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Brexit: Boris Johnson's plan for alternative to backstop gets initial frosty reception from EU – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson's plan for alternative to backstop gets initial frosty reception from EU – live news
(32 minutes later)
In his speech to the Tory conference Julian Smith, the Northern Ireland secretary, announced some growth deal funding for Northern Ireland. He said: At the Conservative party conference Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, has described suggestions that a no-deal Brexit would lead to severe delays at cross-channel ports as “absolute nonsense”. Responding to a question during a Q&A session a few minutes ago, he said:
I don’t subscribe to this theory that very much different is going to happen. I think the ports will all continue to flow much as they do now, to be honest. The idea that suddenly we’re not going to get medicines in, or all these other ridiculous scaremongering stories - I can’t see why.
Hauliers have to finance their trucks and pay for them. That means the wheels have to keep turning. Ferry companies have to finance their ferries. The ferries keep flowing. The ports employ people. They need the income from traffic going through the ports. This idea everything is going to seize up, and there’s going to be a disaster, especially in the event of a no-deal Brexit, I think is absolute nonsense. Business will find a way through.
Tory members applauded him warmly.
Jack’s comment did no take account of the fact that his own government has spent billions preparing for a no-deal Brexit, with the Department for Transport making plans to spend up to £300m on freight capacity to compensate for possible gridlock at cross-channel ports. It also did not square with what the chief executive of the port of Dover told a conference fringe meeting yesterday about how, based on the government’s own assessment of how a no-deal Brexit would disrupt traffic at the port, Dover would lose trade worth £1bn a week for some months.
Jack is MP for Dumfries and Galloway, which includes the port of Cairnryan. He said he hoped it would see more trade with Ireland going through it after Brexit.
In his speech to the Tory conference, Julian Smith, the Northern Ireland secretary, announced some growth deal funding for Northern Ireland. He said:
This morning I announced that the people and businesses of Mid-South West Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens will benefit from £163m of UK government funding, supporting economic growth, job creation and investment in local projects. This means that every part of Northern Ireland now benefits from growth deal funding.This morning I announced that the people and businesses of Mid-South West Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens will benefit from £163m of UK government funding, supporting economic growth, job creation and investment in local projects. This means that every part of Northern Ireland now benefits from growth deal funding.
His speech hardly mentioned Brexit.His speech hardly mentioned Brexit.
These are from RTE’s Europe editor, Tony Connelly.These are from RTE’s Europe editor, Tony Connelly.
Here's the choreography of the day's events from Brussels: The European Commission is expecting to receive the UK proposals later this morning, around the time of Boris Johnson's speech. There may be confirmation during the Commission's daily midday briefing to journalistsHere's the choreography of the day's events from Brussels: The European Commission is expecting to receive the UK proposals later this morning, around the time of Boris Johnson's speech. There may be confirmation during the Commission's daily midday briefing to journalists
2/ David Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, will meet members of the Commission's Article 50 Task Force this afternoon to formally present the text, and to have technical discussions.2/ David Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, will meet members of the Commission's Article 50 Task Force this afternoon to formally present the text, and to have technical discussions.
3/ Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, will later then brief Brexit coordinators, ie diplomats from 27 EU member states, on the UK paper. He will also brief the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group. EU27 Ambassadors will also assess the text.3/ Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, will later then brief Brexit coordinators, ie diplomats from 27 EU member states, on the UK paper. He will also brief the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group. EU27 Ambassadors will also assess the text.
4/ On the basis of the feedback and direction from member states and the European Parliament, Michel Barnier and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will make a call as to whether the paper is the basis for intense negotiations over the coming days...4/ On the basis of the feedback and direction from member states and the European Parliament, Michel Barnier and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will make a call as to whether the paper is the basis for intense negotiations over the coming days...
5/ ...or if they fall too far short of the EU's demands that the paper meets the same objectives as the original backstop. "We're not going to sit in a room for nothing," says one EU source. "But both options are conceivable."5/ ...or if they fall too far short of the EU's demands that the paper meets the same objectives as the original backstop. "We're not going to sit in a room for nothing," says one EU source. "But both options are conceivable."
