cityam--2020-12-23--Festive cocktails, whether you're fully stocked or the cupboard's bare

What a short-lived foray back into the great restaurants , bars and pubs of London that was !
Read more : The history of your Christmas dinner , from steamed sheep ’ s head to traditional turkey Like many restaurateurs and publicans across the country , I don ’ t mind being told to close my venue for the good of the nation ( although there is still no evidence that hospitality contributes significantly more than other sectors to the spread ) .
What I and many others in the industry have issue with is closing with 24 hours ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year , with no additional support announced .
It is enough to make one want to throw in the towel .
I have great belief in all of the phenomenal businesses and the individuals within the UK who have done their best to adapt in the crisis that has enveloped the country since March this year .
Whilst there will undoubtedly be hospitality casualties in the New Year , I look with great pride at the steadfast commitment to guests , the adaptability and sheer determination displayed in every direction in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the foreseeable and a Christmas cancelled in all but name are not limited to hospitality .
Indeed , the most recent last-minute decision by the government has left many households in the UK in a similar position to hospitality venues : either finding themselves with far too much food which will go to waste ; or unable to get their supermarket delivery slots in in time .
Having gone through both ends of this spectrum too many times this year I can sympathise , so in this week ’ s article I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative options for cocktails you can make at home – whether you are a stocked up Supermarket Sweeper or Tier 4 and Turkey-less I have you covered with these easy festive cocktails Chase Distillery , renowned for their single estate spirits in Herefordshire , have a range that would be welcome in every household this Christmas .
Their GB Gin is my go-to gin and tonic , whilst their Elegant 48 Gin does what is says on the tin – a delicate elegant ingredient wonderful in cocktails .
However it is their Marmalade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of year .
It has been developed over the years into its current form , which is now barrel-aged , giving it a richness and depth which keeps the cold at bay .
It is such a simple drink and always warms you up this time of year , whether neat or in a cocktail with ginger beer and bitters .
Look out for the special release version of this vodka which has been aged in cognac casks – it is an intriguing and enchanting spirit , perfect for sipping by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the ultimate hip flask addition !
Serve over ice in a Colin ’ s glass and garnish with lime 50ml of any gin or vodka 3 teaspoons of marmalade ( or the remnants left in the jar ) Fill jam jar with the spirit and some ice , shake it up with the lid on .
Top with ginger beer and add a few dashes of bitters , if you have them !
Our Horse ’ s Neck Martini is a trademark at the Fitzdares Club and is a brilliant zesty aperitif @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whilst it is a push to suggest that our key ingredient of cold-pressed ginger brings profound health benefits , we like to think it is at least one of your five a day !
However at this time of year , we replace the Horse ’ s Neck Martini with a Reindeer ’ s Neck Martini , which takes it one step further with a cinnamon twist as a festive alternative .
10ml cinnamon honey syrup ( heat cup of water wine with half cup honey and 4 cinnamon sticks for 10 mins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaker , add ice and shake hard .
Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with lemon zest .
Nugget of stem ginger with teaspoon of syrup Add all to cocktail shaker ( or empty jam jar with lid ) middle the stem ginger in purée , then shake hard with ice and fine strain into a Martini glass with tea strainer .
Most people have a bottle of sloe gin kicking around , either purchased from a established gin producers ( again Chase Distillery gets a worthy mention here ! )
or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proud friend which you didn ’ t quite manage to finish .
Thankfully , even less-accomplished sloe gins can easily be pimped up to make a refreshing and delectable Christmas drink 15ml honey syrup infused with thyme ( heat half a cup of honey with a cup of water and fresh thyme for 10 mins ) Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake hard with ice .
Strain into rocks glass over ice and garnish with sprig of thyme and a few dashes of Angostura Bitters .
15ml sugar thyme syrup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a cup of water and dry thyme for 10 mins ) Add all to cocktail shaker ( or empty jam jar with lid ) and shake hard with ice .
Strain into rocks glass over ice and garnish with a few dashes of bitters .
A Sgroppino is a slightly more interesting version of a Buck ’ s Fizz , which is essentially a flavoured sorbet topped up with fizz .
Whilst it looks complicated , the work is all done before hand , so on the day all you do is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grapefruits are at their best and , if you can spare a little bit of sage from your stuffing , this combination is a very good way to kick- off your day of indulgence .
If you fancy something a little more exciting add a capful of Campari at the end !
Simmer for 5 minutes until sugar dissolved then leave to cool .
Once cooled , put in ice cream machine until smooth ( around 8-12 minutes ) then put in airtight container in the freezer .
When ready to serve , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pour over chilled cava , prosecco or crémant ( save the champagne to be drunk on its own ! )
Add all to a blender and blend until smooth purée .
Put in airtight container in freezer .
A few hours before serving drink , take out of freezer and chop into blocks before blending again until smooth then refreeze for about an hour so it can be scooped .
When ready to serve add a scoop of sorbet into coupettes and pour over with chilled cava , prosecco or crémant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are over-stocked or scrambling for the last turkey in Tescos , we within the hospitality know the feeling and hope you can add some festivity to your day with the above .
recipes .
We look forward to welcoming you all back sometime in the New Year , whenever that may be .
Until then , a very Merry Christmas !

Festive cocktails, whether you’re fully stocked or the cupboard’s bare
Dom Jacobs with his favourite festive cocktails
What a short-lived foray back into the great restaurants, bars and pubs of London that was!
Like many restaurateurs and publicans across the country, I don’t mind being told to close my venue for the good of the nation (although there is still no evidence that hospitality contributes significantly more than other sectors to the spread).
What I and many others in the industry have issue with is closing with 24 hours’ notice ahead of the busiest week of the year, with no additional support announced. It is enough to make one want to throw in the towel.
I have great belief in all of the phenomenal businesses and the individuals within the UK who have done their best to adapt in the crisis that has enveloped the country since March this year. Whilst there will undoubtedly be hospitality casualties in the New Year, I look with great pride at the steadfast commitment to guests, the adaptability and sheer determination displayed in every direction in our sector.
The impacts of Tier 4 for the foreseeable and a Christmas cancelled in all but name are not limited to hospitality. Indeed, the most recent last-minute decision by the government has left many households in the UK in a similar position to hospitality venues: either finding themselves with far too much food which will go to waste; or unable to get their supermarket delivery slots in in time.
Having gone through both ends of this spectrum too many times this year I can sympathise, so in this week’s article I am sharing some top tips and two alternative options for cocktails you can make at home – whether you are a stocked up Supermarket Sweeper or Tier 4 and Turkey-less I have you covered with these easy festive cocktails
Marmalade Mule
Chase Distillery, renowned for their single estate spirits in Herefordshire, have a range that would be welcome in every household this Christmas. Their GB Gin is my go-to gin and tonic, whilst their Elegant 48 Gin does what is says on the tin – a delicate elegant ingredient wonderful in cocktails.
However it is their Marmalade Vodka that gets a special mention this time of year. It has been developed over the years into its current form, which is now barrel-aged, giving it a richness and depth which keeps the cold at bay. It is such a simple drink and always warms you up this time of year, whether neat or in a cocktail with ginger beer and bitters.
Look out for the special release version of this vodka which has been aged in cognac casks – it is an intriguing and enchanting spirit, perfect for sipping by the fire as an alternative digestif after dinner and the ultimate hip flask addition!
Supermarket Sweeper
50ml marmalade vodka
Top with ginger beer
4 dashes angostura bitters
Serve over ice in a Colin’s glass and garnish with lime
Tier 4 and Turkey-less
50ml of any gin or vodka
3 teaspoons of marmalade (or the remnants left in the jar)
Fill jam jar with the spirit and some ice, shake it up with the lid on.
Top with ginger beer and add a few dashes of bitters, if you have them!
Reindeer’s Neck Martini
Our Horse’s Neck Martini is a trademark at the Fitzdares Club and is a brilliant zesty aperitif as well as a settling digestif. Whilst it is a push to suggest that our key ingredient of cold-pressed ginger brings profound health benefits, we like to think it is at least one of your five a day!
However at this time of year, we replace the Horse’s Neck Martini with a Reindeer’s Neck Martini, which takes it one step further with a cinnamon twist as a festive alternative.
Supermarket Sweeper
30ml Hennessy VS Cognac
20ml Stones ginger liqueur
10ml cinnamon honey syrup (heat cup of water wine with half cup honey and 4 cinnamon sticks for 10 mins)
20ml cold pressed ginger and apple juice
20ml lemon juice
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake hard. Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with lemon zest.
Tier 4 and Turkey-less
40ml any brandy
Nugget of stem ginger with teaspoon of syrup
20ml lemon juice
15ml apple juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Dash of bitters
Add all to cocktail shaker (or empty jam jar with lid) middle the stem ginger in purée, then shake hard with ice and fine strain into a Martini glass with tea strainer.
Sloe Gin Sour
Most people have a bottle of sloe gin kicking around, either purchased from a established gin producers (again Chase Distillery gets a worthy mention here!) or last year’s homemade gift from a proud friend which you didn’t quite manage to finish. Thankfully, even less-accomplished sloe gins can easily be pimped up to make a refreshing and delectable Christmas drink
Supermarket Sweeper
50ml Chase Distillery Sloe Gin
20ml lemon juice
15ml honey syrup infused with thyme (heat half a cup of honey with a cup of water and fresh thyme for 10 mins)
1 egg white
Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake hard with ice. Strain into rocks glass over ice and garnish with sprig of thyme and a few dashes of Angostura Bitters.
Tier 4 and Turkey-less
50ml any sloe gin
20ml lemon juice
15ml sugar thyme syrup (heat half a cup of sugar with a cup of water and dry thyme for 10 mins)
1 egg white, or 20ml chickpea water
Add all to cocktail shaker (or empty jam jar with lid) and shake hard with ice. Strain into rocks glass over ice and garnish with a few dashes of bitters.
Grapefruit and Sage Sgroppino
A Sgroppino is a slightly more interesting version of a Buck’s Fizz, which is essentially a flavoured sorbet topped up with fizz. Whilst it looks complicated, the work is all done before hand, so on the day all you do is add fizz.
Winter is actually when grapefruits are at their best and, if you can spare a little bit of sage from your stuffing, this combination is a very good way to kick- off your day of indulgence. If you fancy something a little more exciting add a capful of Campari at the end!
Supermarket Sweeper
For the sorbet:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup strained fresh grapefruit juice
6 sage leaves
Simmer for 5 minutes until sugar dissolved then leave to cool.
Once cooled, put in ice cream machine until smooth (around 8-12 minutes) then put in airtight container in the freezer.
When ready to serve, add a scoop of sorbet into coupettes and pour over chilled cava, prosecco or crémant (save the champagne to be drunk on its own!)
Tier 4 and Turkey-less
For the sorbet:
1 whole grapefruit peeled and pith removed
1 cup grapefruit juice (works with oranges too)
100g sugar
1 cup water
Add all to a blender and blend until smooth purée. Put in airtight container in freezer.
A few hours before serving drink, take out of freezer and chop into blocks before blending again until smooth then refreeze for about an hour so it can be scooped.
When ready to serve add a scoop of sorbet into coupettes and pour over with chilled cava, prosecco or crémant.
***
Whatever your situation this Christmas, whether you are over-stocked or scrambling for the last turkey in Tescos, we within the hospitality know the feeling and hope you can add some festivity to your day with the above. recipes.
We look forward to welcoming you all back sometime in the New Year, whenever that may be.
Until then, a very Merry Christmas!


