Coronavirus: Large parties shut down overnight by police as people enjoy weekend of revelry before new COVID rules - Sky News

Police have shut down a series of illegal parties overnight as people enjoyed a final weekend of revelry before tougher coronavirus restrictions come into force.

With hours until the "rule of six" takes effect, Greater Manchester Police said it had halted illegal gatherings at properties in Altrincham and Flixton on Saturday night, along with a gathering of around 70 people in Mottram.

Fixed penalty notices were issued at each of the incidents, which breached existing bans on groups of more than 30 meeting.

Image: People enjoying a night out in Soho

Officers had earlier attended a gathering of 45 people in Stockport, and another at an address in north Manchester they had been called to on two previous occasions.

Meanwhile, large numbers of people flocked to bars and pubs in cities across the UK despite rising numbers of coronavirus cases, with pictures showing groups making the most of the warm weekend weather.

Advertisement

That came after Nottinghamshire Police issued a "reckless" teenager with a £10,000 fine for hosting a house party in Lenton, which saw more than 50 guests gather at a home on Harlaxton Drive.

:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

More from Covid-19

If the 19-year-old man fails to pay or contests the fine he will appear before a court, the force said.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper, from Nottinghamshire Police, said anyone considering hosting parties ahead of the changes on Monday - when social gatherings in England will be limited to groups of six people both indoors and outdoors - should think again or face the consequences.

"We need to all remember we are very much still in the middle of a global pandemic and we all need to take responsibility for our actions," he said.

Image: Figures on Saturday showed another 3,497 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK

"I want to send out a clear message to anyone who is thinking of deliberately hosting parties tonight or tomorrow night ahead of the rules changing to please not do this.

"As we have demonstrated here we are not afraid to use the full powers we have and we will not tolerate those who deliberately put other people's lives in danger."

The chairman of the Police Federation had previously warned the public against having a "party weekend" before the stricter social gatherings rules come into force.

Image: People sing and dance as they watch a street performer in Leicester Square

Government figures showed on Saturday that another 3,497 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK.

The number of new infections was a 36% increase on last Saturday, when 2,594 new cases were reported nationwide.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMikwFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1sYXJnZS1wYXJ0aWVzLXN0b3JtZWQtb3Zlcm5pZ2h0LWJ5LXBvbGljZS1hcy1wZW9wbGUtZW5qb3ktd2Vla2VuZC1vZi1yZXZlbHJ5LWJlZm9yZS1uZXctY292aWQtcnVsZXMtMTIwNzA2MzfSAZcBaHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWxhcmdlLXBhcnRpZXMtc3Rvcm1lZC1vdmVybmlnaHQtYnktcG9saWNlLWFzLXBlb3BsZS1lbmpveS13ZWVrZW5kLW9mLXJldmVscnktYmVmb3JlLW5ldy1jb3ZpZC1ydWxlcy0xMjA3MDYzNw?oc=5

2020-09-13 08:02:40Z
52781058847589

Brexit: Tony Blair and John Major urge MPs to reject bill - BBC News

Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major have urged parliament to reject Boris Johnson's "shameful" attempt to override parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

The PM has said the European Union is threatening to impose a customs border in the Irish Sea, separating Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Mr Blair and Sir John have accused the government of "embarrassing" the UK.

The Internal Market Bill will be debated in the Commons on Monday.

The bill would go against the Withdrawal Agreement signed by the UK and EU.

It addresses the Northern Ireland Protocol - the part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland.

If the bill becomes law it would give UK ministers powers to modify or "disapply" rules relating to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland that will come into force from 1 January, if the UK and EU are unable to strike a trade deal.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Sir John and Mr Blair - former Conservative and Labour prime ministers respectively - said the government's actions were "irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice".

"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation," they said.

The former leaders said that respecting treaty obligations was "just as important" as domestic law, and called for MPs to reject the legislation.

"As the world looks on aghast at the UK - the word of which was once accepted as inviolable - this government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation," they added.

