Brexit LIVE: No10's VERY cheeky message for Barnier before Boris puts Merkel in her place - Express.co.uk

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator will continue talks in Downing Street with UK counterpart David Frost today as the two sides desperately search for ways to compromise on a post-Brexit trade deal before the transitional period deadline of December 31. The meetings between London and Brussels has so far been dominated by a vicious blame game on a lack of progress being made, but the EU has hinted it is ready to cave on fishing and accept plans that to provide UK boats with a far greater share of catches. Documents released on Tuesday revealed Mr Barnier told a House of Lords committee: “Is this balanced agreement the British position as it is? Certainly not.

“Is it the European position as it is today? Clearly not. We have two entirely contradictory positions.

“If we both dig our heels in on those positions, there will be no discussion or agreement on fisheries and therefore no agreement on trade. That is not what we want.”

But coincidentally, the Frenchman was served halibut during three-course meal at Downing Street with Mr Frost just hours later - a cheeky message from No10's chef. The negotiating pair also enjoyed a grilled asparagus starter and summer fruits terrine for pudding.

This came as Boris Johnson warned Angela Merkel in a telephone call the UK “would be ready” to leave the transition period at the end of the year without an EU trade deal if one cannot be agreed in time.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “On the future relationship, the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s commitment to working hard to find an early agreement out of the intensified talks process.

“He also noted that the UK equally would be ready to leave the transition period on Australia terms if an agreement could not in the end be reached.”

Australia currently does not have a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU, and much of the business between the two sides follow default World Trade Organisation rules, although specific agreements are in place for select goods.

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10am update: Pound holds onto three-week highs as markets focus on fresh Brexit talks

Sterling has remained steady at $1.2545 against the US dollar and 89.96 pence versus the euro - a day after hitting three-week highs against both currencies - as markets keep an eye on renewed Brexit talks.

UK and EU negotiators are meeting in London this week, after last week's talks in Brussels were cut short with huge divisions remaining between the two sides.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned German Chancellor Angela Merkel the UK is prepared to leave without a deal if one cannot be agreed before the end of the transition period on December 31.

9.24am update: UK could nominate Brexiteer and former minister Liam Fox as WTO boss

Britain will nominate Liam Fox to be the new chief of the World Trade Organisation, the political editor of the Spectator has claimed.

James Forsyth tweeted: "Understand the UK will nominate Liam Fox to be Director General of the World Trade Organization."

Mr Fox was a supporter of Brexit and served as Britain's Trade Secretary in the Government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Theresa May.

9.05am update: Boris Johnson's EU trade talk tactic to pay off as Brussels bloc to cave

Brexit is more likely to result in a trade deal due to Boris Johnson insisting that he will not ask for an extension, Lord Norman Lamont has claimed.

Negotiations have been difficult between the UK and EU after discussions between both sides on a trade deal broke up early last week with "significant differences" remaining.

But Lord Lamont is sure the EU will offer Britain a trade deal - as it is convinced there will be no more delays.

He explained the tactic has increased the bloc's willingness to reach a deal.

8.44am update: Brexit showdown - Sturgeon threatens to reject Boris Johnson's new law in EU showdown

Westminster and Holyrood are on track for the biggest constitutional showdown since the EU referendum as Nicola Sturgeon’s government have threatened to block a major post-Brexit law.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her Scottish National Party are prepared to stand in the way of a law which would give the UK Government the power to set food and environmental standards following the nation’s exit from the bloc.

Michael Russell, SNP cabinet secretary for constitutional affairs, told the Financial Times the SNP would take Westminster to court if it was given the power to force Scotland to accept new standards on food, environmental and animal welfare.

Mr Russell said: “We do not accept that this is a legitimate way of operating within devolution.

“If they pass legislation then we will have no intention of implementing that and they would have to essentially go to court to force its implementation.”

8.25am update: Boris Johnson makes no deal threat to Angela Merkel

The Prime Minister told the German Chancellor in a telephone call the UK is prepared to leave the EU on the same terms as Australia has with the bloc if it cannot agree on a future trade deal.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "On the future relationship, the prime minister underlined the UK's commitment to working hard to find an early agreement out of the intensified talks process," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

"He also noted that the UK equally would be ready to leave the transition period on Australia terms if an agreement could not in the end be reached."

Australia currently does not have a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU, and much of the business between the two sides follow default World Trade Organisation rules, although specific agreements are in place for select goods.

