skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--PM: UK and EU will keep talking, but 'things are looking difficult'

The UK and EU will keep talking in a bid to strike a Brexit trade deal , but `` things are looking difficult '' , Boris Johnson has said .
`` Obviously the UK 's position is always that we want to keep talking if there 's any chance of a deal , '' the prime minister said ahead of the 31 December deadline .
`` But we 've also got to recognise that the UK 's got to be able to control its own laws , it 's what people voted for , and we 've also got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing rights . ''
He added : `` Our door is open , we 'll keep talking , but I have to say things are looking difficult .
There 's a gap that needs to be bridged . ''
Mr Johnson claimed the UK has `` done a lot to try and help '' break the deadlock and it was incumbent upon the EU to `` see sense and come to the table with something themselves '' .
The PM acknowledged that a no-deal Brexit `` may be difficult at first '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would `` prosper mightily '' under such a scenario if it comes to pass .
`` I think we 've just got to get through this period and look to all the opportunities that will open up to this country in 2021 , '' he continued .
But opponents say having to trade on World Trade Organisation terms from 1 January would cause problems for business and push up prices for consumers .
Mr Johnson was speaking after the EU 's chief negotiator said there were `` just a few hours '' remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement .
Speaking to the European Parliament , Michel Barnier said it was the `` moment of truth '' .
`` We have very little time remaining , just a few hours to work through these negotiations in a useful fashion if we want this agreement to enter into force on the first of January , '' he said .
`` There is a chance of getting an agreement but the path to such an agreement is very narrow . ''
Mr Barnier added that the bloc would not sign a deal `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I can not say what will come during this last home straight of negotiations , '' he continued .
`` We have to be prepared for all eventualities . ''
The European Parliament has said any agreement must be struck by Sunday night in order to allow MEPs enough time to ratify it , while the UK government has said MPs could be recalled to the Commons if there is a deal .
Guy Verhofstadt , the EU Parliament 's Brexit co-ordinator , has told Sky News he `` ultimately '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's like always in politics , it happens always at the end , '' he said .
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 by the end of this year .
The two teams have been attempting to thrash out an agreement ahead of the end of the transition , although negotiations have continued to remain stuck on a number of issues .
These include fishing rights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies .
On fisheries , Mr Barnier said the bloc wanted to be free to retaliate and reduce EU market access to UK fish products if Britain squeezes European ships out of its waters .
`` That is where we get to one of the most difficult issues at the moment .
Fisheries being part and parcel of the trade relationship , '' he said .
On Thursday , Mr Johnson told European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the talks are now in `` a serious situation '' and that a no-deal outcome is `` very likely '' unless the EU changes its stance `` substantially '' .
Mr Johnson was also said to have condemned the EU 's position on the issue of fisheries as `` simply not reasonable '' and told Ms von der Leyen that , if there was to be an agreement , it `` needed to shift significantly '' .
`` He said that we were making every effort to accommodate reasonable EU requests on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gap had narrowed some fundamental areas remained difficult , '' a Number 10 spokesperson said .

The UK and EU will keep talking in a bid to strike a Brexit trade deal, but "things are looking difficult", Boris Johnson has said.
"Obviously the UK's position is always that we want to keep talking if there's any chance of a deal," the prime minister said ahead of the 31 December deadline.
"But we've also got to recognise that the UK's got to be able to control its own laws, it's what people voted for, and we've also got to be able to control our waters and fishing rights."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 'Moment of truth' in Brexit trade talks
He added: "Our door is open, we'll keep talking, but I have to say things are looking difficult. There's a gap that needs to be bridged."
Mr Johnson claimed the UK has "done a lot to try and help" break the deadlock and it was incumbent upon the EU to "see sense and come to the table with something themselves".
The PM acknowledged that a no-deal Brexit "may be difficult at first", but repeated his assertion that the UK would "prosper mightily" under such a scenario if it comes to pass.
"I think we've just got to get through this period and look to all the opportunities that will open up to this country in 2021," he continued.
But opponents say having to trade on World Trade Organisation terms from 1 January would cause problems for business and push up prices for consumers.
Mr Johnson was speaking after the EU's chief negotiator said there were "just a few hours" remaining for London and Brussels to reach an agreement.
Advertisement
Speaking to the European Parliament, Michel Barnier said it was the "moment of truth".
"We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations in a useful fashion if we want this agreement to enter into force on the first of January," he said.
"There is a chance of getting an agreement but the path to such an agreement is very narrow."
Mr Barnier added that the bloc would not sign a deal "at any price or any cost".
"I cannot say what will come during this last home straight of negotiations," he continued.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Brexit: 'There is a path to an agreement'
"We have to be prepared for all eventualities."
The European Parliament has said any agreement must be struck by Sunday night in order to allow MEPs enough time to ratify it, while the UK government has said MPs could be recalled to the Commons if there is a deal.
Guy Verhofstadt, the EU Parliament's Brexit co-ordinator, has told Sky News he "ultimately" thinks there will be an accord.
"It's like always in politics, it happens always at the end," he said.
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 by the end of this year.
The two teams have been attempting to thrash out an agreement ahead of the end of the transition, although negotiations have continued to remain stuck on a number of issues.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 How would a no-deal Brexit affect the price of food?
These include fishing rights and the so-called "level playing field" - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies.
On fisheries, Mr Barnier said the bloc wanted to be free to retaliate and reduce EU market access to UK fish products if Britain squeezes European ships out of its waters.
"That is where we get to one of the most difficult issues at the moment. Fisheries being part and parcel of the trade
relationship," he said.
On Thursday, Mr Johnson told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the talks are now in "a serious situation" and that a no-deal outcome is "very likely" unless the EU changes its stance "substantially".
Mr Johnson was also said to have condemned the EU's position on the issue of fisheries as "simply not reasonable" and told Ms von der Leyen that, if there was to be an agreement, it "needed to shift significantly".
"He said that we were making every effort to accommodate reasonable EU requests on the level playing field, but even though the gap had narrowed some fundamental areas remained difficult," a Number 10 spokesperson said.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--Schools and colleges put in 'impossible position' over testing, unions warn

