skynewspolitics--2020-12-10--These are the big changes for Britons on 1 January after Brexit

The Brexit transition period is coming to an end after a UK-EU trade deal was agreed - this is what will change from 1 January .
The government is warning Britons that travel to the EU , Switzerland , Norway , Iceland and Liechtenstein will change from 1 January .
Those planning trips in 2021 are being urged to check their passports - as from 1 January onwards , British travellers will need at least six months left on their passports .
Their passports will also need to be less than 10 years old , even if it has six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their passport , they may not be able to travel to most EU countries .
Currently , British travellers to the EU only need their passports to be valid for the proposed duration of their stay .
From New Year 's Day , UK nationals arriving at EU border controls might also need to show a return or onward ticket , show they have enough money for their stay , and use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing .
Those planning to stay in an EU country for longer than 90 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or permit .
However , the European Commission has recommended that EU member states discourage all non-essential travel to and from the UK until further notice due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant that was first detected in the UK .
Once the Brexit transition period ends , rules permitting free travel within the bloc cease to apply to Britons .
And UK citizens will not be able to take meat , milk or products containing them - apart from some exceptions such as powdered infant milk - into EU countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're there Britons planning trips in 2021 are also being urged to get appropriate travel insurance - with healthcare cover - before heading abroad .
But your European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) will continue to be valid if you 're travelling to an EU country until it expires .
Everyone else - either without an EHIC or with one that has expired , can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) , which replaces the EHIC scheme in the UK .
GHICs and most UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iceland , Liechtenstein or Switzerland .
So anyone travelling to Switzerland , Norway , Iceland or Liechtenstein should get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before travel , which should cover any pre-existing conditions that were previously covered by your European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) .
Some people can apply for a new UK EHIC that they can continue to use from 1 January 2021 in the EU , Norway , Iceland , Liechtenstein and Switzerland .
People who can apply for the new card include : • some British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families Those wanting to drive in the EU and Norway may need an international driving permit ( IDP ) from 1 January .
This can be bought from the Post Office for £5.50 and applies to anyone with a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar , Guernsey , Jersey or the Isle of Man .
It is advised to check with the embassy of the country you will be driving in .
However , you will not need an IDP to drive when visiting Ireland - as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Britons are also being told they should carry a `` green card '' - which is proof of motor insurance - when taking their own car to the EU , including in Ireland , from 1 January .
These can be obtained from insurance providers up to six weeks before travel .
Drivers will need to have multiple green cards in these instances : • For fleet insurance - one for each vehicle • For towing a trailer or caravan - one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one policy covering the duration of their trip From 1 January , you will not be able to use the pet passport scheme .
Instead , you 'll need an animal health certificate ( AHC ) for any pet you want to take into the EU .
This is also required to take a pet into Northern Ireland ( NI ) .
Getting an AHC involves having your dog , cat or ferret microchipped ; vaccinating your dog , cat or ferret against rabies ; waiting 21 days after the primary vaccination before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get an AHC no more than 10 days before travel to the EU .
The government advises that pet owners allow at least 1 month to arrange all of this and relevant vaccinations .
Anyone who previously held a pet passport will still need an AHC and will need to take proof of a pet 's microchipping date and vaccination history when attempting to obtain one .
The pet will need a new AHC for each trip to the EU or NI .
There are other restrictions for transporting more than five pets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Using your mobile phone while in the EU From 1 January , the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU , Iceland , Liechtenstein and Norway will end .
The government advises travellers to those countries to check with their phone operator to find out about any roaming charges .
Some mobile operators - Three , EE , O2 and Vodafone - have said they have no current plans to change their mobile roaming policies next year .
Meanwhile , the government has legislated to protect Britons from unexpected charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month limit on mobile data usage charges while abroad .
This means Britons can not continue to use mobile data services when roaming unless they actively choose to continue spending .
Legislation also ensures that consumers will continue to receive alerts when they are at 80 % and 100 % data usage .
Mobile operators also have to ensure they continue to make information available to their customers in Northern Ireland on how to avoid inadvertent roaming in border regions from 1 January .
Operators will be required to take reasonable steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges for inadvertently accessing roaming services .
From 1 January , the UK 's new points-based immigration system will come into force .
EU nationals will be treated the same as non-EU citizens and will have to apply for visas to live , work or study in the UK .
Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now .
EU citizens will not require a visa to enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to six months .
Those EU nationals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as those from Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway or Switzerland , need to apply to continue living in the UK after 31 December under the settled status scheme .

The Brexit transition period is coming to an end after a UK-EU trade deal was agreed - this is what will change from 1 January.
Visiting the EU
The government is warning Britons that travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will change from 1 January.
Those planning trips in 2021 are being urged to check their passports - as from 1 January onwards, British travellers will need at least six months left on their passports.
Their passports will also need to be less than 10 years old, even if they have six months or more left.
Without renewing their passport, they may not be able to travel to most EU countries.
Currently, British travellers to the EU only need their passports to be valid for the proposed duration of their stay.
From New Year's Day, UK nationals arriving at EU border controls might also need to show a return or onward ticket, show they have enough money for their stay, and use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing.
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Those planning to stay in an EU country for longer than 90 days may need to apply for a visa or permit.
However, the European Commission has recommended that EU member states discourage all non-essential travel to and from the UK until further notice due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant that was first detected in the UK.
Once the Brexit transition period ends, rules permitting free travel within the bloc cease to apply to Britons.
And UK citizens will not be able to take meat, milk or products containing them - apart from some exceptions such as powdered infant milk - into EU countries from 1 January.
Getting healthcare while you're there
Britons planning trips in 2021 are also being urged to get appropriate travel insurance - with healthcare cover - before heading abroad.
But your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will continue to be valid if you're travelling to an EU country until it expires.
Everyone else - either without an EHIC or with one that has expired, can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the EHIC scheme in the UK.
GHICs and most UK EHICs will not cover you in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
So anyone travelling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein should get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before travel, which should cover any pre-existing conditions that were previously covered by your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Some people can apply for a new UK EHIC that they can continue to use from 1 January 2021 in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. People who can apply for the new card include:
UK students studying in the EU
some British State Pensioners who live in the EU and their families
EU nationals in the UK
Driving in the EU
Britons are being told they should carry a "green card" - which is proof of motor insurance - when taking their own car to the EU, including in Ireland, from 1 January.
These can be obtained from insurance providers up to six weeks before travel.
Drivers will need to have multiple green cards in these instances:
For fleet insurance - one for each vehicle
For towing a trailer or caravan - one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer or caravan
If they have more than one policy covering the duration of their trip
From 1 January you might also need a GB sticker - but it depends on what sort of number plate is on your car.
If it has an EU logo next to the registration number, you will need a sticker.
Plates with GB and a Union flag on them will not require a sticker in most EU countries.
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An international driving permit (IDP) won't be required - as had been feared.
All 27 EU states have agreed to recognise UK licences without the need for an IDP.
Taking your pets abroad
From 1 January, you will not be able to use the pet passport scheme. Instead, you'll need an animal health certificate (AHC) for any pet you want to take into the EU.
This is also required to take a pet into Northern Ireland (NI).
Getting an AHC involves having your dog, cat or ferret microchipped; vaccinating your dog, cat or ferret against rabies; waiting 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel; and visiting your vet to get an AHC no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
The government advises that pet owners allow at least 1 month to arrange all of this and relevant vaccinations.
Anyone who previously held a pet passport will still need an AHC and will need to take proof of a pet's microchipping date and vaccination history when attempting to obtain one.
The pet will need a new AHC for each trip to the EU or NI.
There are other restrictions for transporting more than five pets or to some countries with tapeworm controls.
Using your mobile phone while in the EU
From 1 January, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end.
The government advises travellers to those countries to check with their phone operator to find out about any roaming charges.
Some mobile operators - Three, EE, O2 and Vodafone - have said they have no current plans to change their mobile roaming policies next year.
Meanwhile, the government has legislated to protect Britons from unexpected charges from 1 January, with a £45 per month limit on mobile data usage charges while abroad.
This means Britons cannot continue to use mobile data services when roaming unless they actively choose to continue spending.
Legislation also ensures that consumers will continue to receive alerts when they are at 80% and 100% data usage.
Mobile operators also have to ensure they continue to make information available to their customers in Northern Ireland on how to avoid inadvertent roaming in border regions from 1 January.
Operators will be required to take reasonable steps to protect their customers from paying roaming charges for inadvertently accessing roaming services.
Immigration
From 1 January, the UK's new points-based immigration system will come into force.
EU nationals will be treated the same as non-EU citizens and will have to apply for visas to live, work or study in the UK.
Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.
EU citizens will not require a visa to enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to six months.
Those EU nationals already living in the UK, as well as those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, need to apply to continue living in the UK after 31 December under the settled status scheme.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-31--Brexit transition ends as UK-EU trade deal takes effect