8.15am update: Fish on the menu at Downing Street dinner as Barnier hints at major concession

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator and UK counterpart David Frost had a private dinner in Downing Street on Tuesday evening, where fish was on the menu.

The pair kicked off the latest round of trade talks by dining on chargrilled asparagus, followed by a fillet of halibut and then a terrine of summer fruits at Number 10.

Hours earlier, the EU hinted it is ready to cave on fishing and accept plans that to provide UK boats with a far greater share of catches.

Documents released on Tuesday revealed Mr Barnier told a House of Lords committee: “Is this balanced agreement the British position as it is? Certainly not.

“Is it the European position as it is today? Clearly not. We have two entirely contradictory positions.

“If we both dig our heels in on those positions, there will be no discussion or agreement on fisheries and therefore no agreement on trade. That is not what we want.”

8am update: Barnier says EU wants deal 'but not at any price'

The EU is continuing to stand firm in Brexit talks, with Michel Barnier sending a warning to the EU on his way to London for further talks on Tuesday.

Brussels' chief negotiator posting a picture of himself and his team travelling on a train to the capital, with the caption: "The EU wants an agreement - and we are doing everything to succeed - but not at any price."

The EU is insisting there can be no new economic partnership without robust guarantees to ensure fair competition.

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2020-07-08 06:50:00Z
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Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak to unveil 'kickstart jobs scheme' for young people - BBC News

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a £2bn "kickstart scheme" on Wednesday to create more jobs for young people.

The fund will subsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Labour welcomed the move, but said the government had failed to "rise to the scale of the unemployment crisis".

Mr Sunak is also expected to announce a temporary stamp duty holiday to stimulate the property market.

This would exempt the first £500,000 of all property sales from the tax.

BBC Newsnight's political editor Nicholas Watt said the chancellor may also introduce a temporary VAT cut to help the hospitality sector that has been hard hit in the pandemic.

The jobs pledge will form part of Mr Sunak's speech, alongside a £3bn "green" fund and boosts for apprenticeships.

The government said it would lead to "hundreds of thousands of new, high-quality government-subsidised jobs".

The Treasury said the "kickstart scheme" would be part of a "three-point plan for jobs... to help Britain bounce back from coronavirus".

The CBI praised the first part of the plan as "a much-needed down payment in young people's futures".

The chancellor's statement is expected at 12:30 BST (11:30 GMT), after Boris Johnson faces Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Sunak announced he would deliver an economic update last week, after the prime minister set out his "new deal" to build after the coronavirus outbreak.

The chancellor has already outlined a number of measures in the build up, including:

• Vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements as part of a wider £3bn plan to cut emissions
• A pledge to provide 30,000 new traineeships for young people in England, giving firms £1,000 for each new work experience place they offer
• A £1.6bn package of loans and grants for the arts and heritage sector
• The doubling of front line staff at job centres, as well as an extra £32m for recruiting extra careers advisors and £17m for work academies in England.

For each "kickstarter" job, the government will cover the cost of the National Minimum Wage - £4.55 for under 18s, £6.45 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8.20 for 21 to 24-year-olds - for 25 hours a week, and employers will be able to top up the figure.

The government said it would allow young people "the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term sustainable work".

The scheme will open for applications in August, with the first jobs expected to start in the autumn, and run until December 2021 - with the option of being extended.

It will cover England, Scotland and Wales, and the government said it would provide additional funding to Northern Ireland for such a scheme.

'The focus will be on jobs, jobs, jobs'

The government is looking now to the second phase of the crisis, when the worst stage of the health aspect has passed and they hope the economic recovery can begin.

But job losses have begun, with barely a day going by without an announcement from a household name they are shedding staff.

The reality is many of those who have been paid by the Treasury will find their job doesn't return.

The focus of the chancellor's statement, therefore, will be "jobs, jobs, jobs", insiders say.

There will certainly be a long list of proposals from the Treasury.

It's not a small matter to do something like cut stamp duty, cut VAT in some sectors, accelerate infrastructure spending, or provide £2bn to subsidise jobs for young people.

But they are certainly much more orthodox actions than the kind of drastic steps the Treasury took at the start of this crisis.

Read more analysis from Laura Kuenssberg here.

Almost 500,000 people who are 24 or younger were signed up to Universal Credit in May - a rise of 250,000 since before lockdown started in March.

