EU meetings from September. (See 3pm.)More on the decision by the UK to stop sending ministers and officials to some EU meetings from September. (See 3pm.)
From my colleague Jennifer Rankin in BrusselsFrom my colleague Jennifer Rankin in Brussels
Important detail on UK withdrawal from EU meetings, contained in official letter announcing the move.UK has given its vote to Finland (current EU presidency holder) meaning its absence shouldn't block EU decisions.In other words - give up control. pic.twitter.com/7I69nMd1OPImportant detail on UK withdrawal from EU meetings, contained in official letter announcing the move.UK has given its vote to Finland (current EU presidency holder) meaning its absence shouldn't block EU decisions.In other words - give up control. pic.twitter.com/7I69nMd1OP
From Nicolai von Ondarza, from the German thinktank SWPFrom Nicolai von Ondarza, from the German thinktank SWP
Note: This British 'empty chair' policy makes only sense if the UK leaves with no deal.If there is an orderly #Brexit with Withdrawal Agreement, UK would still be bound to EU laws during transition and thus want to influence EU decision-making until the last moment. https://t.co/KeP3z0M5UUNote: This British 'empty chair' policy makes only sense if the UK leaves with no deal.If there is an orderly #Brexit with Withdrawal Agreement, UK would still be bound to EU laws during transition and thus want to influence EU decision-making until the last moment. https://t.co/KeP3z0M5UU
From the Sun’s Nick GutteridgeFrom the Sun’s Nick Gutteridge
German leader Angela Merkel, speaking in Iceland, says that 'on the backstop issue, this is a question of the Political Declaration on future ties, not of the Withdrawal Agreement'. There is 'no need to reopen the Brexit deal for a practical solution'. Via Reuters and Bloomberg.German leader Angela Merkel, speaking in Iceland, says that 'on the backstop issue, this is a question of the Political Declaration on future ties, not of the Withdrawal Agreement'. There is 'no need to reopen the Brexit deal for a practical solution'. Via Reuters and Bloomberg.
Jeremy Corbyn has been discussing Brexit today with people running small businesses in Stevenage. Here are the key points he made when he spoke to the media.Jeremy Corbyn has been discussing Brexit today with people running small businesses in Stevenage. Here are the key points he made when he spoke to the media.
Corbyn criticised Boris Johnson for threatening a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. He said:Corbyn criticised Boris Johnson for threatening a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. He said:
I have just spent the morning with a group of innovative small businesses here in Stevenage, all of whom do significant amounts of trade with the European Union. Some, themselves, are European Union nationals.I have just spent the morning with a group of innovative small businesses here in Stevenage, all of whom do significant amounts of trade with the European Union. Some, themselves, are European Union nationals.
They want us to continue to trade with Europe, and they are appalled at the idea of a no-deal Brexit, and I think the Prime Minister should go and talk to them.They want us to continue to trade with Europe, and they are appalled at the idea of a no-deal Brexit, and I think the Prime Minister should go and talk to them.
He needs to recognise that just holding the threat of a no-deal Brexit on October 31 towards the European Union isn’t going to bring about a change, it’s going to make things much worse.He needs to recognise that just holding the threat of a no-deal Brexit on October 31 towards the European Union isn’t going to bring about a change, it’s going to make things much worse.
He created this arbitrary date by his behaviour during the Tory leadership campaign. He needs to wise up and stop the nonsense with October 31 and start talking seriously.He created this arbitrary date by his behaviour during the Tory leadership campaign. He needs to wise up and stop the nonsense with October 31 and start talking seriously.
He said the government plan to end freedom of movement immediately after 31 October under a no-deal Brexit would lead to a scandal that would amount to “Windrush on steroids”. He explained:He said the government plan to end freedom of movement immediately after 31 October under a no-deal Brexit would lead to a scandal that would amount to “Windrush on steroids”. He explained:
Priti Patel has announced that freedom of movement here in every form will end on October 31. It is an utterly ludicrous position she has adopted.Priti Patel has announced that freedom of movement here in every form will end on October 31. It is an utterly ludicrous position she has adopted.