cityam--2020-12-23--The history of your Christmas dinner, from steamed sheep's head to traditional turkey

This year will be a Christmas like no other for many of us .
Sadly , there are going to be some people who won ’ t get to spend it with the ones they love .
But whether you are with your close family or on your own , food can help bring a bit of joy to the festive season .
Read more : ‘ We will lose £400k ’ : The cost of Tier 3 for the hospitality sector For me , Christmas is always about indulging , with a slap-up dinner at the heart of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they think turkey , roast potatoes , Brussel sprouts , parsnips , pigs in blankets , stuffing , gravy , and cranberry sauce .
For many , turkey is the centrepiece .
December ’ s favourite dish has come a long way from humble origins to the familiar festive feast we know and love .
The food we eat on 25 December has its roots from before the Middle Ages , but it ’ s the Victorians that gave birth to Christmas as we know it .
Things kicked off in Medieval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , woodcock , venison , and , with the king ’ s permission , swan .
If the poor were lucky , they might get some of the “ pluck ” from the venison—the heart , liver , tongue and brain .
Known as ‘ umbles , it would be mixed with vegetables and spice and made into a pie .
Turkey is at the top of the shopping list for most meat eaters nowadays .
But it took centuries for the big bird to become the go-to main course .
Legend has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first monarch to enjoy turkey on Christmas Day but during the reign of Elizabeth I people were feasting on sweetmeats like slices of bacon , coated with ground almonds and sugar and washing it down with a frothy hot , spiced , cider or ale called lambswool .
Various meats were eaten until Queen Victoria ’ s reign when turkey took the Christmas crown .
However , even then most families couldn ’ t afford turkey at Christmas so made do with beef or goose with the poorest catching rabbits .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ – chefs react to ‘ cruel ’ Tier 3 restrictions Everyone loves a roast potato , and they come with their own history trail to make it onto Christmas plates .
When Europeans began sailing the world , they brought spuds back from South America .
Fast forward a few centuries and it was Queen Victoria again who set the trend to put the humble potato to the Christmas menu .
At the time , however , roast wasn ’ t the potato of choice .
Royals plumped for mash .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to expect certain staples at Christmas .
But during the Second World War , turkey was in short supply .
To keep spirits up people created fake Christmas food such as mock turkey shaped from other meats such as the afore mentioned rabbit or mutton .
In other parts of the world Christmas dinner looks decidedly different .
From roast suckling pig and blood sausage in Puerto Rico , to boiled ham and a side of eggs mixed with anchovies in Sweden , cod and boiled potatoes in Portugal , Jamaican curry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian biryani with chicken or mutton .
In parts of Norway a whole steamed sheep ’ s head is on the menu , with the ear and eye meant to be eaten first while the brain is taken out and served boiled or fried or eaten straight out of the head .
For a special treat the men in Greenland serve the women a meal consisting of strips of whale blubber encased in whale fat and the flesh from birds called auks buried in sealskin for months and served as it begins to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America , the tradition is to eat Chinese food as they ’ re always open on Christmas Day .
While in Japan , Christmas dinner revolves around one of my favourite foods , fried chicken , washed down with some warm sake .
The tradition began in 1974 when KFC launched their ‘ Kentucky for Christmas ’ advertising campaign and it just grew and grew .
If you find yourself alone this year , I say you should still cook yourself a festive feast .
You don ’ t have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spuds – but if you have already bought a lot you can use the leftovers in the days after Christmas for a few easy , stress-free and delicious dinners – and it saves on waste .
It will be hard , but we can get through this .
A bit of guilt free grub and festive cheer is just what we need .
I love nothing more than tucking into all the delights Christmas has to offer and that ’ s exactly what I ’ ll be doing come 25 December .

The history of your Christmas dinner, from steamed sheep’s head to traditional turkey
James Cochran, co-owner and executive chef at Islington’s 12:51
This year will be a Christmas like no other for many of us. Sadly, there are going to be some people who won’t get to spend it with the ones they love. But whether you are with your close family or on your own, food can help bring a bit of joy to the festive season.
For me, Christmas is always about indulging, with a slap-up dinner at the heart of things. When most people think Christmas dinner, they think turkey, roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts, parsnips, pigs in blankets, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. For many, turkey is the centrepiece. December’s favourite dish has come a long way from humble origins to the familiar festive feast we know and love.
The food we eat on 25 December has its roots from before the Middle Ages, but it’s the Victorians that gave birth to Christmas as we know it. Things kicked off in Medieval Britain with the wealthy dining on goose, woodcock, venison, and, with the king’s permission, swan. If the poor were lucky, they might get some of the “pluck” from the venison—the heart, liver, tongue and brain. Known as ‘umbles, it would be mixed with vegetables and spice and made into a pie.
Turkey is at the top of the shopping list for most meat eaters nowadays. But it took centuries for the big bird to become the go-to main course. Legend has it that King Henry VIII was the first monarch to enjoy turkey on Christmas Day but during the reign of Elizabeth I people were feasting on sweetmeats like slices of bacon, coated with ground almonds and sugar and washing it down with a frothy hot, spiced, cider or ale called lambswool.
Various meats were eaten until Queen Victoria’s reign when turkey took the Christmas crown. However, even then most families couldn’t afford turkey at Christmas so made do with beef or goose with the poorest catching rabbits.
Everyone loves a roast potato, and they come with their own history trail to make it onto Christmas plates. When Europeans began sailing the world, they brought spuds back from South America. Fast forward a few centuries and it was Queen Victoria again who set the trend to put the humble potato to the Christmas menu. At the time, however, roast wasn’t the potato of choice. Royals plumped for mash.
By the turn of the 20th century people came to expect certain staples at Christmas. But during the Second World War, turkey was in short supply. To keep spirits up people created fake Christmas food such as mock turkey shaped from other meats such as the afore mentioned rabbit or mutton.
In other parts of the world Christmas dinner looks decidedly different. From roast suckling pig and blood sausage in Puerto Rico, to boiled ham and a side of eggs mixed with anchovies in Sweden, cod and boiled potatoes in Portugal, Jamaican curry goat or stewed oxtail, or an Indian biryani with chicken or mutton.
In parts of Norway a whole steamed sheep’s head is on the menu, with the ear and eye meant to be eaten first while the brain is taken out and served boiled or fried or eaten straight out of the head.
For a special treat the men in Greenland serve the women a meal consisting of strips of whale blubber encased in whale fat and the flesh from birds called auks buried in sealskin for months and served as it begins to decompose.
For many Jewish people living in America, the tradition is to eat Chinese food as they’re always open on Christmas Day. While in Japan, Christmas dinner revolves around one of my favourite foods, fried chicken, washed down with some warm sake. The tradition began in 1974 when KFC launched their ‘Kentucky for Christmas’ advertising campaign and it just grew and grew.
If you find yourself alone this year, I say you should still cook yourself a festive feast. You don’t have to do a whole bird or a heap of spuds – but if you have already bought a lot you can use the leftovers in the days after Christmas for a few easy, stress-free and delicious dinners – and it saves on waste.
It will be hard, but we can get through this. A bit of guilt free grub and festive cheer is just what we need. I love nothing more than tucking into all the delights Christmas has to offer and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing come 25 December.


cityam--2020-12-23--BREAKING: Another new mutation of Covid-19 spreading in UK from South Africa

A new mutation of Covid-19 is spreading in the United Kingdom , having arrived from South Africa .
The variant , which is considered to be even faster to spread than the mutation announced last week , is highly contagious .
Read more : Almost all of southern England plunged into Tier 4 on Boxing Day Anybody who has been to South Africa in the last two weeks , and any close contacts of anybody who has been there , must quarantine .
There are currently two known cases of the variant in the UK .
“ We are incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their science , ” he said .
“ This virus is yet more transmissible and appears to have mutated further than the new virus.
” Read more : Patel refuses to rule out further Tier 4 restrictions as mutant virus spreads He said the UK is quarantining new cases , and placing restrictions on travel from South Africa .
Anyone who has been in South Africa in the past fortnight and anyone who is a close contact of someone who has been in South Africa in the last fortnight must quarantine immediately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news in a Downing Street press conference .
He said the law would be changed to ensure people did indeed stay at home .
Dr Susan Hopkins , who was also at the press conference , said the UK was still learning about the South African variant .
“ We are pretty confident that the system we have in place will help control the spread , ” she said .