Analysis

By Leila Nathoo, political correspondent

Tony Blair and Sir John Major say Boris Johnson knew the full consequences of the Brexit divorce deal he struck it with Brussels last year - that new barriers to trade would arise between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

They say the government's plans to now override parts of the deal would imperil the Good Friday Agreement, undermine the UK's credibility in future trade deals and could prompt a damaging retaliation from the EU.

They accuse ministers of embarrassing the UK, by negotiating with what they call "cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy" - an approach they say questions the very integrity of the nation.

Their intervention is, however, unlikely to sway Mr Johnson, who's insisted the Internal Market Bill is a necessary safety net to protect the union and peace process - and has defied EU demands to withdraw the contentious clauses before the end of the month.

The prime minister's appealed to MPs to back the legislation - his predecessors say it's Parliament's job to stop his plan going any further.

The PM urged Conservative MPs on Friday to back the bill during a Zoom call, following concerns about his proposals.

The EU has warned the UK it could face legal action if it does not ditch controversial elements of the Internal Market Bill by the end of the month.

Ministers have sought to defend the government's plans, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove saying the proposals were a means of protecting the "integrity" of the UK.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

And Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis conceded the bill would break international law, but "in a very specific and limited way".

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has accused the PM of "reigniting old rows" by working to override his own Withdrawal Agreement.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the Labour leader said his party could back the Internal Market Bill if the government addressed "the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised".

But in order to win Labour's support, the bill would need to no longer risk breaching international law and address devolved administrations' concerns of a "power grab".

"We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe," Sir Keir said. "Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the government's mantra."

• TASTE AND SMELL: How are they connected?
• RETURN TO FILMING: How has filming EastEnders changed?

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiL2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx0gEzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx?oc=5

2020-09-13 05:37:50Z
52781052316363

Brexit: Tony Blair and John Major urge MPs to reject bill - BBC News

Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major have urged parliament to reject Boris Johnson's "shameful" attempt to override parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

The PM has said the European Union is threatening to impose a customs border in the Irish Sea, separating Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Mr Blair and Sir John have accused the government of "embarrassing" the UK.

The Internal Market Bill will be debated in the Commons on Monday.

The bill would go against the Withdrawal Agreement signed by the UK and EU.

It addresses the Northern Ireland Protocol - the part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland.

If the bill becomes law it would give UK ministers powers to modify or "disapply" rules relating to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland that will come into force from 1 January, if the UK and EU are unable to strike a trade deal.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Sir John and Mr Blair - former Conservative and Labour prime ministers respectively - said the government's actions were "irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice".

"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation," they said.

The former leaders said that respecting treaty obligations was "just as important" as domestic law, and called for MPs to reject the legislation.

"As the world looks on aghast at the UK - the word of which was once accepted as inviolable - this government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation," they added.

Analysis

By Leila Nathoo, political correspondent

Tony Blair and Sir John Major say Boris Johnson knew the full consequences of the Brexit divorce deal he struck it with Brussels last year - that new barriers to trade would arise between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

They say the government's plans to now override parts of the deal would imperil the Good Friday Agreement, undermine the UK's credibility in future trade deals and could prompt a damaging retaliation from the EU.

They accuse ministers of embarrassing the UK, by negotiating with what they call "cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy" - an approach they say questions the very integrity of the nation.

Their intervention is, however, unlikely to sway Mr Johnson, who's insisted the Internal Market Bill is a necessary safety net to protect the union and peace process - and has defied EU demands to withdraw the contentious clauses before the end of the month.

The prime minister's appealed to MPs to back the legislation - his predecessors say it's parliament's job to stop his plan going any further.

The PM urged Conservative MPs on Friday to back the bill during a Zoom call, following concerns about his proposals.

The EU has warned the UK it could face legal action if it does not ditch controversial elements of the Internal Market Bill by the end of the month.

Ministers have sought to defend the government's plans, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove saying the proposals were a means of protecting the "integrity" of the UK.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

And Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis conceded the bill would break international law, but "in a very specific and limited way".