6/ However, Brussels is urging caution. "We will wait to see what is in the actual text. We will listen to the UK side."6/ However, Brussels is urging caution. "We will wait to see what is in the actual text. We will listen to the UK side."
Section 10 of the European Union Withdrawal Act 2018 – which prohibits any “border arrangements” between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland – will cause a problem for the government’s latest Brexit plan, the businesswoman and legal campaigner Gina Miller has warned.Section 10 of the European Union Withdrawal Act 2018 – which prohibits any “border arrangements” between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland – will cause a problem for the government’s latest Brexit plan, the businesswoman and legal campaigner Gina Miller has warned.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting at the London law firm Bird & Bird, Miller said there could be many more “legal twists and turns” before the Brexit crisis is resolved.Speaking at a breakfast meeting at the London law firm Bird & Bird, Miller said there could be many more “legal twists and turns” before the Brexit crisis is resolved.
Quoting from section 10 of the act, Miller – who has won two landmark cases at the supreme court against the government – said it could prove a problem for the government.Quoting from section 10 of the act, Miller – who has won two landmark cases at the supreme court against the government – said it could prove a problem for the government.
Section 10 outlaws anything that would “diminish any form of north-south cooperation provided for by the Belfast agreement (as defined by section 98 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998)”.Section 10 outlaws anything that would “diminish any form of north-south cooperation provided for by the Belfast agreement (as defined by section 98 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998)”.
It also bans any move to “create or facilitate border arrangements between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after exit day which feature physical infrastructure, including border posts, or checks and controls, that did not exist before exit day and are not in accordance with an agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU.” It has been raised in Northern Ireland Brexit court cases.It also bans any move to “create or facilitate border arrangements between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after exit day which feature physical infrastructure, including border posts, or checks and controls, that did not exist before exit day and are not in accordance with an agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU.” It has been raised in Northern Ireland Brexit court cases.
Miller also revealed she is frequently approached by EU citizens who thank her for her legal cases but tell her: ‘Goodbye. I’m leaving. We have been here for 20 years but because we don’t have the right papers for filling out a complicated process, [we’re off].’ Miller added:Miller also revealed she is frequently approached by EU citizens who thank her for her legal cases but tell her: ‘Goodbye. I’m leaving. We have been here for 20 years but because we don’t have the right papers for filling out a complicated process, [we’re off].’ Miller added:
I’m absolutely disgusted that this is something that parliament, which I had fought so hard to come back, has not been talking about. We must stop these divisions.I’m absolutely disgusted that this is something that parliament, which I had fought so hard to come back, has not been talking about. We must stop these divisions.
Boris Johnson’s final “take it or leave it” Brexit offer to Brussels is in danger of being dead on arrival after it was rounded on by government and opposition parties in Ireland, my colleagues Lisa O’Carroll and Daniel Boffey report.Boris Johnson’s final “take it or leave it” Brexit offer to Brussels is in danger of being dead on arrival after it was rounded on by government and opposition parties in Ireland, my colleagues Lisa O’Carroll and Daniel Boffey report.
Irish officials dismiss Boris Johnson’s Brexit offer as 'unacceptable'Irish officials dismiss Boris Johnson’s Brexit offer as 'unacceptable'
Philippe Lamberts, co-leader of the Greens-European Free Alliance in the European parliament and a member of the parliament’s Brexit steering group, told Sky News that the EU had yet to see what the UK was offering, but that he was worried by the government’s claim it was a “take it or leave it” offer.Philippe Lamberts, co-leader of the Greens-European Free Alliance in the European parliament and a member of the parliament’s Brexit steering group, told Sky News that the EU had yet to see what the UK was offering, but that he was worried by the government’s claim it was a “take it or leave it” offer.
He said he saw “major problems” in the plans as leaked to the Telegraph. He said:He said he saw “major problems” in the plans as leaked to the Telegraph. He said:
The British government cannot seriously expect us to basically destroy the single market. That is what would happen if for instance, as Stephen Barclay [the Brexit secretary] suggested, we should keep a 500km border open into the single market.The British government cannot seriously expect us to basically destroy the single market. That is what would happen if for instance, as Stephen Barclay [the Brexit secretary] suggested, we should keep a 500km border open into the single market.