The UK has begun a new relationship with the European Union with the Brexit transition period coming to an end .
Despite leaving the EU on 31 January last year , the UK has remained subject to the bloc 's rules as a member of the single market and customs union .
However , this ended at 11pm last night and the UK and EU will now do business under the terms of a free trade deal clinched a week ago .
The end of the transition period also means widespread changes for Britons on immigration , European travel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said the start of the UK 's new relationship with the EU marked a `` new beginning in our country 's history '' .
Eurosceptic MPs were delighted , with veteran Conservative Sir Bill Cash saying it was a `` victory for democracy and sovereignty '' that could only be compared in peacetime with the evolution of modern democracy after the end of the Stuart dynasty .
Fellow Eurosceptic Sir John Redwood , who was among those in the John Major cabinet in the 1990s who railed against closer European integration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` I never doubted we would win the referendum .
I argued that we were being good Europeans by stepping aside from their mighty task to create a United States of Europe .
`` We should wish them well and be friends with them , but the fact that the UK had refused to join the euro showed where our hearts resided - with the wider world and with national democracy . ''
Mr Johnson , in a statement that reflected mostly on the coronavirus crisis , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things differently , and if necessary better , than our friends in the EU '' in 2021 .
He said : `` This is an amazing moment for this country .
We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it .
`` And I think it will be the overwhelming instinct of the people of this country to come together as one United Kingdom - England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland working together to express our values around the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one to refer to Brexit in his New Year address , with French president Emmanuel Macron reinforcing the alliances between the UK and one of its closest neighbours .
He said : `` The United Kingdom remains our neighbour , and also our friend and ally . ''
A free trade deal agreed on Christmas Eve after months of negotiations means Britain and the 27-nation EU can continue to trade in goods without tariffs or quotas .
But the agreement has been criticised for leaving firms with new paperwork and expenses .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out how the new rules contained with the 1,200-page document apply to them , as the new relationship comes into force .
There was anxiety about the impact on the logistics industry .
While UK ports including Dover and the Eurotunnel were bracing for delays , lorry drivers are thought to be able to expect a `` relaxed '' approach from HMRC at first .
There had been fears of disruption but nightmarish visions of miles-long lorry queues may not come to reality as businesses seek to avoid crossing the Channel altogether and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach .
But hauliers in Northern Ireland were said to be approaching the end of the Brexit transition with `` trepidation '' , with many saying they will keep volumes light for the first few days of 2021 as they wait to see what the impact will be .
The Northern Ireland protocol agreement with the EU will keep the land border with the Republic free-flowing , after the EU and UK agreed to move new regulatory and customs processes to the Irish Sea , but that means checks are focused on trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the president of the Irish Road Haulage Association ( IRHA ) said there would be `` trouble and chaos '' in the coming weeks as systems had not been tested .
Eugene Drennan said hauliers were bracing themselves for significant delays .
There was relief in other quarters after at least two more deals were struck with just hours to go before the new arrangements came into place .
Spain and Britain reached a preliminary agreement to keep Gibraltar 's land border open , and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not need to carry an international drivers ' permit , if they wished to use a vehicle on the continent .
He tweeted : `` We 've now secured agreement with all 27 EU Member States to recognise UK licences WITHOUT the need for an International Drivers Permit .
From tomorrow , UK drivers can continue to drive in the EU without an IDP ( once Covid restrictions lifted ) . ''
The end of the Brexit transition period will bring to a conclusion to four years of bitter rowing , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , backed Brexit while 16.1 million , or 48 % , voted to stay in the bloc .
Mr Johnson had been among those championing the phrase `` taking back control '' , yet in his TV address on Thursday he said there would be no bonfire of regulations to build a `` bargain basement Dickensian Britain '' and that the country would remain the `` quintessential European civilization '' .

The UK has begun a new relationship with the European Union with the Brexit transition period coming to an end.
Despite leaving the EU on 31 January last year, the UK has remained subject to the bloc's rules as a member of the single market and customs union.
However, this ended at 11pm last night and the UK and EU will now do business under the terms of a free trade deal clinched a week ago.
Image: Lorries board the final DFDS ferry from the Port of Dover
The end of the transition period also means widespread changes for Britons on immigration, European travel and more.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the start of the UK's new relationship with the EU marked a "new beginning in our country's history".
Eurosceptic MPs were delighted, with veteran Conservative Sir Bill Cash saying it was a "victory for democracy and sovereignty" that could only be compared in peacetime with the evolution of modern democracy after the end of the Stuart dynasty.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 First post-Brexit freight arrives in UK from Calais
Fellow eurosceptic Sir John Redwood, who was among those in the John Major cabinet in the 1990s who railed against closer European integration, said he felt "much relief".
He said: "I never doubted we would win the referendum. I argued that we were being good Europeans by stepping aside from their mighty task to create a United States of Europe.
"We should wish them well and be friends with them, but the fact that the UK had refused to join the euro showed where our hearts resided - with the wider world and with national democracy."
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Image: A truck in Calais, Northern France on the day the Brexit transition period ends
Mr Johnson, in a statement that reflected mostly on the coronavirus crisis, said the UK would be "free to do things differently, and if necessary better, than our friends in the EU" in 2021.
He said: "This is an amazing moment for this country. We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it.
"And I think it will be the overwhelming instinct of the people of this country to come together as one United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland working together to express our values around the world."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 Rules change as Brexit transition ends
Mr Johnson wasn't the only one to refer to Brexit in his New Year address, with French president Emmanuel Macron reinforcing the alliances between the UK and one of its closest neighbours.
He said: "The United Kingdom remains our neighbour, and also our friend and ally."
A free trade deal agreed on Christmas Eve after months of negotiations means Britain and the 27-nation EU can continue to trade in goods without tariffs or quotas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:21 Businesses braced for Brexit changes
But the agreement has been criticised for leaving firms with new paperwork and expenses. It has left some traders struggling to work out how the new rules contained with the 1,200-page document apply to them, as the new relationship comes into force.
There was anxiety about the impact on the logistics industry.
While UK ports including Dover and the Eurotunnel were bracing for delays, lorry drivers are thought to be able to expect a "relaxed" approach from HMRC at first.
There had been fears of disruption, but nightmarish visions of miles-long lorry queues may not come to reality as businesses seek to avoid crossing the Channel altogether and customs officials take a "flexible" approach.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:47 Ed Conway looks at the economic impact of Brexit
But hauliers in Northern Ireland were said to be approaching the end of the Brexit transition with "trepidation", with many saying they will keep volumes light for the first few days of 2021 as they wait to see what the impact will be.
The Northern Ireland protocol agreement with the EU will keep the land border with the Republic free-flowing, after the EU and UK agreed to move new regulatory and customs processes to the Irish Sea, but that means checks are focused on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
And the president of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) said there would be "trouble and chaos" in the coming weeks as systems had not been tested.
Image: The final DFDS ferry (middle) departs from Dover before the Brexit transition period concludes
Eugene Drennan said hauliers were bracing themselves for significant delays.
There was relief in other quarters after at least two more deals were struck with just hours to go before the new arrangements came into place.
Spain and Britain reached a preliminary agreement to keep Gibraltar's land border open, and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said a deal had been done to ensure UK drivers did not need to carry an international drivers' permit, if they wished to use a vehicle on the continent.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:24 Boris Johnson signs the trade deal
He tweeted: "We've now secured agreement with all 27 EU Member States to recognise UK licences WITHOUT the need for an International Drivers Permit. From tomorrow, UK drivers can continue to drive in the EU without an IDP (once Covid restrictions lifted)."
The end of the Brexit transition period will bring to a conclusion to more than four years of bitter rowing in the wake of the EU referendum, which saw 17.4 million voters (52%) back Brexit while 16.1 million (48%) voted to stay in the bloc.
Mr Johnson had been among those championing the phrase "taking back control", yet in his TV address on Thursday he said there would be no bonfire of regulations to build a "bargain basement Dickensian Britain" and that the country would remain the "quintessential European civilization".