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has accused the PM of "reigniting old rows" by working to override his own Withdrawal Agreement.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the Labour leader said his party could back the Internal Market Bill if the government addressed "the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised".

But in order to win Labour's support, the bill would need to no longer risk breaching international law and address devolved administrations' concerns of a "power grab".

"We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe," Sir Keir said. "Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the government's mantra."

• TASTE AND SMELL: How are they connected?
• RETURN TO FILMING: How has filming EastEnders changed?

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiL2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx0gEzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx?oc=5

2020-09-13 04:37:48Z
52781052316363

Brexit: Tony Blair and John Major urge MPs to reject bill - BBC News

Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major have urged parliament to reject Boris Johnson's "shameful" attempt to override parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

The PM has said the European Union is threatening to impose a customs border in the Irish Sea, separating Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Mr Blair and Sir John have accused the government of "embarrassing" the UK.

The Internal Market Bill will be debated in the Commons on Monday.

The bill would go against the Withdrawal Agreement signed by the UK and EU.

It addresses the Northern Ireland Protocol - the part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland.

If the bill becomes law it would give UK ministers powers to modify or "disapply" rules relating to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland that will come into force from 1 January, if the UK and EU are unable to strike a trade deal.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Sir John and Mr Blair - former Conservative and Labour prime ministers respectively - said the government's actions were "irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice".

"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation," they said.

The former leaders said that respecting treaty obligations was "just as important" as domestic law, and called for MPs to reject the legislation.

"As the world looks on aghast at the UK - the word of which was once accepted as inviolable - this government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation," they added.

Analysis

By Leila Nathoo, political correspondent

Tony Blair and Sir John Major say Boris Johnson knew the full consequences of the Brexit divorce deal he struck it with Brussels last year - that new barriers to trade would arise between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

They say the government's plans to now override parts of the deal would imperil the Good Friday Agreement, undermine the UK's credibility in future trade deals and could prompt a damaging retaliation from the EU.

They accuse ministers of embarrassing the UK, by negotiating with what they call "cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy" - an approach they say questions the very integrity of the nation.

Their intervention is, however, unlikely to sway Mr Johnson, who's insisted the Internal Market Bill is a necessary safety net to protect the union and peace process - and has defied EU demands to withdraw the contentious clauses before the end of the month.

The prime minister's appealed to MPs to back the legislation - his predecessors say it's parliament's job to stop his plan going any further.

The PM urged Conservative MPs on Friday to back the bill during a Zoom call, following concerns about his proposals.

The EU has warned the UK it could face legal action if it does not ditch controversial elements of the Internal Market Bill by the end of the month.

Ministers have sought to defend the government's plans, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove saying the proposals were a means of protecting the "integrity" of the UK.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

And Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis conceded the bill would break international law, but "in a very specific and limited way".

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has accused the PM of "reigniting old rows" by working to override his own Withdrawal Agreement.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the Labour leader said his party could back the Internal Market Bill if the government addressed "the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised".

But in order to win Labour's support, the bill would need to no longer risk breaching international law and address devolved administrations' concerns of a "power grab".

"We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe," Sir Keir said. "Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the government's mantra."

• TASTE AND SMELL: How are they connected?
• RETURN TO FILMING: How has filming EastEnders changed?

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiL2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx0gEzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx?oc=5

2020-09-13 03:34:31Z
52781052316363

Brexit: Tony Blair and John Major urge MPs to reject bill - BBC News

Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major have urged parliament to reject Boris Johnson's "shameful" attempt to override parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

The PM has said the European Union is threatening to impose a customs border in the Irish Sea, separating Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Mr Blair and Sir John have accused the government of "embarrassing" the UK.

The Internal Market Bill will be debated in the Commons on Monday.

The bill would go against the Withdrawal Agreement signed by the UK and EU.

It addresses the Northern Ireland Protocol - the part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland.

