The Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament said on Thursday that the UK deciding to leave the European Union had caused a renewal of interest in the European project.

Speaking at an event at the London School of Economics, Guy Verhofstadt said that the EU had gained popularity since the UK's referendum last year.

In a wide ranging speech on Brexit, Verhofstadt also put forward a vision of an ever closer union of remaining European Union states including the chance to elect politicians at a European level, as opposed to just nationally.

++NO CUTAWAYS AVAILABLE - SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

AGENCY POOL

London - 28 August 2017

1. Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt, walking to lectern

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament

"I have to tell you that I also know why Theresa May gave her speech in Florence. I presume that I know it. I think she chose Florence because Florentine politics in the 15th Century made her feel at home I think. You know, backstabbing, betrayal, noble families fighting for power and so, and so on, so I think that this is an environment that she recognised very well."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament

"At the very beginning she referred to the renaissance as a period of history that defined what it meant to be European. Well that's exactly what the European Union is all about. The European Union, ladies and gentlemen is far more than a peace process after the Second World War, far more than the Franco-German reconciliation alone. The European Union is all about civilisation. It's in fact the political translation of that civilisation, of that European common culture and values. That is what this European Union is about."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament

"So criticising people for wanting to keep their European identity, accusing them of split allegiance is binary, is old fashioned. I think it's reductionist view on identity. I think it's perfectly possible but I look to the Mayor (of London, Sadiq Khan, in the audience), who has more experience, to be a Londoner, English, British, and European at the same time and there is no contradiction and that has nothing to do with split allegiance. So my message at the beginning of my intervention - watch out, beware of politicians who want to define your identity. The only reason they do so is to categorise people. To reduce you to your nationality, your ethnicity your religion and, split allegiance are two words that belong to the langauge of states that are in my opinion totalitarian, and not of democracies, not of democracies like Britain. In all democracies, people they find their own allegiance, define themselves how British, how European they feel and not the minister of foreign affairs, if I may say so (in reference to UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson)."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament

"I have to tell you very honestly, and I've said this already a few times but i want to repeat it here in London, but I continue to believe that Brexit is a very negative project, that it is in fact a waste of time and energy. The destruction of a strong political bond that made people on both sides of the channel richer freer than ever before. But we are democrats. We have to respect the outcome of the referendum. And more over we have to implement it and that is exactly what Europe will do and also will establish a new relationship, a new relationship between the European Union and the UK that hopefully will be beneficial for everybody, for both. And if you ask me the question, is there really, really, really, nothing positive you can say about Brexit, well I can say yes, there is something positive. It has opened people's eyes on the continent."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit negotiatior for the European Parliament

"There has been a fundamental shift in the thinking about Europe, in the heads of a number of people and leaders in Europe. And that is not to look anymore to Europe and the European Union as a bunch of nation-states, but as a genuine political community, as a democracy on a continental scale, and two proposals that I already defended a number of years ago but nobody believed to be realistic - they were dreams that would never realise themselves - are proof of that. The first proposal is the call, we have seen that I hope, for transnational list, the idea to turn the European Union into one big constituency and to give to all citizens in Europe two ballots - one to choose their own representative of their country in the parliament and the second one to elect a number of politicians on the European level, what in my opinion would make European politics more democratic and what will lift in fact this European democracy on a continental scale, what we absolutely need."

7. Verhofstadt being seated

Britain's Foreign Secretary stressed on Thursday that the UK must be prepared for "every possible eventuality" in the Brexit talks, including walking away without any deals.

At a joint news conference with his Mexican counterpart in London, Boris Johnson said that UK must be prepared to walk away from the negotiations, if necessary.

Luis Videgaray, Mexico's Foreign Minister, referred that the two countries are at similar junctures as Mexico is also in the middle of talks to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

"If for whatever reason, NAFTA is not going to continue, it's not the end of the world. Mexico is stronger and bigger than NAFTA," Videgaray said, adding "the UK is a lot stronger and bigger than Brexit. And no matter what happens, if it's a soft Brexit or a hard Brexit, or whatever you guys want to do, the UK is going to be just fine," Videgaray said.