Does that mean that a European Union national living in this country, possibly as a doctor, a nurse, a trauma surgeon, all kinds of things, goes home to see their family in Germany or Czech Republic or wherever else, they are not allowed back into this country? Is this another Windrush, on steroids? It is a ludicrous proposal.Does that mean that a European Union national living in this country, possibly as a doctor, a nurse, a trauma surgeon, all kinds of things, goes home to see their family in Germany or Czech Republic or wherever else, they are not allowed back into this country? Is this another Windrush, on steroids? It is a ludicrous proposal.
We rely on a lot of European nationals to maintain our industries, maintain our education services.We rely on a lot of European nationals to maintain our industries, maintain our education services.
I’d just say to Priti Patel, cut the nonsense, and don’t impose this again.I’d just say to Priti Patel, cut the nonsense, and don’t impose this again.
The Brexit department has just announced that British ministers and officials will stop attending some EU meetings from Sunday 1 September (or in practice Monday 2 September - the EU does not schedule a lot of meetings on Sundays). Here’s an extract from the news release.The Brexit department has just announced that British ministers and officials will stop attending some EU meetings from Sunday 1 September (or in practice Monday 2 September - the EU does not schedule a lot of meetings on Sundays). Here’s an extract from the news release.
The government has decided this week that from 1 September, UK officials and ministers will now only attend EU meetings where the UK has a significant national interest in the outcome of discussions, such as on security.The government has decided this week that from 1 September, UK officials and ministers will now only attend EU meetings where the UK has a significant national interest in the outcome of discussions, such as on security.
This decision reflects the fact that the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 October is now very close and many of the discussions in EU meetings will be about the future of the Union after the UK has left.This decision reflects the fact that the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 October is now very close and many of the discussions in EU meetings will be about the future of the Union after the UK has left.
As the PM has promised in the House of Commons in July, as a departing member state it makes sense to ‘unshackle’ officials from these EU meetings to enable them to better focus their talents on our immediate national priorities. This includes, as the top priority, work on preparations for Brexit on 31 October and on our future relationship with the EU, but also on pioneering new trade deals and promoting a truly global Britain.As the PM has promised in the House of Commons in July, as a departing member state it makes sense to ‘unshackle’ officials from these EU meetings to enable them to better focus their talents on our immediate national priorities. This includes, as the top priority, work on preparations for Brexit on 31 October and on our future relationship with the EU, but also on pioneering new trade deals and promoting a truly global Britain.
This decision is not intended in any way to frustrate the functioning of the EU. The UK’s vote will be delegated in a way that does not obstruct the ongoing business of the remaining 27 EU members.This decision is not intended in any way to frustrate the functioning of the EU. The UK’s vote will be delegated in a way that does not obstruct the ongoing business of the remaining 27 EU members.
Where matters of ongoing national interest are being discussed, the UK will continue to be present until 31 October.Where matters of ongoing national interest are being discussed, the UK will continue to be present until 31 October.
The department says decisions about which meetings ministers and officials attend will be made on a case by case basis. But Boris Johnson will definitely continue to attend European council, the meeting of EU leaders (although only one is scheduled between now and the end of October).The department says decisions about which meetings ministers and officials attend will be made on a case by case basis. But Boris Johnson will definitely continue to attend European council, the meeting of EU leaders (although only one is scheduled between now and the end of October).
In a statement Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, said:In a statement Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, said:
An incredible amount of time and effort goes into EU meetings with attendance just the tip of the iceberg. Our diligent, world-class officials also spend many hours preparing for them whether in reading the necessary papers or working on briefings.An incredible amount of time and effort goes into EU meetings with attendance just the tip of the iceberg. Our diligent, world-class officials also spend many hours preparing for them whether in reading the necessary papers or working on briefings.
From now on we will only go to the meetings that really matter, reducing attendance by over half and saving hundreds of hours. This will free up time for ministers and their officials to get on with preparing for our departure on October 31 and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.From now on we will only go to the meetings that really matter, reducing attendance by over half and saving hundreds of hours. This will free up time for ministers and their officials to get on with preparing for our departure on October 31 and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.
