skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--A smooth vaccine roll out will mean the 'seismic' Tory revolt is forgotten

Boris Johnson suffered the worst rebellion since the election , on what will be the defining issue of his premiership .
The breadth of the Tory revolt over his revised tier system was notable - ideologically from the left to the right of the party , from 1922 grandee to 2019 newbie .
All of this still less than a year after he won an 80-strong majority in the general election .
It ought to be a pivotal moment .
Yet it may not prove to be .
Firstly , a win is a win and the government is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Secondly Mr Johnson appears , polls suggest , to be more on the side of public opinion .
Voters by and large seem to want tougher measures through the pandemic , and even Labour which abstained on Tuesday is trying to be careful not to look as if it 's on the wrong side of the debate .
The danger for Mr Johnson is that some of the most influential figures voting against the Tory whip cited the manner of his argument as key to their decision to rebel .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Mr Johnson 's over optimistic hints their areas would soon have their restrictions downgraded , a promise they regarded as undeliverable .
They also wish Mr Johnson would be more transparent .
There may be no hard evidence on the science behind shutting hospitality .
If that is the case , say so , they argue .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Nevertheless this ought to be a seismic day , but may not necessarily prove to be .
2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the government manages to roll it out to most of the population in an orderly or timely way , that could be transformational .
Labour is acutely conscious that this would mean messy moments like today , for all the Tory infighting , could easily be forgotten be a grateful public .

Boris Johnson suffered the worst rebellion since the election, on what will be the defining issue of his premiership.
The breadth of the Tory revolt over his revised tier system was notable - ideologically from the left to the right of the party, from 1922 grandee to 2019 newbie.
All of this still less than a year after he won an 80-strong majority in the general election.
It ought to be a pivotal moment. Yet it may not prove to be.
Firstly, a win is a win and the government is likely to bank it and change the subject. Secondly Mr Johnson appears, polls suggest, to be more on the side of public opinion.
Voters by and large seem to want tougher measures through the pandemic, and even Labour which abstained on Tuesday is trying to be careful not to look as if it's on the wrong side of the debate.
The danger for Mr Johnson is that some of the most influential figures voting against the Tory whip cited the manner of his argument as key to their decision to rebel.
They said they were put off supporting the government by Mr Johnson's over optimistic hints their areas would soon have their restrictions downgraded, a promise they regarded as undeliverable.
They also wish Mr Johnson would be more transparent. There may be no hard evidence on the science behind shutting hospitality. If that is the case, say so, they argue.
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Nevertheless this ought to be a seismic day, but may not necessarily prove to be.
2021 will all be about the vaccine. If the government manages to roll it out to most of the population in an orderly or timely way, that could be transformational.
Labour is acutely conscious that this would mean messy moments like today, for all the Tory infighting, could easily be forgotten be a grateful public.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--'Risk of serious disruption' at Channel crossings after Brexit transition period ends

There is a `` risk of serious disruption and delay '' at Channel crossings delivering the majority of the UK 's fresh food once the Brexit transition period expires at the end of the month , MPs have warned .
The cross-party Commons Public Accounts Committee ( PAC ) has issued a final scathing report on Britain 's preparedness - and described Boris Johnson 's `` oven-ready '' deal as more of a `` cold turkey '' .
The PAC has accused the government of `` taking limited responsibility '' for the nation 's preparedness as the clock ticks down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely concerned about the risk of serious disruption and delay at the short Channel crossings , '' the committee said , noting these routes are the delivery point for the majority of the country 's fresh food supplies .
`` Industry bodies have said that government has not provided key information needed by businesses to prepare , such as detailed guidance on how to apply for simplified customs procedures . ''
British and EU negotiators have been continuing talks this week , although both sides have signalled there are still sticking points to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fishing and state aid still causing problems , leaders have warned time is running out to reach a deal .
Two diplomatic sources have said the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will update 27 national envoys to Brussels on the trade talks on Wednesday morning .
PAC chairwoman Meg Hillier has expressed concerns about the situation , saying she hoped the country is not `` facing another catastrophe at the border in four weeks ' time '' .
`` In 12 reports on preparations for EU exit since the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the readiness of key border systems and been assured that they are on track or that delays are being managed , '' the Labour MP said .
`` And yet , with a few weeks to go , border systems remain in development and plans for managing disruption or prioritisation of key goods are unclear . ''
She also mocked the prime minister 's pledge at the last general election that he had an `` oven-ready '' Brexit deal , saying : `` We have more of a cold turkey and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be prepared for . ''
The report concluded Brexit preparations and the COVID-19 pandemic response had exposed `` critical gaps in the civil service 's approach to planning , particularly for unexpected events or undesired outcomes '' .
It also found too much money was being spent on consultants on tasks that could be `` better done by civil servants '' .
The committee has now called for a formal review into the whole period of preparation .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government spokesperson said : `` We are making significant preparations to prepare for the guaranteed changes at the end of the transition period including investing £705m in jobs , technology and infrastructure at the border and providing £84m in grants to boost the customs intermediaries sector .
`` This is alongside implementing border controls in stages so traders have more time to prepare .
`` With less than one month to go , it 's vital that businesses and citizens make their final preparations too .
`` That 's why we 're intensifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Taskforce and running a major public information campaign so they know exactly what they need to do to get ready . ''

There is a "risk of serious disruption and delay" at Channel crossings delivering the majority of the UK's fresh food once the Brexit transition period expires at the end of the month, MPs have warned.
The cross-party Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a final scathing report on Britain's preparedness - and described Boris Johnson's "oven-ready" deal as more of a "cold turkey".
The PAC has accused the government of "taking limited responsibility" for the nation's preparedness as the clock ticks down towards the deadline.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Barnier: 'Determination' in Brexit talks
"We remain extremely concerned about the risk of serious disruption and delay at the short Channel crossings," the committee said, noting these routes are the delivery point for the majority of the country's fresh food supplies.
"Industry bodies have said that government has not provided key information needed by businesses to prepare, such as detailed guidance on how to apply for simplified customs procedures."
British and EU negotiators have been continuing talks this week, although both sides have signalled there are still sticking points to be ironed out.
With issues such as fishing and state aid still causing problems, leaders have warned time is running out to reach a deal.
Two diplomatic sources have said the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will update 27 national envoys to Brussels on the trade talks on Wednesday morning.
PAC chairwoman Meg Hillier has expressed concerns about the situation, saying she hoped the country is not "facing another catastrophe at the border in four weeks' time".
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"In 12 reports on preparations for EU exit since the 2016 vote, the PAC has repeatedly raised concerns about the readiness of key border systems and been assured that they are on track or that delays are being managed," the Labour MP said.
"And yet, with a few weeks to go, border systems remain in development and plans for managing disruption or prioritisation of key goods are unclear."
Image: Fishing is one of the issues leaders are yet to agree on
She also mocked the prime minister's pledge at the last general election that he had an "oven-ready" Brexit deal, saying: "We have more of a cold turkey and businesses and consumers do not know what to be prepared for."
The report concluded Brexit preparations and the COVID-19 pandemic response had exposed "critical gaps in the civil service's approach to planning, particularly for unexpected events or undesired outcomes".
It also found too much money was being spent on consultants on tasks that could be "better done by civil servants".
The committee has now called for a formal review into the whole period of preparation.
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A UK government spokesperson said: "We are making significant preparations to prepare for the guaranteed changes at the end of the transition period including investing £705m in jobs, technology and infrastructure at the border and providing £84m in grants to boost the customs intermediaries sector.
"This is alongside implementing border controls in stages so traders have more time to prepare.
"With less than one month to go, it's vital that businesses and citizens make their final preparations too.
"That's why we're intensifying our engagement with businesses through the Brexit Business Taskforce and running a major public information campaign so they know exactly what they need to do to get ready."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-02--Deportation flight to Jamaica departs without 37 of the 50 passengers due to fly