skynewspolitics--2020-12-31--Brexit has given UK chance to 'pioneer' vaccines, says PM in New Year message

Boris Johnson has claimed Brexit has given the UK the freedom to do things like develop COVID vaccines better than countries in the European Union .
In an upbeat New Year video message , the prime minister declared the Oxford vaccine breakthrough and the end of Brexit deadlock have given him confidence for the year ahead .
`` This is an amazing moment for this country , '' he said in a five-minute video recorded in 10 Downing Street .
`` We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PM warned of a `` hard struggle '' against COVID in 2021 before `` eventually '' returning to a normal life of pubs and restaurants and holding hands with loved ones .
Mr Johnson said : `` In 2020 we have seen British scientists not only produce the world 's first effective treatment of the disease , but just in the last few days a beacon of hope has been lit in the laboratories of Oxford .
`` A new room-temperature vaccine that can be produced cheaply and at scale , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life to people in this country and around the world .
`` And with every jab that goes into the arm of every elderly or vulnerable person , we are changing the odds , in favour of humanity and against COVID .
`` And we know that we have a hard struggle still ahead of us for weeks and months , because we face a new variant of the disease that requires a new vigilance . ''
Linking optimism over COVID vaccines to Brexit , Mr Johnson said : `` But as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the certainty of those vaccines .
`` Pioneered in a UK that is also free to do things differently , and if necessary better , than our friends in the EU .
`` Free to do trade deals around the world .
And free to turbocharge our ambition to be a science superpower .
`` From biosciences to artificial intelligence , and with our world-leading battery and wind technology we will work with partners around the world .
`` Not just to tackle climate change but to create the millions of high-skilled jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year - 2021 - as we bounce back from COVID , but in the years to come . ''
But 2021 would above all be the year when the British people would `` eventually do those everyday things that now seem lost in the past '' , Mr Johnson predicted .
`` Bathed in a rosy glow of nostalgia , going to the pub , concerts , theatres , restaurants , or simply holding hands with our loved ones in the normal way , '' he said..
The prime minister warned , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off from that , there are tough weeks and months ahead .
`` But we can see that illuminated sign that marks the end of the journey , and even more important , we can see with growing clarity how we are going to get there .
`` And that is what gives me such confidence about 2021 . ''
Lamenting a tough 2020 , Mr Johnson said : `` The year in which the government was forced to tell people how to live their lives , how long to wash their hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And a year in which we lost too many loved ones before their time .
So I can imagine that there will be plenty of people who will be only too happy to say goodbye to the grimness of 2020 .
`` But just before we do , I want to remind you that this was also the year when we rediscovered a spirit of togetherness , of community .
`` It was a year in which we banged saucepans to celebrate the courage and self-sacrifice of our NHS staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which working people pulled the stops out to keep the country moving in the biggest crisis we have faced for generations - shop workers , transport staff , pharmacists , emergency services , everyone , you name it .
`` We saw a renewed spirit of volunteering , as people delivered food to the elderly and vulnerable .
`` And time after time as it became necessary to fight new waves of the virus , we saw people unite in their determination , our determination , to protect the NHS and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your lives , on hold .
Buying precious time for medicine to provide the answers , and it has . ''
In his New Year message , published earlier , the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also said there were reasons to be optimistic at the start of 2021 .
`` Optimistic at the distribution of the vaccine , optimistic that we will once again hold loved ones and have our freedom , that our economy can start growing , businesses can start trading and we can focus on the task at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` But until then , it is all of our duty to stay safe , to look after neighbours , keep up the national effort that has got us this far .
`` Because when this crisis ends , and it will end , we will rebuild our country , together .
`` This should be inspired by the bravery and heroism of those who have been on the frontline since the start of the pandemic .
`` Our key workers , our carers , NHS workers , police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our supermarkets stocked at the peak of the crisis . ''
On Brexit , Sir Keir said : `` The United Kingdom is forging a new path in the world .
`` And the Labour Party that I lead will focus on ensuring that path leads to greater prosperity , fairness and opportunity for every nation and region , every village , every town and city that makes up our great United Kingdom .
`` I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hope and that vision , I believe that our best years are still to come . ''

Boris Johnson has claimed Brexit has given the UK the freedom to do things like develop COVID vaccines better than countries in the European Union.
In an upbeat New Year video message, the prime minister declared the Oxford vaccine breakthrough and the end of Brexit deadlock have given him confidence for the year ahead.
"This is an amazing moment for this country," he said in a five-minute video recorded in 10 Downing Street. "We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it."
But despite his confidence, the PM warned of a "hard struggle" against COVID in 2021 before "eventually" returning to a normal life of pubs and restaurants and holding hands with loved ones.
Mr Johnson said: "In 2020 we have seen British scientists not only produce the world's first effective treatment of the disease, but just in the last few days a beacon of hope has been lit in the laboratories of Oxford.
"A new room-temperature vaccine that can be produced cheaply and at scale, and that offers literally a new lease of life to people in this country and around the world.
"And with every jab that goes into the arm of every elderly or vulnerable person, we are changing the odds, in favour of humanity and against COVID.
Image: The PM says the UK is now 'free to turbocharge our ambition to be a science superpower'
"And we know that we have a hard struggle still ahead of us for weeks and months, because we face a new variant of the disease that requires a new vigilance."
Linking optimism over COVID vaccines to Brexit, Mr Johnson said: "But as the sun rises tomorrow on 2021 we have the certainty of those vaccines.
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"Pioneered in a UK that is also free to do things differently, and if necessary better, than our friends in the EU.
"Free to do trade deals around the world. And free to turbocharge our ambition to be a science superpower.
"From biosciences to artificial intelligence, and with our world-leading battery and wind technology we will work with partners around the world.
"Not just to tackle climate change but to create the millions of high-skilled jobs this country will need not just this year - 2021 - as we bounce back from COVID, but in the years to come."
But 2021 would above all be the year when the British people would "eventually do those everyday things that now seem lost in the past", Mr Johnson predicted.
"Bathed in a rosy glow of nostalgia, going to the pub, concerts, theatres, restaurants, or simply holding hands with our loved ones in the normal way," he said..
The prime minister warned, however: "We are still a way off from that, there are tough weeks and months ahead.
"But we can see that illuminated sign that marks the end of the journey, and even more important, we can see with growing clarity how we are going to get there.
"And that is what gives me such confidence about 2021."
Image: The PM lamented a year in which people were told how to live their lives and how long to wash their hands
Lamenting a tough 2020, Mr Johnson said: "The year in which the government was forced to tell people how to live their lives, how long to wash their hands, how many households could meet together.
"And a year in which we lost too many loved ones before their time. So I can imagine that there will be plenty of people who will be only too happy to say goodbye to the grimness of 2020.
"But just before we do, I want to remind you that this was also the year when we rediscovered a spirit of togetherness, of community.
"It was a year in which we banged saucepans to celebrate the courage and self-sacrifice of our NHS staff and care home workers.
"A year in which working people pulled the stops out to keep the country moving in the biggest crisis we have faced for generations - shop workers, transport staff, pharmacists, emergency services, everyone, you name it.
"We saw a renewed spirit of volunteering, as people delivered food to the elderly and vulnerable.
"And time after time as it became necessary to fight new waves of the virus, we saw people unite in their determination, our determination, to protect the NHS and to save lives.
"Putting their lives, your lives, on hold. Buying precious time for medicine to provide the answers, and it has."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 UK's 'best years are still to come'
In his New Year message, published earlier, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also said there were reasons to be optimistic at the start of 2021.
"Optimistic at the distribution of the vaccine, optimistic that we will once again hold loved ones and have our freedom, that our economy can start growing, businesses can start trading and we can focus on the task at hand of rebuilding our country," he said.
"But until then, it is all of our duty to stay safe, to look after neighbours, keep up the national effort that has got us this far.
"Because when this crisis ends, and it will end, we will rebuild our country, together.
"This should be inspired by the bravery and heroism of those who have been on the frontline since the start of the pandemic.
"Our key workers, our carers, NHS workers, police officers, those who kept streets safe and our supermarkets stocked at the peak of the crisis."
On Brexit, Sir Keir said: "The United Kingdom is forging a new path in the world.
"And the Labour Party that I lead will focus on ensuring that path leads to greater prosperity, fairness and opportunity for every nation and region, every village, every town and city that makes up our great United Kingdom.
"I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in. And with that hope and that vision, I believe that our best years are still to come."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-31--Nobody knows the destination of the journey that we started last night