I’m back, and No 10 has responded to Donald Tusk’s statement rejecting Boris Johnson’s proposal for the backstop. A Downing Street spokesman said:I’m back, and No 10 has responded to Donald Tusk’s statement rejecting Boris Johnson’s proposal for the backstop. A Downing Street spokesman said:
We are deeply invested in the peace, prosperity and security of Northern Ireland and always will be and we have been clear that we will never place infrastructure, checks, or controls at the border.We are deeply invested in the peace, prosperity and security of Northern Ireland and always will be and we have been clear that we will never place infrastructure, checks, or controls at the border.
But it is clear that unless the withdrawal agreement is reopened and the backstop abolished there is no prospect of a deal. It has already been rejected three times by MPs and is simply unviable as a solution, as the PM’s letter makes clear.But it is clear that unless the withdrawal agreement is reopened and the backstop abolished there is no prospect of a deal. It has already been rejected three times by MPs and is simply unviable as a solution, as the PM’s letter makes clear.
We are ready to negotiate, in good faith, an alternative to the backstop, with provisions to ensure that the Irish border issues are dealt with where they should always have been: in the negotiations on the future agreement between the UK and the EU.We are ready to negotiate, in good faith, an alternative to the backstop, with provisions to ensure that the Irish border issues are dealt with where they should always have been: in the negotiations on the future agreement between the UK and the EU.
The latest from Boris Johnson, which does not exactly move things on:The latest from Boris Johnson, which does not exactly move things on:
The referendum result must be respected. We will leave the EU on 31st October. #LeaveOct31The referendum result must be respected. We will leave the EU on 31st October. #LeaveOct31
Donald Tusk has rejected Boris Johnson’s attempt to strip the backstop out of the Brexit deal, with a thinly veiled message that the British government was refusing to admit the lack of realistic alternatives.Donald Tusk has rejected Boris Johnson’s attempt to strip the backstop out of the Brexit deal, with a thinly veiled message that the British government was refusing to admit the lack of realistic alternatives.
Ending the free movement of people with a no-deal Brexit on 31 October would cause chaos and confusion for EU citizens on a scale that would make the Windrush scandal look like a minor blip, Diane Abbott has said.Ending the free movement of people with a no-deal Brexit on 31 October would cause chaos and confusion for EU citizens on a scale that would make the Windrush scandal look like a minor blip, Diane Abbott has said.
Abbott has suggested that Jeremy Corbyn could not stay neutral in any future referendum on Brexit. (See 10.26am.)Abbott has suggested that Jeremy Corbyn could not stay neutral in any future referendum on Brexit. (See 10.26am.)
The government is holding on to more than £28m in student loan overpayments by graduates that have been identified but not yet refunded.The government is holding on to more than £28m in student loan overpayments by graduates that have been identified but not yet refunded.
I’m off for a bit to an important executive meeting (aka, a lunch). I’ll be back after 2pm. In the meantime, a colleague will pick up the blog if there is any breaking news.I’m off for a bit to an important executive meeting (aka, a lunch). I’ll be back after 2pm. In the meantime, a colleague will pick up the blog if there is any breaking news.
Echoing the comment made by the Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford (see 11.54am), the Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, has accused Boris Johnson of “rank hypocrisy” over the peace process. In a statement she said:Echoing the comment made by the Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford (see 11.54am), the Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, has accused Boris Johnson of “rank hypocrisy” over the peace process. In a statement she said:
It is rank hypocrisy for Boris Johnson to claim to be acting in the interests of the peace process claiming it will be damaged by the backstop.It is rank hypocrisy for Boris Johnson to claim to be acting in the interests of the peace process claiming it will be damaged by the backstop.
In reality it is Boris Johnson’s reckless pursuit of a no-deal Brexit that is threatening to undermine the peace process.In reality it is Boris Johnson’s reckless pursuit of a no-deal Brexit that is threatening to undermine the peace process.
Brexit is incompatible with the Good Friday agreement and the Tories have shown a total and callous disregard to that agreement and to the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the north.Brexit is incompatible with the Good Friday agreement and the Tories have shown a total and callous disregard to that agreement and to the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the north.
The fact is that the British government has agreed to the backstop and Boris Johnson has voted for it himself.The fact is that the British government has agreed to the backstop and Boris Johnson has voted for it himself.