A deportation flight has left the UK for Jamaica carrying a quarter of the passengers who were due to leave the country .
The Home Office said 13 people were on the scheduled flight which was originally due to carry 50 passengers .
The 13 had combined jail terms of more than 100 years , including three convicted of murder , another of manslaughter , while others had been sentenced for crimes like grooming , drug dealing , burglary and robbery , it said .
A number of last-minute legal challenges were launched by campaign groups and human rights lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not board the plane .
Some Jamaican nationals who had been due to be on the aircraft are said to have been granted a legal reprieve after the Home Office reportedly acknowledged they may be victims of modern slavery .
According to charities , lawyers had also gone to court to prevent parents set to be on the flight being separated from their children , who would be left behind in the UK .
Home Office minister Chris Philp said : `` In the early hours of this morning , 13 serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is disappointing that specialist immigration law firms continued to use last-minute tactics to remove a significant number of offenders from this flight .
`` These individuals had every opportunity to raise the claims in the days and weeks leading up to the flight ; however , a significant number of claims were not submitted until hours before the flight was due to leave - meaning murderers and rapists have been able to stay in the UK . ''
Speaking in the House of Lords on Tuesday Tory frontbencher Baroness Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had served a prison sentence of a year or more , including some for `` very serious crimes indeed '' .
Campaigners tried to halt the flight amid the continuing fallout over the Windrush scandal , which saw people with a right to live in the UK wrongfully detained or expelled .
However , the government insisted the flight was to remove `` dangerous foreign criminals '' from the country and none of the offenders were eligible for the Windrush compensation scheme .
Dozens of MPs wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying `` some of the individuals affected arrived in this country as children .
Many now have children of their own .
Britain is their home '' .
The signatories , which included Diane Abbott , Jeremy Corbyn , Caroline Lucas and John McDonnell , said : `` Deportations epitomise the Government 's continued Hostile Environment agenda . ''
Speaking in the Lords on Tuesday , former Conservative minister Lord Vaizey of Didcot pointed out that the deportations were taking place under legislation passed by the last Labour government and that the removals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small percentage of those undertaken each year .
He said : `` It is wholly wrong to conflate the scandal of Windrush with this case .
The government is dealing with the fallout from the Windrush scandal but this case has nothing to do with it . ''

A deportation flight has left the UK for Jamaica carrying a quarter of the passengers who were due to leave the country.
The Home Office said 13 people were on the scheduled flight which was originally due to carry 50 passengers.
The 13 had combined jail terms of more than 100 years, including three convicted of murder, another of manslaughter, while others had been sentenced for crimes like grooming, drug dealing, burglary and robbery, it said.
A number of last-minute legal challenges were launched by campaign groups and human rights lawyers which meant many of the 50 passengers did not board the plane.
Some Jamaican nationals who had been due to be on the aircraft are said to have been granted a legal reprieve after the Home Office reportedly acknowledged they may be victims of modern slavery.
Image: Appeals were made to Home Secretary Priti Patel to halt the flight
According to charities, lawyers had also gone to court to prevent parents set to be on the flight being separated from their children, who would be left behind in the UK.
Home Office minister Chris Philp said: "In the early hours of this morning, 13 serious foreign criminals were deported from the UK.
"It is disappointing that specialist immigration law firms continued to use last-minute tactics to remove a significant number of offenders from this flight.
"These individuals had every opportunity to raise the claims in the days and weeks leading up to the flight; however, a significant number of claims were not submitted until hours before the flight was due to leave - meaning murderers and rapists have been able to stay in the UK."
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Speaking in the House of Lords on Tuesday Tory frontbencher Baroness Williams of Trafford said all those being deported had served a prison sentence of a year or more, including some for "very serious crimes indeed".
Campaigners tried to halt the flight amid the continuing fallout over the Windrush scandal, which saw people with a right to live in the UK wrongfully detained or expelled.
However, the government insisted the flight was to remove "dangerous foreign criminals" from the country and none of the offenders were eligible for the Windrush compensation scheme.
Dozens of MPs wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel calling for the cancelling of the flight, saying "some of the individuals affected arrived in this country as children. Many now have children of their own. Britain is their home".
The signatories, which included Diane Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn, Caroline Lucas and John McDonnell, said: "Deportations epitomise the Government's continued Hostile Environment agenda."
Speaking in the Lords on Tuesday, former Conservative minister Lord Vaizey of Didcot pointed out that the deportations were taking place under legislation passed by the last Labour government and that the removals to Jamaica made up only a very small percentage of those undertaken each year.
He said: "It is wholly wrong to conflate the scandal of Windrush with this case. The government is dealing with the fallout from the Windrush scandal but this case has nothing to do with it."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-02--PM warns of 'immense logistical challenges' in distributing COVID vaccine

It will take `` some months '' for the UK 's most vulnerable people to be vaccinated against coronavirus , the prime minister has said .
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference , Boris Johnson acknowledged there will be `` immense logistical challenges '' in distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine , which has been approved for use in the UK .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world '' It will inevitably take some months before all the most vulnerable are protected - long , cold months , '' he said .
`` So it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate this scientific achievement we are not carried away with over-optimism or fall into the naive belief that the struggle is over . ''
The PM was speaking after the UK became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine .
The jab , which has been given the green light by the independent health regulator , will be rolled out from early next week when 800,000 doses are due to arrive in the UK .
Mr Johnson said it would be the `` biggest programme of mass vaccination in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in care homes and their carers are top of the list to get the vaccine , which studies have shown is 95 % effective and works in all age groups .
The government has ordered 40 million doses of the jab so far , enough to immunise 20 million people .
But despite being at the top of the priority list , the head of the NHS has said that most care home residents will initially need to wait for their vaccine because of difficulties in transporting it .
Sir Simon Stevens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that - because the jab has to be stored at such low temperatures - it can only be moved a few times .
Packs of doses - which contain 975 doses - also can not be safely split at this moment in time .
The first people to get the vaccine will receive it from 50 hospital hubs .
They will be the over-80s , care home staff , and others identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ( JCVI ) who may already have a hospital appointment .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will then start operating local vaccination centres , Sir Simon said .
The majority of vaccinations will take place in `` January through to March or April for the at-risk population '' , he added .
Speaking about the logistical challenges , he said : `` We have to move it around the country in a carefully controlled way initially at minus 70 degrees centigrade , or thereabouts , and there are a limited number of further movements that we are allowed by the regulator to make .
`` It also comes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ca n't at this point just distribute it to every individual GP surgery or pharmacy as we normally would for many of the other vaccines available on the NHS . ''
Sir Simon said that if regulators give approval for a safe way of splitting packs , care homes would be able to receive stocks .
He continued : `` And then as even more vaccine becomes available , finally we will be able to switch on large vaccination centres across the country and indeed invite local community pharmacists , probably at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer vaccination as well . ''
Sir Simon stressed later in the news conference that the NHS was `` raring to go '' to vaccinate people in care homes .
`` Just as soon as we have the regulatory sign-off that we can do that , that we can get the jabs to the care homes so that the GPs and the nurses can arrive and give the care home residents that COVID vaccination , we will do that , '' he said .
`` We - at this point , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be in the first tranche of priorities for vaccination during this month . ''
The PM also spoke about the difficulty of getting the vaccine into care homes , telling the briefing that there is a risk the vaccine could `` degenerate '' if it is `` improperly handled '' .
Deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said it was a `` complex product with a very fragile cold chain '' .
`` It 's not a yoghurt that can be taken out of the fridge and put back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle , '' he said .
Pfizer and BioNTech have said the vaccine can be sent to care homes , provided it travels for no more than six hours after leaving cold storage and is then put in a normal fridge at 2C to 8C .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the logistical issues had to be overcome because `` care homes have suffered enough '' .
`` What we now need from the government is a practical plan for rolling this out swiftly , safely and fairly , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are unsure about getting a vaccine , telling them : `` Everyone wants social distancing to come to an end - we are fed-up with it .
`` Nobody wants lockdowns and to see the damage they do .
But if you want that dream to come true as quickly as it can come true , then you have to take the vaccine when it is offered to you .
`` Low uptake will almost certainly make restrictions last longer . ''
He said the current restrictions , including social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need to stay in place `` for now '' .
`` If we relax too soon , if we just , kind of , go 'oh , the vaccine 's here , let 's abandon caution ' , all you are going to do is create a tidal wave of infections , '' he said .
Asked by Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby if the tiers will continue beyond the end of January , when MPs are due to vote on them again , the PM replied : `` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to take it that tiering is going to be a very , very important part of our campaign against coronavirus .
`` It 's absolutely vital that people stick to the guidance and follow the rules . ''
Mr Johnson added that there are `` weeks , months of work to go '' before restrictions can be eased .
But he said he was now `` sure and certain '' that life can start returning to normal in 2021 .
Meanwhile , the PM 's press secretary has suggested Mr Johnson could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only if it did not prevent someone more in need from getting one .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Analysis : PM reveals his metric for success after vaccine breakthrough By Tom Rayner , political correspondent After countless Downing Street press conferences where so much about the future was in doubt , Boris Johnson set out to deliver a message underpinned by certainty .
This evening there was no need for graphs , terrifying projections or colour-coded maps .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arrival of a clinically approved vaccine meant there was a way out of the pandemic , but he was equally sure `` the struggle is n't over '' and that the `` plan does depend on all of us continuing to make sacrifices '' .
But despite attempts by Mr Johnson to capture the moment with martial arts metaphors , it was the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam who seemed to capture those dual certainties with greater impact and eloquence .
He said he was `` quite emotional '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public they were right to feel that way too .
`` Everyone needs to be delighted with the news today , '' he said , `` but equally patient and realistic '' .
And the reason for the need for patience was laid out over the course of the press conference .
The key example was the acknowledgment that despite care home staff and residents being considered the most vulnerable category , the Pfizer vaccine will not be easy to get to them .
Cases of the vaccine contain 975 doses , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into smaller units .
Those cases would be too large for most individual homes , so it will require the medical regulator to change its permissions for this particular vaccine , or the approval of the less logistically demanding Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine , for doses to be quickly rolled out .
Even if this particular challenge were to be overcome , head of the NHS Sir Simon Stevens made the point that even the most vulnerable are unlikely to get the required second dose until the New Year , so the need for social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required for some time to come .
Indeed , Jonathan Van-Tam suggested he did not believe COVID-19 would ever be entirely eradicated and was likely to become seasonal like flu .
`` Do I think we be able to throw a big party like the end of the war ?
No I do n't '' , he said , adding that he thinks some of the habits of handwashing and keeping some distance could be enduring .
That seemed to alarm the prime minister , who perhaps saw it as undermining the message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a revealing moment , because it seemed to gives a sense of Mr Johnson 's personal metric for success .
So much so the deputy chief medical officer felt the need to clarify he was talking about habits , rather than an enduring need for government restrictions .
`` Well , who knows , who knows , '' said the PM , uncertainly .