If the bill becomes law it would give UK ministers powers to modify or "disapply" rules relating to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland that will come into force from 1 January, if the UK and EU are unable to strike a trade deal.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Sir John and Mr Blair - former Conservative and Labour prime ministers respectively - said the government's actions were "irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice".

"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation," they said.

The former leaders said that respecting treaty obligations was "just as important" as domestic law, and called for MPs to reject the legislation.

"As the world looks on aghast at the UK - the word of which was once accepted as inviolable - this government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing our nation," they added.

Analysis

By Leila Nathoo, political correspondent

Tony Blair and Sir John Major say Boris Johnson knew the full consequences of the Brexit divorce deal he struck it with Brussels last year - that new barriers to trade would arise between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

They say the government's plans to now override parts of the deal would imperil the Good Friday Agreement, undermine the UK's credibility in future trade deals and could prompt a damaging retaliation from the EU.

They accuse ministers of embarrassing the UK, by negotiating with what they call "cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy" - an approach they say questions the very integrity of the nation.

Their intervention is, however, unlikely to sway Mr Johnson, who's insisted the Internal Market Bill is a necessary safety net to protect the union and peace process - and has defied EU demands to withdraw the contentious clauses before the end of the month.

The prime minister's appealed to MPs to back the legislation - his predecessors say it's parliament's job to stop his plan going any further.

The PM urged Conservative MPs on Friday to back the bill during a Zoom call, following concerns about his proposals.

The EU has warned the UK it could face legal action if it does not ditch controversial elements of the Internal Market Bill by the end of the month.

Ministers have sought to defend the government's plans, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove saying the proposals were a means of protecting the "integrity" of the UK.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

And Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis conceded the bill would break international law, but "in a very specific and limited way".

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has accused the PM of "reigniting old rows" by working to override his own Withdrawal Agreement.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the Labour leader said his party could back the Internal Market Bill if the government addressed "the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised".

But in order to win Labour's support, the bill would need to no longer risk breaching international law and address devolved administrations' concerns of a "power grab".

"We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe," Sir Keir said. "Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the government's mantra."

• TASTE AND SMELL: How are they connected?
• RETURN TO FILMING: How has filming EastEnders changed?

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiL2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx0gEzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLXBvbGl0aWNzLTU0MTM1MjMx?oc=5

2020-09-13 01:09:19Z
52781052316363

Brits flock to pubs to enjoy last Saturday before ‘rule of six’ hits - Metro.co.uk

Brits enjoy their last weekend before new restrictions come in (Pictures: Reuters)

Hot weather across much of England has brought crowds out into parks, cafes and bars as people made the most of the final opportunity to meet up in large groups before new rules come into place.

Temperatures climbed in the last weekend before the ‘rule of six’ is imposed on socialising in the UK, giving people a chance to enjoy a balmy weekend in the sun. 

The public has been urged to avoid a ‘one last blow out’ mentality but Brits followed up a boozy Friday night with a sun-drenched Saturday session.

In London’s Soho, outdoor eating areas were busy well into the evening and parks across the capital also attracted crowds.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In Leicester Square, a large group was seen enjoying a spontaneous party as a busker played the keyboard and revellers sung along. 

The new rules restricting groups to no more than six people apply both indoors and outdoors In England and Scotland from Monday – just as temperatures are expected to rise to their highest levels since the early August heatwave. 

It’s not known how long the new restrictions will last but health officials have told the country to prepare to live under the rules for ‘months rather than weeks.’

Leicester Square in London’s West End was as busy as ever (Picture: PA)

A busker wins plaudits in Leicester Square (Picture: PA)

People sing on the street whilst enjoying a Saturday night out (Picture: PA)

People gather on the street amid the coronavirus disease outbreak in London (Picture: Reuters)

There was some dancing on the streets as nightclubs are still shut (Picture: Reuters)

People were in high spirits (Picture: Reuters)

Groups of more than six won’t be able to meet up from Monday (Picture: Reuters)

With travel abroad restricted, Brits have made the most of the UK’s best beach spots on sunny days this summer. This has led to concerns about overcrowding and difficulties with observing social distancing.

