EU27 united in demanding 'more progress' on border in Brexit talks, says Irish foreign minister – Politics live

Rolling coverage of the day’s political developments as they happenNo 10 lobby briefing – Summary 1.53pm GMT The 255-page industrial strategy white paper is out. You can read it here (pdf).As the Press Association reports, business groups welcomed the government’s industrial strategy, but unions and opposition parties have attacked it – with one official branding it a “joke.” Ministers have failed to explain how workers will be given a say in the new industrial strategy. They are missing a trick if they don’t listen to the factory floor.To suggest what we need are ‘new business models’ in care as part of an industrial strategy is an unfunny joke from a government that just doesn’t get it.Business leaders will welcome the Government’s grand ambition to turn around the UK’s woeful performance productivity. The measures in today’s industrial strategy could be the beginning of a bold, new approach to the economy – but only if what has been announced today is followed through, not just in this parliament, but over many parliaments to come.This is a white paper made up of re-announced policies and old spending commitments, showing once again that this is a government short on details and new ideas. Nothing in the white paper will help give businesses the certainty or incentives they need to invest in the face of the government’s catastrophic handling of Brexit. What detail there is concentrates on a few elite industries in which Britain already has an advantage, and will do nothing to help the millions of people who work in low productivity and low wage sectors such as retail, hospitality and social care.The combination of falling apprenticeship starts and restricted access to skilled labour after Brexit will cripple the industrial strategy. What is being announced today is not much more than a reinvention of the wheel. We’ve had an industrial strategy already for five years. But there is a big cloud hanging over it now caused by the major uncertainties around Brexit.Nine in 10 firms see a modern Industrial Strategy as vital to improving living standards in the face of Brexit uncertainty and a sombre economic outlook. This announcement shows the government has its eye firmly on the horizon, not just the next few yards. We welcome the recognition that success will require urgent action in partnership with business. This is the route to raising living standards in every corner of the country. 1.43pm GMT Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has said the “moment of truth” is approaching in the Brexit talks. Speaking at an EU summit in Tallinn, Estonia, Barnier said:I do hope in the next few days we will come up with an agreement on principles, and a real agreement. We need to have real, sufficient progress in the three key areas where the UK’s decision has created a lot of uncertainty and fear even …The moment of truth is approaching, we have a council under the Estonian presidency on December 14 and 15, and I really hope that will be the point where we will see real, sufficient progress on the conditions of our separation. And that will allow me to recommend the opening up of the next two phases of negotiations, first of all on the transition period and then on the future relationship. Continue reading…
Via: EU27 united in demanding 'more progress' on border in Brexit talks, says Irish foreign minister – Politics live