It will take "some months" for the UK's most vulnerable people to be vaccinated against coronavirus, the prime minister has said.
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Boris Johnson acknowledged there will be "immense logistical challenges" in distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which has been approved for use in the UK.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 UK approves use of Pfizer's COVID vaccine
"It will inevitably take some months before all the most vulnerable are protected - long, cold months," he said.
"So it's all the more vital that as we celebrate this scientific achievement we are not carried away with over-optimism or fall into the naive belief that the struggle is over."
The PM was speaking after the UK became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine.
The jab, which has been given the green light by the independent health regulator, will be rolled out from early next week when 800,000 doses are due to arrive in the UK.
Mr Johnson said it would be the "biggest programme of mass vaccination in the history of the UK".
Elderly people in care homes and their carers are top of the list to get the vaccine, which studies have shown is 95% effective and works in all age groups.
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Image: How the vaccines ordered by the UK compare
The government has ordered 40 million doses of the jab so far, enough to immunise 20 million people.
But despite being at the top of the priority list, the head of the NHS has said that most care home residents will initially need to wait for their vaccine because of difficulties in transporting it.
Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said that - because the jab has to be stored at such low temperatures - it can only be moved a few times.
Packs of doses - which contain 975 doses - also cannot be safely split at this moment in time.
The first people to get the vaccine will receive it from 50 hospital hubs.
They will be the over-80s, care home staff, and others identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who may already have a hospital appointment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:59 Mass vaccine rollout planned from January
As more doses become available, GP practices will then start operating local vaccination centres, Sir Simon said.
The majority of vaccinations will take place in "January through to March or April for the at-risk population", he added.
Speaking about the logistical challenges, he said: "We have to move it around the country in a carefully controlled way initially at minus 70 degrees centigrade, or thereabouts, and there are a limited number of further movements that we are allowed by the regulator to make.
"It also comes in packs of 975 people's doses so you can't at this point just distribute it to every individual GP surgery or pharmacy as we normally would for many of the other vaccines available on the NHS."
Sir Simon said that if regulators give approval for a safe way of splitting packs, care homes would be able to receive stocks.
He continued: "And then as even more vaccine becomes available, finally we will be able to switch on large vaccination centres across the country and indeed invite local community pharmacists, probably at the beginning of January, to begin to offer vaccination as well."
Sir Simon stressed later in the news conference that the NHS was "raring to go" to vaccinate people in care homes.
"Just as soon as we have the regulatory sign-off that we can do that, that we can get the jabs to the care homes so that the GPs and the nurses can arrive and give the care home residents that COVID vaccination, we will do that," he said.
"We - at this point, with a fair wind - fully expect that that will be in the first tranche of priorities for vaccination during this month."
The PM also spoke about the difficulty of getting the vaccine into care homes, telling the briefing that there is a risk the vaccine could "degenerate" if it is "improperly handled".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 'It's not a yoghurt': Van-Tam on vaccine
Deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said it was a "complex product with a very fragile cold chain".
"It's not a yoghurt that can be taken out of the fridge and put back in multiple times. It's really tricky to handle," he said.
Pfizer and BioNTech have said the vaccine can be sent to care homes, provided it travels for no more than six hours after leaving cold storage and is then put in a normal fridge at 2C to 8C.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the logistical issues had to be overcome because "care homes have suffered enough".
"What we now need from the government is a practical plan for rolling this out swiftly, safely and fairly," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Hancock offers to get jab alongside Labour's Ashworth
Professor Van-Tam appealed to people who are unsure about getting a vaccine, telling them: "Everyone wants social distancing to come to an end - we are fed-up with it.
"Nobody wants lockdowns and to see the damage they do. But if you want that dream to come true as quickly as it can come true, then you have to take the vaccine when it is offered to you.
"Low uptake will almost certainly make restrictions last longer."
He said the current restrictions, including social distancing and England's tiered system of rules, will need to stay in place "for now".
"If we relax too soon, if we just, kind of, go 'oh, the vaccine's here, let's abandon caution', all you are going to do is create a tidal wave of infections," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 'We need people to take the vaccine'
Asked by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby if the tiers will continue beyond the end of January, when MPs are due to vote on them again, the PM replied: "I think for the time being, you've got to take it that tiering is going to be a very, very important part of our campaign against coronavirus.
"It's absolutely vital that people stick to the guidance and follow the rules."
Mr Johnson added that there are "weeks, months of work to go" before restrictions can be eased.
But he said he was now "sure and certain" that life can start returning to normal in 2021.
Meanwhile, the PM's press secretary has suggested Mr Johnson could have a jab live on TV - but only if it did not prevent someone more in need from getting one.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Analysis: PM reveals his metric for success after vaccine breakthrough
By Tom Rayner, political correspondent
After countless Downing Street press conferences where so much about the future was in doubt, Boris Johnson set out to deliver a message underpinned by certainty.
This evening there was no need for graphs, terrifying projections or colour-coded maps.
He said he was now "certain" the arrival of a clinically approved vaccine meant there was a way out of the pandemic, but he was equally sure "the struggle isn't over" and that the "plan does depend on all of us continuing to make sacrifices".
But despite attempts by Mr Johnson to capture the moment with martial arts metaphors, it was the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam who seemed to capture those dual certainties with greater impact and eloquence.
He said he was "quite emotional" about the news this morning and reassured the public they were right to feel that way too.
"Everyone needs to be delighted with the news today," he said, "but equally patient and realistic".
And the reason for the need for patience was laid out over the course of the press conference.
The key example was the acknowledgment that despite care home staff and residents being considered the most vulnerable category, the Pfizer vaccine will not be easy to get to them.
Cases of the vaccine contain 975 doses, and those consignments cannot be separated down into smaller units.
Those cases would be too large for most individual homes, so it will require the medical regulator to change its permissions for this particular vaccine, or the approval of the less logistically demanding Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, for doses to be quickly rolled out.
Even if this particular challenge were to be overcome, head of the NHS Sir Simon Stevens made the point that even the most vulnerable are unlikely to get the required second dose until the New Year, so the need for social distancing and other restrictions will still be required for some time to come.
Indeed, Jonathan Van-Tam suggested he did not believe COVID-19 would ever be entirely eradicated and was likely to become seasonal like flu.
"Do I think we be able to throw a big party like the end of the war? No I don't", he said, adding that he thinks some of the habits of handwashing and keeping some distance could be enduring.
That seemed to alarm the prime minister, who perhaps saw it as undermining the message of certainty that normality would return.
It was a revealing moment, because it seemed to gives a sense of Mr Johnson's personal metric for success.
So much so the deputy chief medical officer felt the need to clarify he was talking about habits, rather than an enduring need for government restrictions.
"Well, who knows, who knows," said the PM, uncertainly.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-02--Vaccine turns page on tiers rebellion - but 'deeper mistrust' growing around PM