In Brighton today, crowds were pictured enjoying themselves on the seafront and sitting in outdoor restaurants although there was no repeat of the packed scenes seen in July and August.

The weather has not been quite so good in the north of England and Scotland. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for western Scotland where as much as 150mm of rain could fall in hilly areas on Sunday.

In Newcastle, one of the areas added to the Government’s watch list as an ‘area of concern’ on Friday, health officials have said they trust people to ‘behave sensibly’. 

Newcastle upon Tyne’s director of health Eugene Milne has dampened fears that people would be going all out this weekend.

People enjoy outdoor dining in Soho (Picture: Reuters)

Groups eat and drink in outdoor restaurants in Soho, London (Picture: PA)

The sunny weather is expected to continue (Picture: PA)

People ride through the sunny streets of London (Picture: Getty)

He told Tyne Tees TV News: ‘At the opening of lockdown there was a real fear that that might happen in the city, and that didn’t happen so I think we can trust people.

‘The idea of the rule of six is to make it easier for people to know how to stick with the guidance and I think one of the big problems has been the guidance has progressively got so complicated, so specific to particular areas that it becomes very confusing for everybody.’

Dave Stone, a director of the Wylam Brewery and one of the founders of the By The River Brew Co, a popular food and drink venue on the Quayside, was equally confident.

He said: ‘We agree with the director of public health and believe people will be sensible.’

A group of men sit at a rideable bar in London (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

Groups drink in Wandsworth Park, London (Picture: Splash News)

People enjoying the Autumn sunshine on the promenade in Brighton (Picture: PA)

A group of women sit in the sunshine on the beach in Brighton (Picture: Reuters)

A group of friends enjoy the Autumn sunshine at a bar in Brighton (Picture: PA)

Tim Robson, the North East’s representative on the national Pubwatch scheme, expected that police officers will strictly monitor bars over the weekend to ensure they are operating safely.

Advertisement

Advertisement

He said: ‘There is an anticipation that everyone is going to have a big last binge, but people are starting to get fearful and a lot of licensed premises have already been clamped down on by the police.’

Mr Robson, a former police officer, said it will be up to licensees to manage their premises and break up large groups from gathering together unsafely.

He said a recent outbreak at a working men’s club that hosted a charity football match, leading to more than 60 people testing positive and around 300 people self-isolating, had concentrated minds.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMia2h0dHBzOi8vbWV0cm8uY28udWsvMjAyMC8wOS8xMi9icml0cy1mbG9jay10by1wdWJzLXRvLWVuam95LWxhc3Qtc2F0dXJkYXktYmVmb3JlLXJ1bGUtb2Ytc2l4LWhpdHMtMTMyNjM3MjQv0gFvaHR0cHM6Ly9tZXRyby5jby51ay8yMDIwLzA5LzEyL2JyaXRzLWZsb2NrLXRvLXB1YnMtdG8tZW5qb3ktbGFzdC1zYXR1cmRheS1iZWZvcmUtcnVsZS1vZi1zaXgtaGl0cy0xMzI2MzcyNC9hbXAv?oc=5

2020-09-12 22:08:00Z
52781059484172

Meddling Tony Blair and John Major wade in to Boris row - 'irresponsible and dangerous' - Daily Express

The two former prime minister’s accused Mr Johnson of imperilling the Irish peace process, trade negotiations and Britain’s integrity with his UK internal trading Bill which overrides some key aspects of the Brexit Withdrawal agreement, including the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Related articles

Irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice

Tony Blair and John Major

Writing in The Sunday Times, they said: "It puts the Good Friday Agreement at risk, because it negates the predictability, political stability and legal clarity that are integral to the delicate balance between the north and south of Ireland that is at the core of the peace process.

"This has wide-ranging ramifications. It will not only make negotiation with the EU more difficult, but also any trade negotiations with other nations, including the United States.

