Boris Johnson held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the first day of the G-7 summit at Schloss Elmau on June 26, 2022.
(Getty Images)
Boris Johnson argues that his government’s plans to unilaterally tear down parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol could become law “very quickly”.
As lawmakers gather to discuss controversial legislation aimed at overcoming parts of the post-Brexit trade mechanism in Northern Ireland, Mr Johnson said laws – which risk revenge and even a trade war with the EU – could be enforced. in 2022
His comments at the G7 summit run counter to expectations that colleagues would block the legislation for up to 12 months.
The prime minister also insisted he was not concerned about potential plots by his Tory colleagues to oust him after a double defeat in the by-elections and the resignation of Tory party chairman Oliver Dowden.
Questions about his leadership were “settled” during the recent no-confidence vote, he insisted, despite a weekend report suggesting Tory MPs had submitted a series of new no-confidence letters to the 1922 commission in a new riot. , who is allegedly provoked by his claim that he is planning a third term.
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Johnson says “no one gives up the privilege” of being prime minister and claims a “new term” to lead
Asked at the G7 summit if he was considering retiring from number 10, Mr Johnson told the BBC: “Please tell me about me and my career. I am focused on what I am doing as a leader of the country. ”
The prime minister added: “This is a huge, huge privilege to do, no one abandons such a privilege.”
Challenged whether he still has the power to lead, the annoyed Mr Johnson said: “Not only do I have power, but I have a new term from my party, which I absolutely admire.
Our political correspondent Adam Forest has more details here:
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 12:34 p.m.
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Raising the level requires billions more than is offered, warns the think tank
Leveling up cities in the UK will require investments that go beyond anything currently being considered by the Boris Johnson government, the think tank said.
A report released today by the Resolution Foundation found that income disparities are both “significant” and “permanent”, with only traditionally poorer areas of inner London such as Hackney and Newham significantly improving their position over the past 25 years.
The income per person in the richest part of the country, Kensington and Chelsea, was 350% higher than the income per person in Nottingham, the poorest part, the report found, and the think tank will argue that current government policies are not enough. far enough. , in another report due out Thursday.
Taking Manchester as an example, where productivity is 30 per cent lower than in London, the think tank said bridging the gap would require tens of billions of pounds of investment, more graduates working in the city and an additional 300,000 workers. moved to Greater Manchester.
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 12:19
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The plan to break the Protocol on Northern Ireland could become law “very quickly” in 2022, says Boris Johnson
Our political correspondent Adam Forest has more information on Boris Johnson’s claims that his plan to break parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol – in the legislation being debated by MPs today – could become law “very quickly” and could be implemented. this year.
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 12:02 p.m.
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“Show some backbone”: Tory rebel calls on cabinet to oppose Boris Johnson
Leading conservative critic Boris Johnson called on cabinet ministers to “show a little backbone” and take action on the leadership, said our political editor Andrew Woodcock.
William Ragg, who chairs the municipality’s Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, has suggested that senior ministers in charge of the leadership are damaging their own chances of succeeding Johnson by not taking decisive action to remove him now.
Mr Ragg told BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour that former Tory President Oliver Dowden deserved a “credit” for leaving the cabinet following last week’s catastrophic defeat in the midterm elections.
But he said there was growing frustration in the backs of the Tories that other senior ministers had not taken similar steps, adding: “Anyone with leadership aspirations may want to consider this and do something about it.”
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 11:52
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Speculation about Boris Johnson’s plans to change
A Tory insider reportedly said that Boris Johnson “could not make a move now because then everyone would understand that he had offered them the same jobs to go through the vote of confidence.”
A reshuffle was expected before parliament took a break next month in a bid to reshuffle Mr Johnson’s presidency – but that was postponed until at least the autumn, according to The Times.
The newspaper quoted a cabinet member as warning that the fired ministers could become “really energetic agitators” in the back seats.