Heralding the end of the transition phase and a new chapter of UK-EU relations , Boris Johnson told the country correctly that `` this is the beginning . ''
But tonight , despite 1,246 pages of legal agreement with the EU , plus annexes , nobody actually knows the destination of the journey that we start tonight .
There are some certainties .
From 1 January 2021 the UK will have finally broken the legal link with the EU first established on 1 January 1973 when it joined the European Economic Community , and hence there is no need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be outside the single market , which it was part of since the creation in 1993 , and the customs union which it has been part of throughout .
The UK will control its own migration system , no longer giving automatic or even preferential entry to EU citizens .
It will be able to make limited changes to its taxation system , like removing VAT on sanitary products .
There will be more paperwork for exporting goods to the EU .
There is even a new trade border between the Surrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to travel to the continent without necessary paperwork .
Beyond that , much less is clear .
The text may be printed and passed into law with the support of the main political parties , but that is n't the end of the process .
Indeed practical details about people 's lives have even been changing today .
At lunchtime there was a provisional agreement over how to handle Gibraltar .
And this evening , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced via his legendary Twitter feed that the UK has now secured agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise UK licences without the need for an International Drivers Permit .
Expect a lot of this - small but important changes to our lives .
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis explained why the talking is n't over - because there will be a desire to weaponise the fine print of the treaty by both sides .
He told me : `` What we know from history is that Europe is very determined to make the most of its trade deals from its own point of view , so we have to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should remember - sovereignty is not absolute power - every sovereign country has to negotiate with its neighbours and people who have shared interests and opposing interests and resolve the best for themselves and we 've got to do that . ''
There will also be movement because MPs will change their mind - that 's the view of DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson .
He told me : `` The government should have learned from last year .
They had a withdrawal agreement they put through on a Saturday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they put through on a Thursday morning and when you do things in haste , sometimes you repent at leisure . ''
But there 's a bigger challenge .
Brexit is likely to cement permanent structural change in our system of democracy .
Politics - and political parties - will now adapt and morph to the new changed circumstances .
Take one example .
Labour will likely over time advocate a closer relationship than the one currently created by Mr Johnson - casting it as practical improvements to problems caused by Brexit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Tories meanwhile will do the opposite , and are likely want something looser ; to do more things differently .
The `` freedom clause '' deliberately allows Mr Johnson 's potential successors to offer a negotiation of an even more distant relationship in return for accepting tariffs on some sectors .
This could quite possibly seem attractive to Tory leadership contenders when they are trying to woo the Tory faithful .
And all of this means we could well be trapped in a new , different cycle of neurosis over our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many ways the detail of the new agreement actively encourages us to do this .
The fine print gives us three months to get a deal on financial services and four on data transfer .
There 's a review on whether we 've been playing by the rules in four years , and the transition period on fish ends in five-and-a-half .
Last week 's deal is just the beginning - but nobody can at the turn of the year say what the destination or when the end might be .

Heralding the end of the transition phase and a new chapter of UK-EU relations, Boris Johnson told the country correctly that "this is the beginning."
But tonight, despite 1,246 pages of legal agreement with the EU, plus annexes, nobody actually knows the destination of the journey that we start tonight.
There are some certainties. From 1 January 2021 the UK will have finally broken the legal link with the EU first established on 1 January 1973 when it joined the European Economic Community, and hence there is no need to automatically follow EU law.
The UK will be outside the single market, which it was part of since the creation in 1993, and the customs union which it has been part of throughout.
The UK will control its own migration system, no longer giving automatic or even preferential entry to EU citizens. It will be able to make limited changes to its taxation system, like removing VAT on sanitary products.
There will be more paperwork for exporting goods to the EU. There is even a new trade border between the Surrey and Kent borders, to stop lorries trying to travel to the continent without necessary paperwork.
Beyond that, much less is clear. The text may be printed and passed into law with the support of the main political parties, but that isn't the end of the process.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:24 PM signs Brexit trade deal
Indeed practical details about people's lives have even been changing today.
At lunchtime there was a provisional agreement over how to handle Gibraltar.
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And this evening, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced via his legendary Twitter feed that the UK has now secured agreement with all 27 EU member states to recognise UK licences without the need for an International Drivers Permit.
Expect a lot of this - small but important changes to our lives.
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis explained why the talking isn't over - because there will be a desire to weaponise the fine print of the treaty by both sides.
Image: David Davis has warned the talking with the EU is not over
He told me: "What we know from history is that Europe is very determined to make the most of its trade deals from its own point of view, so we have to negotiate or navigate all of that.
"You should remember - sovereignty is not absolute power - every sovereign country has to negotiate with its neighbours and people who have shared interests and opposing interests and resolve the best for themselves and we've got to do that."
There will also be movement because MPs will change their mind - that's the view of DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson.
He told me: "The government should have learned from last year. They had a withdrawal agreement they put through on a Saturday morning, they now have a future relationship agreement they put through on a Thursday morning and when you do things in haste, sometimes you repent at leisure."
But there's a bigger challenge. Brexit is likely to cement permanent structural change in our system of democracy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:47 What will be the economic impact of Brexit?
Politics - and political parties - will now adapt and morph to the new changed circumstances. Take one example. Labour will likely over time advocate a closer relationship than the one currently created by Mr Johnson - casting it as practical improvements to problems caused by Brexit, but whose solutions tiptoe towards closer integration.
The Tories meanwhile will do the opposite, and are likely want something looser; to do more things differently. The "freedom clause" deliberately allows Mr Johnson's potential successors to offer a negotiation of an even more distant relationship in return for accepting tariffs on some sectors.
This could quite possibly seem attractive to Tory leadership contenders when they are trying to woo the Tory faithful.
And all of this means we could well be trapped in a new, different cycle of neurosis over our relationship with the EU - and in many ways the detail of the new agreement actively encourages us to do this.
The fine print gives us three months to get a deal on financial services and four on data transfer. There's a review on whether we've been playing by the rules in four years, and the transition period on fish ends in five-and-a-half. Last week's deal is just the beginning - but nobody can at the turn of the year say what the destination or when the end might be.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-31--Nobody knows the destination of the Brexit journey we have started


skynewspolitics--2020-01-31--'We are in control': Gove sets firm line on EU trade deal

Michael Gove has laid down the gauntlet to EU leaders over trade deal talks as Britain prepares to leave the bloc tonight .
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster answered a firm `` no '' when asked by Sky News if the UK would give access to fishing in its waters in exchange for other key parts of a future trade deal .
This may frustrate negotiators in Europe , who have consistently warned there is not enough time to arrange a new trade deal in full by the end of the year .
Mr Gove told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will make our own decisions , we will be an independent coastal state , we will be in control of all waters within 200 miles .
If they want to fish in it we will decide .
`` My own view is that we want a friendly relationship with other countries , but we are in control . ''
His comments came after the Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney warned that `` Brexit is not done '' and there is still much to do to form a trade agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good reasons for EU nations to agree a deal with no tariffs and no quotas to ensure goods could continue to flow .
He said : `` We are not going to accept the European Court of Justice , if you look at Norway , Iceland , they are smaller nations and they control their waters .
`` It 's important to bear in mind that in the past I think some people looked at negotiations as though Europe had a whip hand and they had to accept what they are given .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal but I want a good deal with other country .
`` The most important thing is to make decisions in the interest of people who vote for us . ''
Mr Gove also said he would not consider another extension of the transition period , even if it benefited people in Britain to have one .
He said : `` It would n't help anyone .
What we recognise is that deadlines have to be met , they concentrate minds and they make sure that we serve the public effectively .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , his former boss , David Cameron , said the country could `` make a success of the choice that we made '' .
He said : `` I led the campaign to stay in but I always accepted the referendum result and knew this day would come .
`` We are one of the biggest economies in the world and we can make a success of the choice that we made .
I wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Leaders in Ireland have concerns about the timeframe to negotiate a new trade deal .
Mr Coveney told Sky News : `` We respect the choice to leave but our view is unchanged .
We believe this is lose , lose-lose .
`` We believe Britain 's place in the world will be the lesser for not having the solidarity and support for European Union membership .
`` We believe the European Union will be weaker without a country as great as the UK as a part of it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant they were caught in the crossfire of negotiations and said : `` Yet again despite the fact that Brexit is not of our making we will be caught in the middle of negotiation on European Union side '' We will be trying to get best possible deal from an Irish perspective and respecting British decisions , protecting a €70bn trade relationship between Ireland and UK , the 200,000 jobs in Ireland linked to that trading relationship and a similar number in the UK and we do n't have much time to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own hands in terms of setting a tight timeline to do that . ''
Britain will leave the EU at 11pm GMT on Friday night , but will enter a transition period , which comes to an end on 31 December 2020 .
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm tonight