He also said he did not think Boris Johnson was committed to getting a deal anyway. He explained:He also said he did not think Boris Johnson was committed to getting a deal anyway. He explained:
My sense, but it is only my guess, is that what he is seeking is a no-deal Brexit, but with the ability of putting the blame on the EU27. That is consistent with the way he has behaved, with his public statements, the way he has antagonised both the EU27 and his own parliament. He doesn’t seem like a person who genuinely seeks a deal.My sense, but it is only my guess, is that what he is seeking is a no-deal Brexit, but with the ability of putting the blame on the EU27. That is consistent with the way he has behaved, with his public statements, the way he has antagonised both the EU27 and his own parliament. He doesn’t seem like a person who genuinely seeks a deal.
This is what Brandon Lewis, the Home Office minister, told Newsnight last night about this being the UK’s “final offer”. Lewis said:This is what Brandon Lewis, the Home Office minister, told Newsnight last night about this being the UK’s “final offer”. Lewis said:
The offer the prime minister will make is the offer he is going to make to the European Union. We will publish it tomorrow. That is our final offer.The offer the prime minister will make is the offer he is going to make to the European Union. We will publish it tomorrow. That is our final offer.
From Jon Stone, the Independent’s Europe correspondent.From Jon Stone, the Independent’s Europe correspondent.
'Not even close': Boris Johnson's Brexit border plan rejected by Ireland before he even announces ithttps://t.co/AzB3VSDUZx'Not even close': Boris Johnson's Brexit border plan rejected by Ireland before he even announces ithttps://t.co/AzB3VSDUZx
These are from Nicolai von Ondarza, an EU specialist at SWP, a German foreign affairs thinktank.These are from Nicolai von Ondarza, an EU specialist at SWP, a German foreign affairs thinktank.
IF the EU and Irl were willing to make major concessions to the UK - time limit on backstop and/or custom divergence for NI - the clear danger is that even such a modified withdrawal agreement will not pass the Commons.And EU will never be able to get concessions back. https://t.co/Qdf9HmeQY0IF the EU and Irl were willing to make major concessions to the UK - time limit on backstop and/or custom divergence for NI - the clear danger is that even such a modified withdrawal agreement will not pass the Commons.And EU will never be able to get concessions back. https://t.co/Qdf9HmeQY0
This is the tragedy of negotiating with a UK gov without a majority that is practically in election mode. For a deal to happen, UK gov, EU27, Irl, DUP, parts of Labour, all would need to jump together. The leaked proposals from the UK gov point in the opposite direction.This is the tragedy of negotiating with a UK gov without a majority that is practically in election mode. For a deal to happen, UK gov, EU27, Irl, DUP, parts of Labour, all would need to jump together. The leaked proposals from the UK gov point in the opposite direction.
Last night, Mujtaba Rahman, a former European commission official who provides well-regarded Brexit analysis for the Eurasia consultancy, sent out a briefing revising down his assessment of the chances of the UK and the EU agreeing a deal to 10%. Previously he had put the chances at 25%. He thinks there is now an 80% chance of an election, and a 10% chance of no deal.Last night, Mujtaba Rahman, a former European commission official who provides well-regarded Brexit analysis for the Eurasia consultancy, sent out a briefing revising down his assessment of the chances of the UK and the EU agreeing a deal to 10%. Previously he had put the chances at 25%. He thinks there is now an 80% chance of an election, and a 10% chance of no deal.
Here is an extract from his briefing.Here is an extract from his briefing.
London admits that Boris has scrapped Theresa May’s pledge that there could be no border “infrastructure” or “related checks and controls”. But government sources are adamant that its final proposals will mean “no new infrastructure anywhere”. However, they admit the UK is still pursuing minimal, non-intrusive “behind-the-border checks” using “existing processes and greater market-surveillance cooperation.”London admits that Boris has scrapped Theresa May’s pledge that there could be no border “infrastructure” or “related checks and controls”. But government sources are adamant that its final proposals will mean “no new infrastructure anywhere”. However, they admit the UK is still pursuing minimal, non-intrusive “behind-the-border checks” using “existing processes and greater market-surveillance cooperation.”