Mr Johnson is undoubtedly a charismatic , vote-winning campaigner , but many MPs think the administration has lacked competence .
Almost a year living with COVID , finally on Wednesday came a genuinely brilliant breakthrough : the UK regulator became the first in the world to approve the Pzifer-BioNTech vaccine , with the roll-out of jabs to the most vulnerable in our society beginning next week .
The prime minister , in characteristically flamboyant language , used a press conference to praise scientists for performing `` a kind of biological jujutsu '' on the virus .
`` All the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day when the searchlights of science would pick out our invisible enemy and give us the power to stop the enemy from making us ill - and now the scientists have done it , '' he said .
And now in the coming weeks and months the NHS will embark upon the biggest programme of mass vaccination in the history of the UK .
The process of developing and approving a vaccine - normally a decade in the making - done in 10 months , is a truly great achievement .
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he was emotional upon hearing about the development and approval of the vaccine , which he described as a `` momentous journey '' .
But the hope tempered with a hefty dose of realism too .
The vaccine will take months to roll out .
Scientists do n't know if it stops transmission , and we are probably going to have to live with COVID forever - although more like we would a seasonal virus like flu , rather than the life-stopping restrictions brought about by this pandemic .
And in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loathed by Tory MPs looks set to stay .
When I asked the prime minister whether he 'd roll the system over on 3 February , when the current restrictions legally expire , he said this : `` We will judge the situation on the basis of the data , but I think for the time being you 've got to take it that tiering is going to be a very important part in our campaign against coronavirus and it 's absolutely vital that people stick to the guidance and follow the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The vaccine news turned the page on the Conservative rebellion over the policy on Tuesday night , when 55 Conservative MPs voted against the government and a further 16 abstained .
A year ago , Boris Johnson was elected with an 80-seat majority and on the eve of that election victory he lost that majority - a serious blow to his authority .
And that authority could be challenged quickly again in the coming days and weeks .
On Brexit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departure of Dominic Cummings means a compromise is about to be rolled out , which could prove very problematic indeed with his MPs .
And what about COVID ?
MPs were unconvinced about the PM 's hints that their areas could be moved down the tier system .
Or that the country could be at a different point in February , when just days before the PM had argued in his winter plan that `` January and February [ my italics ] are traditionally the hardest months for the NHS , the depths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are under the greatest pressure '' .
Everything points to the tiers system rolling over , even in the PM does n't want to say it .
The PM obviously promised a sunset clause on the current round of restrictions in order to placate his party .
But he ca n't promise there wo n't be a rollover because he ca n't predict how COVID - or all of us - will behave over December and into January .
How much longer-term difficulty is he in ?
There is a party management issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings-led Number 10 showed towards the parliamentary party .
His sacking last month is a start in repairing relations with MPs .
But there is a deeper mistrust , too , growing around this prime minister .
Mr Johnson is undoubtedly a charismatic , vote-winning campaigner , but on the business of governing many of his MPs think the administration has lacked competence .
Those misgivings are more deep-seated that character clashes of personnel because they speak to the essence of the leader himself .
In good times , such shortcomings can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amplified in the sorts of missteps that have defined much of the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .
Of course , as the vaccine is rolled out , optimism returns and the economy begins to recover , the prime minister could well be afforded a big bounce in the country and within his party , and this rebellion might be a distant memory .
But this week put down a marker , and as this crisis moves from a public health one to an economic one , there will be plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister to make around tax and spending policies and where to distribute wealth and investment as he juggles the competing demands of his new Blue Wall seats and traditional Tory shires .
The prime minister may have a big majority , but this week proved that this will not be an easy parliamentary term .

Mr Johnson is undoubtedly a charismatic, vote-winning campaigner, but many MPs think the administration has lacked competence.
Almost a year living with COVID, finally on Wednesday came a genuinely brilliant breakthrough: the UK regulator became the first in the world to approve the Pzifer-BioNTech vaccine, with the roll-out of jabs to the most vulnerable in our society beginning next week.
The prime minister, in characteristically flamboyant language, used a press conference to praise scientists for performing "a kind of biological jujutsu" on the virus.
"All the time we have been waiting and hoping for the day when the searchlights of science would pick out our invisible enemy and give us the power to stop the enemy from making us ill - and now the scientists have done it," he said.
And now in the coming weeks and months the NHS will embark upon the biggest programme of mass vaccination in the history of the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 PM clashes with Van-Tam over post-pandemic future
The process of developing and approving a vaccine - normally a decade in the making - done in 10 months, is a truly great achievement.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer, said he was emotional upon hearing about the development and approval of the vaccine, which he described as a "momentous journey".
But the hope tempered with a hefty dose of realism too.
The vaccine will take months to roll out. Scientists don't know if it stops transmission, and we are probably going to have to live with COVID forever - although more like we would a seasonal virus like flu, rather than the life-stopping restrictions brought about by this pandemic.
And in the meantime, the tier system so loathed by Tory MPs looks set to stay.
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When I asked the prime minister whether he'd roll the system over on 3 February, when the current restrictions legally expire, he said this: "We will judge the situation on the basis of the data, but I think for the time being you've got to take it that tiering is going to be a very important part in our campaign against coronavirus and it's absolutely vital that people stick to the guidance and follow the rules."
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The vaccine news turned the page on the Conservative rebellion over the policy on Tuesday night, when 55 Conservative MPs voted against the government and a further 16 abstained.
A year ago, Boris Johnson was elected with an 80-seat majority and on the eve of that election victory he lost that majority - a serious blow to his authority.
And that authority could be challenged quickly again in the coming days and weeks.
Image: Dominic Cummings' departure gives the PM a chance to fix the relationship with MPs
On Brexit, MPs are watching to see whether the departure of Dominic Cummings means a compromise is about to be rolled out, which could prove very problematic indeed with his MPs.
And what about COVID?
MPs were unconvinced about the PM's hints that their areas could be moved down the tier system. Or that the country could be at a different point in February, when just days before the PM had argued in his winter plan that "January and February [my italics] are traditionally the hardest months for the NHS, the depths of winter, when our hospital wards are under the greatest pressure".
Everything points to the tiers system rolling over, even in the PM doesn't want to say it.
The PM obviously promised a sunset clause on the current round of restrictions in order to placate his party. But he can't promise there won't be a rollover because he can't predict how COVID - or all of us - will behave over December and into January.
How much longer-term difficulty is he in?
There is a party management issue brought about by the disdain the Dominic Cummings-led Number 10 showed towards the parliamentary party. His sacking last month is a start in repairing relations with MPs.
But there is a deeper mistrust, too, growing around this prime minister.
Mr Johnson is undoubtedly a charismatic, vote-winning campaigner, but on the business of governing many of his MPs think the administration has lacked competence.
Those misgivings are more deep-seated that character clashes of personnel because they speak to the essence of the leader himself.
In good times, such shortcomings can be overlooked, but in crisis they are amplified in the sorts of missteps that have defined much of the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Of course, as the vaccine is rolled out, optimism returns and the economy begins to recover, the prime minister could well be afforded a big bounce in the country and within his party, and this rebellion might be a distant memory.
But this week put down a marker, and as this crisis moves from a public health one to an economic one, there will be plenty more difficult, divisive decisions for the prime minister to make around tax and spending policies and where to distribute wealth and investment as he juggles the competing demands of his new Blue Wall seats and traditional Tory shires.
The prime minister may have a big majority, but this week proved that this will not be an easy parliamentary term.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-02--EU urged not to follow UK 'hasty' vaccine approval lead after Hancock claims Brexit win