Most secondary schools and colleges will struggle to provide mass testing for pupils and staff and have been put in an `` impossible position '' , a coalition of education unions has said .
In a joint statement , they said they were `` supportive of the concept of the use of lateral flow tests in schools '' .
But the unions said the `` chaotic and rushed nature of this announcement , the lack of proper guidance , and an absence of appropriate support '' meant that the government 's plan `` in its current form will be inoperable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Schools and colleges simply do not have the staffing capacity to carry this out themselves .
As such , most will not be in a position to carry this out in a safe and effective manner , '' the statement continued .
`` The suggestion that schools can safely recruit , train and organise a team of suitable volunteers to staff and run testing stations on their premises by the start of the new term is simply not realistic .
`` All our organisations agree that educational staff have once again been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of this latest announcement . ''
And the unions added : `` Given that the government 's own guidance makes it clear this is an optional offer , no school or college should come under pressure if they are unable to implement these plans , or if they believe it would be unsafe to do so . ''
The statement was issued by the NAHT , the Association of School and College Leaders , the National Education Union , the NASUWT , the Association of Colleges , the National Governance Association and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It comes after schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News that teachers will not have to play a role in coronavirus testing in schools .
`` Teachers are already fully occupied ... they already have their hands full , '' he said .
The return of secondary school and college pupils will be staggered in the first week of January , the government announced yesterday .
Students set to take exams will go back as normal after Christmas , but the majority of those in secondary school will begin the term with online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to school as normal in January , alongside vulnerable pupils and key workers ' children .
Face-to-face education for all students will return on 11 January .
The plan is to use the staggered return to allow schools to roll out mass testing of children and staff - but the announcement seemed to come as a surprise to headteachers , who have expressed concern about late notice and lack of clarity .
Two rapid tests will be offered to those students attending classes , at three days apart , with positive results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those with a positive test will be required to self-isolate in line with existing regulations .
Mr Gibb said this will be planned by the Armed Forces and administered by volunteers and agency workers .
`` People are very community minded , this is a national effort , '' he added .
`` This is about our priority for education , making sure children are in the classroom , getting lessons . ''
His comments come after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said in a written ministerial statement that schools and colleges would need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff to support the testing programme '' .
Listings on the jobs website Indeed show a number of schools are already looking to recruit people to help carry out tests .
Lavington School in Devizes , Wiltshire , is advertising for a `` COVID-19 Tester '' on a casual contract , paying £10 an hour .
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that lateral flow tests only picked up 57.5 % of positive cases when used by self-trained members of the public .

Most secondary schools and colleges in England will struggle to provide mass testing for pupils and staff and have been put in an "impossible position", a coalition of education unions has said.
In a joint statement, they said they were "supportive of the concept" of using lateral flow tests to detect cases of COVID-19 in schools.
But the unions said the "chaotic and rushed nature of this announcement, the lack of proper guidance, and an absence of appropriate support" meant that the government's plan "in its current form will be inoperable for most schools and colleges".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 Mass testing to be rolled out in schools
"Schools and colleges simply do not have the staffing capacity to carry this out themselves. As such, most will not be in a position to carry this out in a safe and effective manner," the statement continued.
"The suggestion that schools can safely recruit, train and organise a team of suitable volunteers to staff and run testing stations on their premises by the start of the new term is simply not realistic.
"All our organisations agree that educational staff have once again been put in an impossible position as a result of this latest announcement."
And the unions added: "Given that the government's own guidance makes it clear this is an optional offer, no school or college should come under pressure if they are unable to implement these plans, or if they believe it would be unsafe to do so."
The statement was issued by the NAHT, the Association of School and College Leaders, the National Education Union, the NASUWT, the Association of Colleges, the National Governance Association and The Church of England Education Office.
Advertisement
It comes after schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News that teachers will not have to play a role in coronavirus testing in schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:01 Education secretary on mass testing in schools
"Teachers are already fully occupied...they already have their hands full," he said.
The return of secondary school and college pupils will be staggered in the first week of January, the government announced yesterday.
Students set to take exams will go back as normal after Christmas, but the majority of those in secondary school will begin the term with online learning.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Primary school pupils will go back to school as normal in January, alongside vulnerable pupils and key workers' children.
Face-to-face education for all students will return on 11 January.
The plan is to use the staggered return to allow schools to roll out mass testing of children and staff - but the announcement seemed to come as a surprise to headteachers, who have expressed concern about late notice and lack of clarity.
Two rapid tests will be offered to those students attending classes, three days apart, with positive results confirmed by a lab-based PCR test.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Coronavirus: Should schools remain open?
Those with a positive test will be required to self-isolate in line with existing regulations.
Mr Gibb said this will be planned by the Armed Forces and administered by volunteers and agency workers.
"People are very community minded, this is a national effort," he added.
"This is about our priority for education, making sure children are in the classroom, getting lessons."
His comments come after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said in a written ministerial statement that schools and colleges would need to "provide a few members of staff to support the testing programme".
Listings on the jobs website Indeed show a number of schools are already looking to recruit people to help carry out tests.
Lavington School in Devizes, Wiltshire, is advertising for a "COVID-19 Tester" on a casual contract, paying £10 an hour.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that lateral flow tests only picked up 57.5% of positive cases when used by self-trained members of the public.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--MPs' committee: Government virus response 'inadequate'

The government response to the coronavirus pandemic has been `` inadequate '' and it must do more to prepare for future emergencies , a committee of MPs has said .
The crisis has `` exposed profound shortcomings '' , according to the joint committee on the national security strategy in its report Biosecurity And National Security .
The government response to the virus was hampered by the `` insufficient attention '' paid to `` important capabilities '' beforehand , the report added .
These capabilities included testing , isolation , contract-tracing , the supply of personal protective equipment ( PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was also unclear , the committee said , whether the government considered the `` adequacy '' of its national laboratory network ahead of time .
All of this was despite a 2017 prediction that a new infectious disease was `` likely '' to affect the UK in the following five years .
Almost two million people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK and 66,052 have died within 28 days of testing positive for the disease .
The committee said the unknown nature of the new virus was not enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response '' .
Chair of the joint committee on the national security strategy , Dame Margaret Beckett MP , said : `` The committee found that a pandemic was after all a matter of when , rather than if .
It is clear that the government could have , and should have , done more to prepare .
`` Its negligence of key capabilities led to unnecessary fumbling for solutions , when instead the country needed decisive action .
`` The government at times seems to have treated a vaccine as a 'fix-all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities for detecting where the virus is and bringing cases under control .
`` The pandemic has thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief and it is vital that we use this opportunity for some critical introspection .
`` The government must acknowledge the areas in which they failed to adequately prepare a response to biosecurity threats , such as the one we are currently facing . ''
The report said there was a `` striking absence of leadership '' of the UK 's biological security , with only one appropriate exercise in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support they needed from government .
The committee called on the government to `` prioritise preparedness '' , with regular exercises to test capabilities , and ring-fenced funding to support `` risk horizon scanning '' and frontline organisations .
Supply chains must also be strengthened and a new national centre for biosecurity should be created to pool expertise , the report added .
Dame Margaret said : `` The government must learn lessons , not just for future pandemics but to fortify the structures we have in place to address all types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It must also consider what the real-life impact of this tier 1 risk can teach us about our capacity to deal with other risks of the same magnitude . ''

