Sunday, December 19, 2021
Two Beautiful Men; One Beautiful Kiss!
France Urges Johnson to Use Frost’s Exit to Rebuild Trust with EU
THE GUARDIAN: Minister for the EU Clément Beaune admits to difficult relationship with ex-Brexit minister and calls for reset
The French minister for EU affairs, Clemént Beaune, says resignation of David Frost is chance for UK to improve relations with the EU. Photograph: John Thys/AFP/Getty Images
The French government has called on Boris Johnson to use David Frost’s resignation as Brexit minister to “rebuild trust” with the EU amid uncertainty over the prime minister’s approach in the new year.
Clément Beaune, France’s EU affairs minister, who had a series of run-ins with the prime minister’s pugnacious minister, suggested that Downing Street should use the moment to reset the troubled relationship.
He said: “We had difficult relations but we always continued the dialogue. I send my best with respect to David Frost after his resignation. It is time for the British government to rebuild a climate of trust with France and the EU in the interest of all.”
While Frost has proved to be a tough negotiating partner over the last two and a half years, his formal resignation on Sunday set off alarm bells in Brussels and EU capitals. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels and isa O'Carroll in London | Sunday, December 19, 2021
The French government has called on Boris Johnson to use David Frost’s resignation as Brexit minister to “rebuild trust” with the EU amid uncertainty over the prime minister’s approach in the new year.
Clément Beaune, France’s EU affairs minister, who had a series of run-ins with the prime minister’s pugnacious minister, suggested that Downing Street should use the moment to reset the troubled relationship.
He said: “We had difficult relations but we always continued the dialogue. I send my best with respect to David Frost after his resignation. It is time for the British government to rebuild a climate of trust with France and the EU in the interest of all.”
While Frost has proved to be a tough negotiating partner over the last two and a half years, his formal resignation on Sunday set off alarm bells in Brussels and EU capitals. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels and isa O'Carroll in London | Sunday, December 19, 2021
Margaret Thatcher - Speech to the College of Europe | "The Bruges Speech"
The Bruges speech, 20 September 1988
It is very interesting to listen to Margaret Thatcher's remarkable Bruges speech. Maggie was so often thought of as anti-EU. But was she really?
It is true that she was an anti-federalist. But she was certainly NOT anti co-operation in Europe. We hear this in this very polished speech. She worked so hard to free up trade in the European Union, working so hard for the creation of the Single Market.
One can but wonder what she would have thought about the idiocy of Brexit and especially of Britain's withdrawal from the Single Market, the greatest single market in the world.
The current Conservative administration has destroyed Maggie's hard work and legacy. They should be ashamed of themselves! I realise that Margaret Thatcher wasn't everyone's cup of tea; however, it cannot be denied that she was hard-working, committed, sincere in her beliefs, and delivered her speeches with polish and class. That is far more than can be said of Conservative politicians today. – © Mark
Departure of Frost as Brexit Minister Sets Off Alarm Bells in Brussels
THE GUARDIAN: Concern grows within Europe that his replacement will undermine recent truce in negotiations
The resignation of David Frost as Boris Johnson’s Brexit minister has set off alarm bells in Brussels, with officials unclear as to the approach that will be taken by the prime minister in the new year.
In recent weeks, the UK government softened its approach to the post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, with the two sides brokering a Christmas truce in the talks on a relatively positive note.
There is concern that Johnson, under huge pressure from the right of his Conservative party over Covid restrictions, will feel the need to replace Lord Frost with someone who will want to unravel the new approach.
On Sunday, reports suggested that figures such as Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, or even David Davis, who resigned as Theresa May’s Brexit secretary in 2018, could be in the running. Both men have called for the ditching of the Northern Ireland protocol in the past.
One EU diplomat said: “Hopefully the new negotiator will be more pragmatic, making good relations with the EU and its member states relations a priority over the pursuit of a pure, antagonistic Brexit - we’re not holding our breath.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels and Lisa O'Carroll in Brussels | Sunday, December 19, 2021
The resignation of David Frost as Boris Johnson’s Brexit minister has set off alarm bells in Brussels, with officials unclear as to the approach that will be taken by the prime minister in the new year.
In recent weeks, the UK government softened its approach to the post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, with the two sides brokering a Christmas truce in the talks on a relatively positive note.
There is concern that Johnson, under huge pressure from the right of his Conservative party over Covid restrictions, will feel the need to replace Lord Frost with someone who will want to unravel the new approach.
On Sunday, reports suggested that figures such as Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, or even David Davis, who resigned as Theresa May’s Brexit secretary in 2018, could be in the running. Both men have called for the ditching of the Northern Ireland protocol in the past.