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has faced a backlash after claiming Brexit helped the UK become the first country in the world to have a clinically authorised coronavirus vaccine .
The Pfizer/ BioNTech jab has been approved by Britain 's medicines regulator - but the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) has yet to do the same for the EU .
Mr Hancock claimed European countries are `` moving a little bit more slowly '' and stressed the vaccine had gone through all the proper checks , but Germany has said it deliberately did not move too quickly to boost confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the significant moment , political tensions were flaring .
Mr Hancock told Times Radio that `` because of Brexit we 've been able to make a decision to do this based on the UK regulator , a world-class regulator , and not go at the pace of the Europeans '' .
`` We do all the same safety checks and the same processes , but we have been able to speed up how they 're done because of Brexit , '' he added .
And Business Secretary Alok Sharma also claimed : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember this moment as the day the UK led humanity 's charge against this disease . ''
But the message riled a number of German politicians , including the country 's ambassador to the UK , Andreas Michaelis , who tweeted in response : `` Why is it so difficult to recognize this important step forward as a great international effort and success ?
`` I really do n't think this is a national story .
In spite of the German company BioNTech having made a crucial contribution this is European and transatlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jens Spahn , said the UK had used an emergency process to authorise its vaccine use , while politicians there had decided against that strategy to boost confidence in the jab 's safety .
Peter Liese , a German MEP and member of Chancellor Angela Merkel 's governing CDU party , also said the EMA was avoiding approving the vaccine because a `` careful review ... will give people additional security '' .
He added : `` The information in the last few weeks was based mainly on press releases and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the authorities for a few hours .
`` With such a large-scale vaccination campaign , you have to look carefully and carefully check the information provided by the companies .
`` I have confidence in BioNTech , but they rightly say 'trust is good , control is better ' .
`` Emergency approval is a tool normally intended for patients suffering from a serious and incurable disease for whom there is no other means of saving life or physical integrity .
This is not the case with Corona . ''
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EMA is better than a hasty emergency marketing authorisation of a vaccine . ''
Dr June Raine , chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency , clarified on Wednesday that the vaccine 's approval was made using provisions under European law , which still binds the UK until the end of the year .
From start to finish , development of this vaccine has been streamlined Time and again , the experts at the vaccine briefing said the public can have every confidence in its `` safety , effectiveness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are hesitant about having the jab , concerned that it has been developed so fast .
But the scientists - all independent of government - say no corners have been cut .
Pfizer accelerated development by overlapping different phases of clinical trials .
The studies themselves were just as rigorous as with any other medicine , with large numbers of volunteers .
And the regulatory authorities started what 's called a rolling review , assessing data as soon as it became available , back in June .
By the time Pfizer handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 November , much of the checking process had already been done .
From start to finish , development of this vaccine has been streamlined .
No serious side effects have been seen in the trials .
But the regulatory authorities will continue to monitor the vaccine 's safety as it is rolled out .
That is sensible and reassuring .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has faced a backlash after claiming Brexit helped the UK become the first country in the world to have a clinically authorised coronavirus vaccine.
The Pfizer/ BioNTech jab has been approved by Britain's medicines regulator - but the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has yet to do the same for the EU.
Mr Hancock claimed European countries are "moving a little bit more slowly" and stressed the vaccine had gone through all the proper checks, but Germany has said it deliberately did not move too quickly to boost confidence it will work.
Image: The Pfizer vaccine will start being rolled out next week
Within hours of the significant moment, political tensions were flaring.
Mr Hancock told Times Radio that "because of Brexit we've been able to make a decision to do this based on the UK regulator, a world-class regulator, and not go at the pace of the Europeans".
"We do all the same safety checks and the same processes, but we have been able to speed up how they're done because of Brexit," he added.
And Business Secretary Alok Sharma also claimed: "In years to come, we will remember this moment as the day the UK led humanity's charge against this disease."
Image: Dr Raine said the vaccine's approval was made using provisions under European law
But the message riled a number of German politicians, including the country's ambassador to the UK, Andreas Michaelis, who tweeted in response: "Why is it so difficult to recognize this important step forward as a great international effort and success?
"I really don't think this is a national story. In spite of the German company BioNTech having made a crucial contribution this is European and transatlantic."
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And Germany's health minister, Jens Spahn, said the UK had used an emergency process to authorise its vaccine use, while politicians there had decided against that strategy to boost confidence in the jab's safety.
Peter Liese, a German MEP and member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing CDU party, also said the EMA was avoiding approving the vaccine because a "careful review...will give people additional security".
He added: "The information in the last few weeks was based mainly on press releases and much of the data has only been available to the authorities for a few hours.
"With such a large-scale vaccination campaign, you have to look carefully and carefully check the information provided by the companies.
"I have confidence in BioNTech, but they rightly say 'trust is good, control is better'.
"Emergency approval is a tool normally intended for patients suffering from a serious and incurable disease for whom there is no other means of saving life or physical integrity. This is not the case with Corona."
"A few weeks of thorough examination by the EMA is better than a hasty emergency marketing authorisation of a vaccine."
Dr June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, clarified on Wednesday that the vaccine's approval was made using provisions under European law, which still binds the UK until the end of the year.
From start to finish, development of this vaccine has been streamlined
Analysis by Thomas Moore, science correspondent
Time and again, the experts at the vaccine briefing said the public can have every confidence in its "safety, effectiveness and quality".
They know that some people are hesitant about having the jab, concerned that it has been developed so fast.
But the scientists - all independent of government - say no corners have been cut.
Pfizer accelerated development by overlapping different phases of clinical trials. The studies themselves were just as rigorous as with any other medicine, with large numbers of volunteers.
And the regulatory authorities started what's called a rolling review, assessing data as soon as it became available, back in June.
By the time Pfizer handed over the final batch of documents on 30 November, much of the checking process had already been done.
From start to finish, development of this vaccine has been streamlined.
No serious side effects have been seen in the trials. But the regulatory authorities will continue to monitor the vaccine's safety as it is rolled out.
That is sensible and reassuring.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-02--Vaccine 'cannot' be delivered to care homes in Wales at this stage

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine `` can not '' be delivered to care homes in Wales at this stage , despite them being a priority group for receiving the jab .
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said this was because of the need to store the COVID-19 vaccine at very low temperatures - at -70C ( -94F ) .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world In a written statement , Mr Gething said : `` We have been exploring suitable options for initial deployment of this vaccine , in line with the JCVI advice , bearing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the implications for delivery to all groups .
`` In practical terms at this stage we can not deliver this vaccine to care homes . ''
It was announced on Wednesday that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use .
The jab , which has been given the green light by independent health regulator MHRA , will be rolled out across the UK from early next week .
Wales ' chief medical officer has said the government is `` currently exploring ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home residents , noting there are `` particular challenges '' around the Pfizer/BioNTech jab .
Although care homes are being prioritised for vaccinations - and Wales is `` intending to follow that priority list '' - Dr Frank Atherton said it would be `` scandalous to waste the vaccine and not to use it wisely '' .
Dr Atherton added : `` We are currently exploring ways in which we could try to get vaccines to those residents of care homes - certainly the healthcare staff and social care staff will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for ways to work around that .
`` But it is technically quite difficult to achieve that given that we have numerous care homes around the country and the model for delivering this particular vaccine , the Pfizer vaccine , requires a small number of vaccination sites . ''
He said the jab will have to initially be delivered at a `` small number of sites '' .
Noting that other vaccines do not have to be stored at such low temperatures , including the Oxford vaccine , Dr Atherton said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we hope , that will give us further ability to work our way through those priority lists .
`` I ca n't give you an exact date or a timeframe but we are working through that process as quickly as we can because those elderly residents are one of our highest priorities . ''
Dr Gill Richardson , co-chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Programme Board , echoed this .
`` We will be prioritising those that we can safely deliver an effective vaccine to , '' she told the news conference .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first week of immunisation , we 'll be bringing people to the vaccine and that will include care home staff .
`` And then as we learn more about the vaccine - and we are all learning at a UK level - it 's very much hoped that a mobile model can be developed so that we can safely deploy to care homes without putting care home residents at risk of bringing them to a centre unnecessarily . ''
It will not be mandatory to get the vaccine .
Those who do receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card-sized NHS Wales immunisation card .
This will contain the vaccine name , date of immunisation and batch number of each of the doses given .
The cards will act as a reminder for the second dose and for the type of vaccine , as well as providing details of how to report any side effects .

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine "cannot" be delivered to care homes in Wales at this stage, despite them being a priority group for receiving the jab.
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said this was because of the need to store the COVID-19 vaccine at very low temperatures - at -70C (-94F).
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world
In a written statement, Mr Gething said: "We have been exploring suitable options for initial deployment of this vaccine, in line with the JCVI advice, bearing in mind the constraints associated with its characteristics and the implications for delivery to all groups.
Image: How COVID-19 vaccines ordered by the UK compare
"In practical terms at this stage we cannot deliver this vaccine to care homes."
It was announced on Wednesday that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use.
The jab, which has been given the green light by independent health regulator MHRA, will be rolled out across the UK from early next week.
Wales' chief medical officer has said the government is "currently exploring ways" to get the vaccine to care home residents, noting there are "particular challenges" around the Pfizer/BioNTech jab.
Although care homes are being prioritised for vaccinations - and Wales is "intending to follow that priority list" - Dr Frank Atherton said it would be "scandalous to waste the vaccine and not to use it wisely".
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Dr Atherton added: "We are currently exploring ways in which we could try to get vaccines to those residents of care homes - certainly the healthcare staff and social care staff will be a very high priority - and we're looking for ways to work around that.
"But it is technically quite difficult to achieve that given that we have numerous care homes around the country and the model for delivering this particular vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine, requires a small number of vaccination sites."
He said the jab will have to initially be delivered at a "small number of sites".
Noting that other vaccines do not have to be stored at such low temperatures, including the Oxford vaccine, Dr Atherton said: "As that comes online, as we hope, that will give us further ability to work our way through those priority lists.
"I can't give you an exact date or a timeframe but we are working through that process as quickly as we can because those elderly residents are one of our highest priorities."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 NHS 'stands ready' for COVID vaccine rollout
Dr Gill Richardson, co-chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Programme Board, echoed this.
"We will be prioritising those that we can safely deliver an effective vaccine to," she told the news conference.
"At the very beginning, in the first week of immunisation, we'll be bringing people to the vaccine and that will include care home staff.
"And then as we learn more about the vaccine - and we are all learning at a UK level - it's very much hoped that a mobile model can be developed so that we can safely deploy to care homes without putting care home residents at risk of bringing them to a centre unnecessarily."
It will not be mandatory to get the vaccine.
Those who do receive the jab will be given a credit card-sized NHS Wales immunisation card.
This will contain the vaccine name, date of immunisation and batch number of each of the doses given.
The cards will act as a reminder for the second dose and for the type of vaccine, as well as providing details of how to report any side effects.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-02--Corrie would be in Tier 3 and the Rovers Return could only do takeaway, minister says