They hope the UK blueprint will be good enough to persuade EU to enter the negotiating “tunnel” in the run-up to the European council, without further leaks that could scupper a deal. Remarkably, one senior minister said: “It will be better than they [the EU] expect … The hope is that both sides then move in concert and we get over the line.” Johnson wants to keep the Democratic Unionist party onboard and some ministers believe that could yet lead to the re-emergence of an old idea – time-limit to the backstop– to pave a way for a deal. Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, has signalled possible support for the move. However, the Irish remain opposed to a time-limit, while the Irish and Brussels’ reception to the government’s plans so far has been very hostile …They hope the UK blueprint will be good enough to persuade EU to enter the negotiating “tunnel” in the run-up to the European council, without further leaks that could scupper a deal. Remarkably, one senior minister said: “It will be better than they [the EU] expect … The hope is that both sides then move in concert and we get over the line.” Johnson wants to keep the Democratic Unionist party onboard and some ministers believe that could yet lead to the re-emergence of an old idea – time-limit to the backstop– to pave a way for a deal. Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, has signalled possible support for the move. However, the Irish remain opposed to a time-limit, while the Irish and Brussels’ reception to the government’s plans so far has been very hostile …
In Brussels, there remain grave doubts about whether Boris is serious about a deal. Indeed, the row over the leaked plan could be seen as the start of the “blame game” that would follow a failure to reach agreement. In Johnson’s planned “people versus parliament” election, Brussels is cast in a “bad guy” role alongside MPs.In Brussels, there remain grave doubts about whether Boris is serious about a deal. Indeed, the row over the leaked plan could be seen as the start of the “blame game” that would follow a failure to reach agreement. In Johnson’s planned “people versus parliament” election, Brussels is cast in a “bad guy” role alongside MPs.
This is what Patrick O’Donovan, an Irish government minister, told BBC Newsnight last night about the UK government’s plans for an alternative to the backstop, as reported by the Telegraph. He said:This is what Patrick O’Donovan, an Irish government minister, told BBC Newsnight last night about the UK government’s plans for an alternative to the backstop, as reported by the Telegraph. He said:
The Good Friday agreement deserves a proper insurance policy, not over a period of time but indefinitely. Ireland’s position on the common market and the customs union has to be maintained, and there can be no return to any hard border.The Good Friday agreement deserves a proper insurance policy, not over a period of time but indefinitely. Ireland’s position on the common market and the customs union has to be maintained, and there can be no return to any hard border.
The people of Ireland, and the island of Ireland deserve a lot better than that.The people of Ireland, and the island of Ireland deserve a lot better than that.
In an interview on Radio 4’s Today programme, James Cleverly, the Conservative party chairman, said it was time for the EU to show flexibility in the Brexit talks. He said:In an interview on Radio 4’s Today programme, James Cleverly, the Conservative party chairman, said it was time for the EU to show flexibility in the Brexit talks. He said:
The way negotiations work is both parties need to be flexible and the UK, over the last 18 months or so including the proposals that the former prime minister brought forward, has been pragmatic and it has been flexible and will in the future.The way negotiations work is both parties need to be flexible and the UK, over the last 18 months or so including the proposals that the former prime minister brought forward, has been pragmatic and it has been flexible and will in the future.
The UK has been flexible, but a negotiation means both parties need to be flexible. What we need to see now is the EU being flexible.The UK has been flexible, but a negotiation means both parties need to be flexible. What we need to see now is the EU being flexible.
If they can be pragmatic and flexible, we can get a deal done and leave with a deal on 31 October but we are going to leave on 31 October whatever [happens].If they can be pragmatic and flexible, we can get a deal done and leave with a deal on 31 October but we are going to leave on 31 October whatever [happens].
These are from Mark Devenport, the BBC’s Northern Ireland political editor.These are from Mark Devenport, the BBC’s Northern Ireland political editor.