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 11:25
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Tory MPs reject rumors of a crime against Labor
Following allegations by Labor insiders that six Tory MPs were considering leaving Sir Keir Starmer’s party, two Conservative MPs moved to resign.
“For the avoidance of doubt – again – I have not deserted to hell. “For these anonymous colleagues spreading rumors, my door is always open for chat,” tweeted Deena Davison, who earlier this year dismissed “crazy” reports that she was leading a so-called “pig pie plot” against the prime minister.
Former Minister Caroline Knox also assured her Tory colleagues that she had no similar intentions.
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 11:14
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Prince Charles takes millions in a suitcase “unusually”, says the minister
The idea of Prince Charles receiving millions in donations in a suitcase from a former Qatari prime minister is “a bit unusual,” said Cabinet Minister George Justis.
The Prince of Wales personally received about three lots in cash worth a total of 3 million euros from Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim bin Jaber Al Thani, according to the Sunday Times. Clarence House claims that the “right processes” were followed in handing over the money to the prince’s charities, and there is no suggestion that the donations were illegal.
“My understanding is that this was immediately handed over to the charity, declared and verified in the usual way,” Mr Justis said. “On one level, of course, it’s a little unusual to have such a large amount of cash.”
Asked by LBC what his reaction would be if he was offered a large sum of money in bags, the environment minister said: “Of course it is unusual, but if it is a permitted donation that has been checked, it is still a permitted donation.
Our political correspondent Adam Forest has the full report here:
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 10:56
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Today could mark a “significant step forward” in the Brexit protocol dispute, DUP minister says
This would be a “significant step” if the Northern Ireland Protocol bill passes a second reading in the House of Commons on Monday – but the future looks “bleak” if it does not, said Edwin Putts of the DUP.
Asked if his party would be closer to returning to Stormont if it succeeded, Mr Putz told BBC Radio Ulster: “In a sense, yes.
He warned that if it does not pass, “I think the future looks bleak”, adding: “If it passes today, it is a significant step forward and we will work with the government to see what other steps can be taken in the preliminary implementation of the legislation. in full. “
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 10:38
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The threat of wage cuts in Stormont will have “no significance” for the protest against the DUP, the minister said
The threat by the UK government to cut the MLA’s pay if Northern Ireland’s executive remains frozen will have “no significance” for the DUP’s decision to return to power-sharing in Stormont, the party’s agriculture minister said.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has warned that he will take action “soon” to reduce the salaries of members of the Assembly if the Belfast legislature remains in cold storage.
Asked if he was uncomfortable accepting his salary when the assembly and the executive did not meet due to the DUP boycott, Edwin Putts told BBC Radio Ulster: “I work six days a week most weeks, so I personally have no problem getting paid , but if Brandon Lewis wants to reduce the salary, he pays it – it’s entirely up to him.
“This will have nothing to do with the position we are taking. None. We stand by the principle. Therefore, pay will not be a problem that will distract us from achieving what we set out to do. ”
Asked if he thought Mr Lewis was making an empty threat, Mr Putz replied: “I don’t care, he can threaten whatever he wants – it’s a matter of principle. Therefore, if Brandon Lewis wants to do this, he can do it.
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 10:27
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A “quick” plan to abolish protocol checks could be made in 2022, says prime minister
Boris Johnson claims that his plan to tear down parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol could be implemented “fairly quickly” and take effect by the end of 2022, according to our political correspondent Adam Forest.
The prime minister told reporters at the G7 summit, which was also attended by senior EU figures, that “it is interesting how little this conversation is taking place, certainly here”, which shows that he does not expect a serious diplomatic dispute on Monday.
“All we are saying is that you can get rid of them without endangering the EU single market in any way.
Asked if the measures could be introduced this year, he said: “Yes, I think we can do it very quickly, if the parliament wants.”
He said it would be “even better” if we could “get some of the flexibility we need in our talks with Maros Shefcovic”.
Andy Gregory June 27, 2022 10:13
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