01/08/2019 (Agence Europe) – A statement from the UK government reports that, on Wednesday 31 July, Sajid Javid, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced an additional £2.1 billion to deal with the prospect of a no-deal exit from the EU, with initial funding available immediately for devolved departments and governments. Another £1 billion will remain available where urgently needed this year. The government has stated that “the funding will speed up border preparations, will help companies to prepare and will guarantee the supply of essential medicines”. In Brussels, the Commission spokeswoman explained that no progress had been made during the two-day introductory meetings undertaken by Boris Johnson's 'sherpa', David Frost (see EUROPE 12308/1). The next potentially substantial meeting might take place at the end of August, at the G7 in Biarritz. (SP)