"Once trust is undermined, distrust becomes prevalent."

Tony Blair and John Major have teamed up to condemn Boris Johnson (Image: PA)

They continued: "We both opposed Brexit. We both accept it is now happening. But this way of negotiating, with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy, is irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice.

"It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. It questions the very integrity of our nation."

The former leaders weighed in to the argument as senior Conservatives refused to back down on their rebellion against Mr Johnson's controversial Brexit legislation despite his warning Brussels could "carve up our country" without it.

READ MORE:Brexit LIVE: Boris faces tough battle as Tory rebels reject appeal

The former prime ministers have branded Mr Johnson's moves 'irresponsible and dangerous' (Image: PA)

The Prime Minister's bid to win support for the Bill was joined by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove warning it is needed to protect the "integrity" of the UK.

They insist the legislation that could breach international law and has prompted the EU to threaten legal action during trade negotiations is needed to prevent a trade border in the Irish Sea.

But a growing number of Tory rebels suggested opposition to the UK Internal Market Bill had stiffened after Mr Johnson's held a conference call with backbenchers.

Tory MP Tobias Ellwood said on Saturday that "unamended I cannot support this Bill".

Boris Johnson insists his UK Internal Market Bill is in Britain's national interest (Image: PA)

Mr Ellwood, who chairs the Commons defence committee, said: "Already this Bill is damaging brand UK, diminishing our role-model status as defender of global standards.

"As we go to the wire, let's see more British statecraft - less Nixonian Madman Theory."

Commons justice committee chairman Sir Bob Neill, who has tabled an amendment which he said would impose a "parliamentary lock" on any changes to the withdrawal agreement, said he still contends it contains "objectionable" elements.

He said: "He set out his case but it hasn't changed anything that I think. I'm confident that our amendment is still getting support."

DON'T MISS
'Sorry Barnier when it comes to OUR fish we have the UN on OUR side'[COMMENT]
Katya Adler explains how EU think they have uncovered Boris’ plan[VIDEO]
'What the f*** is going on?' Tory MPs create new Whatsapp group[SPOTLIGHT]

Damian Green, who was Theresa May's deputy when she was prime minister and is backing the amendment, was also understood to not have been won over by Mr Johnson's argument.

Sir Roger Gale also remained a vehement critic, telling Times Radio: "If anybody is responsible, if it happens, for bringing the union down, it will be Cummings and Mr Johnson."

The Prime Minister spoke with around 250 MPs last night to try to secure backing for the Bill, and warned them against a return to the "miserable, squabbling days of last autumn" over Brexit.

Boris Johnson is coming under pressure from politicians from all sides (Image: PA)

And, in an incendiary article for The Telegraph, Mr Johnson said Brussels was threatening to use an "extreme interpretation" of the Northern Ireland Protocol to impose "a full-scale trade border down the Irish Sea" that could stop the transport of food from Britain to Northern Ireland.

Both Ireland and the EU have warned that Mr Johnson's plans pose a serious risk to the peace process rather than protecting the Good Friday Agreement.

But he argued it is "crucial for peace and for the Union itself" and said voting the Bill down would reduce the chances of a trade deal with the EU, which is hanging in the balance.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMie2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvbmV3cy9wb2xpdGljcy8xMzM0ODYwL2JyZXhpdC1sYXRlc3QtbmV3cy10b255LWJsYWlyLWpvaG4tbWFqb3ItYm9yaXMtam9obnNvbi13aXRoZHJhd2FsLWFncmVlbWVudNIBf2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvbmV3cy9wb2xpdGljcy8xMzM0ODYwL2JyZXhpdC1sYXRlc3QtbmV3cy10b255LWJsYWlyLWpvaG4tbWFqb3ItYm9yaXMtam9obnNvbi13aXRoZHJhd2FsLWFncmVlbWVudC9hbXA?oc=5

2020-09-12 23:26:43Z
52781052316363