BREAKING: Another new mutation of Covid-19 spreading in UK from South Africa
Health Secretary Matt Hancock leaving Downing Street
A new mutation of Covid-19 is spreading in the United Kingdom, having arrived from South Africa.
The variant, which is considered to be even faster to spread than the mutation announced last week, is highly contagious.
Anybody who has been to South Africa in the last two weeks, and any close contacts of anybody who has been there, must quarantine.
There are currently two known cases of the variant in the UK.
“We are incredibly grateful to the South African government for their science,” he said.
“This virus is yet more transmissible and appears to have mutated further than the new virus.”
He said the UK is quarantining new cases, and placing restrictions on travel from South Africa.
Anyone who has been in South Africa in the past fortnight and anyone who is a close contact of someone who has been in South Africa in the last fortnight must quarantine immediately, said Hancock.
The health secretary announced the news in a Downing Street press conference.
He said the law would be changed to ensure people did indeed stay at home.
Dr Susan Hopkins, who was also at the press conference, said the UK was still learning about the South African variant.
“We are pretty confident that the system we have in place will help control the spread,” she said.


cityam--2020-12-23--Almost all of southern England plunged into Tier 4 on Boxing Day

The vast majority of the South of England will be plunged into Tier 4 on Boxing Day , leaving half of England facing the strictest coronavirus restrictions .
On Sunday morning London and southeast England were put into new ‘ Tier 4 ’ restrictions .
The restrictions are akin to that of lockdown , with all non-essential businesses closed and residents told to stay home .
Read more : Patel refuses to rule out further Tier 4 restrictions as mutant virus spreads Now the remaining areas of Essex that escaped Tier 4 at the weekend will the restrictions opposed upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surrey .
Oxfordshire , which was previously in Tier 3 , has also moved into Tier 4 Moving from Tier 2 to Tier 4 are Suffolk , Norfolk , and Hampshire with the exception of the New Forest .
Further north , Northampton , Warrington , and Cheshire East and West will move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 .
In the South West previously Tier 1 Cornwall will move to Tier 2 .
Speaking at a press conference today health secretary Matt Hancock said : “ Tier 3 not enough to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypothesis this is a fact , and we ’ ve seen it on the ground.
” Ministers met earlier today to discuss what further action may be needed to contain the spread of the new Covid-19 variant .
Read more : The best films to watch on a Tier 4 Christmas day A new , more infectious variant of the coronavirus has been spreading throughout London and the southeast , and as a result coronavirus cases in the UK have rocketed in the last week .
Yesterday the UK recorded a record 36,804 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variant has already spread across the country , and can also be found internationally .
The UK ’ s R rate is now 1.1-1.3 , according to the latest data .
The new variant has caused chaos in the UK and elsewhere .
Travel bans have been imposed on the UK around the world , and France closed the border at Calais , leading to 3,000 lorries parked up in Kent .
Thousands of families have had to change their Christmas plans at the last minute .

Almost all of southern England plunged into Tier 4 on Boxing Day
The vast majority of the South of England will be plunged into Tier 4 on Boxing Day, leaving half of England facing the strictest coronavirus restrictions.
On Sunday morning London and southeast England were put into new ‘Tier 4’ restrictions. The restrictions are akin to that of lockdown, with all non-essential businesses closed and residents told to stay home.
Now the remaining areas of Essex that escaped Tier 4 at the weekend will the restrictions opposed upon them, as well as Waverley in Surrey.
Oxfordshire, which was previously in Tier 3, has also moved into Tier 4
Moving from Tier 2 to Tier 4 are Suffolk, Norfolk, and Hampshire with the exception of the New Forest.
Further north, Northampton, Warrington, and Cheshire East and West will move from Tier 2 to Tier 3.
In the South West previously Tier 1 Cornwall will move to Tier 2.
Speaking at a press conference today health secretary Matt Hancock said: “Tier 3 not enough to control new variant, this is not a hypothesis this is a fact, and we’ve seen it on the ground.”
Ministers met earlier today to discuss what further action may be needed to contain the spread of the new Covid-19 variant.
A new, more infectious variant of the coronavirus has been spreading throughout London and the southeast, and as a result coronavirus cases in the UK have rocketed in the last week. Yesterday the UK recorded a record 36,804 cases.
It is thought the new variant has already spread across the country, and can also be found internationally.
The UK’s R rate is now 1.1-1.3, according to the latest data.
The new variant has caused chaos in the UK and elsewhere. Travel bans have been imposed on the UK around the world, and France closed the border at Calais, leading to 3,000 lorries parked up in Kent.
Thousands of families have had to change their Christmas plans at the last minute.


cityam--2020-12-23--Go Betty Go: Pound soars as speculation mounts EU deal is imminent

Reports that a post-Brexit trade deal could emerge sooner rather than later has seen Sterling soar against the dollar .
@ @ @ @ @ 1.35 after an EU diplomat told Reuters that a deal would be coming “ today @ @ @ @ @ have suggested a deal is imminent .
The Sun is reporting that the last compromise @ @ @ @ @ the use of batteries .
The pound is up .8 of a per cent on @ @ @ @ @ cent on the dollar and 1.05 per cent on the Japanese Yen .
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ are said to be in close contact on a possible deal .
Read more : @ @ @ @ @ too sensible not to do This story is developing and will be updated

Go Betty Go: Pound soars as speculation mounts EU deal is imminent
(Photo by Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Reports that a post-Brexit trade deal could emerge sooner rather than later has seen Sterling soar against the dollar.
The pound has hit $1.35 after an EU diplomat told Reuters that a deal would be coming “today or tomorrow.”
Other sources have suggested a deal is imminent.
The Sun is reporting that the last compromise to be struck is around the use of batteries.
The pound is up .8 of a per cent on the Euro, 1.27 per cent on the dollar and 1.05 per cent on the Japanese Yen.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen are said to be in close contact on a possible deal.
Read more: City analysts await a deal too sensible not to do
This story is developing and will be updated


cityam--2020-12-23--Covid-19: Hancock to speak at 3pm, as R Rate rises to between 1.1 and 1.3

The UK ’ s Covid R rate has risen to between 1.1 and 1.3 , according to government data , ahead of a press conference from Matt Hancock at 3pm .
This means that on average , every 10 people infected will infect between 11 and 13 other people .
The data also reveals that the number of new infections is growing by between 1 per cent and six per cent every day .
London and the East of England have the highest R rates in the country .
Both are estimated at between 1.2 and 1.5 .
London has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight per cent per day .
Read more : Covid-19 : R Rate creeps up to 1.4 in London according to new study On Tuesday , the UK recorded 36,804 positive cases , the largest number of daily cases yet .
However , the number of cases is thought to have been higher during the first wave when there was limited testing .
London and many surrounding areas entered tier four last week , cancelling Christmas gatherings for many .
The tighter restrictions were announced amid news that a more transmissible variant of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is believed that other areas will be placed under tier four restrictions from Boxing Day .
Read more : Patel refuses to rule out further Tier 4 restrictions as mutant virus spreads

Covid-19: Hancock to speak at 3pm, as R Rate rises to between 1.1 and 1.3
(Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
The UK’s Covid R rate has risen to between 1.1 and 1.3, according to government data, ahead of a press conference from Matt Hancock at 3pm.
This means that on average, every 10 people infected will infect between 11 and 13 other people.
The data also reveals that the number of new infections is growing by between 1 per cent and six per cent every day.
London and the East of England have the highest R rates in the country. Both are estimated at between 1.2 and 1.5. London has a growth rate of between four and eight per cent per day.
On Tuesday, the UK recorded 36,804 positive cases, the largest number of daily cases yet. However, the number of cases is thought to have been higher during the first wave when there was limited testing.
London and many surrounding areas entered tier four last week, cancelling Christmas gatherings for many. The tighter restrictions were announced amid news that a more transmissible variant of Covid was causing a spike in cases.
It is believed that other areas will be placed under tier four restrictions from Boxing Day.


cityam--2020-12-23--Reports: EU putting in place 'procedures' for post-Brexit trade deal

EU member states are beginning to put in place procedures for post-Brexit trade deal , reports have emerged in the @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic sources told Reuters that preparations have been stepped up .
Reuters reports that national @ @ @ @ @ prepare for a meeting as early as Thursday should a deal be struck today .
@ @ @ @ @ : “ It seems the deal is pretty much there .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ or tomorrow.
” Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson are said to be in @ @ @ @ @ at the negotiator level .
Fisheries have remained a stumbling block for some years but @ @ @ @ @ sides are keen to get a deal in time for Parliaments to ratify it .
@ @ @ @ @ will be struck , but fear serious damage to sterling if one is not struck @ @ @ @ @ begin fruit and veg flights in and out of the UK

Reports: EU putting in place ‘procedures’ for post-Brexit trade deal
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
EU member states are beginning to put in place procedures for post-Brexit trade deal, reports have emerged in the last few minutes.
Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that preparations have been stepped up.
Reuters reports that national diplomats have been told to prepare for a meeting as early as Thursday should a deal be struck today.
One EU diplomat told Reuters: “It seems the deal is pretty much there. It’s a matter of announcing it today or tomorrow.”
Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson are said to be in close contact after talks stalled at the negotiator level.
Fisheries have remained a stumbling block for some years but it is believed that both sides are keen to get a deal in time for Parliaments to ratify it.
City analysts believe a deal will be struck, but fear serious damage to sterling if one is not struck.
Read more: Lufthansa begin fruit and veg flights in and out of the UK


cityam--2020-12-23--Covid-19: It's 1-1 at half-time in the biggest match of our lives