POOL

London - 19 October 2017

1. UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Mexico's Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray walking into room, UPSOUND (English) Boris Johnson "Good afternoon, everybody"

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary:

"(I would like to ) renew the condolences of the British people to the people of Mexico following the tragic earthquakes that you experienced in September. And I'm told by our ambassador Duncan Taylor that the people of Mexico really pulled together during that tragic episode with the Blitz spirit from those all who survived. And our thoughts certainly those who have suffered."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Luis Videgaray, Mexico's Foreign Minister:

"We are, in a way, at similar junctures. Mexico is undergoing a significant renegotiation of our main trade agreement, which is the North American Free Trade agreement. And we're working (inaudible) and we want to do a good deal, for both, for Canada, for the US and of course, for Mexico. But we have to prepare for what's next. And we acknowledge that, if for whatever reason, NAFTA is not going to continue, it's not the end of the world. Mexico is stronger and bigger than NAFTA. And we're going to move on. And here in London, as you say, that the UK is a lot stronger and bigger than Brexit. And no matter what happens, if it's a soft Brexit or a hard Brexit, or whatever you guys want to do, the UK is going to be just fine."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary:

(Reporter: "And you are the leader of Leave, effectively- leave means leave. And getting back at WTA rules, making clear now that actually no deal would be better than a bad deal?)

"Well, we are saying to our friends and partners that now's the time to get on and do a great deal. And it's there to be done. We've set out a good offer on citizenship, on money, all the things Prime Minister (Theresa May) is talking about today. Maybe we won't get the breakthrough today, but we hope very much so. In the next few weeks and months to get this thing moving and get a great deal, but obviously you have to prepare for every eventuality. And what I find so encouraging to hear from Luis Videgaray, who makes the point that actually, it's his view that Mexico can cope and the UK can cope. And we certainly will - more than cope."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary:

++STARTS ON WIDE++

"Well, there's little to add to that, obviously, I think that we will get a deal, and I think it would be a great deal and a great Brexit. But in any negotiation, you've got to be prepared to walk away and we are going to be prepared to do that. And as Luis said, I think we will do fine, but we will also be able to develop our relationship with Mexico, and that's very exciting as well."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary:

"(We are) prepared for every possible eventuality. Thank you."

++ENDS ON NEWS CONFERENCE++

UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt says a general election would be "political suicide" for the Conservatives.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hunt said that trying to leave the European Union without a deal would lead Parliament to trigger a national election that would be "absolutely catastrophic" for the Conservatives.

He said the party would get "annihilated" as it failed to deliver Brexit.

The race to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May is becoming a battle over whether Britain should leave the bloc without a divorce agreement - or whether that would cause economic and political mayhem.

Hunt said he believes a deal can be negotiated by looking for "solutions that change the backstop."

"In its current form it's not acceptable to the UK Parliament, but offer alternative ways of giving reassurance on the Irish border, I think in the end there is a deal to be done," Hunt said.

May's Conservatives are reeling after the upstart Brexit Party won Britain's election for European Parliament seats.

The Conservatives came a humiliating fifth.

That led some Conservatives, including leadership contenders Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab, to argue that the UK must leave the EU as scheduled on October 31, even if it hasn't approved a withdrawal deal.

Others say crashing out of the bloc would be reckless.

POOL

London – 28 May 2019

++STARTS ON SOUNDBITE++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Hunt, UK Foreign Secretary:

"I think if we go headlong for no deal the most likely outcome will be a general election and that would be political suicide not just for me but for all of us in the Conservative Party and I think we just need to look at what happened in the European elections and the local elections and see it as a warning as to what would happen if we went back to the electorate in a general election, not having delivered what we promised to do last time."

++BLACK FRAMES++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Hunt, UK Foreign Secretary:

"There are lots of twists and turns. My priority is to get a deal that is safe, safer for business, safer for the union and allows us to move beyond Brexit. And I think that the risk of going in too hard for no deal is that you'll get a very hard response. The Europeans will say 'fine.' And then I think, as I say, we would trigger a general election one way or another and that would be extremely dangerous for the Conservative Party."

++BLACK FRAMES++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Hunt, UK Foreign Secretary:

"The one choice I would not make is to have a general election. I think that would be political suicide for the Conservative Party and it would mean that we'd have the most left-wing leader in history in number 10 Downing Street by Christmas."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Hunt, UK Foreign Secretary:

"I just think we need to be careful about saying that we will definitely leave the EU on a fixed state, deal or no deal because the risk of that is that Parliament would then try and stop a no-deal Brexit which they've already done successfully before. And then you would be pushed into a general election and I think if that happens the Conservative Party would be annihilated because we went into the last election promising to deliver Brexit. We won't have delivered it by this election if it happened."