The government response to the coronavirus pandemic has been "inadequate" and it must do more to prepare for future emergencies, a committee of MPs has said.
The crisis has "exposed profound shortcomings", according to the joint committee on the national security strategy in its report Biosecurity And National Security.
The government response to the virus was hampered by the "insufficient attention" paid to "important capabilities" beforehand, the report added.
These capabilities included testing, isolation, contract-tracing, the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and tackling false information online.
It was also unclear, the committee said, whether the government considered the "adequacy" of its national laboratory network ahead of time.
All of this was despite a 2017 prediction that a new infectious disease was "likely" to affect the UK in the following five years.
Almost two million people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK and 66,052 have died within 28 days of testing positive for the disease.
The committee said the unknown nature of the new virus was not enough to explain the government's "inadequate response".
Chair of the joint committee on the national security strategy, Dame Margaret Beckett MP, said: "The committee found that a pandemic was after all a matter of when, rather than if. It is clear that the government could have, and should have, done more to prepare.
Advertisement
"Its negligence of key capabilities led to unnecessary fumbling for solutions, when instead the country needed decisive action.
"The government at times seems to have treated a vaccine as a 'fix-all', with little pre-consideration of our capabilities for detecting where the virus is and bringing cases under control.
"The pandemic has thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief and it is vital that we use this opportunity for some critical introspection.
"The government must acknowledge the areas in which they failed to adequately prepare a response to biosecurity threats, such as the one we are currently facing."
The report said there was a "striking absence of leadership" of the UK's biological security, with only one appropriate exercise in the past decade and frontline organisations sometimes lacking the support they needed from government.
The committee called on the government to "prioritise preparedness", with regular exercises to test capabilities, and ring-fenced funding to support "risk horizon scanning" and frontline organisations.
Supply chains must also be strengthened and a new national centre for biosecurity should be created to pool expertise, the report added.
Dame Margaret said: "The government must learn lessons, not just for future pandemics but to fortify the structures we have in place to address all types of major national security risks.
"It must also consider what the real-life impact of this tier 1 risk can teach us about our capacity to deal with other risks of the same magnitude."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--New COVID variant spreading faster than previous strain, scientists warn ministers

Scientific advisers have warned ministers they believe the new variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly than previous strains , Sky News understands .
It is expected the SAGE advisory group will be convened on Monday to work up a series of recommendations for how Tier 3 restrictions could be strengthened in light of the increased transmissibility of the new strain .
But according to reports in the Telegraph and The Sun , senior ministers met late into the night on Friday to discuss whether action may need to be taken more swiftly .
Both newspapers suggest this could include travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and London , with a news conference to announce such measures potentially coming as early as Saturday .
The government is yet to issue any response to the reports .
It is understood the government 's scientific advisers do not see any evidence the new strain causes more serious disease , or would be resistant to current vaccines .
However , there is concern that the announcement of effective vaccines in recent weeks may have had a negative impact on compliance with rules , including self-isolation requirements .
A member of the scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing tier system in England did not appear to be effective in preventing the increase in cases , and predicted tighter measures would be needed .
Professor John Edmunds said : `` I think we are going to have to look at these measures and perhaps tighten them up , we really will .
It 's a horrible thing to have to say but we are in quite a difficult position . ''
The identification of the `` new variant '' of COVID-19 - which is believed to be causing the faster spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Health Secretary Matt Hancock this week .
More than 1,000 cases of the strain had been found , `` predominantly in the south of England '' , Mr Hancock told the House of Commons .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said the new variant had been spreading faster than the existing strain of coronavirus and is believed to be fuelling the `` very sharp , exponential rises '' in cases across the South East .
But he sought to downplay fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the new variant would not respond to the COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out across the country .
And , he said , there was `` currently nothing to suggest that this variant is more likely to cause serious disease '' .
The health secretary said the fast rate of the new spread could mean this variant becomes the most dominant nationwide .
`` The best way to describe it is , imagine a giant oak tree , and then a little branch that breaks off from that tree .
Then that branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artery of that tree , '' he explained .
He added that government scientists were studying the new variant at its Porton Down facility .
A spokesman for the prime minister said he was unable to comment immediately on the reports of a potential emergency toughening of restrictions .
Mr Johnson said on Friday he hoped that England would not need to go into a third lockdown after Christmas , as a number of experts have warned is possible .

Boris Johnson has been holding talks with his Cabinet amid warnings from scientists over the new strain of COVID-19 and surging infections.
The prime minister hosted a cabinet call and will hold a news conference at 4pm with England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, Downing Street has said.
Sky News understands the PM is expected to announce a new set of measures for London and the South East with those regions being put into a new Tier 4, with further restrictions around Christmas.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 UK could face a third lockdown after Xmas
Government advisers have warned ministers they believe the new variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly than previous strains, and that relaxations in public attitudes risk offsetting the benefits of the vaccination rollout over the course of the coming months, Sky News understands.
The new variant is believed to be fuelling the increase in coronavirus cases across the South East.
Professor Whitty said on Saturday the UK has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the new variant coronavirus can spread more rapidly.
"There is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments, although urgent work is under way to confirm this," he said in a statement.
"Given this latest development, it is now more vital than ever that the public continue to take action in their area to reduce transmission."
Advertisement
It came as Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said he would chair a meeting of his Cabinet later. He tweeted: "I attended a four-nation call earlier today to discuss serious concerns over the spread of a new Covid variant. I will chair a meeting of the @WelshGovernment Cabinet at 2pm today."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that she would be holding similar discussions with her Cabinet following the four-nation talks and that "preventative action may be necessary" to halt the spread of the new strain.
There is concern that the announcement of effective vaccines in recent weeks may have had a negative impact on compliance with rules, including self-isolation requirements.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), today warned the new strain is "a real cause for concern" and "acting urgently now is critical".
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
He said the "impact of increased interactions over the festive period is a huge concern" amid the new variant and a surge in infections.
Up to three households are able to mix in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland between December 23 and 27, but the limit is two households in Wales.
Sir Jeremy said while the pace of progress that has been achieved on vaccines, treatments and diagnostics has been "phenomenal" and should be celebrated, he warned against "complacency", saying: "We must be realistic. This pandemic is not over. We have still not changed the fundamentals."
He added: "We may be entering a less predictable phase."
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour called on the prime minister to set out how he intends to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which it said is "again out of control in parts of the country".
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "This is an incredibly serious moment and people are worried. The prime minister has refused to take action to limit the virus' spread over Christmas. All he has offered so far is confusion and indecision."
The NHS in Kent announced yesterday that it was suspending non-urgent hospital procedures, saying it was treating double the number of patients it had at the peak of the first wave in April.
The move came as the latest official figures showed the R number for the UK was estimated to have risen to between 1.1 and 1.2 - which means the disease is growing again.
Huge swathes of the country - around 38 million people, 68% of the population in England - are now living under the toughest Tier 3 restrictions.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--Ministers warned about 'overall state of readiness' for end of Brexit transition period