One EU diplomat said: “Hopefully the new negotiator will be more pragmatic, making good relations with the EU and its member states relations a priority over the pursuit of a pure, antagonistic Brexit - we’re not holding our breath.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels and Lisa O'Carroll in Brussels | Sunday, December 19, 2021
Turkey: Soaring Inflation Puts Erdogan under Pressure | DW News
There's a Sickness at the Heart of British Democracy & It's Called Corruption
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Brexit Minister Lord Frost Walks Out on Boris
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY – EXCLUSIVE: Cabinet Minister Lord Frost has sensationally resigned from Boris Johnson's Government / His dramatic move was triggered by his growing 'disillusionment' with the direction of Tory policy / Lord Frost is understood to have handed his resignation to the Prime Minister a week ago / His departure was prompted by Plan B measures, tax rises and 'net zero' politics
Cabinet Minister Lord Frost has sensationally resigned from Boris Johnson's Government, The Mail on Sunday can exclusively reveal.
His dramatic move – triggered by his growing 'disillusionment' with the direction of Tory policy – has sparked yet another crisis within a beleaguered Downing Street.
Lord Frost, who negotiated Britain's departure from the EU as Brexit Minister, is understood to have handed his resignation to the Prime Minister a week ago, but was persuaded by Mr Johnson to stay in his post until January.
A senior Government source said Lord Frost's departure had been prompted by the introduction of 'Plan B' Covid measures, including vaccine passports. But that was just the final straw after months of growing discontent over tax rises and the staggering cost of 'net zero' environmental policies.
The revelation is the latest blow for the embattled Mr Johnson, following a Commons rebellion of 100 Tory MPs over the 'Plan B' measures and the loss of a 23,000 majority in the North Shropshire by-election amid the 'partygate' row over celebrations inside No 10.
Conservative MPs are increasingly talking about a challenge to the Prime Minister's leadership within the next six months, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss leading the field of contenders. » | Glen Owen. Political Editor for The Mail on Sunday | Saturday, December 18, 2021
Brexit minister’s shock resignation leaves Boris Johnson reeling: Lord Frost’s frustrated exit is yet another blow for PM struggling for control of his government »
Tories give Boris Johnson months to improve … or go: Senior party figures think cost of living increases next spring, if combined with poor local election results in May, will doom the PM »
Affaibli, Boris Johnson perd son ministre du Brexit : Après la révélation de l'information par le journal Mail on Sunday, Downing Street l'a confirmée en publiant la lettre de démission de David Frost. »
Brexit-Minister Frost tritt zurück: Tag für Tag neue Hiobsbotschaften für Boris Johnson: David Frost gibt sein Amt auf. In seinem Rücktrittschreiben, das das Büro des Premiers veröffentlichte, macht er seine „Bedenken über die derzeitige Richtung der Reise“ deutlich. »
David Frost hat genug: Der britische Brexit-Minister tritt zurück: Die Luft für Boris Johnson wird immer dünner: Sein ihm bisher nahe stehender Brexit-Minister David Frost verlässt die Regierung. Ein Grund: Die Corona-Politik der Regierung. Das Problem für Johnson: Viele Konservative denken ähnlich wie Frost. »
Jung, schön und verliebt.
Brexit and Johnson's Chaotic Leadership - How Much Worse Can It Get? Some Questions and Answers.
Fünf Jahre Haft für Sturm aufs Kapitol
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: In Amerika ist die bislang höchste Strafe gegen einen Unterstützer des ehemaligen Präsidenten Donald Trump wegen der Erstürmung des Kapitols verhängt worden. Wegen des Angriffs auf Polizeibeamte muss er fünf Jahre ins Gefängnis.
In den Vereinigten Staaten ist die bislang höchste Strafe gegen einen Unterstützer des ehemaligen Präsidenten Donald Trump wegen der Erstürmung des Kapitols im Januar verhängt worden: Eine Bundesrichterin verurteilte den Trump-Anhänger Robert Scott Palmer wegen des Angriffs auf Polizeibeamte zu fünf Jahren Gefängnis. Auf Videos war zu sehen, wie Palmer vor dem Kapitol Bretter, einen Feuerlöscher und andere Gegenstände auf Polizeibeamte warf. » | Quelle: AFP | Samstag, 18. Dezember 2021
Macron schließt die Grenze zu Großbritannien
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Von diesen Samstag an ist die Einreise aus sowie die Ausreise nach Großbritannien nur noch aus zwingenden übergeordneten Gründen möglich. Viele versuchen, noch auf die letzten Züge, Fähren und Flüge zu kommen.