A government minister has warned that Coronation Street would be in Tier 3 under COVID restrictions - and the Rovers Return would only be able to serve takeaway food .
The claim was made by media minister John Whittingdale in a Commons debate in which MPs of all parties lavished praise on the TV soap as it celebrates its 60th anniversary .
Bringing a topical issue into the debate , Mr Whittingdale said : `` I fear that it is almost certain that Weatherfield would still be in Tier 3 with the end of the national lockdown , which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to supply a takeaway service .
`` But I hope it would not be long before the Rovers Return would be in Tier 2 , which would of course allow the sale of alcohol with a substantial meal such as Betty 's hotpot . ''
Mr Whittingdale also praised social distancing measures taken by the programme , such as placing furniture between characters , to ensure production could continue during the pandemic .
`` But it is very important , not just obviously that production is done safely , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Coronation Street can help get across , about the importance of maintaining social distancing and mask wearing , '' he said .
The Corrie debate was staged by Labour MP Tracy Brabin , who between 1994 and 1997 played Tricia Armstrong , a character who - in another topical twist - was sent to jail for not paying her TV licence .
Opening the debate , Ms Brabin said Coronation Street is as much a part of British culture as `` a nice cuppa , a fish and chip supper or sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Day '' .
She told MPs : `` We 've cried together , gasped together , laughed together and learned together .
Iconic storylines that cause a nation to take a breather from their busy lives , make a cuppa and pop Corrie on the telly . ''
In an unusual move , Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle , who is MP for Chorley , intervened in the debate , telling MPs : `` It 's interesting with Coronation Street - they always talk about going to Chorley Market because they know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The other thing is Ken Morley is from Chorley , just one of the few stars that 's been in Coronation Street .
And at home I 've got the tray from Newton and Ridley that was off the set of Coronation Street .
`` Both myself and [ Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans ] were on a politics show where we had to guess so many questions .
Guess who won ?
I got the tray . ''
In his speech , Mr Whittingdale , who was Margaret Thatcher 's political secretary before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` undoubtedly the world 's greatest soap '' and revealed he had twice visited the set .
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The first time I did so was with Margaret Thatcher in January 1990 , '' he said .
`` And it was indeed the case that I had to brief her on the way to the set on the characters who were stars at that particular time .
`` And I did indeed go through all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit Alf Roberts ' corner shop because of course her own father was Alfred Roberts who ran the grocers shop in Grantham .
`` But she arrived on set and was very upset to see that Alf Roberts ' corner shop had the sign , 'licensed to sell alcohol ' , and she said that certainly , this would never have been allowed in her own father 's shop , who would not have dreamt of selling alcohol .
`` But having said that , she did then visit the Rovers Return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have a bitter lemon from behind the bar . ''
Another devotee of Mrs Thatcher , former Tory minister Conor Burns , said it was time Boris Johnson visited the set of Coronation Street in Salford .
`` The prime minister has yet to visit Coronation Street , '' he said .
`` And I hope that is something he will rectify , for those of us who are dedicated fans take great offence at the fact that as mayor of London he went to the inferior EastEnders , but has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The 60th anniversary would be a good occasion for the prime minister to go up to Coronation Street and say thank you on behalf of the government and the United Kingdom . ''

A government minister has warned that Coronation Street would be in Tier 3 under COVID restrictions - and the Rovers Return would only be able to serve takeaway food.
The claim was made by media minister John Whittingdale in a Commons debate in which MPs of all parties lavished praise on the TV soap as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Bringing a topical issue into the debate, Mr Whittingdale said: "I fear that it is almost certain that Weatherfield would still be in Tier 3 with the end of the national lockdown, which would mean that the Rovers Return would only be able to supply a takeaway service.
"But I hope it would not be long before the Rovers Return would be in Tier 2, which would of course allow the sale of alcohol with a substantial meal such as Betty's hotpot."
Image: John Whittingdale said moving the area into Tier 2 would reunite the characters with Betty's hotpot
Mr Whittingdale also praised social distancing measures taken by the programme, such as placing furniture between characters, to ensure production could continue during the pandemic.
"But it is very important, not just obviously that production is done safely, but also for public messaging, which a show like Coronation Street can help get across, about the importance of maintaining social distancing and mask wearing," he said.
The Corrie debate was staged by Labour MP Tracy Brabin, who between 1994 and 1997 played Tricia Armstrong, a character who - in another topical twist - was sent to jail for not paying her TV licence.
Opening the debate, Ms Brabin said Coronation Street is as much a part of British culture as "a nice cuppa, a fish and chip supper or sitting down to the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day".
She told MPs: "We've cried together, gasped together, laughed together and learned together. Iconic storylines that cause a nation to take a breather from their busy lives, make a cuppa and pop Corrie on the telly."
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Image: Labour's Tracy Brabin was once an actress on the soap
In an unusual move, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is MP for Chorley, intervened in the debate, telling MPs: "It's interesting with Coronation Street - they always talk about going to Chorley Market because they know the good value of Chorley Market.
"The other thing is Ken Morley is from Chorley, just one of the few stars that's been in Coronation Street. And at home I've got the tray from Newton and Ridley that was off the set of Coronation Street.
"Both myself and [Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans] were on a politics show where we had to guess so many questions. Guess who won? I got the tray."
In his speech, Mr Whittingdale, who was Margaret Thatcher's political secretary before becoming an MP, said Coronation Street was "undoubtedly the world's greatest soap" and revealed he had twice visited the set.
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:: Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The first time I did so was with Margaret Thatcher in January 1990," he said. "And it was indeed the case that I had to brief her on the way to the set on the characters who were stars at that particular time.
"And I did indeed go through all the various storylines and she was particularly keen to visit Alf Roberts' corner shop because of course her own father was Alfred Roberts who ran the grocers shop in Grantham.
"But she arrived on set and was very upset to see that Alf Roberts' corner shop had the sign, 'licensed to sell alcohol', and she said that certainly, this would never have been allowed in her own father's shop, who would not have dreamt of selling alcohol.
"But having said that, she did then visit the Rovers Return, but was very clear that she would have a bitter lemon from behind the bar."
Image: Margaret Thatcher visited the set of the soap in 1990
Another devotee of Mrs Thatcher, former Tory minister Conor Burns, said it was time Boris Johnson visited the set of Coronation Street in Salford.
"The prime minister has yet to visit Coronation Street," he said. "And I hope that is something he will rectify, for those of us who are dedicated fans take great offence at the fact that as mayor of London he went to the inferior EastEnders, but has not yet paid tribute to Coronation Street.
"The 60th anniversary would be a good occasion for the prime minister to go up to Coronation Street and say thank you on behalf of the government and the United Kingdom."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--A smooth vaccine rollout will mean the 'seismic' Tory revolt is forgotten


skynewspolitics--2020-12-03--Minister boasts vaccine approval speed proves UK 'much better country' than others

Britain was the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine because it has `` much better '' regulators than France , Belgium and the US , a senior minister has claimed .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson boasted that `` we 're a much better country than every single one of them '' - after some international disquiet surfaced following the breakthrough jab news .
Government ministers and scientific advisers have said no corners were cut in the approval of the Pfizer/ BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and that it has fully met all safety standards , meaning rollout can begin next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But Dr Anthony Fauci , head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US , said regulators there follow a `` gold standard '' while the UK `` did not do it as carefully '' .
`` If you go quickly and you do it superficially , people are not going to want to get vaccinated , '' he cautioned .
It follows Germany 's health minister , Jens Spahn , saying the UK used an emergency process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians there had decided against such a strategy to boost confidence in the jab 's safety .
Dismissing the criticism , Mr Williamson told LBC : `` Well I just reckon we 've got the very best people in this country and we 've obviously got the best medical regulators .
`` Much better than the French have , much better than the Belgians have , much better than the Americans have .
`` That does n't surprise me at all because we 're a much better country than every single one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pfizer vaccine is being bought from Belgium , with 40 million doses on order and 800,000 of those expected to arrive soon .
Mr Williamson also volunteered to get vaccinated live on air , when he spoke to Sky News .
`` I 'm sure your viewers have better things to watch than me having a vaccine live on TV , '' he told Kay Burley .
`` And by the time it gets to my turn to have the vaccine , I imagine I 'll be pretty far down the pecking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more important people to have the vaccine before me .
`` But if you really think your viewers would be that interested to see me have a vaccine I 'm sure I would do it . ''
The prospect was raised of Boris Johnson also getting the jab on TV , when he is eligible to .
Allegra Stratton , the prime minister 's press secretary , said : `` We all know the character of the prime minister , I do n't think it would be something that he would rule out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that he would n't want to take a jab that should be for somebody who is extremely vulnerable , clinically vulnerable , and who should be getting it before him . ''