The chancellor has previously acknowledged young people could be the worst affected by the crisis when it comes to employment, and also be the most reliant age group on the government's furlough scheme - which is set to end in October.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Sunak is expected to say: "Young people bear the brunt of most economic crises, but they are at particular risk this time because they work in the sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic.

"We also know that youth unemployment has a long-term impact on jobs and wages and we don't want to see that happen to this generation.

"So we've got a bold plan to protect, support and create jobs - a plan for jobs."

Labour's shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, said the scheme "should help many young people to access work".

But she called on the government to extended the furlough and self-employed schemes, and create "tailored support" for older people or those living in hard hit areas.

The director general of the CBI, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, said the announcement could see the government "lessening the potential scarring impact of the pandemic for the next generation".

But she called on businesses and the government to "work to deliver the kickstarter scheme simply and at speed", adding: "There can be no time lost in preparing young people who are entering one of the toughest jobs markets we've seen in decades."

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, Mike Cherry, said a focus on jobs was "absolutely essential to lift the country out of the economic hardship caused by the Covid crisis".

But he appealed to the government to ensure smaller firms could benefit from the scheme, adding: "Small businesses must not be left waiting in line behind big corporates when they could get people to work now."

• LOCKDOWN DIET: Which retro foods made a comeback?
• SAVING THE ARTS: Will emergency funding save live music?

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2020-07-08 02:16:43Z
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Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak to unveil 'kickstart jobs scheme' for young people - BBC News

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a £2bn "kickstart scheme" on Wednesday to create more jobs for young people.

The fund will subsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Labour welcomed the move, but said the government had failed to "rise to the scale of the unemployment crisis".

Mr Sunak is also expected to announce a temporary stamp duty holiday to stimulate the property market.

This would exempt the first £500,000 of all property sales from the tax.

BBC Newsnight's political editor Nicholas Watt said the chancellor may also introduce a temporary VAT cut to help the hospitality sector that has been hard hit in the pandemic.

The jobs pledge will form part of Mr Sunak's speech, alongside a £3bn "green" fund and boosts for apprenticeships.

The government said it would lead to "hundreds of thousands of new, high-quality government-subsidised jobs".

The Treasury said the "kickstart scheme" would be part of a "three-point plan for jobs... to help Britain bounce back from coronavirus".

The CBI praised the first part of the plan as "a much-needed down payment in young people's futures".

The chancellor's statement is expected at 12:30 BST (11:30 GMT), after Boris Johnson faces Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Sunak announced he would deliver an economic update last week, after the prime minister set out his "new deal" to build after the coronavirus outbreak.

The chancellor has already outlined a number of measures in the build up, including:

• Vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements as part of a wider £3bn plan to cut emissions
• A pledge to provide 30,000 new traineeships for young people in England, giving firms £1,000 for each new work experience place they offer
• A £1.6bn package of loans and grants for the arts and heritage sector
• The doubling of front line staff at job centres, as well as an extra £32m for recruiting extra careers advisors and £17m for work academies in England.

For each "kickstarter" job, the government will cover the cost of the National Minimum Wage - £4.55 for under 18s, £6.45 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8.20 for 21 to 24-year-olds - for 25 hours a week, and employers will be able to top up the figure.

The government said it would allow young people "the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term sustainable work".

The scheme will open for applications in August, with the first jobs expected to start in the autumn, and run until December 2021 - with the option of being extended.

It will cover England, Scotland and Wales, and the government said it would provide additional funding to Northern Ireland for such a scheme.

'The focus will be on jobs, jobs, jobs'

The government is looking now to the second phase of the crisis, when the worst stage of the health aspect has passed and they hope the economic recovery can begin.

But job losses have begun, with barely a day going by without an announcement from a household name they are shedding staff.

The reality is many of those who have been paid by the Treasury will find their job doesn't return.

The focus of the chancellor's statement, therefore, will be "jobs, jobs, jobs", insiders say.

There will certainly be a long list of proposals from the Treasury.

It's not a small matter to do something like cut stamp duty, cut VAT in some sectors, accelerate infrastructure spending, or provide £2bn to subsidise jobs for young people.

But they are certainly much more orthodox actions than the kind of drastic steps the Treasury took at the start of this crisis.

Read more analysis from Laura Kuenssberg here.

Almost 500,000 people who are 24 or younger were signed up to Universal Credit in May - a rise of 250,000 since before lockdown started in March.

The chancellor has previously acknowledged young people could be the worst affected by the crisis when it comes to employment, and also be the most reliant age group on the government's furlough scheme - which is set to end in October.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Sunak is expected to say: "Young people bear the brunt of most economic crises, but they are at particular risk this time because they work in the sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic.