5.SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Hunt, UK Foreign Secretary:

"Things have changed. This is a problem for the European Union as much as it is a problem for us. And. I think if you go and in that spirit look for solutions that change the backstop because in its current form it's not acceptable to the UK Parliament, but offer alternative ways of giving reassurance on the Irish border, I think in the end there is a deal to be done. I've been a businessman all my life and I think there is a deal there. But it just depends how we approach it."

6 . UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid approaching reporter

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Sajid Javid, UK Home Secretary:

"Good morning. If I may just say at the start here Theresa May has decided to step down. She has an incredible sense of public duty, but I do understand why she's done that. I have put my name forward as the next leader of the Conservative Party and to be prime minister. I think what we need in this country now is to rebuild trust to promote much more unity and to create a lot more opportunities particularly for younger people. And I believe I'm in a very good position to do that."

8. Javid approaching his car and getting in

9. Continuous shot of UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt leaving her home, UPSOUND (English) reporter asking if she'll be running in the Conservative leadership contest; UPSOUND (English) Penny Mordaunt, UK Defence Secretary: " I am just getting on with my job today. Thanks."  Mordaunt getting into car

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the US recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at this moment in time was "not helpful."

He did add that "It's something that we (the UK) want to do. But it it cannot be done until you have progress towards a two-state solution."

Johnson also said that despite leaving the EU, Britain aims to intensify trade links but would like to "get going" on the second round of Brexit talks

Johnson was delivering a speech at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

POOL

London - 7th December, 2017

1. Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary, walks into briefing room

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary

++STARTS ON A ZOOM++

(On Donald Trump's Jerusalem decision) "We in the UK are sticking very much with our plan and with our policy which is that, we think that the future of Jerusalem must be settled as part of the negotiated agreement between Israel and the Palestinians and as part of the two-state solution that we're all working for. And I have to say that I view premature recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moves of embassies 'not helpful' in this context. It's something that we want to do. But it it cannot be done until you have progress towards a two-state solution."

3. Cutaway of Johnson speaking

4. SOUNDBITE (English): Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary

(On Brexit) "What we want to achieve is a new relationship a deep and special partnership in which we can intensify our trade links, continue to work together on foreign policy on security and all things that matter to us. But to achieve all that we need to get going franchement (frankly) with the second half of the talks. That's the exciting bit. That's the bit where we will achieve a new trading relationship with our friends and partners. We can get it done. We just need to get on with. And I hope very much that the December European Council will mark that progress."

5. Cutaway of Johnson speaking to reporters

6. SOUNDBITE (English): Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary

(Answering a question on Brexit "divorce bill" cost) "You know, it is very very important that whatever happens now whatever we agree has got to be consistent with taking back control of our laws of our borders and our cash. And on the subject of cash, I'm often teased or abused for saying or allegedly saying that I said people could 'go whistle' for certain sums and I don't want to bring this up again, but I have just brought this up again. I was asked my reaction to some of the very extortionate sums that I had heard in the region of 80 or 100 billion pounds (107-133 billion US dollars) and I don't want to repeat the offending phrase but 'go whistle' seems to me to be an appropriate reaction to that kind of money."

7. Johnson leaving podium

The German Foreign Minister on Tuesday warned there was a risk that the humanitarian situation in Syria could be getting "more difficult" in the coming days and weeks.

Speaking in London, Frank-Walter Steinmeier also said that he respected but deeply regretted the result of the UK referendum on EU membership.

Steinmeier said "we are losing more than just a member" and added he had little sympathy for the way the exit had been "publicly advertised" during the campaign.

London - 19 July 2016

++STARTS ON SOUNDBITE++

1. SOUNDBITE (German) Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister:

"You know that after five years of civil war in Syria, we started a process last November in an international alliance in which we try to defuse and find a solution for this civil war - after five years, there are 300,000 deaths and 11 to 12 million people who lost their home. Since the meeting in early February in Munich, there has been progress: a ceasefire has been agreed and for a significant period of time has been respected in large parts of the country - not consistently and time and again fragile - but at least enough to protect people temporarily from daily bombardments and to create a respite from the fighting. It was also possible in the past weeks to gain access to all of the cut-off cities and communities to help with humanitarian aid, but of course in particular with regard to the current situation and the pictures reaching us from Aleppo, we know that we are not just far away from a political solution, but also that the humanitarian situation may become more difficult in the coming days and weeks."

2. Exterior of UK Foreign Office

3. SOUNDBITE (German) Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister:

"We are of course very interested to hear from our US colleagues how the most recent talks between the US and Russia have concluded in Moscow, what we can expect from it and whether a re-opening of political talks in Geneva has become more of a possibility."