Britain was the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine because it has "much better" regulators than France, Belgium and the US, a senior minister has claimed.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson boasted that "we're a much better country than every single one of them" - after some international disquiet surfaced following the breakthrough jab news.
Government ministers and scientific advisers have said no corners were cut in the approval of the Pfizer/ BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and that it has fully met all safety standards, meaning rollout can begin next week.
Live COVID updates as UK prepares for vaccine rollout
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But Dr Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US, said regulators there follow a "gold standard" while the UK "did not do it as carefully".
"If you go quickly and you do it superficially, people are not going to want to get vaccinated," he cautioned.
Image: Dr Anthony Fauci said moving too quickly would damage people's trust
It follows Germany's health minister, Jens Spahn, saying the UK used an emergency process to authorise a coronavirus vaccine and that politicians there had decided against such a strategy to boost confidence in the jab's safety.
Dismissing the criticism, Mr Williamson told LBC: "Well I just reckon we've got the very best people in this country and we've obviously got the best medical regulators.
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Image: Gavin Williamson said he would take the vaccine live on TV
"Much better than the French have, much better than the Belgians have, much better than the Americans have.
"That doesn't surprise me at all because we're a much better country than every single one of them, aren't we?"
The Pfizer vaccine is being bought from Belgium, with 40 million doses on order and 800,000 of those expected to arrive soon.
Mr Williamson also volunteered to get vaccinated live on air, when he spoke to Sky News.
"I'm sure your viewers have better things to watch than me having a vaccine live on TV," he told Kay Burley.
"And by the time it gets to my turn to have the vaccine, I imagine I'll be pretty far down the pecking order. As there's a lot more important people to have the vaccine before me.
"But if you really think your viewers would be that interested to see me have a vaccine I'm sure I would do it."
The prospect was raised of Boris Johnson also getting the jab on TV, when he is eligible to.
Image: How COVID-19 vaccines ordered by the UK compare
Allegra Stratton, the prime minister's press secretary, said: "We all know the character of the prime minister, I don't think it would be something that he would rule out.
"But what we also know is that he wouldn't want to take a jab that should be for somebody who is extremely vulnerable, clinically vulnerable, and who should be getting it before him."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-03--UK government 'gambling with country's future' over Christmas, report warns

A review into the government 's handling of the pandemic will accuse ministers of `` gambling with the UK 's future '' by relaxing restrictions over Christmas .
In the review , set to be published today , cross-party MPs have made more than 40 recommendations to the government `` so that its preparedness and response may be improved in future '' .
The report says the government 's approach has been `` based on the false choice between saving lives or saving jobs and the economy '' and led to the UK `` mourning among the highest number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same time bracing for one of the deepest recessions in its aftermath '' .
Nearly 60,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the UK since the start of the pandemic , according to government figures - the seventh-highest number of deaths per population globally .
The report also accuses ministers of taking an `` English exceptionalism '' approach by not looking to other countries that had already handled similar epidemics .
`` There 's no doubt there was a delay in seeking advice from those countries , including Italy , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will say .
As well as working with other countries , the report recommends the UK government `` works more closely and collaboratively with the devolved nations '' .
`` Each devolved administration should retain the ability and capacity to respond to its own needs where necessary , but within the framework of an agreed four-nation strategy , '' it adds .
It warned its recommendations are now `` more important than ever '' as the government is `` gambling with the UK 's future by relaxing restrictions over the Christmas period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know has not worked before '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This is the All-Party Parliamentary Group 's first interim report on COVID-19 after it was set up in July to conduct a rapid inquiry .
The group has heard from 65 witnesses in over 200 hours of live evidence sessions , with just under 3,000 separate evidence submissions .
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran , one of the APPG 's chairs , wrote in the report 's foreword @ @ @ @ @ @ @ APPG on coronavirus is to save lives but , as is laid bare in this report , to save lives is to save livelihoods .
To do that , the government must listen and adapt .
`` We write this report with the sincere hope that , by working cross-party with scientists , civil society and individuals , we can help the government to do what we need it to do at this time of national crisis : succeed . ''

A review into the government's handling of the pandemic will accuse ministers of "gambling with the UK's future" by relaxing restrictions over Christmas.
In the review, set to be published today, cross-party MPs have made more than 40 recommendations to the government "so that its preparedness and response may be improved in future".
The report says the government's approach has been "based on the false choice between saving lives or saving jobs and the economy" and led to the UK "mourning among the highest number of lives lost to the pandemic, while at the same time bracing for one of the deepest recessions in its aftermath".
Nearly 60,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the UK since the start of the pandemic, according to government figures - the seventh-highest number of deaths per population globally.
The report also accuses ministers of taking an "English exceptionalism" approach by not looking to other countries that had already handled similar epidemics.
"There's no doubt there was a delay in seeking advice from those countries, including Italy, where this experience had already happened," it will say.
As well as working with other countries, the report recommends the UK government "works more closely and collaboratively with the devolved nations".
"Each devolved administration should retain the ability and capacity to respond to its own needs where necessary, but within the framework of an agreed four-nation strategy," it adds.
It warned its recommendations are now "more important than ever" as the government is "gambling with the UK's future by relaxing restrictions over the Christmas period and returning to a tier system which we know has not worked before".
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This is the All-Party Parliamentary Group's first interim report on COVID-19 after it was set up in July to conduct a rapid inquiry.
The group has heard from 65 witnesses in over 200 hours of live evidence sessions, with just under 3,000 separate evidence submissions.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, one of the APPG's chairs, wrote in the report's foreword: "The central objective of the APPG on coronavirus is to save lives but, as is laid bare in this report, to save lives is to save livelihoods. To do that, the government must listen and adapt.
"We write this report with the sincere hope that, by working cross-party with scientists, civil society and individuals, we can help the government to do what we need it to do at this time of national crisis: succeed."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-03--Peer facing 18-month suspension for bullying and homophobic comments

A peer is facing suspension for at least 18 months for bullying and harassment of three MPs and a security guard .
The punishment for Lord Maginnis of Drumglass was recommended by the House of Lords ' standards watchdog , and could be extended if he does not undergo training .
The ex-MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone was investigated after being `` verbally abusive '' to security officer Christian Bombolo when asked to show his parliamentary pass in January .
Hannah Bardell , an SNP MP who witnessed the incident , said Lord Maginnis would have been `` shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplace '' for his behaviour .
The report found she was treated `` rudely and aggressively '' by Lord Maginnis , who later used `` homophobic and derogatory language about her '' in comments to journalists .
Mr Bombolo said the incident had left him feeling `` humiliated '' and `` worthless '' , adding `` I lost my esteem , my dignity '' .
Lord Maginnis was also investigated for using homophobic language , when he sent an email to MP James Gray , chair of the Armed Forces All-Party Parliamentary Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of their meetings .
Shadow environment secretary Mr Pollard said in his complaint that he was `` shocked and surprised that this type of behaviour would happen within Westminster '' and said the email written by the Northern Irish politician made him feel like a `` victim of abuse '' .
The report said Lord Maginnis had not apologised and instead `` portrayed himself as a victim of a conspiracy by people who disapproved of his views and insisted that all his conduct had been provoked '' .
He later told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is a bully and denied being homophobic , though admitted he is `` very anti-Stonewall '' - the LGBT rights charity .
He claimed the charity was full of `` militant homosexuals '' who wanted to teach children about sex .
Lord Maginnis claimed the altercation with the security guard happened when he was asked to produce his parliament pass but given he has no feeling in his legs due to being diabetic it was difficult to get the ID out of his briefcase .