Ministers have been warned of a series of concerns about the `` overall state of readiness '' for the end of the Brexit transition period in less than two weeks .
Decisions have been made `` too late '' , communications with businesses have been `` patchy at best '' and police may be forced to use `` slower and more cumbersome '' systems , the House of Commons ' Brexit committee has said .
The MPs issued the warning in a report published on Saturday as both Downing Street and Brussels maintained it will be difficult to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Committee chair Hilary Benn said the government `` still can not provide business , traders and citizens with certainty about what will happen in all the areas affected by the negotiations '' .
The Labour MP added : `` With just seven working days until the end of the transition period , significant concerns remain .
`` At this late stage , the government must be ready to implement contingency plans where necessary to mitigate the effects of any disruption .
Failure to do so would mean the worst possible start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses who are already experiencing the toughest of times . ''
The cross-party committee said the results of the government 's attempts to communicate the incoming changes `` appear patchy at best '' and they warned that the combination of Brexit uncertainty and coronavirus could hamper UK businesses .
Provisions to ensure the UK border is `` secure and safe '' must be put in place while ministers must carefully monitor the effectiveness of alternative means of intelligence sharing for law enforcement .
The MPs continued : `` The fallback systems for exchanging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' They warned that a EU-UK surrender agreement to replace the European Arrest Warrant is `` unlikely '' to be ready in time .
The MPs welcomed the agreement on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol , but called on Westminster to work with the devolved governments to `` minimise traffic disruption '' near British ports .
They raised concerns that key infrastructure decisions have been made `` too late '' and that the `` late delivery '' of IT systems for customs makes training and testing difficult .
And they warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if sufficient numbers of customs and veterinary staff to perform checks and give advice are not in place .
The MPs concluded : `` We are also concerned about the overall state of readiness .
It is important that the government engages fully with the devolved governments and has robust contingency plans to deal with whatever happens after 1 January . ''
Talks on a trade deal are set to continue into the weekend , with both side warning that the chances of agreement remain in the balance .
Both Downing Street and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still `` ongoing '' , but that significant differences remained over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules .

The Brexit select committee chair Hilary Benn has said that businesses are finding it hard to prepare as the government has left it "very, very late" for a trade deal with the EU.
It comes after his parliamentary group released a report warning ministers about the "overall state of readiness" for the end of the transition period in less than two weeks.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Benn said: "It's taken a long time to deliver a deal, and here we are with a few days to go and we still don't have an agreement and that I think is the biggest problem given that we left the European Union at the beginning of the year.
Image: Lorries queue for the Port of Dover along the A20 in Kent
"It makes it very hard for businesses to plan if you don't know what the arrangements for tariffs, for example, are going to be from the first of January.
"So, the government has left it very very late."
The committee's report said communications with businesses have been "patchy at best" and police may be forced to use "slower and more cumbersome" systems.
The MPs issued the warning in a report published on Saturday as both Downing Street and Brussels maintained it will be difficult to get a trade deal in place for 31 December.
Mr Benn said the government "still cannot provide business, traders and citizens with certainty about what will happen in all the areas affected by the negotiations".
The Labour MP added: "With just seven working days until the end of the transition period, significant concerns remain.
Advertisement
"At this late stage, the government must be ready to implement contingency plans where necessary to mitigate the effects of any disruption. Failure to do so would mean the worst possible start to the new year for many people and businesses who are already experiencing the toughest of times."
The cross-party committee said the results of the government's attempts to communicate the incoming changes "appear patchy at best" and they warned that the combination of Brexit uncertainty and coronavirus could hamper UK businesses.
Provisions to ensure the UK border is "secure and safe" must be put in place while ministers must carefully monitor the effectiveness of alternative means of intelligence sharing for law enforcement.
The MPs continued: "The fallback systems for exchanging data are slower and more cumbersome."
They warned that a EU-UK surrender agreement to replace the European Arrest Warrant is "unlikely" to be ready in time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 'Moment of truth' in Brexit trade talks
The MPs welcomed the agreement on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, but called on Westminster to work with the devolved governments to "minimise traffic disruption" near British ports.
They raised concerns that key infrastructure decisions have been made "too late" and that the "late delivery" of IT systems for customs makes training and testing difficult.
And they warned trade with the EU may be hindered if sufficient numbers of customs and veterinary staff to perform checks and give advice are not in place.
The MPs concluded: "We are also concerned about the overall state of readiness. It is important that the government engages fully with the devolved governments and has robust contingency plans to deal with whatever happens after 1 January."
Talks on a trade deal are continuing this weekend, with both sides warning the chances of an agreement remain in the balance.
Both Downing Street and the European Commission said the negotiations were still "ongoing", but that significant differences remained over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--Ministerial aide sacked after leak of letter warning Tory MPs... not to leak

A ministerial aide has been sacked following an investigation into the leaking of a letter warning Conservative MPs not to leak information .
Andrew Lewer is no longer a parliamentary private secretary at the Home Office after a `` canary trap '' was set by chief whip Mark Spencer , multiple Whitehall sources confirmed to the Press Association .
In a bid to reveal suspected leakers within government , different versions of the letter were understood to have been sent to each recipient .
Each contained distinct but minor differences , it is believed .
An image of one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website on Thursday afternoon .
Mr Lewer , MP for Northampton South , has denied being responsible .
`` In nearly 20 years of elected office I have never leaked to the press , '' he told Politico .
In the letter , it was warned that Boris Johnson 's foreword to the ministerial code `` strictly prohibits '' leaking .
`` Please keep this in the forefront of your mind ; the position you hold is a privilege and not a right , '' it added .
Downing Street has been trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , after newspapers reported plans for a second national lockdown in England before an official announcement from the prime minister .
Mr Johnson said earlier this week that the search for the culprit was continuing and promised to update the Commons `` if '' the source was discovered .

A ministerial aide has been sacked following an investigation into the leaking of a letter warning Conservative MPs not to leak information.
Andrew Lewer is no longer a parliamentary private secretary at the Home Office after a "canary trap" was set by chief whip Mark Spencer, multiple Whitehall sources confirmed to the Press Association.
In a bid to reveal suspected leakers within government, different versions of the letter were understood to have been sent to each recipient.
Each contained distinct but minor differences, it is believed.
An image of one of the letters appeared on the Guido Fawkes website on Thursday afternoon.
Mr Lewer, MP for Northampton South, has denied being responsible.
"In nearly 20 years of elected office I have never leaked to the press," he told Politico.
In the letter, it was warned that Boris Johnson's foreword to the ministerial code "strictly prohibits" leaking.
Advertisement
"Please keep this in the forefront of your mind; the position you hold is a privilege and not a right," it added.
Downing Street has been trying to crack down on leaks in recent weeks, after newspapers reported plans for a second national lockdown in England before an official announcement from the prime minister.
Mr Johnson said earlier this week that the search for the culprit was continuing and promised to update the Commons "if" the source was discovered.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--PM holds Cabinet talks as scientist warns new COVID variant 'real cause for concern'