A monumental effort has produced the first vaccines for Covid-19 in a timescale that at the start of the year looked very difficult .
The fact we are now seeing people like Margaret Keenan , the first to receive the vaccine in the UK , given an injection shows the progress made in vaccines over the past 10 years .
Big companies working with small , scientists , charities , sharing information and data for the greater good .
Read more : UK stuck with Tier 4 lockdowns until vaccine rolls out across the country And it ’ s that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we are to truly defeat Covid .
Cooperation at a political level on managing this next phase for the benefit of all – and cooperation from the public in taking a vaccine that is so crucial to overcoming the virus .
Do this and we can win .
Because make no mistake , as we ’ ve seen this week , the match against this deadly virus isn ’ t over .
If it was a football game , we are currently at half-time .
It ’ s 1-1 and as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
We need to learn which people cope with which vaccine the best , to learn the profile of the vaccines we have developed and the possible side effects they have .
We need to figure out which vaccines are best at preventing the virus , combating its severity , how long they protect us for and which ones are more suitable for different climates .
We also need to produce enough and work out the best way to distribute the various vaccines so that it ’ s not only the wealthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the less wealthy part too .
What concerns me most as a vaccine innovator , a microbiologist is the creeping isolationism and populism among some political leaders , totally misunderstanding the need for teamwork .
This idea that we are better than others is outdated and means we fail to master infectious diseases .
You ’ ve seen this malicious ignorance in the United States under the departing President and , sorry to say , to a degree even in some European countries .
We seem to be bringing a kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermine our efforts against Covid .
Read more : R Rate creeps up to 1.4 in the capital The ‘ mutant ’ strain recently identified in the UK population , underpins the notion that it ’ s prudent to move forward a variety of distinct vaccines following the front runners .
We shouldn ’ t be arrogant .
Take the Chinese vaccine .
It ’ s a very well-developed vaccine candidate with a promising profile .
It ’ s based on classical vaccine technology .
Viruses grown on tissue culture , inactivated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very efficient and proven to be safe – like the one we used against Hepatitis A and Rabies .
Classical vaccines which do not need a minus 80 degrees centigrade cold chain for distribution and have a very long shelf life .
We shouldn ’ t be arrogant and dismiss it because it ’ s from China or because it doesn ’ t use the latest technology .
But critically , as well as political goodwill we also need to educate and make the case for vaccines once more among the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in ‘ upcoming ’ countries have enjoyed relative freedom from infectious disease for decades , mostly because of vaccines .
As a result many of those diseases have nearly disappeared or their spread has at least been kept under control .
This has led to the gigantic misconception that we don ’ t need vaccination programmes , but they are essential to protecting society .
So today , some in better off countries are not willing to recognise that taking vaccines is the only way to get out of this dramatic pandemic crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal life , there really is no other way now than a mass vaccination programme .
While I ’ m not a friend of authoritarian solutions , we have to be honest and admit we may need to introduce a kind of ‘ Immunity Passport ’ as an incentive , something that allows those willing to take a vaccine to resume normality while being clear that those who don ’ t pose a risk .
I wouldn ’ t necessarily enforce a vaccine , but there are many sectors in our economic life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if somebody refuses to be vaccinated , she or he has to accept that this will exclude them from some type of standard , economical and social activity .
As I mentioned .
We are only at half-time .
We are facing a team of 11 very strong , little red viruses .
We have to put all our nerve , strength – and teamwork – into the second half .
If we do we will return to the normal life we crave .

Covid-19: It’s 1-1 at half-time in the biggest match of our lives
GPs could face being moved around the country under new plans (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
A monumental effort has produced the first vaccines for Covid-19 in a timescale that at the start of the year looked very difficult.
The fact we are now seeing people like Margaret Keenan, the first to receive the vaccine in the UK, given an injection shows the progress made in vaccines over the past 10 years.
Big companies working with small, scientists, charities, sharing information and data for the greater good.
Read more: UK stuck with Tier 4 lockdowns until vaccine rolls out across the country
And it’s that spirit of cooperation that must continue now if we are to truly defeat Covid. Cooperation at a political level on managing this next phase for the benefit of all – and cooperation from the public in taking a vaccine that is so crucial to overcoming the virus.
Do this and we can win.
Because make no mistake, as we’ve seen this week, the match against this deadly virus isn’t over. If it was a football game, we are currently at half-time. It’s 1-1 and as a world we really need to pull together now.
We need to learn which people cope with which vaccine the best, to learn the profile of the vaccines we have developed and the possible side effects they have.
We need to figure out which vaccines are best at preventing the virus, combating its severity, how long they protect us for and which ones are more suitable for different climates.
We also need to produce enough and work out the best way to distribute the various vaccines so that it’s not only the wealthy part of the world that benefits – but the less wealthy part too.
What concerns me most as a vaccine innovator, a microbiologist is the creeping isolationism and populism among some political leaders, totally misunderstanding the need for teamwork. This idea that we are better than others is outdated and means we fail to master infectious diseases.
You’ve seen this malicious ignorance in the United States under the departing President and, sorry to say, to a degree even in some European countries.
“We’re better than you.”
“We’re first.”
We seem to be bringing a kind of disruptive contest into this and it could undermine our efforts against Covid.
Read more: R Rate creeps up to 1.4 in the capital
The ‘mutant’ strain recently identified in the UK population, underpins the notion that it’s prudent to move forward a variety of distinct vaccines following the front runners.
We shouldn’t be arrogant. Take the Chinese vaccine. It’s a very well-developed vaccine candidate with a promising profile. It’s based on classical vaccine technology.
Viruses grown on tissue culture, inactivated, purified and formulated are classical vaccines which are very efficient and proven to be safe – like the one we used against Hepatitis A and Rabies. Classical vaccines which do not need a minus 80 degrees centigrade cold chain for distribution and have a very long shelf life.
We shouldn’t be arrogant and dismiss it because it’s from China or because it doesn’t use the latest technology.
But critically, as well as political goodwill we also need to educate and make the case for vaccines once more among the public.
People living in wealthy or even in ‘upcoming’ countries have enjoyed relative freedom from infectious disease for decades, mostly because of vaccines. As a result many of those diseases have nearly disappeared or their spread has at least been kept under control.
This has led to the gigantic misconception that we don’t need vaccination programmes, but they are essential to protecting society.
So today, some in better off countries are not willing to recognise that taking vaccines is the only way to get out of this dramatic pandemic crisis. If people want to return to normal life, there really is no other way now than a mass vaccination programme.
While I’m not a friend of authoritarian solutions, we have to be honest and admit we may need to introduce a kind of ‘Immunity Passport’ as an incentive, something that allows those willing to take a vaccine to resume normality while being clear that those who don’t pose a risk.
I wouldn’t necessarily enforce a vaccine, but there are many sectors in our economic life, in our social life, where if somebody refuses to be vaccinated, she or he has to accept that this will exclude them from some type of standard, economical and social activity.
As I mentioned. We are only at half-time. We are facing a team of 11 very strong, little red viruses. We have to put all our nerve, strength – and teamwork – into the second half.
If we do we will return to the normal life we crave.
Read more: Wanted: A Minister for Hospitality


cityam--2020-12-24--For cod's hake: Last minute fishing hitch delays Brexit announcement; deal could still be hours away

Talks to finalise the Brexit deal have dragged into the early afternoon , with reports suggesting it could still be “ several hours ” before negotiations finish .
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen spoke this morning to tie up a post-Brexit trade deal .
The call marks the end of weeks of negotiations , with a deal held up by disagreements on fishing rights and the ‘ level playing field.
’ Read more : Go Betty Go – sterling rises on Brexit deal hopes The pair have been in close contact over recent days to thrash out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made concessions , particularly on fisheries , to get a deal over the line .
The deal will see tariff-free trade on goods .
In services , many individual sectors have signed rollover agreements .
According to Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney a last minute hitch related to fishing has delayed the agreement of a British-European Union trade deal .
Boris Johnson is expected to speak from Downing Street later today .
Once agreed by the two leaders , the deal will need to be ratified by both the UK and European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should ensure a smooth passage through legislative hoops in the UK .
The European Parliament is expected to approve the deal , which will come into force when Britain leaves the Customs Union at 11pm on New Year ’ s Eve , retroactively .
Negotiators are believed to have secured an outline agreement yesterday afternoon , with officials haggling over specific wording overnight as well as quotas on particular fish species .
Read more : City analysts await a deal too important not to be done