Michael Gove has laid down the gauntlet to EU leaders over trade deal talks as Britain prepares to leave the bloc tonight.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster answered a firm "no" when asked by Sky News if the UK would give access to fishing in its waters in exchange for other key parts of a future trade deal.
This may frustrate negotiators in Europe, who have consistently warned there is not enough time to arrange a new trade deal in full by the end of the year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 'I always accepted the referendum result'
Mr Gove told Sky News: "We are an independent country, we will make our own decisions, we will be an independent coastal state, we will be in control of all waters within 200 miles. If they want to fish in it we will decide.
"My own view is that we want a friendly relationship with other countries, but we are in control."
His comments came after the Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney warned that "Brexit is not done" and there is still much to do to form a trade agreement.
But Mr Gove said there would be good reasons for EU nations to agree a deal with no tariffs and no quotas to ensure goods could continue to flow.
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He said: "We are not going to accept the European Court of Justice, if you look at Norway, Iceland, they are smaller nations and they control their waters.
"It's important to bear in mind that in the past I think some people looked at negotiations as though Europe had a whip hand and they had to accept what they are given.
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"We want to get a good deal but I want a good deal with other country.
"The most important thing is to make decisions in the interest of people who vote for us."
Mr Gove also said he would not consider another extension of the transition period, even if it benefited people in Britain to have one.
He said: "It wouldn't help anyone. What we recognise is that deadlines have to be met, they concentrate minds and they make sure that we serve the public effectively.
"We will meet this deadline."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, his former boss, David Cameron, said the country could "make a success of the choice that we made".
He said: "I led the campaign to stay in but I always accepted the referendum result and knew this day would come.
"We are one of the biggest economies in the world and we can make a success of the choice that we made. I wish the government well in all their endeavours."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said today is an important day for those who voted leave or remain but cautioned it is not a day for celebration, but reflection.
He said: "We need to ensure that we do maintain a good trade relationship, that we don't tear up all the conditions and agreements we have received don't fall into the arms of free trade deals with the US, which even Kim Darroch today said will increase medicine crises in Britain.
"But today is carrying out the result of the 2016 referendum and we have to recognise that and move on."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'I'm having a complete midlife crisis'
Mr Corbyn denied that he could have done more to prevent the leave vote, and claimed he had campaigned for remain, even saying he did more events than the rest of his shadow cabinet combined.
He said: "The referendum result was a reflection of a lot of other things - people voted remain because they liked the open relationship with Europe, but people voted leave because they were angry at communities left behind, angry at the way their industries had been closed, where they had secure well paid jobs replaced with fly by night companies and zero hour contracts.
"If this country as a whole cannot reflect on the reasons why people voted leave, the anger at the way they have been treated by the establishment, then we have learnt nothing."
Leaders in Ireland have concerns about the timeframe to negotiate a new trade deal.
Image: Simon Coveney said there is still much to do before Brexit is actually done
Mr Coveney told Sky News: "We respect the choice to leave but our view is unchanged. We believe this is lose, lose-lose.
"We believe Britain's place in the world will be the lesser for not having the solidarity and support for European Union membership.
"We believe the European Union will be weaker without a country as great as the UK as a part of it."
He said Ireland's unique position had meant they were caught in the crossfire of negotiations and said: "Yet again despite the fact that Brexit is not of our making we will be caught in the middle of negotiation on European Union side
"We will be trying to get best possible deal from an Irish perspective and respecting British decisions, protecting a €70bn trade relationship between Ireland and UK, the 200,000 jobs in Ireland linked to that trading relationship and a similar number in the UK and we don't have much time to do it because Boris Johnson has tied his own hands in terms of setting a tight timeline to do that."
Britain will leave the EU at 11pm GMT on Friday night, but will enter a transition period, which comes to an end on 31 December 2020.
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm tonight


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--A Leave-voting artist created Brexit cartoons. His friends cut him off

Sky 's Nick Martin travels to Brighton and Boston to see how Remainers and Leavers coped with the Brexit divide .
Cartoonist Michael Lightfoot campaigned to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum .
That may not have been such a problem in a Leave-leaning area , but Mr Lightfoot lives in Brighton , where about 70 % of people voted for Remain .
It is as Remain as it gets .
Mr Lightfoot said : `` I 've lost so many friends over it , it 's been terrible . ''
He started a group called Artists for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views about the referendum - but it did not go down well with his friends .
`` You know it 's bad when they unfriend you from Facebook and things like that , '' he said .
`` People are very , very intolerant of the Brexit theme here .
Unfortunately , it has an impact on you .
It 's been a disaster .
`` The silly thing is , I can see pros and cons for Brexit and Remain .
`` Hopefully Brexit is going to be a success .
Hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country overall , especially for people that are disadvantaged .
That 's what we 've got to achieve , otherwise it wo n't have been worth it . ''
Mr Lightfoot is not alone .
Sebastian Handley has spent the last four years campaigning for Brexit in Brighton .
He said : `` It 's pretty lonely , it 's affected my health , my career .
`` It 's been tough for my wife .
I 've been just manic campaigning for the last four years .
`` People start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're up all night , you ca n't sleep .
The whole thing is like being in a vast psychological war on a national scale .
`` I had to come out and campaign .
Gay rights have progressed because gays had the courage to come out and campaign and not be silenced .
`` If we had let ourselves be silenced we would have invited defeat upon ourselves . ''
Some 200 miles away in Boston , Lincolnshire , they are preparing to celebrate Brexit .
This quiet market town recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 referendum .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker To understand why Boston voted in the way it did , you have to understand who lives and works here .
Boston has the highest proportion of Eastern Europeans migrants than any other part of the UK .
It led to Boston being labelled a divided town .
Some here are trying to put Brexit behind them .
That led to a group being formed called Brexit More In Common , led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We wanted to get the Lithuanians and the Kurds and the Latvians together to show them that they can have a place in this town .
Immigration is not a bad thing , it just needs the government to recognise that we need money for dentist , doctors and schools .
`` If we do n't get help and support from the central government .
Then we still will have these issues in five years ' time . ''
Vijoleta Klova , originally from Latvia , is a supervisor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two children .
She said : `` I like the UK because the pay is better and I am comfortable here .
`` At first Brexit worried me .
But I feel okay about it now .
I think it will be a bit rough to start off with , but things will settle down .
I can see myself living here for many years to come . ''
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm tonight

Cartoonist Michael Lightfoot campaigned to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum.
That may not have been such a problem in a Leave-leaning area, but Mr Lightfoot lives in Brighton, where about 70% of people voted for Remain.
It is as Remain as it gets.
Image: Michael Lightfoot's group, Artists for Brexit, didn't go down well with his friends
Mr Lightfoot said: "I've lost so many friends over it, it's been terrible."
He started a group called Artists for Brexit - a way of expressing his views about the referendum - but it did not go down well with his friends.
"You know it's bad when they unfriend you from Facebook and things like that," he said.
"People are very, very intolerant of the Brexit theme here. Unfortunately, it has an impact on you. It's been a disaster.
"The silly thing is, I can see pros and cons for Brexit and Remain.
"Hopefully Brexit is going to be a success. Hopefully it is going to make things better in the country overall, especially for people that are disadvantaged. That's what we've got to achieve, otherwise it won't have been worth it."
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Image: Michael Lightfoot started the group Artists for Brexit
Mr Lightfoot is not alone.
Sebastian Handley has spent the last four years campaigning for Brexit in Brighton.
He said: "It's pretty lonely, it's affected my health, my career.
"It's been tough for my wife. I've been just manic campaigning for the last four years.
"People start arguments on Facebook and the internet, you're up all night, you can't sleep. The whole thing is like being in a vast psychological war on a national scale.
"I had to come out and campaign. Gay rights have progressed because gays had the courage to come out and campaign and not be silenced.
"If we had let ourselves be silenced we would have invited defeat upon ourselves."
Image: Sebastian Handley said it was 'lonely' campaigning for Brexit in Brighton
Some 200 miles away in Boston, Lincolnshire, they are preparing to celebrate Brexit.
This quiet market town recorded the highest vote for Brexit in the 2016 referendum.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
To understand why Boston voted in the way it did, you have to understand who lives and works here.
Boston has the highest proportion of Eastern Europeans migrants than any other part of the UK.
It led to Boston being labelled a divided town.
Image: Andy Izard, from Boston, led the Brexit More In Common group
Some here are trying to put Brexit behind them.
That led to a group being formed called Brexit More In Common, led by retired train driver Andy Izard.
He said: "We wanted to get the Lithuanians and the Kurds and the Latvians together to show them that they can have a place in this town. Immigration is not a bad thing, it just needs the government to recognise that we need money for dentist, doctors and schools.
"If we don't get help and support from the central government. Then we still will have these issues in five years' time."
Image: Vijoleta Klova, from Latvia, said she was worried about Brexit at first
Vijoleta Klova, originally from Latvia, is a supervisor at a flower farm in Boston and has two children.
She said: "I like the UK because the pay is better and I am comfortable here.
"At first Brexit worried me. But I feel okay about it now. I think it will be a bit rough to start off with, but things will settle down. I can see myself living here for many years to come."
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm tonight