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

4. SOUNDBITE (German) Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister:

"Well, as you can see, (we are in) London and nevertheless it is not about Brexit today. This is a topic which will keep us occupied for a long time and which will cause quite a headache in Europe and in negotiations between the European Union and Great Britain. However, it is also important that we not solely focus on this one issue that has caused so much worry in Europe. There are also crises and conflicts outside of Europe that still require a solution."

5. Sign (English) reading "Foreign & Commonwealth Office"

6. SOUNDBITE (German) Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister: ++ENDS WITH STEINMEIER LEAVING++

"I belong to that group of people who have very much regretted that the UK referendum turned out the way it did. I would have very much liked that the UK had stayed part of the Europrean Union. I keep repeating this over and over again in my speeches back in Germany that we are losing more than a member state, which is why I found it, as you might understand, incomprehensible that an exit out of the European Union was promoted so publicly here in the UK. The decision has been made and we, of course, respect the choice the great majority of the British public has made. Boris Johnson is now Foreign Secretary and we will continue to be members of the United Nations, we will see each other at the G7 and G20 summits as well as the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and we have to look after issues such as Syria, which is why we will develop a professional working relationship."

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence strolled into the Brexit fury as he met with embattled British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Wrapping up a week in Europe, Pence thanked Johnson for the welcome "at a very busy time here in the United Kingdom."

Johnson downplayed the Brexit drama, saying it's "always busy."

Pence delivered greetings from President Donald Trump and said Trump has asked him to assure Johnson that the U.S. "supports the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union" and "is ready, willing and able to immediately negotiate a free trade agreement with the UK"

Johnson replied that was "fantastic."

He expressed hope for the removal of trade barriers on British products including lamb, beef and haggis, a Scottish delicacy made with the stomachs of sheep.

Johnson has been pushing for an early election as a way to break Britain's Brexit impasse, as lawmakers try to stop the UK from leaving the European Union next month without an exit deal in place.

AGENCY POOL

London - 5 September 2019

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

1. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence walking into room UPSOUND (English) Johnson: "Vice President, have a seat. Thank you so much. Well it's fantastic to welcome you to No. 10 Mr Vice President, great to have you here. I had an absolutely wonderful time at the G7 and with President Trump talking about all the things that we were trying to do together, free trade, all that. And hope very much to take that forward today in our discussions.

Pence: Well Mr Prime Minister thank you for such a warm welcome.

Johnson: Absolutely, great to see you again.

Pence: I know it's a very busy time here in the United Kingdom.

Johnson: Always busy.

Pence: I'm grateful for your hospitality. I spoke to President Trump this morning, your friend and he asked me to send you his very best greetings and to assure you that the United States supports the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, but he also wanted me to convey that the United States is ready, willing and able to immediately negotiate a free trade agreement with the UK.

Johnson: Fantastic.

Pence: The President often says that the United States has the biggest economy in the world and we truly believe that a free trade agreement between the United States and the UK could increase trade between our countries by three or four times. We're anxious to do that. We're anxious to stand with you and to do everything in our power to strengthen what has been a historic and special relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. And it is embodied in the very warm and personal relationship that you have forged with President Trump, with myself and with our administration and I'm truly honoured to be here.

Johnson: Fantastic to have you here and we will drive that free trade agreement forward of course. The U.S. economy is a, is a wonderful, massive opportunity for the UK farmers but it is still the case that you know, the United States of America, the people of the United States of America do not eat any British lamb or beef or haggis from Scotland. I think there are still barriers to trade in shower trays, would you believe it, from the UK. So, and many other products where we think we could free up the U.S. market. I know that you guys are pretty tough negotiators. So. So we're going to work very hard to make sure that that free trade deal is one that works for all sides.

Pence: Well he (Trump) told me this morning, he said, he said, you tell my friend Prime Minister Boris Johnson, that we're ready to go to work on that free trade agreement, just as soon as you're ready. And again to make it clear to you that the United States supports the UK's decision to leave the EU and we're ready to build this economic relationship immediately.

Johnson: Fantastic and of course we won't be, ah, and we will be, make sure that we do everything to increase free trade but the National Health Service, is always worth saying for the benefit of the UK media here, the National Health Service is not on the table as far as negotiations go. And nor, we're not too keen on that chlorinated chicken either. We have a, we have a gigantic chlorinated chicken of our own here on the opposition benches. Anyway, I'm being asked to shut up. Thank you all very much for coming along today.