"We also know that youth unemployment has a long-term impact on jobs and wages and we don't want to see that happen to this generation.

"So we've got a bold plan to protect, support and create jobs - a plan for jobs."

Labour's shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, said the scheme "should help many young people to access work".

But she called on the government to extended the furlough and self-employed schemes, and create "tailored support" for older people or those living in hard hit areas.

The director general of the CBI, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, said the announcement could see the government "lessening the potential scarring impact of the pandemic for the next generation".

But she called on businesses and the government to "work to deliver the kickstarter scheme simply and at speed", adding: "There can be no time lost in preparing young people who are entering one of the toughest jobs markets we've seen in decades."

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, Mike Cherry, said a focus on jobs was "absolutely essential to lift the country out of the economic hardship caused by the Covid crisis".

But he appealed to the government to ensure smaller firms could benefit from the scheme, adding: "Small businesses must not be left waiting in line behind big corporates when they could get people to work now."

• LOCKDOWN DIET: Which retro foods made a comeback?
• SAVING THE ARTS: Will emergency funding save live music?

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2020-07-08 01:50:52Z
52780898176939

Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak to unveil 'kickstart jobs scheme' for young people - BBC News

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a £2bn "kickstart scheme" on Wednesday to create more jobs for young people.

The fund will subsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Labour welcomed the move, but said the government had failed to "rise to the scale of the unemployment crisis".

Mr Sunak is also expected to announce a temporary stamp duty holiday to stimulate the property market.

This would exempt the first £500,000 of all property sales from the tax.

BBC Newsnight's political editor Nicholas Watt said the chancellor may also introduce a temporary VAT cut to help the hospitality sector that has been hard hit in the pandemic.

The jobs pledge will form part of Mr Sunak's speech, alongside a £3bn "green" fund and boosts for apprenticeships.

The government said it would lead to "hundreds of thousands of new, high-quality government-subsidised jobs".

The Treasury said the "kickstart scheme" would be part of a "three-point plan for jobs... to help Britain bounce back from coronavirus".

The CBI praised the first part of the plan as "a much-needed down payment in young people's futures".

The chancellor's statement is expected at 12:30 BST (11:30 GMT), after Boris Johnson faces Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Sunak announced he would deliver an economic update last week, after the prime minister set out his "new deal" to build after the coronavirus outbreak.

The chancellor has already outlined a number of measures in the build up, including:

• Vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements as part of a wider £3bn plan to cut emissions
• A pledge to provide 30,000 new traineeships for young people in England, giving firms £1,000 for each new work experience place they offer
• A £1.6bn package of loans and grants for the arts and heritage sector
• The doubling of front line staff at job centres, as well as an extra £32m for recruiting extra careers advisors and £17m for work academies in England.

For each "kickstarter" job, the government will cover the cost of the National Minimum Wage - £4.55 for under 18s, £6.45 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8.20 for 21 to 24-year-olds - for 25 hours a week, and employers will be able to top up the figure.

The government said it would allow young people "the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term sustainable work".

The scheme will open for applications in August, with the first jobs expected to start in the autumn, and run until December 2021 - with the option of being extended.

It will cover England, Scotland and Wales, and the government said it would provide additional funding to Northern Ireland for such a scheme.

'The focus will be on jobs, jobs, jobs'

The government is looking now to the second phase of the crisis, when the worst stage of the health aspect has passed and they hope the economic recovery can begin.

But job losses have begun, with barely a day going by without an announcement from a household name they are shedding staff.

The reality is many of those who have been paid by the Treasury will find their job doesn't return.

The focus of the chancellor's statement, therefore, will be "jobs, jobs, jobs", insiders say.

There will certainly be a long list of proposals from the Treasury.

It's not a small matter to do something like cut stamp duty, cut VAT in some sectors, accelerate infrastructure spending, or provide £2bn to subsidise jobs for young people.

But they are certainly much more orthodox actions than the kind of drastic steps the Treasury took at the start of this crisis.

Read more analysis from Laura Kuenssberg here.

Almost 500,000 people who are 24 or younger were signed up to Universal Credit in May - a rise of 250,000 since before lockdown started in March.

The chancellor has previously acknowledged young people could be the worst affected by the crisis when it comes to employment, and also be the most reliant age group on the government's furlough scheme - which is set to end in October.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Sunak is expected to say: "Young people bear the brunt of most economic crises, but they are at particular risk this time because they work in the sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic.