For cod’s hake: Last minute fishing hitch delays Brexit announcement; deal could still be hours away
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Talks to finalise the Brexit deal have dragged into the early afternoon, with reports suggesting it could still be “several hours” before negotiations finish.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen spoke this morning to tie up a post-Brexit trade deal.
The call marks the end of weeks of negotiations, with a deal held up by disagreements on fishing rights and the ‘level playing field.’
Read more: Go Betty Go – sterling rises on Brexit deal hopes
The pair have been in close contact over recent days to thrash out a deal. Both sides are believed to have made concessions, particularly on fisheries, to get a deal over the line.
The deal will see tariff-free trade on goods. In services, many individual sectors have signed rollover agreements.
According to Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney a last minute hitch related to fishing has delayed the agreement of a British-European Union trade deal.
Boris Johnson is expected to speak from Downing Street later today.
Once agreed by the two leaders, the deal will need to be ratified by both the UK and European Parliaments.
Johnson’s 80-seat majority should ensure a smooth passage through legislative hoops in the UK.
The European Parliament is expected to approve the deal, which will come into force when Britain leaves the Customs Union at 11pm on New Year’s Eve, retroactively.
Negotiators are believed to have secured an outline agreement yesterday afternoon, with officials haggling over specific wording overnight as well as quotas on particular fish species.
Read more: City analysts await a deal too important not to be done


cityam--2020-12-24--Sterling nears 2.5 year high as Brexit deal edges closer

Sterling extended gains on Thursday and appeared set for another push higher as traders waited confirmation that Britain and the European Union had finally clinched a deal .
The potential for a Brexit deal has boosted sterling , which rose 0.47 per cent to $ 1.35 , up 0.6 % on the day and heading towards the 2-1/2 year high of $ 1.3625 hit last week .
The pound edged up to 90.05 pence per euro , and jumped by 0.46 per cent on the Japanese Yen .
The pound also drew support after France lifted its ban on freight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enacted in response to a more contagious coronavirus variant in Britain .
A deal has been struck between the UK and EU after years of negotiation , according to reports .
A statement is expected this morning .
Sterling has seen plenty of volatility in recent weeks as negotiations between UK and European ministers have stalled and deadlines missed , and a new , more infectious variant of the coronavirus prompted border closures to the UK .
Investors cheered news that Britain and the European Union were on the cusp of striking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help them avoid a turbulent start to 2021 .
Hopes for more fiscal spending and expectations that coronavirus vaccines will become more available next year also supported global equities .
Asian stocks also rose on the Brexit news .
MSCI ’ s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.45 per cent .
Australian stocks ended 0.33 per cent higher , while Tokyo shares rose 0.45 per cent .
Chinese stocks fell 0.28 % .
U.S. stock futures edged up by 0.16 % .
Wall Street ended mostly higher on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 0.38 per cent and the S & P 500 edging 0.07 per cent higher .
The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.29 per cent .
CMC Markets UK market analyst David Madden said : “ Stock markets in Europe finished on a bullish note yesterday on the back of optimism that the UK and the EU are close to reaching a trade deal .
“ The UK-EU trade talks have been dragging on and on and people ’ s patience have been running low .
Yesterday afternoon there were reports that a deal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in European equity markets .
The FTSE 100 underperformed versus its continental counterparts as the rally in the pound held it back , but keep in mind the FTSE 250 rallied over 1.7 per cent – outstripping the eurozone markets .
”

Sterling hits $1.36 amid relief over Brexit deal
Sterling extended gains on Thursday and hit $1.36 on the news that a Brexit deal has been agreed.
Sterling had this morning been boosted by speculation, rising 0.47 per cent to $1.35, up 0.6% on the day and heading towards the 2-1/2 year high of $1.3625 hit last week.
The pound edged up to 90.05 pence per euro, and jumped by 0.46 per cent on the Japanese Yen.
The pound also drew support after France lifted its ban on freight coming from Britain, which it had enacted in response to a more contagious coronavirus variant in Britain.
A deal has been struck between the UK and EU after years of negotiation, according to reports. A statement is expected this morning.
Sterling has seen plenty of volatility in recent weeks as negotiations between UK and European ministers have stalled and deadlines missed, and a new, more infectious variant of the coronavirus prompted border closures to the UK.
Asia up
Investors cheered news that Britain and the European Union were on the cusp of striking a narrow trade deal on Thursday that would help them avoid a turbulent start to 2021.
Hopes for more fiscal spending and expectations that coronavirus vaccines will become more available next year also supported global equities.
Asian stocks also rose on the Brexit news. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.45 per cent. Australian stocks ended 0.33 per cent higher, while Tokyo shares rose 0.45 per cent.
Chinese stocks fell 0.28%. U.S. stock futures edged up by 0.16%.
Wall Street ended mostly higher on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 0.38 per cent and the S&P 500 edging 0.07 per cent higher. The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.29 per cent.
CMC Markets UK market analyst David Madden said: “Stock markets in Europe finished on a bullish note yesterday on the back of optimism that the UK and the EU are close to reaching a trade deal.
“The UK-EU trade talks have been dragging on and on and people’s patience have been running low. Yesterday afternoon there were reports that a deal was ‘imminent’ and that boosted sentiment in European equity markets. The FTSE 100 underperformed versus its continental counterparts as the rally in the pound held it back, but keep in mind the FTSE 250 rallied over 1.7 per cent – outstripping the eurozone markets.”


cityam--2020-12-24--The Midnight Sky review: George Clooney's sci-fi flop

George Clooney ’ s latest effort The Midnight Sky is a no-lose scenario for the star .
Its release on Netflix means it won ’ t risk the ignominy of box office failure , a fate that befell his most recent film Suburbicon , and 2015 mega-bomb Tomorrowland .
Read more : The best films to watch on a Tier 4 Christmas day As well as lower stakes , the streamer has given him a broader canvas , with a huge $ 100m budget ( the largest he ’ s worked with as a director ) .
Can he deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clooney direct and star as Augustine Lofthouse , a famous scientist who has devoted his life to finding an alternative planet for mankind to start again .
In the year 2049 , the world is ending due to an apocalyptic occurrence known only as ‘ The Event ’ .
While his colleagues at an Arctic observatory evacuate , a terminally ill Augustine decides to stay at the facility .
Meanwhile , in space , an expedition to the planet Augustine was looking for is returning to Earth , unsure why no one from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing health and an unexpected companion ( Caoilinn Springall ) , he tries to contact the ship ’ s crew so that they can turn back .
To put it bluntly , this sci-fi drama is two films awkwardly smushed together .
On the ground , we have a low-key , emotional indie drama about a man coming to terms with what his life ’ s work has cost him .
There ’ s hints of Duncan Jones ’ Moon and John Hillcoat ’ s The Road in his desperate quest for hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the impact of either of those films .
Above the atmosphere , we ’ ve got a big budget thriller about astronauts learning that the planet they ’ re returning to is lost .
Focusing on the ship ’ s pregnant crewmember Sully ( Felicity Jones ) , we have a cast of likeable characters including the ship ’ s noble commander ( David Oyelowo ) , who all have their own reasons for getting home .
You can feel the influence of Ad Astra , Interstellar , Arrival , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than this .
On their own , the two stories are adequate .
Side by side , it ’ s a tonal nightmare .
Augustine ’ s mission feels like a sub-plot that was beefed up due to the person playing the role , adding bleak obstacles that don ’ t feel terribly urgent given that , you know , the world ’ s ending anyway .
Clooney ’ s mute child sidekick has her moments , but is a cynical device to ensure Clooney isn ’ t just talking to himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The top films of 2020 , from Parasite to Mank Jones and Oyelowo don ’ t fare much better , with fragments of plot to keep them busy as the two parties drift towards the inevitable underwhelming exchange .
Behind the camera , Clooney seems unsure what to do with such large-scale storytelling , and so borrows from the past in rather obvious ways .
The film ’ s big set piece , where the crew are hit by a meteor strike , is reminiscent of the opening of 2013 ’ s Gravity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
To call it an abject failure would be unfair .
Clooney puts a lot of heart into Augustine , with the regret spilling out of those famous brown eyes as he remembers a lost love and the ambition that drove her away .
All the astronauts are likeable , with Kyle Chandler making the most of a slight role as a father eager to return to Earth , no matter what awaits him .
The Midnight Sky takes a long time to do very little , squandering its Netflix millions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a blockbuster or an arthouse film , and ends up with the worst qualities of both .
Having started so promisingly with 2002 ’ s Confessions of a Dangerous Mind , George Clooney the director may need to go back to the drawing board .
The Midnight Sky is available on Netflix from 23rd November .

The Midnight Sky review: George Clooney’s sci-fi flop
George Clooney in The Midnight Sky
George Clooney’s latest effort The Midnight Sky is a no-lose scenario for the star. Its release on Netflix means it won’t risk the ignominy of box office failure, a fate that befell his most recent film Suburbicon, and 2015 mega-bomb Tomorrowland.
As well as lower stakes, the streamer has given him a broader canvas, with a huge $100m budget (the largest he’s worked with as a director). Can he deliver blockbuster results?
The Midnight Sky sees Clooney direct and star as Augustine Lofthouse, a famous scientist who has devoted his life to finding an alternative planet for mankind to start again. In the year 2049, the world is ending due to an apocalyptic occurrence known only as ‘The Event’.
While his colleagues at an Arctic observatory evacuate, a terminally ill Augustine decides to stay at the facility. Meanwhile, in space, an expedition to the planet Augustine was looking for is returning to Earth, unsure why no one from home has contacted them yet. With failing health and an unexpected companion (Caoilinn Springall), he tries to contact the ship’s crew so that they can turn back.
To put it bluntly, this sci-fi drama is two films awkwardly smushed together. On the ground, we have a low-key, emotional indie drama about a man coming to terms with what his life’s work has cost him. There’s hints of Duncan Jones’ Moon and John Hillcoat’s The Road in his desperate quest for hope in the face of oblivion, although without the impact of either of those films.
Above the atmosphere, we’ve got a big budget thriller about astronauts learning that the planet they’re returning to is lost. Focusing on the ship’s pregnant crewmember Sully (Felicity Jones), we have a cast of likeable characters including the ship’s noble commander (David Oyelowo), who all have their own reasons for getting home. You can feel the influence of Ad Astra, Interstellar, Arrival, and a dozen other thoughtful sci-fi movies that fare better than this.
On their own, the two stories are adequate. Side by side, it’s a tonal nightmare. Augustine’s mission feels like a sub-plot that was beefed up due to the person playing the role, adding bleak obstacles that don’t feel terribly urgent given that, you know, the world’s ending anyway. Clooney’s mute child sidekick has her moments, but is a cynical device to ensure Clooney isn’t just talking to himself in the snow.
Jones and Oyelowo don’t fare much better, with fragments of plot to keep them busy as the two parties drift towards the inevitable underwhelming exchange. Behind the camera, Clooney seems unsure what to do with such large-scale storytelling, and so borrows from the past in rather obvious ways. The film’s big set piece, where the crew are hit by a meteor strike, is reminiscent of the opening of 2013’s Gravity, with much of the tension stripped away.
To call it an abject failure would be unfair. Clooney puts a lot of heart into Augustine, with the regret spilling out of those famous brown eyes as he remembers a lost love and the ambition that drove her away. All the astronauts are likeable, with Kyle Chandler making the most of a slight role as a father eager to return to Earth, no matter what awaits him.
The Midnight Sky takes a long time to do very little, squandering its Netflix millions on something that doesn’t know if it’s a blockbuster or an arthouse film, and ends up with the worst qualities of both. Having started so promisingly with 2002’s Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, George Clooney the director may need to go back to the drawing board.
The Midnight Sky is available on Netflix from 23rd November.