Boris Johnson is holding talks with his Cabinet this lunchtime amid warnings from scientists over the new strain of COVID-19 and surging infections .
The prime minister is hosting a cabinet call now and will hold a news conference at 4pm with England 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance , Downing Street has said .
Mr Johnson said on Friday he hoped that England would not need to go into a third lockdown after Christmas , which a number of experts have warned is possible .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unscheduled meeting late into the night the same day to discuss whether action may need to be taken more swiftly .
Reports in the Telegraph and The Sun suggest this could include travel restrictions being imposed on the South East and London .
The government is yet to issue any response to the reports .
Government advisers have warned ministers they believe the new variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly than previous strains , and that relaxations in public attitudes risk offsetting the benefits of the vaccination rollout over the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new variant is believed to be fuelling the increase in coronavirus cases across the South East .
Sir Jeremy Farrar , director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , today warned the new strain is `` a real cause for concern '' and `` acting urgently now is critical '' .
He tweeted : `` The new strain of COVID-19 is worrying & real cause for concern & extra caution .
Research is ongoing to understand more , but acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no part of the UK & globally that should not be concerned .
As in many countries , the situation is fragile . ''
He said the `` impact of increased interactions over the festive period is a huge concern '' amid the new variant and a surge in infections .
Up to three households are able to mix in England , Northern Ireland and Scotland between December 23 and 27 , but the limit is two households in Wales .
Sir Jeremy said while the pace of progress that has been achieved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been `` phenomenal '' and should be celebrated , he warned against `` complacency '' , saying : `` We must be realistic .
This pandemic is not over .
We have still not changed the fundamentals . ''
He added : `` We may be entering a less predictable phase . ''
It is understood the government 's scientific advisers do not see any evidence the new strain causes more serious disease , or would be resistant to current vaccines .
However , there is concern that the announcement of effective vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative impact on compliance with rules , including self-isolation requirements .
It is expected the SAGE advisory group will be convened on Monday to work up a series of recommendations for how Tier 3 restrictions could be strengthened in light of the increased transmissibility of the new strain .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A member of the scientific advisory panel earlier told Sky News the existing tier system in England did not appear to be effective in preventing the increase in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
Professor John Edmunds said : `` I think we are going to have to look at these measures and perhaps tighten them up , we really will .
It 's a horrible thing to have to say but we are in quite a difficult position . ''
Labour today called on the prime minister to set out how he intends to stem the spread of the coronavirus , which it said is `` again out of control in parts of the country '' .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and people are worried .
The prime minister has refused to take action to limit the virus ' spread over Christmas .
All he has offered so far is confusion and indecision . ''
The NHS in Kent announced yesterday that it was suspending non-urgent hospital procedures , saying it was treating double the number of patients it had at the peak of the first wave in April .
The move came as the latest official figures showed the R number for the UK was estimated to have risen to between 1.1 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing again .
Huge swathes of the country - around 38 million people , 68 % of the population in England - are now living under the toughest Tier 3 restrictions .


skynewspolitics--2020-12-18--'Biggest problem' as ministers are warned it's 'very, very late' for post-Brexit business plan

The Brexit select committee chair Hilary Benn has said that businesses are finding it hard to prepare as the government has left it `` very , very late '' for a trade deal with the EU .
It comes after his parliamentary group released a report warning ministers about the `` overall state of readiness '' for the end of the transition period in less than two weeks .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr Benn said : `` It 's taken a long time to deliver a deal , and here we are with a few days to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement and that I think is the biggest problem given that we left the European Union at the beginning of the year .
`` It makes it very hard for businesses to plan if you do n't know what the arrangements for tariffs , for example , are going to be from the first of January .
`` So , the government has left it very very late . ''
The committee 's report said communications with businesses have been `` patchy at best '' and police may be forced to use `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The MPs issued the warning in a report published on Saturday as both Downing Street and Brussels maintained it will be difficult to get a trade deal in place for 31 December .
Mr Benn said the government `` still can not provide business , traders and citizens with certainty about what will happen in all the areas affected by the negotiations '' .
The Labour MP added : `` With just seven working days until the end of the transition period , significant concerns remain .
`` At this late stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contingency plans where necessary to mitigate the effects of any disruption .
Failure to do so would mean the worst possible start to the new year for many people and businesses who are already experiencing the toughest of times . ''
The cross-party committee said the results of the government 's attempts to communicate the incoming changes `` appear patchy at best '' and they warned that the combination of Brexit uncertainty and coronavirus could hamper UK businesses .
Provisions to ensure the UK border is `` secure and safe '' must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor the effectiveness of alternative means of intelligence sharing for law enforcement .
The MPs continued : `` The fallback systems for exchanging data are slower and more cumbersome . ''
They warned that a EU-UK surrender agreement to replace the European Arrest Warrant is `` unlikely '' to be ready in time .
The MPs welcomed the agreement on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol , but called on Westminster to work with the devolved governments to `` minimise traffic disruption '' near British ports .
They raised concerns that key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late '' and that the `` late delivery '' of IT systems for customs makes training and testing difficult .
And they warned trade with the EU may be hindered if sufficient numbers of customs and veterinary staff to perform checks and give advice are not in place .
The MPs concluded : `` We are also concerned about the overall state of readiness .
It is important that the government engages fully with the devolved governments and has robust contingency plans to deal with whatever happens after 1 January . ''
Talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , with both sides warning the chances of an agreement remain in the balance .
Both Downing Street and the European Commission said the negotiations were still `` ongoing '' , but that significant differences remained over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules .


skynewspolitics--2020-12-19--Christmas cancelled for millions: London and most of South East enter Tier 4 lockdown