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--PM to address nation as the UK prepares to leave the EU at 11pm tonight

Brexit : PM to address nation as the UK prepares to leave the EU at 11pm tonight Brexit : PM to address nation as the UK prepares to leave the EU at 11pm tonight Brexit : How we got here The UK will leave the European Union at 11pm tonight .
Boris Johnson is planning to hail `` the dawn of a new era '' in an address to the nation , one hour before Brexit .
Also today , the prime minister will hold a cabinet meeting in Sunderland - the first city to back Brexit in June 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 % voted Leave .
Official government celebrations include Downing Street being lit up with a light show , union flags flying in Parliament Square , and three million Brexit-themed 50p coins entering circulation .
Mr Johnson will remain inside 10 Downing Street throughout the evening , while the Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage leads a raucous party beneath the flags in Parliament Square .
But , despite a high-profile campaign , Big Ben will remain silent as the clock strikes 11pm .
It is 47 years since the UK joined the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonds will be broken .
In Brussels , the UK flag will be removed from its place on the buildings housing the city 's EU institutions , and one union flag is expected to be consigned to a museum .
In his video message , to be released at 10pm , Mr Johnson has promised that he will bring the country together .
He says : `` Our job as the government - my job - is to bring this country together and take us forward .
`` And the most important thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an end but a beginning .
`` This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act .
It is a moment of real national renewal and change .
`` This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances - your family 's life chances - should depend on which part of the country you grow up in .
`` This is the moment when we begin to unite and level up . ''
The historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK voted to Leave - and follows two general elections and three prime ministers : David Cameron , Theresa May and Boris Johnson .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have been months of meetings , mass protests bringing UK cities to a standstill and endless debates , government defeats and deadlock in parliament , until Mr Johnson won his 80-seat majority in last month 's general election .
Coinciding with the cabinet meeting in Sunderland , the Wearside city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a lighthouse - are being lit up in red , white and blue to mark the UK 's exit from the EU .
City council leader Graeme Miller said : `` Whether you voted Leave or Remain , this is a momentous date in our nation 's history and it is only right that we mark it .
`` What is essential now is that we move on from the divisions that have preoccupied the UK since the referendum in 2016 and work together to carve out a new future for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our EU and other potential trading partners . ''
But in Scotland , which voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum , Leave A Light On candlelit vigils are planned in Aberdeen , Dundee , Glasgow and Stirling - aimed at sending a message to the EU to keep open a place for Scotland .
Corbyn : `` We will hold government to account '' In his statement to mark Brexit day , the outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn warned : `` Britain is now at a crossroads .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an opportunity to shape our future role within the international community for decades to come .
`` Britain 's place in the world will change .
The question is what direction we now take .
`` We can work with other countries to develop trade , improve rights and protections , invest in our communities , tackle the threat of climate catastrophe , fight human rights abuses and promote peace .
`` We can build a truly internationalist , diverse and outward-looking Britain .
`` Or we can turn inwards , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure hastily arranged , one-sided , race-to-the-bottom trade deals with Donald Trump and others . ''
On Labour 's approach , Mr Corbyn said : `` We will hold the government to account every step of the way : to ensure jobs and living standards , rights at work , and consumer and environmental standards are protected as part of whatever is negotiated with the EU , the US or any other country .
`` We are determined to defend the gains we have made with others on these issues in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toxic Trump deal that puts our NHS , food standards and jobs at risk . ''
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm tonight

The UK will leave the European Union at 11pm tonight.
Boris Johnson is planning to hail "the dawn of a new era" in an address to the nation, one hour before Brexit.
Also today, the prime minister will hold a cabinet meeting in Sunderland - the first city to back Brexit in June 2016's EU referendum, where more than 60% voted Leave.
Image: The UK will leave the EU at 11pm tonight - but Big Ben won't be chiming
Official government celebrations include Downing Street being lit up with a light show, union flags flying in Parliament Square, and three million Brexit-themed 50p coins entering circulation.
Mr Johnson will remain inside 10 Downing Street throughout the evening, while the Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage leads a raucous party beneath the flags in Parliament Square.
But, despite a high-profile campaign, Big Ben will remain silent as the clock strikes 11pm.
It is 47 years since the UK joined the European Economic Community - and tonight, those bonds will be broken.
In Brussels, the UK flag will be removed from its place on the buildings housing the city's EU institutions, and one union flag is expected to be consigned to a museum.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 '11pm on Friday is the point of no return'
"A moment of real national renewal"
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In his video message, to be released at 10pm, Mr Johnson has promised that he will bring the country together.
He says: "Our job as the government - my job - is to bring this country together and take us forward.
"And the most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning.
Image: Boris Johnson will hail the 'dawn of a new era' in an address to the nation
"This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act. It is a moment of real national renewal and change.
"This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances - your family's life chances - should depend on which part of the country you grow up in.
"This is the moment when we begin to unite and level up."
Image: The UK has had three prime ministers since the vote for Brexit in 2016
Brexit: Three years on
The historic moment comes more than three-and-a-half years after the UK voted to Leave - and follows two general elections and three prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There have been months of meetings, mass protests bringing UK cities to a standstill and endless debates, government defeats and deadlock in parliament, until Mr Johnson won his 80-seat majority in last month's general election.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:19 'Well that's it, it's all over, finished'
Coinciding with the cabinet meeting in Sunderland, the Wearside city's major landmarks - including a bridge and a lighthouse - are being lit up in red, white and blue to mark the UK's exit from the EU.
City council leader Graeme Miller said: "Whether you voted Leave or Remain, this is a momentous date in our nation's history and it is only right that we mark it.
"What is essential now is that we move on from the divisions that have preoccupied the UK since the referendum in 2016 and work together to carve out a new future for our country, and new trade agreements with our EU and other potential trading partners."
But in Scotland, which voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum, Leave A Light On candlelit vigils are planned in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Stirling - aimed at sending a message to the EU to keep open a place for Scotland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 MEPs sing a farewell to the UK
Corbyn: "We will hold government to account"
In his statement to mark Brexit day, the outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn warned: "Britain is now at a crossroads.
"As we leave the EU, we have an opportunity to shape our future role within the international community for decades to come.
"Britain's place in the world will change. The question is what direction we now take.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn has warned that 'Britain is at a crossroads'
"We can work with other countries to develop trade, improve rights and protections, invest in our communities, tackle the threat of climate catastrophe, fight human rights abuses and promote peace.
"We can build a truly internationalist, diverse and outward-looking Britain.
"Or we can turn inwards, and trade our principles, rights and standards to secure hastily arranged, one-sided, race-to-the-bottom trade deals with Donald Trump and others."
On Labour's approach, Mr Corbyn said: "We will hold the government to account every step of the way: to ensure jobs and living standards, rights at work, and consumer and environmental standards are protected as part of whatever is negotiated with the EU, the US or any other country.
"We are determined to defend the gains we have made with others on these issues in the EU. And we will resist a toxic Trump deal that puts our NHS, food standards and jobs at risk."
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm tonight


skynewspolitics--2020-02-03--UK and EU on collision course over trade deal demands