cityam--2020-12-24--FTSE falls into the red as Brexit deal wait continues

The FTSE 100 has fallen into the red as mid morning passes and the UK waits to hear if it has secured a deal with the European Union .
At just past 11am London ’ s main market dropped 0.44 per cent after initially opening on the up .
The market opened up 66 per cent this morning , following hopes a Brexit deal would be announced this morning .
Issues around fishing is holding up the process , an Irish minister has said .
The FTSE will be open for a half day today , as it typical on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock and sterling rise on hopes of a Brexit deal Lloyds Banking Group was the biggest gainer this morning , up 7.83 per cent , followed by International Consolidated Airlines , which was up 7.71 per cent .
The biggest loser this morning was Just Eat , which fell 1.89 per cent , followed by Reckitt Benckiser , down 1.74 per cent .
The domestically focused FTSE 250 index , considered a proxy to Brexit sentiment , jumped 0.7 % to hit a fresh February high .
A Brexit deal has been struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of negotiation , according to reports .
A statement is expected this morning .
Read more : UK and EU leaders speak ahead of expected Brexit deal announcement The pound also surged this morning on hopes of a Brexit deal , rising 0.47 per cent to $ 1.36 .
The pound also drew support after France lifted its ban on freight coming from Britain , which it had enacted in response to a more contagious coronavirus variant in Britain .

FTSE falls into the red as Brexit deal wait continues
The FTSE 100 has fallen into the red as mid morning passes and the UK waits to hear if it has secured a deal with the European Union.
At just past 11am London’s main market dropped 0.44 per cent after initially opening on the up.
The market opened up 66 per cent this morning, following hopes a Brexit deal would be announced this morning.
Issues around fishing is holding up the process, an Irish minister has said.
The FTSE will be open for a half day today, as it typical on Christmas Eve.
Lloyds Banking Group was the biggest gainer this morning, up 7.83 per cent, followed by International Consolidated Airlines, which was up 7.71 per cent.
The biggest loser this morning was Just Eat, which fell 1.89 per cent, followed by Reckitt Benckiser, down 1.74 per cent.
The domestically focused FTSE 250 index, considered a proxy to Brexit sentiment, jumped 0.7% to hit a fresh February high.
A Brexit deal has been struck between the UK and the EU after years of negotiation, according to reports. A statement is expected this morning.
The pound also surged this morning on hopes of a Brexit deal, rising 0.47 per cent to $1.36.
The pound also drew support after France lifted its ban on freight coming from Britain, which it had enacted in response to a more contagious coronavirus variant in Britain.


cityam--2020-12-24--China bans flights from UK as global fears of mutant strain mount

UK flights into China have been suspended by Beijing as worldwide fears of Covid-19 mutations found in Britain grow .
@ @ @ @ @ having largely suppressed the virus on its mainland , despite its origin there .
Read @ @ @ @ @ imminent and sterling rises alongside hopes China ’ s decision to block flights from the @ @ @ @ @ a move that many in Britain called for in the early days of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ still landing in Britain long after the emergence of Covid-19 in the city at the @ @ @ @ @ The Communist Party in Beijing ’ s decision follows a host of other countries who @ @ @ @ @ The UK has found more mutations than other nations not just because those strains have @ @ @ @ @ the UK ’ s world-leading genomic industry is more sophisticated than in other parts of @ @ @ @ @ : Businesses beg for help as Tier 4 restrictions see thousands shutter – perhaps for @

China bans flights from UK as global fears of mutant strain mount
(Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
UK flights into China have been suspended by Beijing as worldwide fears of Covid-19 mutations found in Britain grow.
The move comes with China having largely suppressed the virus on its mainland, despite its origin there.
Read more: Brexit deal looks imminent and sterling rises alongside hopes
China’s decision to block flights from the UK is the reverse of a move that many in Britain called for in the early days of the pandemic.
Flights from Wuhan were still landing in Britain long after the emergence of Covid-19 in the city at the start of the year.
The Communist Party in Beijing’s decision follows a host of other countries who have barred UK travellers.
The UK has found more mutations than other nations not just because those strains have emerged here, but because the UK’s world-leading genomic industry is more sophisticated than in other parts of the world.
Read more: Businesses beg for help as Tier 4 restrictions see thousands shutter – perhaps for good


cityam--2020-12-24--Trump pardons prison pals in final weeks of office

Donald Trump has pardoned a number of people close to him and his family as one of his final acts as President of the United States .
Trump has pardoned his former campaign manager Paul Manafort , ex-adviser Roger Stone and the father of Trump ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner .
Read more : Trump brands stimulus deal a disgrace as months of work hang in balance Manafort and Stone were both convicted of crimes relating to the Mueller investigation into Trump ’ s ties to Russia .
Charles Kushner , the father of his son-in-law Jared , was sentenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted of tax evasion and witness tampering , and was released in 2006 .
Trump , taking advantage of a right granted by the Constitution only to the President , has issued two groups of pardons in as many days , and more are anticipated as Trump faces the end of his presidency on 20 January .
Read more : President Trump ‘ could lift UK travel ban ’ from next week In total , Trump issued on Wednesday pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the punishment but leaves the conviction in place .
Besides Manafort and Stone , Trump has pardoned two other major figures from the Russia probe , former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former adviser George Papadopoulos .
A pardon in practice grants full legal forgiveness for a federal crime , as a result removing any remaining prison sentence , probation conditions or unpaid fines .
It also relieves the person of the potential consequences of a felony conviction , such as being barred from voting , running for public office and owning @ @ @

Trump pardons prison pals in final weeks of office
Trump has pardoned a number of people close to his family.
Donald Trump has pardoned a number of people close to him and his family as one of his final acts as President of the United States.
Trump has pardoned his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, ex-adviser Roger Stone and the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Manafort and Stone were both convicted of crimes relating to the Mueller investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia.
Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared, was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of tax evasion and witness tampering, and was released in 2006.
Trump, taking advantage of a right granted by the Constitution only to the President, has issued two groups of pardons in as many days, and more are anticipated as Trump faces the end of his presidency on 20 January.
In total, Trump issued on Wednesday pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional three people. A commutation removes the punishment but leaves the conviction in place.
Besides Manafort and Stone, Trump has pardoned two other major figures from the Russia probe, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former adviser George Papadopoulos.
A pardon in practice grants full legal forgiveness for a federal crime, as a result removing any remaining prison sentence, probation conditions or unpaid fines.
It also relieves the person of the potential consequences of a felony conviction, such as being barred from voting, running for public office and owning a gun.


cityam--2020-12-24--Banks amongst winners on FTSE as City waits for trade deal confirmation

Lloyds Bank and Natwest are amongst those enjoying a Brexit deal boost on the FTSE 100 today .
Lloyds is up more than 4 per cent on the last day of trading before Christmas .
Natwest is also up .
The deal is expected to be announced by Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen within the next few hours .
It is likely to ensure goods can move between the UK and the continent without tariffs or quotas .
Financial services are largely bound up in so-called rollover agreements , with the future relationship still somewhat in doubt in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , financial regulatory partner at law firm Ashurst , said “ from a financial services basis , nothing changes .
“ But it should mean more ‘ deals ’ and ‘ equivalence ’ down the line .
Either way , no-one is quite sure what January 1 2021 will look like for the financial services and markets.
” City analysts had baked in a deal to 2021 planning , but it remains the case that the small print in the 2,000 word document will be pored over in the days to come .

Banks amongst winners on FTSE as City waits for trade deal confirmation
The FTSE opened up this morning, after volatility last week spooked investors.
Lloyds Bank and Natwest are amongst those enjoying a Brexit deal boost on the FTSE 100 today.
Lloyds is up more than 4 per cent on the last day of trading before Christmas.
Natwest is also up.
The deal is expected to be announced by Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen within the next few hours.
It is likely to ensure goods can move between the UK and the continent without tariffs or quotas.
Financial services are largely bound up in so-called rollover agreements, with the future relationship still somewhat in doubt in the medium- and long-term.
Jake Green, financial regulatory partner at law firm Ashurst, said “from a financial services basis, nothing changes.
“But it should mean more ‘deals’ and ‘equivalence’ down the line. Either way, no-one is quite sure what January 1 2021 will look like for the financial services and markets.”
City analysts had baked in a deal to 2021 planning, but it remains the case that the small print in the 2,000 word document will be pored over in the days to come.


cityam--2020-12-24--Cancel Christmas mixing or risk thousands of super-spreading events, urges Independent Sage

Household mixing on Christmas Day should be banned and all areas placed in Tier 4 , Independent Sage has said , as the Covid situation worsens in the UK .
The group of independent scientists urged the government to make changes to the planned easing of restrictions on Christmas Day , describing the new strain of Covid as “ incredibly dangerous ” .
Read more : Bosses beg for help as new Tier 4 restrictions shutter 50,000 businesses A new , more infectious variant of the virus has been sweeping across the South of England , causing cases to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were recorded in the UK – a daily record .
The group said the new variant requires a “ complete rethink of all mitigation strategies ” .
Independent Sage has said all regions of England should be placed in Tier 4 to suppress the virus “ as much as possible ” , and Christmas Day mixing should be cancelled , apart from with pre-existing bubbles .
Read more : Almost all of southern England plunged into Tier 4 on Boxing Day Independent Sage said : “ Evidence is now strong that the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than previous strains .
This is making a bad situation worse .
Cases in all tiers are rising , even where the variant is still rare.
” Modelling from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has estimated that the new variant will account for 90 per cent of new cases by mid-January .
Read more : BREAKING : Another new mutation of Covid-19 spreading in UK from South Africa Independent Sage continued : “ Christmas Day mixing of households indoors for prolonged periods of time , as allowed in tiers 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devolved nations , sets the scene for thousands of super-spreading events .
In the context of the new strain , this is incredibly dangerous.
” There is no evidence yet that the new variant is more deadly than previous iterations of the virus , nor that it will mean the vaccine will not work against it .