Millions of people will no longer be allowed mix with other households at Christmas , with a new Tier 4 level of COVID restrictions now in force .
In a dramatic move , prompted by fears over a new strain of coronavirus , all of those areas previously in Tier 3 in the South East - including London - moved to the new Tier 4 on Sunday .
And , in further stark action across the rest of England , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that the planned five-day easing of restrictions over the festive period will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus , and the potential risk it poses , it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we can not continue with Christmas as planned , '' he said at a Downing Street news conference .
As it happened : PM announces Tier 4 and cancels Christmas for millions In Wales strict Tier 4 measures also came into force from Sunday - more than a week earlier than planned .
First Minister Mark Drakeford also said households across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form a Christmas bubble with one other household on Christmas Day .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told her own news conference on Saturday that the country would be placed into Level 4 rules from Boxing Day , with the easing of restrictions on indoor household mixing now only to apply on Christmas Day .
She also announced a `` strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK '' .
Northern Ireland was already set to enter a six-week lockdown from Boxing Day .
The UK government announced a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , with 534 more people having died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus .
Under the new Tier 4 measures in southeast England , all non-essential shops , gyms , and hairdressers are closed , with people ordered to stay home apart from limited exceptions such as work ( if people can not work from home ) , education , childcare and exercise .
However , communal worship is allowed to continue under the toughened restrictions .
Mr Johnson ditched his previous plans for a five-day relaxation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tier 4 areas they will no longer be allowed to form `` Christmas bubbles '' with other households .
Meanwhile , outside the South East , people will still be allowed to mix in private homes with up to two other households , but now only on Christmas Day .
`` When the virus changes its method of attack , we must change our method of defence , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` As your prime minister , I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be in place for an initial two-week period , with a review on 30 December , and Mr Johnson stressed that people must stick to the rules for the New Year period .
Those in Tier 4 areas are being ordered not to stay overnight away from home or travel abroad for holidays , while people in other areas are being advised not to enter Tier 4 areas - and not to travel generally if they can avoid it .
Pictures on social media on Saturday evening showed large crowds at London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave the capital before Tier 4 came into effect .
Seats on services to Newcastle appeared to be heavily booked .
A woman who did not wish to be named said she and her partner had made a `` split decision '' to take their young son to her parents ' home on the coast .
`` We just made the decision to leave based on the fact that my parents said come , and we could n't bear the thought of no fresh air and a toddler going rogue round a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
Under England 's new highest level of restrictions , only one person from a household can meet with another person from a different household outside , although exemptions will continue for support bubbles and childcare bubbles .
Those who are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable in Tier 4 areas will be told to follow the same guidance as during November 's England-wide lockdown , which urged those people to stay at home as much as possible apart from outdoor exercise or to attend health appointments .
Downing Street suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas after the Christmas holidays .
The areas now in Tier 4 are : • London ( all 32 boroughs and the City of London ) The action was prompted by the government 's fears over a new strain of coronavirus - known as VUI 2020/01 - which is believed to spread more quickly than the original strain and is judged to be the reason for rapidly rising infection rates in the South East .
Mr Johnson said analysis by the government 's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NERVTAG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the R rate by `` 0.4 or greater '' and might be `` up to 70 % more transmissible '' .
`` While we are fairly certain the variant is transmitted more quickly , there is no evidence to suggest that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness , '' the prime minister said .
`` Equally there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant . ''
COVID-19 cases have been nearly doubling in London over the past few weeks , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the county having been under Tier 3 measures since the end of last month 's lockdown .
This has led to fears that Tier 3 measures are unable to contain the new strain and more needs to be done in London and the South East .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said that by December over 60 % of infections in the capital had been the new variant , which is thought to have emerged in mid-September .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwittingly '' spread the new strain to other parts of the country .
Asked if people considering leaving Tier 4 areas on Saturday evening should unpack their bag and stay at home , he replied : `` My short answer would be 'please unpack it at this stage ' . ''
The new strain has been detected in two other countries other than the UK , albeit in a very small number of cases .
The prime minister urged people to continue to get COVID vaccinations as he revealed 350,000 people across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab .
`` Yes , Christmas this year will be very different , but we must be realistic , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` We are sacrificing our chance to see loved ones this Christmas , so we have a better chance of protecting their lives so we can see them at future Christmases . ''
He suggested people `` lift a glass to those that are n't there '' over the festive period .
The government currently has no plans to recall parliament to allow MPs to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior Conservatives demanded the House of Commons return from its Christmas recess to have a say on the restrictions .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported the fresh government action in the face of rising infection rates , but added : `` Millions of families across the country are going to be heartbroken by this news - having their Christmas plans ripped up .
`` And I 'm really frustrated because I raised this with the prime minister on Wednesday and he dismissed that and went on to tell people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three days later to rip up their plans .
`` I think the British public is entitled to more decisive leadership than that .
They 're getting confusion where they need certainty . ''
London mayor Sadiq Khan described the announcement of a strict new lockdown for the capital as a `` bitter blow '' .
`` Our city faces its toughest Christmas since the war - and we will all need to pull together to see us through this terrible period , '' he said .
`` Please follow the new rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Millions of people will no longer be allowed mix with other households at Christmas, with a new Tier 4 level of COVID restrictions now in force.
In a dramatic move, prompted by fears over a new strain of coronavirus, all of those areas previously in Tier 3 in the South East - including London - moved to the new Tier 4 on Sunday.
And, in further stark action across the rest of England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that the planned five-day easing of restrictions over the festive period will be limited to a single day.
"Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he said at a Downing Street news conference.
As it happened: PM announces Tier 4 and cancels Christmas for millions
In Wales strict Tier 4 measures also came into force from Sunday - more than a week earlier than planned.
First Minister Mark Drakeford also said households across Wales will now only be able to form a Christmas bubble with one other household on Christmas Day.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told her own news conference on Saturday that the country would be placed into Level 4 rules from Boxing Day, with the easing of restrictions on indoor household mixing now only to apply on Christmas Day.
She also announced a "strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK".
Advertisement
Northern Ireland was already set to enter a six-week lockdown from Boxing Day.
The UK government announced a further 27,052 confirmed COVID-19 cases across the UK on Saturday, with 534 more people having died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.
Under the new Tier 4 measures in southeast England, all non-essential shops, gyms, and hairdressers are closed, with people ordered to stay home apart from limited exceptions such as work (if people cannot work from home), education, childcare and exercise.
However, communal worship is allowed to continue under the toughened restrictions.
Mr Johnson ditched his previous plans for a five-day relaxation of COVID rules over Christmas and told people in Tier 4 areas they will no longer be allowed to form "Christmas bubbles" with other households.
Meanwhile, outside the South East, people will still be allowed to mix in private homes with up to two other households, but now only on Christmas Day.
"When the virus changes its method of attack, we must change our method of defence," Mr Johnson said.
"As your prime minister, I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me."
Image: Most people in the South East will no longer be able to mix with other households at Christmas
The Tier 4 measures in the South East will be in place for an initial two-week period, with a review on 30 December, and Mr Johnson stressed that people must stick to the rules for the New Year period.
Those in Tier 4 areas are being ordered not to stay overnight away from home or travel abroad for holidays, while people in other areas are being advised not to enter Tier 4 areas - and not to travel generally if they can avoid it.
Pictures on social media on Saturday evening showed large crowds at London's St Pancras station as people tried to leave the capital before Tier 4 came into effect.
Seats on services to Newcastle appeared to be heavily booked.
A woman who did not wish to be named said she and her partner had made a "split decision" to take their young son to her parents' home on the coast.
"We just made the decision to leave based on the fact that my parents said come, and we couldn't bear the thought of no fresh air and a toddler going rogue round a small flat for the foreseeable," she said.
Under England's new highest level of restrictions, only one person from a household can meet with another person from a different household outside, although exemptions will continue for support bubbles and childcare bubbles.
Those who are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable in Tier 4 areas will be told to follow the same guidance as during November's England-wide lockdown, which urged those people to stay at home as much as possible apart from outdoor exercise or to attend health appointments.
Downing Street suggested schools would still reopen in Tier 4 areas after the Christmas holidays.
The areas now in Tier 4 are:
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Gosport
East of England (Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
Havant
Kent
London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London)
Portsmouth
Rother and Hastings
Surrey (excluding Waverley)
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 Boris Johnson announces new lockdown measures for London and the South East
The action was prompted by the government's fears over a new strain of coronavirus - known as VUI-202012/01 - which is believed to spread more quickly than the original strain and is judged to be the reason for rapidly rising infection rates in the South East.
Mr Johnson said analysis by the government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) suggests the new strain could increase the R rate by "0.4 or greater" and might be "up to 70% more transmissible".
"While we are fairly certain the variant is transmitted more quickly, there is no evidence to suggest that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness," the prime minister said.
"Equally there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant."
COVID-19 cases have been nearly doubling in London over the past few weeks, while in Kent cases have continued to rise despite the county having been under Tier 3 measures since the end of last month's lockdown.
This has led to fears that Tier 3 measures are unable to contain the new strain and more needs to be done in London and the South East.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said that by December over 60% of infections in the capital had been the new variant, which is thought to have emerged in mid-September.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, urged people not to "unwittingly" spread the new strain to other parts of the country.
Asked if people considering leaving Tier 4 areas on Saturday evening should unpack their bag and stay at home, he replied: "My short answer would be 'please unpack it at this stage'."
The new strain has been detected in two other countries other than the UK, albeit in a very small number of cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Labour leader 'frustrated' by late Christmas U-turn
The prime minister urged people to continue to get COVID vaccinations as he revealed 350,000 people across the UK had already had their first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab.
"Yes, Christmas this year will be very different, but we must be realistic," Mr Johnson said.
"We are sacrificing our chance to see loved ones this Christmas, so we have a better chance of protecting their lives so we can see them at future Christmases."
He suggested people "lift a glass to those that aren't there" over the festive period.
The government currently has no plans to recall parliament to allow MPs to vote on the new measures, although some senior Conservatives demanded the House of Commons return from its Christmas recess to have a say on the restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 'Obviously people should not break the rules'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported the fresh government action in the face of rising infection rates, but added: "Millions of families across the country are going to be heartbroken by this news - having their Christmas plans ripped up.
"And I'm really frustrated because I raised this with the prime minister on Wednesday and he dismissed that and went on to tell people to have a merry little Christmas - only three days later to rip up their plans.
"I think the British public is entitled to more decisive leadership than that. They're getting confusion where they need certainty."
London mayor Sadiq Khan described the announcement of a strict new lockdown for the capital as a "bitter blow".
"Our city faces its toughest Christmas since the war - and we will all need to pull together to see us through this terrible period," he said.
"Please follow the new rules - lives depend on it."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-19--Christmas lockdown is Boris Johnson's biggest U-turn of all