"We also know that youth unemployment has a long-term impact on jobs and wages and we don't want to see that happen to this generation.

"So we've got a bold plan to protect, support and create jobs - a plan for jobs."

Labour's shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, said the scheme "should help many young people to access work".

But she called on the government to extended the furlough and self-employed schemes, and create "tailored support" for older people or those living in hard hit areas.

The director general of the CBI, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, said the announcement could see the government "lessening the potential scarring impact of the pandemic for the next generation".

But she called on businesses and the government to "work to deliver the kickstarter scheme simply and at speed", adding: "There can be no time lost in preparing young people who are entering one of the toughest jobs markets we've seen in decades."

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, Mike Cherry, said a focus on jobs was "absolutely essential to lift the country out of the economic hardship caused by the Covid crisis".

But he appealed to the government to ensure smaller firms could benefit from the scheme, adding: "Small businesses must not be left waiting in line behind big corporates when they could get people to work now."

• LOCKDOWN DIET: Which retro foods made a comeback?
• SAVING THE ARTS: Will emergency funding save live music?

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2020-07-08 01:03:43Z
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Moment Johnny Depp ‘hurls wine bottle during booze-fuelled rage with Amber Heard’ - The Sun

JOHNNY Depp allegedly threw a wine bottle during a booze-fuelled row with Amber Heard in a video shown to the High Court today.

The court saw a video filmed by Heard which showed Depp smashing up the kitchen he shared with her.

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A video of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was shown in court todayCredit: the sun

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The video was filmed by HeardCredit: the sun

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Depp can be seen pouring himsself a huge glass of wine from a bottleCredit: the sun

The actor was seen kicking cabinets and yelling “Motherf***er! Motherf***er!” while Ms Heard asks him, “What happened? What happened? We are not even fighting, all I did was say sorry.”

Depp continues slamming cabinet doors, apparently smashing the glass panels, while muttering: “Did something happen to you? I didn’t think so. You wanna see crazy? I'll give you f***ing crazy.”

Depp then walks towards the camera and pours himself a huge glass of red wine from a bottle.

Ms Heard says: “Did you drink this whole thing this morning?”

At that point, Depp appears to realise he is being filmed and grabs the phone, appearing to hurl it into the garden.

Sasha Wass QC, representing The Sun, asked if he would describe his behaviour as violent.

Depp said: “I was violent with some cupboards. Clearly I wasn’t in the best frame of mind. I was upset, very upset.”

Ms Wass referred to the “mega-pint” of wine Depp had poured for himself, adding: “It’s not everyone’s choice for breakfast. Your behaviour would have been very intimidating for Ms Heard.”

Depp said: “I can understand that, sure.”

Depp added: “Ms Heard was not struck in that video. Everyone has a moment or two in their life. I think I maybe had a moment. The human in me lapsed.”

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The video shows Depp smashing up a kitchenCredit: the sun

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Depp said he was "very upset" in the videoCredit: the sun

Depp alleged he found his his ex-wife's poo in their bed, the High Court heard today.

The Edward Scissorhands actor said nothing in life has upset him as much as Heard's "words and behaviour" towards him.

Depp said he first met Heard when she auditioned for The Rum Diary, and later reconnected with her when they were promoting the film.

In one of his witness statements, Depp said: "She was then extremely friendly to me and keen to tell me about the break-up with her former partner that she had recently gone through.

"If I had known then what I know now, I would have seen the red flag warning signs, but I did not.

"She was beautiful, seemingly incredibly interested in me and my work, and I fell for it.

"She bombed me with what appeared to be love. It was not until much later that I understood that she had an agenda, namely to get married to me in order to progress her own career and/or to benefit financially, and she knew how to bring it about.

"For example, at the time, she repeatedly told me how much she admired my films; however, later in our relationship she admitted that she had never seen any of my films.

"She knew what she wanted and I was an easy target."

Depp said their time together was "incredibly unhappy".

15

Amber Heard at the High Court in London todayCredit: PA:Press Association

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Johnny Depp outside court todayCredit: PA:Press Association

According to Depp's statement, Heard "continuously belittled" him and called him a "fat old man".

He said he found it "devastating and heartbreaking" to hear Heard call him a "horrible father".

Depp said he resolved to divorce her after faeces were left in their bed.

He said he understands that Heard "or possibly one of her friends" defecated in their bed, with Heard allegedly describing it as "just a harmless prank".