Cancel Christmas mixing or risk thousands of super-spreading events, urges Independent Sage
Unsafe toys, counterfeit clothing and incorrectly-labelled nicotine products were some of the items found by police in the raid.
Household mixing on Christmas Day should be banned and all areas placed in Tier 4, Independent Sage has said, as the Covid situation worsens in the UK.
The group of independent scientists urged the government to make changes to the planned easing of restrictions on Christmas Day, describing the new strain of Covid as “incredibly dangerous”.
A new, more infectious variant of the virus has been sweeping across the South of England, causing cases to rise. Yesterday nearly 40,000 new coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK – a daily record.
The group said the new variant requires a “complete rethink of all mitigation strategies”.
Independent Sage has said all regions of England should be placed in Tier 4 to suppress the virus “as much as possible”, and Christmas Day mixing should be cancelled, apart from with pre-existing bubbles.
Independent Sage said: “Evidence is now strong that the new variant of Covid-19 is significantly more infectious than previous strains. This is making a bad situation worse. Cases in all tiers are rising, even where the variant is still rare.”
Modelling from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has estimated that the new variant will account for 90 per cent of new cases by mid-January.
Independent Sage continued: “Christmas Day mixing of households indoors for prolonged periods of time, as allowed in tiers 1 to 3 in England and across the devolved nations, sets the scene for thousands of super-spreading events. In the context of the new strain, this is incredibly dangerous.”
There is no evidence yet that the new variant is more deadly than previous iterations of the virus, nor that it will mean the vaccine will not work against it.


cityam--2020-12-24--Whitbread - at the end of the day, someone has to pay

Whitbread , the owner of popular hospitality chains Premier Inn , Beefeater and Brewers Fayre , has written to the landlords of its properties asking for a rent reduction of 50 % for the next three months , to “ share some of the pain ” of the ongoing pandemic and the restrictions on hospitality .
It seems , prima facie , a reasonable request .
Quite apart from the maxim that 50 % of something is better than 100 % of nothing , Whitbread has until now paid its rent in full , unlike many companies in the hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group had “ behaved impeccably ” and that landlords would likely look kindly on finding a way to help Whitbread keep its cash flow healthy .
Moreover there is a growing sense that the private sector must acknowledge more readily its interdependence : competitors are also colleagues , and the no-holds-barred attitude of the past no longer finds resonance with the public .
Reputation matters .
The pandemic has seen all sorts of business relationships redefined .
Most famously , perhaps , in November the Florida-based Burger King issued an advert encouraging customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KFC or a host of other fast-food outlets .
The point was that the whole sector was struggling , and Burger King ’ s marketing department saw that an appeal on behalf of its competitors was both the right thing to do , but also would boost its own reputation and market share .
Fernando Machado , chief marketing officer of Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International , said of the lockdown when the campaign was launched in France , “ That is not good for the restaurant industry at all .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do something to support the restaurant industry.
” So Whitbread might be expected to get the assistance it is asking for .
But this poses a more profound question .
One landlord , noting Whitbread ’ s relatively buoyant share price , said : “ A permanent transfer of value from our shareholders to theirs is not appropriate for a company still valued at over £6 billion.
” That does lay bare the essence of the request .
A halving of rent payments for three months is essentially a gift from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 15 minute city could be on the way , and it ’ s the green way to rebuild the capital Is that the most appropriate way to address the undoubted hardships which repeated lockdowns have brought ?
There is no doubt that the hospitality industry in particular has been hit savagely .
Does it make sense , however , simply to transfer the hardship to a different part of the supply chain ?
Its CEO , Kate Nicholls , has consistently identified a revision of business rates and reduction of VAT as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latter is a short-term solution but would certainly staunch some of the bloodflow .
The former is a more knotty and deeply embedded issue .
Last year , the House of Commons Treasury Committee described the business rates system as “ broken ” and said it “ placed an unfair burden on bricks-and-mortar shops ” ; the government ’ s response to the report showed no signs of urgent action .
In any event , the philosophical question remains : in times of widespread hardship , who should bear the losses ?
Generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they certainly have the financial wherewithal to react quickly and spend big .
But there is a danger of coming to rely on the state , and creating a culture of dependency which can stifle genuine innovation and growth later on .
These are ultimately the questions we will have to address as the pandemic begins to ease and vaccination allows us to manage something like a normal life again .
How far does the responsibility of government extend ?
Is assistance in hard times an implicit part of the contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will , ultimately , there be an element of commercial Darwinism , with the strongest making it through and economic recession being a tempering process ?
We should think about these things now , because , while there might be light at the end of the tunnel now , the darkness will surely come again .
Read more : Much of southern England plunged into Tier 4 lockdowns

Whitbread – at the end of the day, someone has to pay
Whitbread, the owner of popular hospitality chains Premier Inn, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, has written to the landlords of its properties asking for a rent reduction of 50% for the next three months, to “share some of the pain” of the ongoing pandemic and the restrictions on hospitality.
It seems, prima facie, a reasonable request. Quite apart from the maxim that 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing, Whitbread has until now paid its rent in full, unlike many companies in the hospitality sector.
Read more: Wanted – a minister for hospitality
One property executive said the group had “behaved impeccably” and that landlords would likely look kindly on finding a way to help Whitbread keep its cash flow healthy.
Moreover there is a growing sense that the private sector must acknowledge more readily its interdependence: competitors are also colleagues, and the no-holds-barred attitude of the past no longer finds resonance with the public. Reputation matters.
The pandemic has seen all sorts of business relationships redefined. Most famously, perhaps, in November the Florida-based Burger King issued an advert encouraging customers to buy from McDonald’s, KFC or a host of other fast-food outlets.
We know, we never thought we’d be saying this either. pic.twitter.com/cVRMSLSDq6 — Burger King (@BurgerKingUK) November 2, 2020
The point was that the whole sector was struggling, and Burger King’s marketing department saw that an appeal on behalf of its competitors was both the right thing to do, but also would boost its own reputation and market share.
Fernando Machado, chief marketing officer of Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International, said of the lockdown when the campaign was launched in France, “That is not good for the restaurant industry at all. So the brave team of BK France decided to do something to support the restaurant industry.”
So Whitbread might be expected to get the assistance it is asking for.
But this poses a more profound question. One landlord, noting Whitbread’s relatively buoyant share price, said: “A permanent transfer of value from our shareholders to theirs is not appropriate for a company still valued at over £6 billion.” That does lay bare the essence of the request. A halving of rent payments for three months is essentially a gift from the landlords to Whitbread.
Read more: The 15 minute city could be on the way, and it’s the green way to rebuild the capital
Is that the most appropriate way to address the undoubted hardships which repeated lockdowns have brought? There is no doubt that the hospitality industry in particular has been hit savagely. Does it make sense, however, simply to transfer the hardship to a different part of the supply chain?
UK Hospitality thinks not.
Its CEO, Kate Nicholls, has consistently identified a revision of business rates and reduction of VAT as the priorities for the sector. The latter is a short-term solution but would certainly staunch some of the bloodflow. The former is a more knotty and deeply embedded issue. Last year, the House of Commons Treasury Committee described the business rates system as “broken” and said it “placed an unfair burden on bricks-and-mortar shops”; the government’s response to the report showed no signs of urgent action.
In any event, the philosophical question remains: in times of widespread hardship, who should bear the losses?
Generally we expect immediate assistance from the government, and they certainly have the financial wherewithal to react quickly and spend big. But there is a danger of coming to rely on the state, and creating a culture of dependency which can stifle genuine innovation and growth later on.
These are ultimately the questions we will have to address as the pandemic begins to ease and vaccination allows us to manage something like a normal life again. How far does the responsibility of government extend? Is assistance in hard times an implicit part of the contract we sign by paying taxes?
Or will, ultimately, there be an element of commercial Darwinism, with the strongest making it through and economic recession being a tempering process? We should think about these things now, because, while there might be light at the end of the tunnel now, the darkness will surely come again.
Read more: Much of southern England plunged into Tier 4 lockdowns


cityam--2020-12-24--One last workout before you pile into Christmas dinner

For the month of December , fitness studio Core Collective ’ s top trainers have been guiding you through a weekly workout focusing on different areas each week to sculpt and strengthen .
Read more : The history of your Christmas dinner , from steamed sheep ’ s head to traditional turkey This week , Head Trainer Joe Corrie rounds off the programme with a 15-20 minute HIIT workout designed to fire up your metabolism .
It ’ s short and sharp , so stick through it – you ’ ll feel great after !
Part A : 6 minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) • Complete the below three separate movements , working for 40 seconds and resting for 20 seconds , before starting back at the to .
Complete your second round of each movement to reach your 6 minute mark .
• We are using this as a prep and prime section : our focus is on good quality movements , and really trying to engage the targeted muscles .
Part B : 10 minute ( every second minute on the minute ) • Here , we will be working for 90 seconds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this 90 second work period , you will complete the three below movements for reps before completing maximum reps of a fourth movement until the 90-second mark .
• To keep yourself honest and pushing your personal limits , count how many burpees you complete during the first round and see how close you can keep to that score over the remaining four rounds .
• This is the main body of the workout and where I want you to really open the taps .
Go hard and try to cling on as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can .