The EU have made it clear that the backstop is integral to the withdrawal agreement and it is necessary to avoid any hardening of the border. It is high time the Tories realised that too.The EU have made it clear that the backstop is integral to the withdrawal agreement and it is necessary to avoid any hardening of the border. It is high time the Tories realised that too.
The DUP has issued a statement backing the stance on the backstop taken by Boris Johnson in his letter to Donald Tusk. Here’s an extract.The DUP has issued a statement backing the stance on the backstop taken by Boris Johnson in his letter to Donald Tusk. Here’s an extract.
We have been strongly highlighting the fact that unionism in Northern Ireland does not support the backstop. None of the main unionist parties and groupings support the backstop. If Europe and the Republic of Ireland are serious about ensuring and recognising that progress in Northern Ireland is founded on support from both major traditions then it will have to face the reality that the backstop is not the way forward.We have been strongly highlighting the fact that unionism in Northern Ireland does not support the backstop. None of the main unionist parties and groupings support the backstop. If Europe and the Republic of Ireland are serious about ensuring and recognising that progress in Northern Ireland is founded on support from both major traditions then it will have to face the reality that the backstop is not the way forward.
The DUP wants to see a negotiated and orderly exit from the European Union based on no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic and no internal barriers to trade within the United Kingdom. The backstop has at its very heart an anti-democratic foundation where neither political representatives in London nor Belfast could change, or influence, rules made in Brussels to which Northern Ireland would be subjected.The DUP wants to see a negotiated and orderly exit from the European Union based on no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic and no internal barriers to trade within the United Kingdom. The backstop has at its very heart an anti-democratic foundation where neither political representatives in London nor Belfast could change, or influence, rules made in Brussels to which Northern Ireland would be subjected.
Those on all sides who genuinely want to see a deal will recognise that the backstop previously devised does not provide the basis for agreement.Those on all sides who genuinely want to see a deal will recognise that the backstop previously devised does not provide the basis for agreement.
It may be the case that unionists in Northern Ireland reject the backstop, but a recent poll found that 58% of people in the region say they would prefer Northern Ireland, but not Great Britain, to remain aligned to the EU. This was the original backstop proposal made by the EU that was rejected by the DUP and the Conservative party because it would effectively put a regulatory border down the Irish Sea.It may be the case that unionists in Northern Ireland reject the backstop, but a recent poll found that 58% of people in the region say they would prefer Northern Ireland, but not Great Britain, to remain aligned to the EU. This was the original backstop proposal made by the EU that was rejected by the DUP and the Conservative party because it would effectively put a regulatory border down the Irish Sea.
Here is a round-up of assorted comment from journalists and specialists on the Boris Johnson letter to Donald Tusk.Here is a round-up of assorted comment from journalists and specialists on the Boris Johnson letter to Donald Tusk.
From Philip Oltermann, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.From Philip Oltermann, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.
If you wanted to remind EU leaders of the need for an instrument as binding as the backstop, reneging on your predecessor’s assurances on citizens’ rights seems a pretty good way to go about it.If you wanted to remind EU leaders of the need for an instrument as binding as the backstop, reneging on your predecessor’s assurances on citizens’ rights seems a pretty good way to go about it.
From Simon Fraser, a former head of the Foreign Office.From Simon Fraser, a former head of the Foreign Office.
It’s hard to imagine there are new solutions for the Irish border that were not explored in depth during many months of negotiation. The Johnson letter contains none. UK govt in effect asking EU to drop the backstop with no clear alternative in view.It’s hard to imagine there are new solutions for the Irish border that were not explored in depth during many months of negotiation. The Johnson letter contains none. UK govt in effect asking EU to drop the backstop with no clear alternative in view.
A Twitter thread, starting here, from Kevin O’Rourke, a professor of economic history and author of a good book on Brexit.A Twitter thread, starting here, from Kevin O’Rourke, a professor of economic history and author of a good book on Brexit.
The essence of cakeism. The UK will adopt its own rules, or maybe US ones, regarding goods, labour, environment, etc. So things will be sold there that may not be legal in the EU, and produced in ways that would give UK producers an unfair advantage.https://t.co/dl28QdaibbThe essence of cakeism. The UK will adopt its own rules, or maybe US ones, regarding goods, labour, environment, etc. So things will be sold there that may not be legal in the EU, and produced in ways that would give UK producers an unfair advantage.https://t.co/dl28Qdaibb
A Twitter thread, starting here, from Peter Foster, the Telegraph’s Europe editor.A Twitter thread, starting here, from Peter Foster, the Telegraph’s Europe editor.