UK and EU on collision course over trade deal demands UK and EU on collision course over trade deal demands The PM 's speech did not contain one use of 'Brexit' Britain wo n't lead a `` cut-throat race to the bottom '' on standards after Brexit , Boris Johnson has promised in his opening gambit for trade talks with the EU .
The prime minister tried to head off Brussels ' demands by claiming he is not about to `` undermine '' current labour laws or food and environmental protections .
He hailed free trade as `` God 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of uniting people in the bonds of peace '' at a speech revealing he will push for a Canada-style deal in talks over the next 11 months .
But Brussels has insisted the UK needs to commit to the same level of standards in law to get an agreement .
After Brexit took place on 31 January , negotiators have until the end of the year to hammer out a deal before continuity trading rules during the so-called `` transition period '' stop .
Mr Johnson set himself on a collision course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough talk in a speech laying out his aims in Greenwich on Monday .
He insisted there was `` no need '' to abide by Brussels ' rules and insisted British fishing grounds are `` first and foremost '' for UK boats .
`` There is no need for a free trade agreement to involve accepting EU rules on competition policies , subsidies , social protection , the environment or anything similar , any more than the EU should be obliged to accept UK rules , '' the prime minister said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these areas , better in many respects than those of the EU , without the compulsion of a treaty . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson confirmed that if a Canada-style agreement was not possible , he would be prepared to walk away without a full trade deal , and trade instead on World Trade Organisation terms similar to Australia 's relationship with the EU .
But just an hour earlier , EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessels , and declared that a free trade area with no tariffs or quotas was dependent on a `` level playing field ... ensured through robust commitments '' .
He added that `` where there 's a will , there 's a way '' to reach a deal .
And Mr Barnier suggested it was impossible to complete the whole agreement in 11 months , despite Mr Johnson saying he will refuse to extend the transition period .
After the prime minister 's speech finished , the pound fell sharply - around a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to less than $ 1.31 and by a cent against the euro at less than €1.18 .
John Allan , president of the Confederation of British Industry , said the speech would help turn `` confidence into investment '' but cautioned talk of a bare bones deal could `` pause investment '' .
Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey accused the PM of `` gearing up for no-deal masqueraded as an Australian-style agreement , that will hollow out our trade '' and branded him `` taking us out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as `` nothing short of hypocrisy '' .
Mr Johnson 's address contained no use of the word `` Brexit '' ; asked after if he had banned its use he told journalists : `` I wo n't say it 's like the big bang or the Norman conquest but it 's receding behind us in history . ''

Britain won't lead a "cut-throat race to the bottom" on standards after Brexit, Boris Johnson has promised in his opening gambit for trade talks with the EU.
The prime minister tried to head off Brussels' demands by claiming he is not about to "undermine" current labour laws or food and environmental protections.
He hailed free trade as "God's diplomacy" and "the only certain way of uniting people in the bonds of peace" at a speech revealing he will push for a Canada-style deal in talks over the next 11 months.
Image: Negotiators only have 11 months to strike a deal
But Brussels has insisted the UK needs to commit to the same level of standards in law to get an agreement.
After Brexit took place on 31 January, negotiators have until the end of the year to hammer out a deal before continuity trading rules during the so-called "transition period" stop.
Mr Johnson set himself on a collision course with the EU by rolling out the tough talk in a speech laying out his aims in Greenwich on Monday.
He insisted there was "no need" to abide by Brussels' rules and insisted British fishing grounds are "first and foremost" for UK boats.
"There is no need for a free trade agreement to involve accepting EU rules on competition policies, subsidies, social protection, the environment or anything similar, any more than the EU should be obliged to accept UK rules," the prime minister said.
"The UK will maintain the highest standards in these areas, better in many respects than those of the EU, without the compulsion of a treaty."
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Mr Johnson confirmed that if a Canada-style agreement was not possible, he would be prepared to walk away without a full trade deal, and trade instead on World Trade Organisation terms similar to Australia's relationship with the EU.
But just an hour earlier, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier demanded "reciprocal access" for fishing vessels, and declared that a free trade area with no tariffs or quotas was dependent on a "level playing field... ensured through robust commitments".
Image: Michel Barnier said 'where there's a will, there's a way'
He added that "where there's a will, there's a way" to reach a deal.
And Mr Barnier suggested it was impossible to complete the whole agreement in 11 months, despite Mr Johnson saying he will refuse to extend the transition period.
After the prime minister's speech finished, the pound fell sharply - around a cent and a half against the dollar to less than $1.31 and by a cent against the euro at less than €1.18.
John Allan, president of the Confederation of British Industry, said the speech would help turn "confidence into investment" but cautioned talk of a bare bones deal could "pause investment".
Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey accused the PM of "gearing up for no-deal masqueraded as an Australian-style agreement, that will hollow out our trade" and branded him "taking us out of the largest free trade zone in the world" as "nothing short of hypocrisy".
Mr Johnson's address contained no use of the word "Brexit"; asked after if he had banned its use he told journalists: "I won't say it's like the big bang or the Norman conquest but it's receding behind us in history."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-02--More customs checks will be EU's fault, foreign sec suggests

Customs checks will not be stepped up if the UK gets its way in trade deal talks with Brussels , the foreign secretary has suggested .
Dominic Raab told Sky News it would be the EU ’ s fault if businesses end up needing to fill out more paperwork or submit to more inspections of goods crossing at the border .
He was quizzed ahead of a major speech by Boris Johnson on Monday - his first since Brexit happened earlier this week .
The prime minister will be laying out his demands for a new trading relationship with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 11 months to hammer out .
He is seeking a `` Canada-style '' free trade deal but is expected to insist he won ’ t trade sovereignty for alignment on goods regulations to decrease the need for inspections on what comes into the country .
Asked by Sophy Ridge on Sunday if the plans would only lead to more checks , Mr Raab said : “ I do n't think so .
`` We 've got the deal , you can examine the terms .
`` It 's not my words or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commitment is to avoid all of those things with a best in class free trade agreement .
`` And I 'm sure - we 're committed to it on our side and I ’ m sure the EU will want to stay committed to the undertakings that they ’ ve made . ''
He added if more checks were needed , `` it would be I think a step backwards by the EU in terms of the undertakings they 've made '' .
Mr Rabb also criticised Michel Barnier , Brussels ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday : `` The UK has chosen to become a third country… It has chosen to create two regulatory spaces .
This makes frictionless trade impossible .
It makes checks indispensable . ''
Asked if the comment was wrong , Mr Raab said : `` Yes - if the EU lives up to its commitments on its side . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But the government is still battling to win over Northern Ireland ’ s Democratic Unionist Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but refused to vote for the deal over concerns about the fall-back plan if no trade deal can be secured by the end of 2020 .
DUP leader Arlene Foster told Sophy Ridge on Sunday said she was “ concerned ” and needed more `` clarity '' on the need for potential checks on goods travelling from mainland Britain .
`` We worry about the fact that it might reduce our choice in terms of consumer choice in Northern Ireland , we 're worried about price and the fact that it may put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And of course the very fundamental issue of having checks internally within a country is of great concern to me as a unionist . ''
The EU is pessimistic about the short timetable for reaching a deal and made clear that Britain will have to accept worse terms and conditions for trade than if it were still a member of the EU .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said : `` We want to have the best possible relationship with the United Kingdom , but it will never be as good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU on Friday 31 January and is now in a “ transition period ” where it remains in the single market and customs union , follows EU law and continues paying into its budget .
This will end on 31 December 2020 .
Analysis : Raab 's pledge is hard to be squared with 'Canada-style ' deal By Rob Powell , political correspondent It 's hard to see how the government 's aim for a relatively loose `` Canada-style ' '' trade deal can be squared with Dominic Raab 's pledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a start , the trade deal between the EU and Canada does not automatically remove checks on goods moving between the two parties .
But it 's Boris Johnson 's pledge that the UK will have `` no alignment '' with EU rules that may make border checks inevitable .
On everything from manufactured goods to food products , the EU will want to make sure imports from the UK meet the standards of their single market .
To try and get round this both sides agreed to `` deep regulatory and customs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure a level playing field '' when they signed off the Brexit divorce deal last year .
The aims outlined by Downing Street overnight strike a very different and more distant tone to this .
So while the government here may accuse the EU of backtracking on its offer of a Canada-style deal , Brussels will also feel the UK has reneged on its promises .