Pence: Thank you.

Johnson: Thank you."

++ENDS ON UPSOUND++

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday said he had "absolutely no doubt" that the UK would be able to secure a free trade deal with the European Union (EU).

His remarks come after the EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Britain cannot enjoy "frictionless" trade with EU partners after it leaves the union.

Michel Barnier took a tough position on the Brexit negotiations Thursday, warning there will be "negative" consequences no matter what.

He said the consequences would be even worse if the EU and Britain can't agree on departure terms, and there's no "reasonable justification" for failing to reach a deal.

He insisted, however, that the EU isn't trying to punish Britain for voting to leave.

POOL

London - 6 July 2017

1. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at news conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman

2. Journalist

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Boris Johnson, British Foreign Secretary:

"There is an important distinction between membership of the single market and having access to the single market. I think what all sides want to see is a great free trade deal that benefits both sides of the Channel. That's manifestly in the interests of the UK but also it's in the interests of our European friends and partners. I have absolutely no doubt we will be able to get there. But as I said earlier on in the meeting: we may be leaving the EU but we are not leaving Europe."

4. News conference ending

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence strolled into the Brexit fury as he met with embattled British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Wrapping up a week in Europe, Pence thanked Johnson for the welcome "at a very busy time here in the United Kingdom."

Johnson downplayed the Brexit drama, saying it's "always busy."

Pence delivered greetings from President Donald Trump and said Trump has asked him to assure Johnson that the U.S. "supports the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union" and "is ready, willing and able to immediately negotiate a free trade agreement with the UK"

Johnson replied that was "fantastic."

He expressed hope for the removal of trade barriers on British products including lamb, beef and haggis, a Scottish delicacy made with the stomachs of sheep.

Johnson has been pushing for an early election as a way to break Britain's Brexit impasse, as lawmakers try to stop the UK from leaving the European Union next month without an exit deal in place.

AGENCY POOL

London - 5 September 2019

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

1. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence walking into room UPSOUND (English) Johnson: Vice President, have a seat. Thank you so much. Well it's fantastic to welcome you to No. 10 Mr Vice President, great to have you here. I had an absolutely wonderful time at the G7 and with President Trump talking about all the things that we were trying to do together, free trade, all that. And hope very much to take that forward today in our discussions.

Pence: Well Mr Prime Minister thank you for such a warm welcome.

Johnson: Absolutely, great to see you again.

Pence: I know it's a very busy time here in the United Kingdom.

Johnson: Always busy.

Pence: I'm grateful for your hospitality. I spoke to President Trump this morning, your friend and he asked me to send you his very best greetings and to assure you that the United States supports the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, but he also wanted me to convey that the United States is ready, willing and able to immediately negotiate a free trade agreement with the UK.

Johnson: Fantastic.

Pence: The President often says that the United States has the biggest economy in the world and we truly believe that a free trade agreement between the United States and the UK could increase trade between our countries by three or four times. We're anxious to do that. We're anxious to stand with you and to do everything in our power to strengthen what has been a historic and special relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. And it is embodied in the very warm and personal relationship that you have forged with President Trump, with myself and with our administration and I'm truly honoured to be here.

Johnson: Fantastic to have you here and we will drive that free trade agreement forward of course. The U.S. economy is a, is a wonderful, massive opportunity for the UK farmers but it is still the case that you know, the United States of America, the people of the United States of America do not eat any British lamb or beef or haggis from Scotland. I think there are still barriers to trade in shower trays, would you believe it, from the UK. So, and many other products where we think we could free up the U.S. market. I know that you guys are pretty tough negotiators. So. So we're going to work very hard to make sure that that free trade deal is one that works for all sides.

Pence: Well he (Trump) told me this morning, he said, he said, you tell my friend Prime Minister Boris Johnson, that we're ready to go to work on that free trade agreement, just as soon as you're ready. And again to make it clear to you that the United States supports the UK's decision to leave the EU and we're ready to build this economic relationship immediately.

Johnson: Fantastic and of course we won't be, ah, and we will be, make sure that we do everything to increase free trade but the National Health Service, is always worth saying for the benefit of the UK media here, the National Health Service is not on the table as far as negotiations go. And nor, we're not too keen on that chlorinated chicken either. We have a, we have a gigantic chlorinated chicken of our own here on the opposition benches. Anyway, I'm being asked to shut up. Thank you all very much for coming along today.

Pence: Thank you.

Johnson: Thank you."

++ENDS ON UPSOUND++