Am stunned off my sun lounger by this @BorisJohnson letter to @eucopresident on the irish backstop. It’s based on a big fat fallacy - that the Irish border issue can be fixed by unilateral commitments or good intentions 1/quick threadhttps://t.co/X3zzO4U1d6 pic.twitter.com/TegIJPjvrnAm stunned off my sun lounger by this @BorisJohnson letter to @eucopresident on the irish backstop. It’s based on a big fat fallacy - that the Irish border issue can be fixed by unilateral commitments or good intentions 1/quick threadhttps://t.co/X3zzO4U1d6 pic.twitter.com/TegIJPjvrn
From Mujtaba Rahman, the Brexit expert at the Eurasia consultancy.From Mujtaba Rahman, the Brexit expert at the Eurasia consultancy.
So letter was expected, as I tweeted yesterday. Agree with @pmdfoster that @BorisJohnson alternative to backstop is very vague & won’t fly with the EU. Inflexible. So breakthrough unlikely in Berlin, Paris & Biarritz. Both sides waiting for two week Commons sitting in Sept 1/2 https://t.co/ry2MUNCRk9So letter was expected, as I tweeted yesterday. Agree with @pmdfoster that @BorisJohnson alternative to backstop is very vague & won’t fly with the EU. Inflexible. So breakthrough unlikely in Berlin, Paris & Biarritz. Both sides waiting for two week Commons sitting in Sept 1/2 https://t.co/ry2MUNCRk9
So @BorisJohnson allies are suggesting that @eucopresident letter is a genuine attempt to start negotiations but also warning that EU will be on wrong side of public opinion if it rejects PM’s proposal outright. More evidence of Johnson playing blame game 1/2So @BorisJohnson allies are suggesting that @eucopresident letter is a genuine attempt to start negotiations but also warning that EU will be on wrong side of public opinion if it rejects PM’s proposal outright. More evidence of Johnson playing blame game 1/2
But it poses dilemma for EU. Letter might be Johnson’s opening rather than final position depending upon EU's response in bilaterals & Biarritz. As always, @BorisJohnson more optimistic about prospects of deal than some aides ENDSBut it poses dilemma for EU. Letter might be Johnson’s opening rather than final position depending upon EU's response in bilaterals & Biarritz. As always, @BorisJohnson more optimistic about prospects of deal than some aides ENDS
From the Financial Times editor Lionel Barber.From the Financial Times editor Lionel Barber.
The chutzpah is Boris Johnson suggesting that the backstop puts the Good Friday Agreement at risk. Precisely the opposite given the threat of a return of a hard border. People who pointed this out after Brexit referendum were shouted down https://t.co/RxJ6uBMSkUThe chutzpah is Boris Johnson suggesting that the backstop puts the Good Friday Agreement at risk. Precisely the opposite given the threat of a return of a hard border. People who pointed this out after Brexit referendum were shouted down https://t.co/RxJ6uBMSkU
Earlier I suggested that Boris Johnson’s letter to Donald Tusk could be seen as just an elaborate exercise in attempted blame deflection. (See 9.25am.) This quote makes that interpretation look increasingly plausible.Earlier I suggested that Boris Johnson’s letter to Donald Tusk could be seen as just an elaborate exercise in attempted blame deflection. (See 9.25am.) This quote makes that interpretation look increasingly plausible.
Senior figure in U.K. government on @eucopresident tweet: “[This] looks like an over re-action from Tusk. It appears their position is nothing will change from the unworkable deal offered to Theresa May. Sad they are unwilling to be reasonable.”Senior figure in U.K. government on @eucopresident tweet: “[This] looks like an over re-action from Tusk. It appears their position is nothing will change from the unworkable deal offered to Theresa May. Sad they are unwilling to be reasonable.”
Judging by the use of the word “sad”, government sources are starting to take their inspiration from Donald Trump.Judging by the use of the word “sad”, government sources are starting to take their inspiration from Donald Trump.