Das französische Einreiseverbot für Urlauber aus Großbritannien hat am Freitag in der französischen Tourismusbranche für Unmut gesorgt. Premierminister Jean Castex hat die Beschränkungen mit dem notwendigen Kampf gegen die in Großbritannien grassierende Omikron-Variante begründet. Präsident Emmanuel Macron berief am Freitagvormittag einen sogenannten Verteidigungsrat im Elysée-Palast ein, bei dem das weitere Vorgehen besprochen wurde.
Von diesem Samstag an ist die Einreise aus sowie die Ausreise nach Großbritannien nur noch aus zwingenden übergeordneten Gründen möglich. Touristische oder berufliche Gründe gehören nicht dazu, wie der Regierungschef erläuterte. Sowohl Geimpfte als auch Ungeimpfte müssen sich vor einer Reise von Großbritannien nach Frankreich registrieren, einen PCR- oder Schnelltest machen und sich nach der Ankunft in Frankreich an einem Ort ihrer Wahl in Quarantäne begeben. Diese können sie nach einem negativen Test nach 48 Stunden verlassen. » | Von Michaela Wiegel. Politische Korrespondentin mit Sitz in Paris | Freitag, 17. Dezember 2021
Cadeaux de Noël : en images, le guide ultime pour pallier la panne d'idées
MADAME FIGARO : Pour les petits ou les gros budgets, les gourmands ou encore les adeptes du "Made in France", voici un condensé de nos sélections de cadeaux de Noël. Suivez le guide.
Noël approche et vous n'avez pas encore trouvé de cadeaux pour tout votre petit monde ? Pas de panique. Si les idées vous manquent, vous êtes au bon endroit. Quel que soit le profil de la personne à qui vous souhaitez faire plaisir, dans le respect de votre budget, vous trouverez ici l'idée qui la comblera à coup sûr. » | La Rédaction | vendredi 17 décembre 2021
Covid-19 : les restrictions se multiplient de nouveau dans le monde
LE FIGARO : LE POINT SUR LA SITUATION - Nouvelles mesures, nouveaux bilans et faits marquants : Le Figaro fait le point sur les dernières évolutions de la pandémie de Covid-19.
Alors qu'une étude a démontré que le risque d'être réinfecté est 5,4 fois plus élevé avec Omicron qu'avec Delta, à une semaine de Noël, les restrictions se multiplient de nouveau à travers le monde. Dès janvier, la France remplacera le passe sanitaire par un passe vaccinal, l'Irlande réinstaure un couvre-feu, le Danemark ferme sa vie culturelle... Le Figaro fait le point ce samedi 18 décembre sur les dernières informations liées à la pandémie de Covid-19.
Le risque de réinfection avec le variant Omicron est 5,4 fois plus élevé qu'avec le variant Delta, avance une étude de l'Imperial College de Londres rapportée par Reuters vendredi 17 décembre, assurant également qu'aucune preuve qu'Omicron ait une gravité inférieure à celle de Delta n'a été trouvée. Regarder la vidéo » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 18 décembre 2021
Alors qu'une étude a démontré que le risque d'être réinfecté est 5,4 fois plus élevé avec Omicron qu'avec Delta, à une semaine de Noël, les restrictions se multiplient de nouveau à travers le monde. Dès janvier, la France remplacera le passe sanitaire par un passe vaccinal, l'Irlande réinstaure un couvre-feu, le Danemark ferme sa vie culturelle... Le Figaro fait le point ce samedi 18 décembre sur les dernières informations liées à la pandémie de Covid-19.
Le risque de réinfection avec le variant Omicron est 5,4 fois plus élevé qu'avec le variant Delta, avance une étude de l'Imperial College de Londres rapportée par Reuters vendredi 17 décembre, assurant également qu'aucune preuve qu'Omicron ait une gravité inférieure à celle de Delta n'a été trouvée. Regarder la vidéo » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 18 décembre 2021
A Very British Scandal | Trailer – BBC | Christmas Viewing
Duchess of Argyll sex scandal retold in new BBC drama series »
‘I like sex and am extremely good at it’ – the real crime of the ‘fellatio duchess’ in A Very British Scandal »
The Brexit ’n’ Boris Formula Was a Winner for the Tories. Now It’s Falling Apart
THE GUARDIAN - OPINION: Johnson was a magnet for new voters. But many are appalled by his lies, and traditional Conservatives don’t trust him either
Liberal Democrats Helen Morgan and Tim Farron at a rally in Oswestry, Shropshire, after her victory in the North Shropshire byelection, 17 December 2021. Photograph: Jacob King/PA
At last. For the first time since he became prime minister, Boris Johnson is paying a direct price for his actions. For two long years, he seemed to defy the laws of political gravity, somehow floating high in the sky when his conduct, whether his lies or his failures, should have seen him crash to the ground.