Depp said he has never abused Heard, or any other woman, in his life.

He said in his statement: "I am from a Southern family and rules were instilled in me from birth by my mother: you would be a Southern gentleman or it would be beaten into you.

"Even as a child, chivalry was extremely important and, whether or not this is considered old-fashioned, it is still something that I consider very important."

Depp referred to himself as "the monster" when he violently attacked Heard.

The Hollywood actor "turned his rage and frustration" on the actress when he "failed to control" his drug and alcohol abuse, it was said.

The High Court heard how Depp "descended into physically destructive behaviour" - causing him to refer to his "drunken and violent persona as 'the monster'."

He has been accused of subjecting Heard to a "three-day ordeal of physical assaults".

---

What the court has heard so far:

• Johnny Depp referred to his 'drunken and violent persona' as 'the monster
• The star admitted in evidence he first took drugs aged 11
• He said he had tried 'every drug known to man' by age 14
• Amber Heard told Depp 'grow the f*** up' in explosive recordings
• Depp accused Heard of severing his finger and released a photo of the wound
• He admitted to spending £23,834 a month in wine - but claimed he didn't drink it all himself
• Depp also emailed Sir Elton John to celebrate 100 days sober - and referred to his "brain and liver resembling Mrs Thatcher"
• The star referred to the mother of his children Vanessa Paradis as the "pain the a**e French ex albatross"
• He also claimed he vowed to end the marriage when he found poo in their marital bed

---

The Pirates of the Caribbean star denies hitting any woman and has turned the tables on Heard today insisting the claims were "complete lies".

He also claimed the so-called "monster" was an idea Heard became "obsessed with" when their rows escalated.

Depp told the court Heard severed his finger during a trip to Australia in 2015 by throwing a vodka bottle at him and accused her of repeatedly punching him in the face.

His defence team today released a picture of the injured finger that was shown to the court.

Explosive recordings of Heard telling Depp "I didn't f***ing deck you" and "grow the f*** up"were played to the court in one heated exchange.

The divorced pair came face-to-face with each other today at the court in London, where Depp, 57, is suing The Sun for referring to him as a “wife beater” in an April 2018 article.

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A video of Depp was shown to the High Court today Credit: AFP or licensors

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Amber Heard arrives at court this morningCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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Depp wore a black bandanna to court todayCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Heard today arrived at the High Court flanked by her sister Whitney, girlfriend Bianca Butti and lawyer Jennifer Robinson ahead of the three-week trial.

The star wore a red scarf around her mouth and a smart black dress teamed with stilettos as she prepared to come face-to-face with Depp.

Depp also covered his mouth with a black bandana and wore sunglasses ahead of the head-to-head against his ex-wife.

He failed in a last-minute bid to stop Heard attending unless she was giving evidence.

Opening the case, Sasha Wass QC, representing The Sun, said: "The defendants will demonstrate that the description of Mr Depp as a 'wife beater' is entirely accurate and truthful.

"They will show that the string of the articles is correct - namely that the claimant beat his wife Amber Heard, causing her to suffer significant injury and on occasion leading to her fearing for her life.

"This defence is supported by witness testimony, medical evidence, photographs, video, audio recordings, digital evidence and Mr Depp's own texts."

The lawyer described Heard as an "intelligent and independent woman who has developed her own career as an actress".

But she said this "gave rise to a series of conflicts" between the pair as Depp sought to "control" Heard's social life and career choices.

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Amber Heard and Johnny Depp when they were togetherCredit: AFP or licensors

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Depp said he decided to divorce Heard after finding poo in his bedCredit: AFP or licensors

She added: "These conflicts manifested themselves in arguments where Mr Depp became abusive and aggressively jealous, on occasion falsely accusing Ms Heard of having sexual relationships with her co-stars.

"Matters were not helped by the generational difference between Ms Heard and Mr Depp which fuelled Mr Depp's insecurity.

"This exacerbated his well-documented dependence and excessive abuse of alcohol and controlled drugs which dated back to Mr Depp's time as a young man."

The court was told Heard had been "supportive" of Depp's attempts to "kick his addictions" but if he failed, he "turned his rage and frustration on Ms Heard, berating her and launching into a variety of vile, crude and unreasonable accusations."

Ms Wass added: "On such occasions, Mr Depp's aggression typically descended into physically destructive behaviour, including the use of violence against her.