A peer is facing suspension for at least 18 months for bullying and harassment of three MPs and a security guard.
The punishment for Lord Maginnis of Drumglass was recommended by the House of Lords' standards watchdog, and could be extended if he does not undergo training.
The ex-MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone was investigated after being "verbally abusive" to security officer Christian Bombolo when asked to show his parliamentary pass in January.
Image: The Lords' standards watchdog said he should be suspended for at least 18 months
Hannah Bardell, an SNP MP who witnessed the incident, said Lord Maginnis would have been "shown the door" in "any normal workplace" for his behaviour.
The report found she was treated "rudely and aggressively" by Lord Maginnis, who later used "homophobic and derogatory language about her" in comments to journalists.
Mr Bombolo said the incident had left him feeling "humiliated" and "worthless", adding "I lost my esteem, my dignity".
Lord Maginnis was also investigated for using homophobic language, when he sent an email to MP James Gray, chair of the Armed Forces All-Party Parliamentary Group, about Labour MP Luke Pollard chairing one of their meetings.
Shadow environment secretary Mr Pollard said in his complaint that he was "shocked and surprised that this type of behaviour would happen within Westminster" and said the email written by the Northern Irish politician made him feel like a "victim of abuse".
Image: The peer said he was 'very anti-Stonewall'
The report said Lord Maginnis had not apologised and instead "portrayed himself as a victim of a conspiracy by people who disapproved of his views and insisted that all his conduct had been provoked".
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He later told Sky News it was "totally untrue" he is a bully and denied being homophobic, though admitted he is "very anti-Stonewall" - the LGBT rights charity.
He claimed the charity was full of "militant homosexuals" who wanted to teach children about sex.
Lord Maginnis claimed the altercation with the security guard happened when he was asked to produce his parliament pass but given he has no feeling in his legs due to being diabetic it was difficult to get the ID out of his briefcase.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-03--Hopes of post-Brexit trade deal 'receding' after talks hit stumbling block

The latest round of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal `` did not go well '' , Sky News understands , with a UK source suggesting that hopes of an agreement are now `` receding '' .
According to Sky 's deputy political editor Sam Coates , the sticking point was the so-called `` level playing field '' .
This is the issue of preventing unfair competition on state subsidies and standards once Britain has left the bloc .
`` Both sides had previously indicated that while there was n't total agreement , they thought they had found a path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coates said .
`` This evening the UK side is suggesting that the EU side have introduced some new elements that complicate that discussion .
`` We do n't have the specifics of what has gone wrong , but they are suggesting that this is a material change for the worse and puts in jeopardy hopes - and there had been quite a lot of hopes - that we might get a Brexit deal possibly on Saturday or Sunday this weekend .
`` They suggest that is now receding . ''
But our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what 's real and what 's choreographed theatrics . ''
It is understood that EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier will return to Brussels on Friday .
But his negotiating team will remain in London over the weekend , with more negotiators heading out to join them , an EU source has told Sky News .
Both sides have been locked in talks in a bid to agree a trade deal before the end of the month , when Britain will leave the transition period .
If no agreement is struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc on World Trade Organisation terms from 1 January .
This would mean tariffs being in place in both directions , which would potentially feed through to higher prices for consumers .
Britain left the EU at the end of January and entered into an 11-month transition period , following EU rules and regulations whilst trying to negotiate a free trade deal .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But a breakthrough so far proved elusive .
As well as issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fisheries has emerged as another key sticking point in the discussions .
Boris Johnson has said in the past that Britain will prosper outside of the EU , even if there is no trade agreement in place .
But the Office for Budget Responsibility has said a failure to strike a deal could see a 2 % hit to gross domestic product .

The latest round of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal "did not go well", Sky News understands, as negotiators seem to remain stuck in a "critical phase".
According to Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates, the sticking point was the so-called "level playing field".
This is the issue of preventing unfair competition on state subsidies and standards once Britain has left the bloc.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Barnier: 'Determination' in Brexit talks
"Both sides had previously indicated that while there wasn't total agreement, they thought they had found a path through that very tricky issue," Coates said.
"This evening the UK side is suggesting that the EU side have introduced some new elements that complicate that discussion.
"We don't have the specifics of what has gone wrong, but they are suggesting that this is a material change for the worse and puts in jeopardy hopes - and there had been quite a lot of hopes - that we might get a Brexit deal possibly on Saturday or Sunday this weekend.
"They suggest that is now receding."
But our correspondent cautioned: "Right now we don't know what's real and what's choreographed theatrics."
On Friday, Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky News' Kay Burley that "we are in a critical phase", admitting "there are some tricky issues still to be resolved".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Raab: Brexit talks into 'last week or so'
But his negotiating team will remain in London over the weekend, with more negotiators heading out to join them, an EU source has told Sky News.
Both sides have been locked in talks in a bid to agree a trade deal before the end of the month, when Britain will leave the transition period.
If no agreement is struck, the UK will trade with the bloc on World Trade Organisation terms from 1 January.
This would mean tariffs being in place in both directions, which would potentially feed through to higher prices for consumers.
Britain left the EU at the end of January and entered into an 11-month transition period, following EU rules and regulations whilst trying to negotiate a free trade deal.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But a breakthrough has so far proved elusive.
As well as issues around the "level playing field", fisheries has emerged as another key sticking point in the discussions.
Boris Johnson has said in the past that Britain will prosper outside of the EU, even if there is no trade agreement in place.
But the Office for Budget Responsibility has said a failure to strike a deal could see a 2% hit to gross domestic product.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-03--Maybe it was the sandwiches, because Brexit talks went backwards after lunch

After a seemingly productive morning in the 'negotiations bunker , ' the post-lunch Brexit debate firmly hit the brakes .
Brexit : Maybe it was the sandwiches , because negotiations went backwards after lunch Shortly before 7pm , the UK warned there had been problems with the talks Maybe it was the sandwiches .
Before lunch on Thursday , both sides were reporting all was well with the Brexit talks and a deal could be reached perhaps on Saturday .
But after the sandwich lunch - seen being delivered to the negotiation bunker on Victoria Street in London - things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7pm , the UK warned there had been problems with the afternoon 's talks .
They had gone backwards , they said , on the single biggest issue of how closely the UK would stick to EU standards after Brexit - otherwise known by its ugly jargon of the `` level playing field '' issue .
This made a deal within days more difficult to achieve .
The EU , however , did not officially comment , and appeared a little bemused .
After all , both EU and UK sources had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way through the level playing field debate .
It was unclear if , as some on the UK side claimed , genuinely new and disruptive requirements were being put forward by the EU or whether the thorny unresolved issue of how you police standards after Brexit had been quite put to bed .
Was it theatrics ?
Hard to say , but talks continued despite the negative briefing and Michel Barnier only left the negotiation room in the business department after 10pm .
Suggestions he might return to Brussels on Friday , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were being talked down again three hours later .
A much bigger problem is the return of the internal market bill .
On Monday the government intends to reintroduce the clauses which give it power to override the first Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson with the EU , which were kicked out by the Lords .
This would be a dramatic act of negotiating bad faith : saying they want the rewrite the first agreement while still discussing its successor .
The EU has told Number 10 , Rishi Sunak and Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about if they do that .
Although the EU would not technically walk out , largely for presentational reasons ahead of the blame game that would follow , it would not regard there being much point in substantive talks .
If true , that still appears to make Monday an effective and serious deadline .
Let 's see if things can be sorted before then .

After a seemingly productive morning in the 'negotiations bunker,' the post-lunch Brexit debate firmly hit the brakes.
Brexit: Maybe it was the sandwiches, because negotiations went backwards after lunch
Shortly before 7pm, the UK warned there had been problems with the talks
Maybe it was the sandwiches.
Before lunch on Thursday, both sides were reporting all was well with the Brexit talks and a deal could be reached perhaps on Saturday.
But after the sandwich lunch - seen being delivered to the negotiation bunker on Victoria Street in London - things were clearly less digestible.
Shortly before 7pm, the UK warned there had been problems with the afternoon's talks.
They had gone backwards, they said, on the single biggest issue of how closely the UK would stick to EU standards after Brexit - otherwise known by its ugly jargon of the "level playing field" issue.
This made a deal within days more difficult to achieve.
Image: The EU appeared 'a little bemused' by the latest discussion
The EU, however, did not officially comment, and appeared a little bemused. After all, both EU and UK sources had been suggesting in recent days there was a way through the level playing field debate.
It was unclear if, as some on the UK side claimed, genuinely new and disruptive requirements were being put forward by the EU or whether the thorny unresolved issue of how you police standards after Brexit had been quite put to bed.
Was it theatrics? Hard to say, but talks continued despite the negative briefing and Michel Barnier only left the negotiation room in the business department after 10pm.
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Suggestions he might return to Brussels on Friday, which were being talked up after 7pm, were being talked down again three hours later.
A much bigger problem is the return of the internal market bill.
Image: EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier may not now be returning to Brussels on Friday. File pic
On Monday the government intends to reintroduce the clauses which give it power to override the first Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson with the EU, which were kicked out by the Lords.
This would be a dramatic act of negotiating bad faith: saying they want the rewrite the first agreement while still discussing its successor.
The EU has told Number 10, Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove there would be little to talk about if they do that.
Although the EU would not technically walk out, largely for presentational reasons ahead of the blame game that would follow, it would not regard there being much point in substantive talks.
If true, that still appears to make Monday an effective and serious deadline.
Let's see if things can be sorted before then.