The Prime Minister will face a backlash from all-sides - including the backbench of his own party .
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Just days ago , Boris Johnson declared : `` I want to be clear , we do n't want to ban Christmas , to cancel it .
`` I think that would be frankly inhuman and against the instincts of many people in this country .
`` Nor do we want to criminalise plans people may have made for some time . ''
Now , in the biggest U-turn in this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done just that .
At Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , Mr Johnson goaded Sir Keir Starmer - whom he regularly calls `` Captain Hindsight '' - repeatedly .
`` All he wants to do is to lock the whole country down , '' said the PM .
`` He is a one-club golfer ; that is the only solution he has . ''
He went on : `` I wish he had had the guts just to say what he really wants to do , which is to cancel the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Those words look hollow now .
And Mr Johnson can expect a furious response from Conservative MPs already bitterly opposed to his COVID restrictions .
`` The Christmas household rules were explicitly approved by the House of Commons , '' Mark Harper , who chairs the COVID Recovery Group of Tory MPs , said .
`` So it is only right that if the government were to seek to change them that must also be approved by a vote in the House of Commons in advance . ''
And , voicing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by many Tory MPs , Mr Harper added : `` Parliament must not be bypassed . ''
Challenged on his U-turn at this news conference , the PM began by saying : `` Alas… '' You always know grim news is coming when Boris Johnson says : `` Alas… '' His answer was that he bitterly regretted the changes , but said : `` When the facts change , you have to change your approach . ''
It was the economist John Maynard Keynes who famously said : `` When the facts change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who 'd have thought it , a Tory leader quoting the big-spending advocate Keynes ?
Although , on second thoughts , after Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's spending splurge this year , perhaps we should n't be surprised , after all .
The PM rejected the charge that he had previously been reckless and ignored warnings about the new virus , claiming the scientific advice had changed significantly in the past 24 hours .
And asked how he expected the public to follow the rules when they kept changing , he pleaded that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We simply ca n't ignore that , '' he said .
This was a grim 40 minutes .
It was a news conference that began 11 minutes late , adding to the image of disarray in Downing Street .
But at least he did n't keep Strictly Come Dancing off the TV this time , as he did in late November .
And as he read his opening statement , the prime minister looked and sounded hesitant and nervous .
He was sombre and muted , deflated .
And well he might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like `` merry LITTLE Christmas '' or `` tis the season to be jolly CAREFUL '' .
Surely , this was the most solemn public statement Boris Johnson has ever given .
The colour - never particularly rosy - appeared drained from his face .
He looked and sounded like someone who had suffered a bereavement , he was so subdued , or taken an excruciating and winding punch in the gut .
He must have been thinking constantly of the opprobrium that will be coming his way after this .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the punitive Tier 4 measures .
When the virus changes its method of attack , he had to change his method of defence .
Well , critics would dispute that .
Many MPs , not least the Labour leader , will argue that he should have acted sooner and made more progress by now , allowing a more normal Christmas .
It will also be argued that London and southeast England have had four different COVID restriction regimes in the past month .
First , a national lockdown in late November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a five-day Christmas break and now Tier 4 with no Christmas relaxation .
The reality of the grim news announced here was brought home by England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty when he was asked what he would say to people packing a bag right now to leave a Tier 4 area .
His advice : `` Please unpack it . ''
The grim news neatly , if brutally , summed up .