1. DUP sources indicate they are supportive of Boris Johnson’s forthcoming proposals to the EU and have been kept informed during their development1. DUP sources indicate they are supportive of Boris Johnson’s forthcoming proposals to the EU and have been kept informed during their development
2. DUP sources say unionists would be able to veto continued regulatory alignment with EU after 2025 assuming Assembly up & running then under cross community voting rules2. DUP sources say unionists would be able to veto continued regulatory alignment with EU after 2025 assuming Assembly up & running then under cross community voting rules
3. This may please DUP but will annoy nationalists & Alliance who haven’t been consulted & have consistently earned against DUP veto3. This may please DUP but will annoy nationalists & Alliance who haven’t been consulted & have consistently earned against DUP veto
4. Given initial Irish Govt response doesn’t look like proposals will fly with Dublin or EU so we could rapidly move towards blame game4. Given initial Irish Govt response doesn’t look like proposals will fly with Dublin or EU so we could rapidly move towards blame game
5. Bearing in mind Benn Act & prospect of election probably too many moving parts for deal in next fortnight but if Conservatives stay in government some aspects of Johnson offer would no doubt resurface in future talks5. Bearing in mind Benn Act & prospect of election probably too many moving parts for deal in next fortnight but if Conservatives stay in government some aspects of Johnson offer would no doubt resurface in future talks
Simon Coveney, the Irish foreign minister and deputy prime minister, has said this morning he does not think there will be a Brexit deal if the UK insists on customs checks taking place somewhere on the island of Ireland. As Sky News reports, speaking to journalists this morning, Coveney said he had not yet seen the UK plan, and wanted to wait until he had read it before delivering a verdict. But he continued:Simon Coveney, the Irish foreign minister and deputy prime minister, has said this morning he does not think there will be a Brexit deal if the UK insists on customs checks taking place somewhere on the island of Ireland. As Sky News reports, speaking to journalists this morning, Coveney said he had not yet seen the UK plan, and wanted to wait until he had read it before delivering a verdict. But he continued:
Certainly, from what we’re reading this morning, I would not be too encouraged by it. Essentially if [Boris Johnson] is proposing customs checks on the island of Ireland, then I don’t think that is going to be the basis of an agreement. But let’s wait and see the detail of that before we make a full judgment on it.Certainly, from what we’re reading this morning, I would not be too encouraged by it. Essentially if [Boris Johnson] is proposing customs checks on the island of Ireland, then I don’t think that is going to be the basis of an agreement. But let’s wait and see the detail of that before we make a full judgment on it.
Boris Johnson will wrap up the Conservative party conference in Manchester later this morning with the traditional leader’s keynote speech. This week he has sounded desperate to talk about almost anything other than Brexit, and the Tories have been meticulously preparing a domestic policy agenda intended to neutralise Labour attack lines ahead of a general election. (They have even been banging on about bus services, which must be a first for any Conservative party conference – a belated recognition that Jeremy Corbyn has correctly identified this as an issue that is very important to voters outside London.) But the speech coincides with the latest Brexit talks with the EU coming to a head, with the government expected this afternoon to publish its plan for an alternative to the backstop.Boris Johnson will wrap up the Conservative party conference in Manchester later this morning with the traditional leader’s keynote speech. This week he has sounded desperate to talk about almost anything other than Brexit, and the Tories have been meticulously preparing a domestic policy agenda intended to neutralise Labour attack lines ahead of a general election. (They have even been banging on about bus services, which must be a first for any Conservative party conference – a belated recognition that Jeremy Corbyn has correctly identified this as an issue that is very important to voters outside London.) But the speech coincides with the latest Brexit talks with the EU coming to a head, with the government expected this afternoon to publish its plan for an alternative to the backstop.
As we report in our overnight story, the plan seems to involve Northern Ireland staying under EU single market regulations for agri-food and manufactured goods until at least 2025, but not in the customs union. Here is our story.As we report in our overnight story, the plan seems to involve Northern Ireland staying under EU single market regulations for agri-food and manufactured goods until at least 2025, but not in the customs union. Here is our story.