"His 'wife beating' behaviour included throwing objects at her, slapping her across the face, kicking her, gripping her around the throat and threatening to kill her.

"In periods of sobriety following Mr Depp's destructive rages, he recognised the problems he faced, apologised to Ms Heard and blamed what he described as 'his illness'. He referred to his drunken and violent persona as 'the monster'.

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Depp and Heard pictured together while they were a coupleCredit: AFP or licensors

"When sober, Mr Depp was capable of kindness, charm and generosity. The side of character which he described as 'the monster' was jealous, controlling, violent and savage. It is these characteristics which qualify him for the term 'wife beater'."

Depp was asked whether he was drunk at the time of the video shown to court today.

But the star said he believed it was left over from the night before and denied he had taken cocaine because it's a "physical impossibility" he would always be "high or inebriated".

Depp did admit to spending £23,834 a month in wine - but claimed he didn't drink it all himself.

The court also heard he once emailed Sir Elton John to celebrate 100 days sober - and referred to his "brain and liver resembling Mrs Thatcher".

Speaking of the "eternal savagery against myself", Depp told Sir Elton: "I would have been swallowed up by the monster were it not for you."

The court was also told Depp sent a text message where he referred to his ex and mother of his children Vanessa Paradis as a "pain in the a**e".

He also branded her the "French ex albatross" as he praised Heard at the start of her relationship.

Depp told the court in evidence that accusations he subjected Heard to "torture and other abuse" were "sick" and "completely untrue".

Extracts of recordings made by the star between him and Heard were today read to the court during his evidence.

In them, Heard tells Depp: "You got hit... but I did not punch you.

"I did not f***ing deck you. I f***ing was hitting you".

Heard then goes on to brand Depp a "f***ing baby", causing him to reply: "Because you start physical fights."

The actress then continues: "You are such a baby. Grow the f*** up."

Depp made a number of admissions as he took to the stand - including how he first started taking drugs aged just 11.

He also claimed he tried "every drug known to man" by the time he was 14 - including LSD, cocaine and prescription drugs.

The ongoing trial was due to start in March but had to be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Depp and Heard first met in 2015Credit: AFP or licensors

It was almost thrown out last week after Mr Justice Nicol ruled the star breached a court order by failing to reveal potential evidence —  text messages relating to his alleged drug use.

The "Australia drugs texts" that were sent in 2015 before the alleged assault include mention of "happy pills" and "whitey stuff".

Depp has denied taking drugs and claimed Heard did not find a bag of MDMA at the time of the alleged attack.

Depp's former partners Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder are among witnesses expected to give evidence.

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Depp has brought separate libel proceedings against Heard in the US.

The couple married in LA in 2015 after meeting on the set of comedy The Rum Diary.

But they divorced two years later after Heard, who donated her £5.5million settlement to charity, accused Depp of abuse.

If you are affected by domestic abuse, please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

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Johnny Depp outside court in LondonCredit: EPA

Actor Johnny Depp arrives at the High Court in London for a hearing in his libel case

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2020-07-08 00:40:57Z
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Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak to unveil 'kickstart jobs scheme' for young people - BBC News

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a £2bn "kickstart scheme" on Wednesday to create more jobs for young people.

The fund will subsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Labour welcomed the move, but said the government had failed to "rise to the scale of the unemployment crisis".

Mr Sunak is also expected to announce a temporary stamp duty holiday to stimulate the property market.

This would exempt the first £500,000 of all property sales from the tax.

BBC Newsnight's political editor Nicholas Watt said the chancellor may also introduce a temporary VAT cut to help the hospitality sector that has been hard hit in the pandemic.

The jobs pledge will form part of Mr Sunak's speech, alongside a £3bn "green" fund and boosts for apprenticeships.

The government said it would lead to "hundreds of thousands of new, high-quality government-subsidised jobs".

The Treasury said the "kickstart scheme" would be part of a "three-point plan for jobs... to help Britain bounce back from coronavirus".

The CBI praised the first part of the plan as "a much-needed down payment in young people's futures".

The chancellor's statement is expected at 12:30 BST (11:30 GMT), after Boris Johnson faces Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Sunak announced he would deliver an economic update last week, after the prime minister set out his "new deal" to build after the coronavirus outbreak.

The chancellor has already outlined a number of measures in the build up, including:

• Vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements as part of a wider £3bn plan to cut emissions
• A pledge to provide 30,000 new traineeships for young people in England, giving firms £1,000 for each new work experience place they offer
• A £1.6bn package of loans and grants for the arts and heritage sector
• The doubling of front line staff at job centres, as well as an extra £32m for recruiting extra careers advisors and £17m for work academies in England.