His mishandling of the first phase of the pandemic was so disastrous, he presided over both the highest death toll in Europe and the deepest economic slump in the G7. It was a record of both calamitous misjudgment and corruption, as contracts worth hundreds of millions were funnelled to those with friends in high Tory places. He appointed useless ministers, several of whom became mired in scandal. And yet Johnson remained aloft, riding the warm air currents of consistent leads in the opinion polls.
His admirers said he was a politician like no other, immune to the pressures that would bring down lesser mortals. That immunity fed a sense of impunity. But in the early hours of Friday morning, among the fields and farms of North Shropshire, Johnson fell to earth.
The Tories took a beating in this byelection, losing a seat they had held for the best part of two centuries. Only once before had they seen a bigger collapse of their vote to the Liberal Democrats (or its predecessor parties), and that was three decades ago. Talk to those involved, on all sides, and they agree that voters were driven chiefly by fury with the prime minister – over the revelations of Downing Street partying when the rest of the country was locked down against a killer disease, and what one minister calls the general “shitshow” of this government. » | Jonathan Freedland | Friday, December 17, 2021
At last. For the first time since he became prime minister, Boris Johnson is paying a direct price for his actions. For two long years, he seemed to defy the laws of political gravity, somehow floating high in the sky when his conduct, whether his lies or his failures, should have seen him crash to the ground.
His mishandling of the first phase of the pandemic was so disastrous, he presided over both the highest death toll in Europe and the deepest economic slump in the G7. It was a record of both calamitous misjudgment and corruption, as contracts worth hundreds of millions were funnelled to those with friends in high Tory places. He appointed useless ministers, several of whom became mired in scandal. And yet Johnson remained aloft, riding the warm air currents of consistent leads in the opinion polls.
His admirers said he was a politician like no other, immune to the pressures that would bring down lesser mortals. That immunity fed a sense of impunity. But in the early hours of Friday morning, among the fields and farms of North Shropshire, Johnson fell to earth.
The Tories took a beating in this byelection, losing a seat they had held for the best part of two centuries. Only once before had they seen a bigger collapse of their vote to the Liberal Democrats (or its predecessor parties), and that was three decades ago. Talk to those involved, on all sides, and they agree that voters were driven chiefly by fury with the prime minister – over the revelations of Downing Street partying when the rest of the country was locked down against a killer disease, and what one minister calls the general “shitshow” of this government. » | Jonathan Freedland | Friday, December 17, 2021
Tories Know Johnson Lost Them North Shropshire. They May Now Dispense with Him
THE GUARDIAN: Frustrated MPs across the party have little reason to support the prime minister unless he can quickly repair his rift with voters
After the local elections in May, cabinet ministers and supporters of Boris Johnson were keen to talk up a new decade of “Johnsonism”. The idea was that the Tories taking Hartlepool from Labour in the byelection was proof that the 2019 Tory electoral triumph was no blip. Instead, it was part of a wider political alignment that could see the prime minister outlast Margaret Thatcher.
After the result of the North Shropshire byelection, that hypothesis is looking rather optimistic. Overnight the Liberal Democrats have managed to overturn a majority of more than 20,000 in a seat that has been Tory since it was re-established in 1983. What’s more, the Lib Dems did so with votes to spare – earning a majority of 5,925.
Given the Lib Dems only came third in the seat in 2019 – with Labour second – it is more than a shock result. The polling expert John Curtice has described it as 8.5 on the Richter scale. In other words, a political earthquake. » | Katy Balls | Friday, December 17, 2021
No party could be worth the hangover Boris Johnson is now suffering: Humiliation upon humiliation is being piled on to the prime minister right now. Could a leadership contest be next? »
After the local elections in May, cabinet ministers and supporters of Boris Johnson were keen to talk up a new decade of “Johnsonism”. The idea was that the Tories taking Hartlepool from Labour in the byelection was proof that the 2019 Tory electoral triumph was no blip. Instead, it was part of a wider political alignment that could see the prime minister outlast Margaret Thatcher.
After the result of the North Shropshire byelection, that hypothesis is looking rather optimistic. Overnight the Liberal Democrats have managed to overturn a majority of more than 20,000 in a seat that has been Tory since it was re-established in 1983. What’s more, the Lib Dems did so with votes to spare – earning a majority of 5,925.
Given the Lib Dems only came third in the seat in 2019 – with Labour second – it is more than a shock result. The polling expert John Curtice has described it as 8.5 on the Richter scale. In other words, a political earthquake. » | Katy Balls | Friday, December 17, 2021
No party could be worth the hangover Boris Johnson is now suffering: Humiliation upon humiliation is being piled on to the prime minister right now. Could a leadership contest be next? »
Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey - When You Believe | Official HD Video
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