Brussels is considering a plan to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of next year that would keep the UK tied to EU rules, it was reported tonight. Boris Johnson ran his election campaign with a pledge to have a trade deal with Europe in place by December 2020 when the buffer period is due to cease. He says he will refuse to extend it any further but EU politicians are considering asking for it to be pushed back themselves. They believe that with Mr Johnson's Brexit Deal due to be ratified in January, 11 months is not long enough to do a deal, the Guardian reported. Any extension period would see the UK continue to obey EU trade rules until they are over-written by a new deal, something likely to prove explosively unpopular to Brexiteers. It came after German chancellor Angela Merkel cautioned on Friday, after the election result, that concluding a deal on the UK's future relationship with the European Union would be 'very complicated.' … [Read more...] about Brussels hatches plot to KEEP the UK under EU control past 2020 with Eurocrats claiming more time is needed to strike a new trade deal
Uk leaving eu
Change UK, Brexit party and Lib Dems in last appeal before European elections
The Brexit party, Change UK and Liberal Democrats have held their final rallies before the European election, appealing to voters to back them to send a clear message on either leave or remain. The Brexit party’s leader, Nigel Farage, told at his last hustings event at a packed conference centre in Olympia, in west London on Tuesday that if they win the EU poll then it would “kill off any chance of a second referendum”. He also said he also wanted to get rid of the Electoral Commission, which is reviewing the Brexit party’s funding, along with the House of Lords, claiming they were full of “remainers”. Farage, who is personally facing an investigation by MEPs for failing to declare expenses funded by the Leave.EU founder, Arron Banks, told the rally: “We have got to get rid of the House of Lords, of Mr Blair and Mr Cameron’s cronies. Oh, and the Electoral Commission, all of whom are remainers, all of whom are part of Westminster … [Read more...] about Change UK, Brexit party and Lib Dems in last appeal before European elections
Emmanuel Macron seeks to win over Angela Merkel on EU reforms
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron address one another as "lieber Emmanuel" and "chere Angela." They appear friendly — two leaders who trust one another. But they also don't mince words on issues they don't agree on. Both know that Europe won't move forward without close Franco-German coordination. And that's why Merkel and Macron are still seeking compromise when it comes to European Union economic and finance policy. Eurozone reform Macron wants to fortify the eurozone against unexpected financial crises, and is demanding a roadmap for step-by-step progress. Germany's new government, meanwhile, is pushing for a "new era for Europe" and has even declared a readiness to contribute more to the EU budget. Read more: Germany's Angela Merkel faces EU reform pressure ahead of Emmanuel Macron visit Nevertheless, Berlin is largely skeptical of what Macron is selling. Opponents argue the French president's plans are not in Germany's interest as they … [Read more...] about Emmanuel Macron seeks to win over Angela Merkel on EU reforms
The battle for EU membership is lost, but a European England is still possible
“History to the defeated / May say Alas but cannot help or pardon.” WH Auden’s lines from the Spanish civil war now apply to the British Europeans. We fought to keep our country in the European Union and we lost. The half of Britain that wants to leave the EU was united around Boris Johnson while the half that still wants to remain in the EU was divided against itself, and weighed down by the electoral liability called Jeremy Corbyn. If the deceptive but effective three-word slogan “take back control” won the 2016 referendum, so the equally effective and deceptive three-word slogan “get Brexit done” won this election. Even if voters knew somewhere in the back of their minds that it was too good to be true, in their hearts they wanted it to be. And let’s be honest: even the most passionate of us remainers had some hidden “get Brexit done” corner of our souls. But now I answer Auden with a great saying from the leader of … [Read more...] about The battle for EU membership is lost, but a European England is still possible
Michael Gove makes case for EU exit: ‘It’s time to take back control’
I want us to vote to leave the EU before it’s too late, because that’s the safer choice for Britain. If we vote to stay we’re not settling for a secure status quo. We’re voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Brussels has already set out some of its plans for the next great transfer of powers to the EU in what’s called the Five Presidents’ Report. The EU wants more power over taxes and banks. Sadly, we’ve surrendered our veto on these moves. And – what’s worse – if we try to object, the European court of justice can overrule us. The court has been strengthened through the new charter of fundamental rights. It can now control how we apply asylum rules, how our intelligence services monitor suspected terrorists, and whom we can deport. And just as we are losing all this power, we’re on the hook to pay more money as new countries join the EU. But if we vote to … [Read more...] about Michael Gove makes case for EU exit: ‘It’s time to take back control’