One last workout before you pile into Christmas dinner
Core Collective’s final festive workout
For the month of December, fitness studio Core Collective’s top trainers have been guiding you through a weekly workout focusing on different areas each week to sculpt and strengthen.
This week, Head Trainer Joe Corrie rounds off the programme with a 15-20 minute HIIT workout designed to fire up your metabolism. It’s short and sharp, so stick through it – you’ll feel great after!
Part A: 6 minute EMOM (every minute on the minute)
Complete the below three separate movements, working for 40 seconds and resting for 20 seconds, before starting back at the to. Complete your second round of each movement to reach your 6 minute mark.
We are using this as a prep and prime section: our focus is on good quality movements, and really trying to engage the targeted muscles.
Min 1 – Push up + downward dog
Min 2 – Squat pulses
Min 3 – Hollow body hold
Repeat
Part B: 10 minute (every second minute on the minute)
Here, we will be working for 90 seconds and resting for 30 seconds.
Within this 90 second work period, you will complete the three below movements for reps before completing maximum reps of a fourth movement until the 90-second mark.
To keep yourself honest and pushing your personal limits, count how many burpees you complete during the first round and see how close you can keep to that score over the remaining four rounds.
This is the main body of the workout and where I want you to really open the taps. Go hard and try to cling on as close to your first round score as you can.
20 Jump Lunges
15 Air Squats
10 HR Press Ups
Maximum Burpees in remaining time
Repeat five times


cityam--2020-12-24--PM: Brexit deal will allow the City to thrive like 'never before'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the Brexit deal signed today will allow the City to thrive “ like never before.
” Asked about how much financial services figured in the deal , Johnson said there was “ good language on equivalence.
” He hinted that the European Union had pushed back on closer integration in the sector .
“ It is nonetheless going to allow our dynamic City of London to get on and prosper like never before , ” he said .
Sterling rose on news of the Brexit deal but financial services experts are already turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City .
The deal itself focusses primarily on goods , with services agreements limited largely to a non-discrimination clause .
A number of European and UK regulators have agreed to rollover agreements to prevent major changes in January 2021 , but they will expire in due course .
Daniel Pinto , Chief Executive of Stanhope Capital , said “ the agreement should be less criticised for what it contains than what it does not contain – namely the future of financial services.
” Read more : Deal done – Brexit accord signed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackbourn said : “ It is important to remember that this is a narrow deal on trade , focused on goods sectors that make up a much smaller proportion of the UK ’ s economy than services.
” But the Association for Financial Markets in Europe said they believed a deal on goods will lay the groundwork for future equivalence and further negotiations on financial services .
“ We hope that this lays the foundation for further cooperation on financial services , ” the trade group said today .
“ It is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently put in place outstanding equivalence decisions to mitigate disruption at the end of the transition period and ensure a smooth adaptation to the new relationship.
” The CBI said businesses needed urgent confirmation of grace periods .

PM: Brexit deal will allow the City to thrive like ‘never before’
(Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the Brexit deal signed today will allow the City to thrive “like never before.”
Asked about how much financial services figured in the deal, Johnson said there was “good language on equivalence.”
He hinted that the European Union had pushed back on closer integration in the sector.
“It is nonetheless going to allow our dynamic City of London to get on and prosper like never before,” he said.
Sterling rose on news of the Brexit deal but financial services experts are already turning their attention to the future of the City.
The deal itself focusses primarily on goods, with services agreements limited largely to a non-discrimination clause.
A number of European and UK regulators have agreed to rollover agreements to prevent major changes in January 2021, but they will expire in due course.
Daniel Pinto, Chief Executive of Stanhope Capital, said “the agreement should be less criticised for what it contains than what it does not contain – namely the future of financial services.”
Read more: Deal done – Brexit accord signed on Christmas Eve
Janus Henderson’s Oliver Blackbourn said: “It is important to remember that this is a narrow deal on trade, focused on goods sectors that make up a much smaller proportion of the UK’s economy than services.”
But the Association for Financial Markets in Europe said they believed a deal on goods will lay the groundwork for future equivalence and further negotiations on financial services.
“We hope that this lays the foundation for further cooperation on financial services,” the trade group said today.
“It is important that the EU and the UK now urgently put in place outstanding equivalence decisions to mitigate disruption at the end of the transition period and ensure a smooth adaptation to the new relationship.”
The CBI said businesses needed urgent confirmation of grace periods.


cityam--2020-12-24--New: Parliament to vote on Brexit deal on December 30

PM Boris Johnson has said he “ hopes ” Parliament will vote through his Brexit deal on December 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ be ratified in Westminster in order for it come into force in time for our @ @ @ @ @ leave the customs union and single market on December 31 .
Read more : Deal @ @ @ @ @ breakthrough eventually reached It will then transition to the terms agreed in today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ predominantly deals with goods and travel , including aviation and freight , but services will @ @ @ @ @ discussion .
The Council – a decision-making body within the European Union that is different @ @ @ @ @ will be able to sign off the deal in time for the UK ’ s @ @ @ @ @ will then retroactively give the treaty its approval .
Read more : City figures welcome @ @ @ @ @ on financial services

New: Parliament to vote on Brexit deal on December 30
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
PM Boris Johnson has said he “hopes” Parliament will vote through his Brexit deal on December 30.
The treaty will need to be ratified in Westminster in order for it come into force in time for our departure.
The UK will leave the customs union and single market on December 31.
Read more: Deal finally done on Brexit as breakthrough eventually reached
It will then transition to the terms agreed in today’s Brexit deal.
The accord predominantly deals with goods and travel, including aviation and freight, but services will be a matter for further discussion.
The Council – a decision-making body within the European Union that is different from the European Council – will be able to sign off the deal in time for the UK’s departure.
The European Parliament will then retroactively give the treaty its approval.
Read more: City figures welcome Brexit deal but questions remain on financial services


cityam--2020-12-24--Breaking: Brexit Deal is done and PM to address nation at 3pm

Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been locked in talks for days to complete a @ @ @ @ @ Leyen said at a press conference : “ We have finally found an agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ winding road but we have got a good deal to show for it .
It @ @ @ @ @ a balanced deal , it is the right thing to do for both sides.
” @ @ @ @ @ fishing rights held up the accord this morning but the deal has been finalised .
@ @ @ @ @ goods have tariff- and quota-free transit between the EU and the UK .
It will @ @ @ @ @ aviation and a host of other arrangements .
Read more : City analysts wait for @ @ @ @ @ complete Financial services will be the subject of debate in years to come as so-called @ @ @ @ @ pound rose to $ 1.36 against the dollar on the back of the news .

Breaking: Brexit Deal is done and PM to address nation at 3pm
A Brexit trade deal has been struck.
Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been locked in talks for days to complete a deal.
Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference: “We have finally found an agreement. It was a long and winding road but we have got a good deal to show for it. It is fair, it is a balanced deal, it is the right thing to do for both sides.”
A last minute disagreement over fishing rights held up the accord this morning but the deal has been finalised.
The treaty will likely ensure goods have tariff- and quota-free transit between the EU and the UK.
It will include partnerships on space, aviation and a host of other arrangements.
Read more: City analysts wait for deal too important not to complete
Financial services will be the subject of debate in years to come as so-called rollover agreements expire.
The pound rose to $1.36 against the dollar on the back of the news.
Ursula


cityam--2020-12-24--Sterling hits $1.36 amid relief over Brexit deal

Sterling extended gains on Thursday and hit $ 1.36 on the news that a Brexit deal has been agreed .
Sterling had this morning been boosted by speculation , rising 0.47 per cent to $ 1.35 , up 0.6 % on the day and heading towards the 2-1/2 year high of $ 1.3625 hit last week .
The pound edged up to 90.05 pence per euro , and jumped by 0.46 per cent on the Japanese Yen .
The pound also drew support after France lifted its ban on freight coming from Britain , which it had enacted in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain .
A deal has been struck between the UK and EU after years of negotiation , according to reports .
A statement is expected this morning .
Sterling has seen plenty of volatility in recent weeks as negotiations between UK and European ministers have stalled and deadlines missed , and a new , more infectious variant of the coronavirus prompted border closures to the UK .
Investors cheered news that Britain and the European Union were on the cusp of striking a narrow trade deal on Thursday that would help them avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more fiscal spending and expectations that coronavirus vaccines will become more available next year also supported global equities .
Asian stocks also rose on the Brexit news .
MSCI ’ s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.45 per cent .
Australian stocks ended 0.33 per cent higher , while Tokyo shares rose 0.45 per cent .
Chinese stocks fell 0.28 % .
U.S. stock futures edged up by 0.16 % .
Wall Street ended mostly higher on Wednesday , with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 0.38 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edging 0.07 per cent higher .
The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.29 per cent .
CMC Markets UK market analyst David Madden said : “ Stock markets in Europe finished on a bullish note yesterday on the back of optimism that the UK and the EU are close to reaching a trade deal .
“ The UK-EU trade talks have been dragging on and on and people ’ s patience have been running low .
Yesterday afternoon there were reports that a deal was ‘ imminent ’ and that boosted sentiment in European equity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its continental counterparts as the rally in the pound held it back , but keep in mind the FTSE 250 rallied over 1.7 per cent – outstripping the eurozone markets .
”