For each "kickstarter" job, the government will cover the cost of the National Minimum Wage - £4.55 for under 18s, £6.45 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8.20 for 21 to 24-year-olds - for 25 hours a week, and employers will be able to top up the figure.

The government said it would allow young people "the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term sustainable work".

The scheme will open for applications in August, with the first jobs expected to start in the autumn, and run until December 2021 - with the option of being extended.

It will cover England, Scotland and Wales, and the government said it would provide additional funding to Northern Ireland for such a scheme.

'The focus will be on jobs, jobs, jobs'

The government is looking now to the second phase of the crisis, when the worst stage of the health aspect has passed and they hope the economic recovery can begin.

But job losses have begun, with barely a day going by without an announcement from a household name they are shedding staff.

The reality is many of those who have been paid by the Treasury will find their job doesn't return.

The focus of the chancellor's statement, therefore, will be "jobs, jobs, jobs", insiders say.

There will certainly be a long list of proposals from the Treasury.

It's not a small matter to do something like cut stamp duty, cut VAT in some sectors, accelerate infrastructure spending, or provide £2bn to subsidise jobs for young people.

But they are certainly much more orthodox actions than the kind of drastic steps the Treasury took at the start of this crisis.

Read more analysis from Laura Kuenssberg here.

Almost 500,000 people who are 24 or younger were signed up to Universal Credit in May - a rise of 250,000 since before lockdown started in March.

The chancellor has previously acknowledged young people could be the worst affected by the crisis when it comes to employment, and also be the most reliant age group on the government's furlough scheme - which is set to end in October.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Sunak is expected to say: "Young people bear the brunt of most economic crises, but they are at particular risk this time because they work in the sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic.

"We also know that youth unemployment has a long-term impact on jobs and wages and we don't want to see that happen to this generation.

"So we've got a bold plan to protect, support and create jobs - a plan for jobs."

Labour's shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, said the scheme "should help many young people to access work".

But she called on the government to extended the furlough and self-employed schemes, and create "tailored support" for older people or those living in hard hit areas.

The director general of the CBI, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, said the announcement could see the government "lessening the potential scarring impact of the pandemic for the next generation".

But she called on businesses and the government to "work to deliver the kickstarter scheme simply and at speed", adding: "There can be no time lost in preparing young people who are entering one of the toughest jobs markets we've seen in decades."

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, Mike Cherry, said a focus on jobs was "absolutely essential to lift the country out of the economic hardship caused by the Covid crisis".

But he appealed to the government to ensure smaller firms could benefit from the scheme, adding: "Small businesses must not be left waiting in line behind big corporates when they could get people to work now."

• LOCKDOWN DIET: Which retro foods made a comeback?
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2020-07-08 00:24:12Z
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Brexit showdown: EU set to cave on fishing as UK and Brussels go head-to-head TODAY - Express.co.uk

Fish was on the menu for dinner as well as discussions between officials last night ahead of informal negotiations opening this morning. Access to UK waters after the transition period ends in December is one of the key stumbling blocks in striking a future trade deal.

Documents released yesterday revealed Eurocrat Michel Barnier has indicated Brussels is willing to compromise.

The EU chief negotiator told a House of Lords committee that there will be no trade agreement without a “balanced” agreement on fisheries.

He said: “Is this balanced agreement the British position as it is? Certainly not.

“Is it the European position as it is today? Clearly not. We have two entirely contradictory positions.

“If we both dig our heels in on those positions, there will be no discussion or agreement on fisheries and therefore no agreement on trade. That is not what we want.”

Mr Barnier and UK counterpart David Frost met for a private dinner in Downing Street last night, dining on chargrilled asparagus, followed by a fillet of halibut and then a terrine of summer fruit.

Mr Barnier said the EU is "doing everything to succeed" in reaching an agreement "but not at any price".

READ MORE: EU to impose FULL Brexit border checks from January 1

Tory former cabinet minister Lord Lilley said the poultry does not pose a risk to humans.

"Hasn't this scare been concocted by anti-Americans who want to sabotage a potential UK-US trade deal?” he said.

He was joined by fellow Tory peer and House Of Cards author Lord Dobbs, who put the public health "commotion" down to those "who have a political rather than a scientific objective".

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2020-07-07 23:01:00Z
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