PM strikes secret deal with DUP as he draws up 'final Brexit offer'PM strikes secret deal with DUP as he draws up 'final Brexit offer'
The Telegraph’s Europe editor, Peter Foster, broke the story with details of what is on offer last night. No 10 has disputed some details of his report, but not the broad thrust of it. He has a Twitter thread, starting here, explaining what is on offer.The Telegraph’s Europe editor, Peter Foster, broke the story with details of what is on offer last night. No 10 has disputed some details of his report, but not the broad thrust of it. He has a Twitter thread, starting here, explaining what is on offer.
EXC: Full readout of @BorisJohnson #Brexit deal that was briefed to EU capitals today - it's extraordinary - tl;dr "Two borders, for four years."Story here:https://t.co/Puj8YUZHXiFull gut, section by section, here:https://t.co/L3elB99fpa1/ThreadEXC: Full readout of @BorisJohnson #Brexit deal that was briefed to EU capitals today - it's extraordinary - tl;dr "Two borders, for four years."Story here:https://t.co/Puj8YUZHXiFull gut, section by section, here:https://t.co/L3elB99fpa1/Thread
How will the EU respond? We have not had a definitive answer yet, but the early briefing suggests the reaction will be chilly. These are from the BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler.How will the EU respond? We have not had a definitive answer yet, but the early briefing suggests the reaction will be chilly. These are from the BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler.
EU bristling at government ‘take it or leave it’ attitude ahead of submitting proposals on how to replace the backstop. Senior diplomat:”How can a country say it’s leaving EU, ask Brussels for a deal on way out and then try to threaten the EU into compromising its principles”/1EU bristling at government ‘take it or leave it’ attitude ahead of submitting proposals on how to replace the backstop. Senior diplomat:”How can a country say it’s leaving EU, ask Brussels for a deal on way out and then try to threaten the EU into compromising its principles”/1
EU position is that it has not seen hint of anything they’d enter negotiating tunnel for yet (idea of customs between NIreland and Ireland a huge alarm bell for EU) bc they’d have to be sure there was something concrete in front of them that COULD shape up into a deal BUT /2EU position is that it has not seen hint of anything they’d enter negotiating tunnel for yet (idea of customs between NIreland and Ireland a huge alarm bell for EU) bc they’d have to be sure there was something concrete in front of them that COULD shape up into a deal BUT /2
EU will be careful not to rubbish Johnson’s proposals entirely (while critical they may speak of a ‘basis’ for discussion) bc Brussels needs to try to find deal - needs to be seen to try .. /3EU will be careful not to rubbish Johnson’s proposals entirely (while critical they may speak of a ‘basis’ for discussion) bc Brussels needs to try to find deal - needs to be seen to try .. /3
Senior EU source tells me: chance of deal by mid October EU summit: noneChance of deal by end of month: doubtful /4Senior EU source tells me: chance of deal by mid October EU summit: noneChance of deal by end of month: doubtful /4
EU diplomat: “The more you leave the backstop text, the more EU wants legal precision from UK .. exploring all eventualities in the future, ‘explore every corner’” The EU view is: there’s not enough time .. unless there’s another extension /5EU diplomat: “The more you leave the backstop text, the more EU wants legal precision from UK .. exploring all eventualities in the future, ‘explore every corner’” The EU view is: there’s not enough time .. unless there’s another extension /5
Though EU hearts sink at the prospect of Brexit process going on and on.. /6Though EU hearts sink at the prospect of Brexit process going on and on.. /6
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
10am: The conference opens with a session on strengthening the union, with contributions from Julian Smith, the Northern Ireland secretary, Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, and Alun Cairns, the Welsh secretary.10am: The conference opens with a session on strengthening the union, with contributions from Julian Smith, the Northern Ireland secretary, Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, and Alun Cairns, the Welsh secretary.
10.45am: A session on women in politics.10.45am: A session on women in politics.
11.35am: Boris Johnson’s speech to the conference.11.35am: Boris Johnson’s speech to the conference.
12pm: Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, faces Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, at PMQs.12pm: Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, faces Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, at PMQs.
As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web, although I will be focusing mostly on Brexit and Boris Johnson’s speech. I plan to publish a summary when I wrap up.As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web, although I will be focusing mostly on Brexit and Boris Johnson’s speech. I plan to publish a summary when I wrap up.
You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.
If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.
I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.
If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.