Customs checks will not be stepped up if the UK gets its way in trade deal talks with Brussels, the foreign secretary has suggested.
Dominic Raab told Sky News it would be the EU’s fault if businesses end up needing to fill out more paperwork or submit to more inspections of goods crossing at the border.
He was quizzed ahead of a major speech by Boris Johnson on Monday - his first since Brexit happened earlier this week.
The prime minister will be laying out his demands for a new trading relationship with all EU27 countries, which both sides have just 11 months to hammer out.
He is seeking a "Canada-style" free trade deal but is expected to insist he won’t trade sovereignty for alignment on goods regulations to decrease the need for inspections on what comes into the country.
Asked by Sophy Ridge on Sunday if the plans would only lead to more checks, Mr Raab said: “I don't think so.
"We've got the deal, you can examine the terms.
"It's not my words or anyone else’s words, and the commitment is to avoid all of those things with a best in class free trade agreement.
"And I'm sure - we're committed to it on our side and I’m sure the EU will want to stay committed to the undertakings that they’ve made."
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He added if more checks were needed, "it would be I think a step backwards by the EU in terms of the undertakings they've made".
Mr Rabb also criticised Michel Barnier, Brussels' chief Brexit negotiator, who warned on Monday: "The UK has chosen to become a third country… It has chosen to create two regulatory spaces. This makes frictionless trade impossible. It makes checks indispensable."
Asked if the comment was wrong, Mr Raab said: "Yes - if the EU lives up to its commitments on its side."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But the government is still battling to win over Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which backed Brexit but refused to vote for the deal over concerns about the fall-back plan if no trade deal can be secured by the end of 2020.
DUP leader Arlene Foster told Sophy Ridge on Sunday said she was “concerned” and needed more "clarity" on the need for potential checks on goods travelling from mainland Britain.
"We worry about the fact that it might reduce our choice in terms of consumer choice in Northern Ireland, we're worried about price and the fact that it may put up prices in Northern Ireland.
"And of course the very fundamental issue of having checks internally within a country is of great concern to me as a unionist."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Foster wants to see 'clarity' on trade
The EU is pessimistic about the short timetable for reaching a deal and made clear that Britain will have to accept worse terms and conditions for trade than if it were still a member of the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We want to have the best possible relationship with the United Kingdom, but it will never be as good as membership."
The UK left the EU on Friday 31 January and is now in a “transition period” where it remains in the single market and customs union, follows EU law and continues paying into its budget.
This will end on 31 December 2020.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 The moment the UK left the EU
Analysis: Raab's pledge is hard to be squared with 'Canada-style' deal
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
It's hard to see how the government's aim for a relatively loose "Canada-style'" trade deal can be squared with Dominic Raab's pledge of no border checks after Brexit.
For a start, the trade deal between the EU and Canada does not automatically remove checks on goods moving between the two parties.
But it's Boris Johnson's pledge that the UK will have "no alignment" with EU rules that may make border checks inevitable.
On everything from manufactured goods to food products, the EU will want to make sure imports from the UK meet the standards of their single market.
To try and get round this both sides agreed to "deep regulatory and customs cooperation" and "robust commitments to ensure a level playing field" when they signed off the Brexit divorce deal last year.
The aims outlined by Downing Street overnight strike a very different and more distant tone to this.
So while the government here may accuse the EU of backtracking on its offer of a Canada-style deal, Brussels will also feel the UK has reneged on its promises.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-02--People afraid to call out segregation in schools, Ofsted chief warns

The Ofsted chief inspector warned of ' a slide to shutting down what children are allowed to know ' .
File pic People are afraid to call out segregation in schools because of religious , cultural and ethnic sensitivities , Ofsted 's chief inspector says .
Amanda Spielman warned there are now so many parents from different backgrounds that what would have been acceptable in schools 50 years ago is now no-longer acceptable to the vast majority .
She revealed two cases of schools that discriminated against girls in an exclusive interview with Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we found some very , very rigid segregation that meant that boys were always put ahead of girls for everything , '' Ms Spielman said .
`` Children literally did n't see each other .
We found books in the library saying men can beat their wives - provided they do n't leave a mark - and that women are n't entitled to refuse sex to their husbands . ''
That took place at an Islamic School in Birmingham , but it was a state-funded community school and `` theoretically for all children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish school in London , girls ' education was being `` very restricted '' , she added .
`` Not just on the kinds of topics we know are sensitive for some people around evolution and reproduction , but things as startling as the history of the reign of Queen Elizabeth - the girls were n't allowed to know about that .
`` There 's a slide to shutting down what children are allowed to know .
`` How can we make sure that everybody 's prepared for adult life , if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do . ''
Ms Spielman said major problems has only been reported with `` a small minority of schools '' .
She continued : `` But the point is because of our sensitivities about religion , culture , ethnicity , we 're very reluctant to say we 've got some really tough issues here where questions of religion and other kinds of rights bump into each other .
`` There 's no question that we 're afraid .
All the dreadful grooming gang stories , all those many , many convictions for child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country - that shows vividly what happens when we censor ourselves , when we do n't allow ourselves to acknowledge that there may be a particular dimension to a problem .
`` It does two things - one is it leaves those particular children exposed for far too long to the particular harm , but also we do n't have the right conversation about what the things are that we need to tackle and how to address them as early as we possibly can .
`` Sometimes that very much affects girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've got all these different rights that can bump into each other .
`` We desperately need everybody to be a little bit braver , calling things by their name , talking about what 's there . ''
She added : `` We start from further back in having to talk about things and educate parents and really having to re-think models of education to make sure that we can take things forward and unify people rather than reinforce divisions . ''
Ms Spielman admitted that `` the schools absolutely have felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues but the decision is up to them about what to teach and when .
`` There is some government guidance but it 's pretty high-level , there is in practice an immense responsibility on the heads even of tiny primary schools to take on something that is really difficult and contentious . ''
She said `` remarkably few people '' were up for helping but it was up to local authorities , councillors and MPs to solve the problem .

People are afraid to call out segregation in schools because of religious, cultural and ethnic sensitivities, Ofsted's chief inspector says.
Amanda Spielman warned there are now so many parents from different backgrounds that what would have been acceptable in schools 50 years ago is now no-longer acceptable to the vast majority.
She revealed two cases of schools that discriminated against girls in an exclusive interview with Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
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"In a school in Birmingham we found some very, very rigid segregation that meant that boys were always put ahead of girls for everything," Ms Spielman said.
"Children literally didn't see each other. We found books in the library saying men can beat their wives - provided they don't leave a mark - and that women aren't entitled to refuse sex to their husbands."
That took place at an Islamic School in Birmingham, but it was a state-funded community school and "theoretically for all children", she said.
At a Jewish school in London, girls' education was being "very restricted", she added.
"Not just on the kinds of topics we know are sensitive for some people around evolution and reproduction, but things as startling as the history of the reign of Queen Elizabeth - the girls weren't allowed to know about that.
"There's a slide to shutting down what children are allowed to know.
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"How can we make sure that everybody's prepared for adult life, if we let schools narrow and narrow what they do."
Ms Spielman said major problems has only been reported with "a small minority of schools".
She continued: "But the point is because of our sensitivities about religion, culture, ethnicity, we're very reluctant to say we've got some really tough issues here where questions of religion and other kinds of rights bump into each other.
"There's no question that we're afraid. All the dreadful grooming gang stories, all those many, many convictions for child sexual exploitation in practically every part of the country - that shows vividly what happens when we censor ourselves, when we don't allow ourselves to acknowledge that there may be a particular dimension to a problem.
"It does two things - one is it leaves those particular children exposed for far too long to the particular harm, but also we don't have the right conversation about what the things are that we need to tackle and how to address them as early as we possibly can.
"Sometimes that very much affects girls but it cuts across the board because we've got all these different rights that can bump into each other.
"We desperately need everybody to be a little bit braver, calling things by their name, talking about what's there."
She added: "We start from further back in having to talk about things and educate parents and really having to re-think models of education to make sure that we can take things forward and unify people rather than reinforce divisions."
Image: Ms Spielman said some segregation 'very much affects girls'. File pic
Ms Spielman admitted that "the schools absolutely have felt unsupported" to tackle some of these issues but the decision is up to them about what to teach and when.
"There is some government guidance but it's pretty high-level, there is in practice an immense responsibility on the heads even of tiny primary schools to take on something that is really difficult and contentious."
She said "remarkably few people" were up for helping but it was up to local authorities, councillors and MPs to solve the problem.