The Prime Minister will face a backlash from all-sides - including the backbench of his own party.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Just days ago, Boris Johnson declared: "I want to be clear, we don't want to ban Christmas, to cancel it.
"I think that would be frankly inhuman and against the instincts of many people in this country.
"Nor do we want to criminalise plans people may have made for some time."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Labour leader ‘frustrated’ by late Christmas u-turn
Now, in the biggest U-turn in this year of spectacular prime ministerial U-turns, he has done just that.
At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Mr Johnson goaded Sir Keir Starmer - whom he regularly calls "Captain Hindsight" - repeatedly.
"All he wants to do is to lock the whole country down," said the PM. "He is a one-club golfer; that is the only solution he has."
He went on: "I wish he had had the guts just to say what he really wants to do, which is to cancel the plans people have made and cancel Christmas."
Those words look hollow now. And Mr Johnson can expect a furious response from Conservative MPs already bitterly opposed to his COVID restrictions.
"The Christmas household rules were explicitly approved by the House of Commons," Mark Harper, who chairs the COVID Recovery Group of Tory MPs, said.
Advertisement
"So it is only right that if the government were to seek to change them that must also be approved by a vote in the House of Commons in advance."
And, voicing a view that has already been endorsed by many Tory MPs, Mr Harper added: "Parliament must not be bypassed."
Challenged on his U-turn at this news conference, the PM began by saying: "Alas…" You always know grim news is coming when Boris Johnson says: "Alas…"
His answer was that he bitterly regretted the changes, but said: "When the facts change, you have to change your approach."
It was the economist John Maynard Keynes who famously said: "When the facts change, I change my mind."
Who'd have thought it, a Tory leader quoting the big-spending advocate Keynes?
Although, on second thoughts, after Chancellor Rishi Sunak's spending splurge this year, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised, after all.
The PM rejected the charge that he had previously been reckless and ignored warnings about the new virus, claiming the scientific advice had changed significantly in the past 24 hours.
And asked how he expected the public to follow the rules when they kept changing, he pleaded that the velocity of the disease had changed. "We simply can't ignore that," he said.
This was a grim 40 minutes. It was a news conference that began 11 minutes late, adding to the image of disarray in Downing Street. But at least he didn't keep Strictly Come Dancing off the TV this time, as he did in late November.
And as he read his opening statement, the prime minister looked and sounded hesitant and nervous. He was sombre and muted, deflated. And well he might be.
No Yuletide quips this time, like "merry LITTLE Christmas" or "tis the season to be jolly CAREFUL".
Surely, this was the most solemn public statement Boris Johnson has ever given. The colour - never particularly rosy - appeared drained from his face.
He looked and sounded like someone who had suffered a bereavement, he was so subdued, or taken an excruciating and winding punch in the gut.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer grilled Boris Johnson about Christmas during the week at Prime Minister's Questions
He must have been thinking constantly of the opprobrium that will be coming his way after this.
There was no alternative, he said, to the punitive Tier 4 measures. When the virus changes its method of attack, he had to change his method of defence.
Well, critics would dispute that. Many MPs, not least the Labour leader, will argue that he should have acted sooner and made more progress by now, allowing a more normal Christmas.
It will also be argued that London and southeast England have had four different COVID restriction regimes in the past month.
First, a national lockdown in late November, then Tier 2, then Tier 3 with a five-day Christmas break and now Tier 4 with no Christmas relaxation.
The reality of the grim news announced here was brought home by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty when he was asked what he would say to people packing a bag right now to leave a Tier 4 area.
His advice: "Please unpack it."
The grim news neatly, if brutally, summed up.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-19--UK and EU increasingly pessimistic on chance of Brexit trade deal

The European Union must make a `` substantial shift '' if Brexit trade talks are to be saved .
That was the warning from Britain in the final days of negotiations between the two sides ahead of the transition period ending on 31 December .
Talks are continuing in Brussels this weekend but UK sources say it is increasingly likely that an agreement will not be reached in time .
A UK government source said : `` We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for .
`` Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence .
`` We can not accept a deal that does n't leave us in control of our own laws or waters .
`` We 're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement , but without a substantial shift from the commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation terms on 31 December . ''
The European Parliament has said there must be a deal by Sunday evening to allow time for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transition period .
The pessimism was shared by Ireland 's foreign minister Simon Coveney , who told The Sunday Times : `` I do n't see this being agreed easily in the next 24 hours .
`` We may see a standoff over fish . ''
Fishing rights is one of the main issues standing in the way of a deal , along with the `` level playing field '' - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't surprise me if this issue collapses the whole negotiation .
It certainly has the capacity to do it . ''
He also said that he found it difficult to see the EU fishing states - Ireland , France , Belgium , Denmark and the Netherlands - backing an agreement that goes beyond the current offer .
If there is no deal by 31 December , the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on WTO terms , meaning tariffs that could mean higher prices @ @ @

The European Union must make a "substantial shift" if Brexit trade talks are to be saved.
That was the warning from Britain in the final days of negotiations between the two sides ahead of the transition period ending on 31 December.
Talks are continuing in Brussels this weekend but UK sources say it is increasingly likely that an agreement will not be reached in time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Frost leaves for last-minute Brexit trade talks
A UK government source said: "We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for.
"Unfortunately, the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence.
"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters.
"We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation terms on 31 December."
The European Parliament has said there must be a deal by Sunday evening to allow time for it to be ratified before the end of the transition period.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Looming threat of Brexit talks failing has led to stockpiling
The pessimism was shared by Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney, who told The Sunday Times: "I don't see this being agreed easily in the next 24 hours.
Advertisement
"We may see a standoff over fish."
Fishing rights is one of the main issues standing in the way of a deal, along with the "level playing field" - measures to prevent what is seen as unfair competition through the lowering of standards or the use of state subsidies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:51 Benn: 'There could be disruption on 1 January'
Mr Coveney said: "It won't surprise me if this issue collapses the whole negotiation. It certainly has the capacity to do it."
He also said he found it difficult to see the EU fishing states - Ireland, France, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands - backing an agreement that goes beyond the current offer.
If there is no deal by 31 December, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on WTO terms, meaning tariffs that could mean higher prices for consumers.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-20--'This is deadly serious': New COVID variant 'out of control', health secretary warns

The new strain of COVID-19 is out of control and people need to behave as if they already have the virus , especially in the new Tier 4 areas of England , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned .
The five-day Christmas bubble period has been reduced to just Christmas Day for England , Wales and Scotland - and scrapped completely for areas in England under new Tier 4 rules - but remains in Northern Ireland .
The new tough coronavirus measures - which MPs will vote on in January - affect those in London , most of the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock said everybody was looking forward to Christmas , but the new infectious and rapid-spreading new strain `` was out of control '' and the government had to act `` quickly and decisively '' .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world He suggested the strengthened measures could be in place for months , telling Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` It ( the new strain ) is an enormous challenge , until we can get the vaccine rolled out to protect people .
This is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months . ''
He added : `` Everybody , particularly people in Tier 4 areas , needs to behave as if they might well have the virus - that is the only way we are going to get it under control . ''
He said controlling the new strain of COVID-19 is `` more important now than ever '' , that people stick to the rules and reduce social contact `` because this is deadly serious '' .
`` This is a deadly disease , we need to keep it under control , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this new variant . ''
And he said scenes of people queueing at train stations , rushing to leave London before the new measures came into force this morning , was `` totally irresponsible behaviour '' .
Asked why the prime minister announced the Christmas relaxation rules weeks ago , when there was a chance he would have to renege on his promise , Mr Hancock said : `` Because we understand , I understand , how important Christmas is to people .
`` I understand how people feel .
I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , 'We are not going to see each other over Christmas ' . ''
He said ministers had no choice but to act - effectively cancelling Christmas for millions of people - after being presented with the new scientific evidence on Friday afternoon .
Mr Hancock said cases have `` rocketed '' during the last few days and warned keeping the new variant under control until a vaccine has been rolled out would be `` very difficult '' .
`` As of 8 o'clock yesterday morning 350,000 people have been vaccinated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend to have something around the half-million mark . ''
`` So we can see the way out through this but it is going to be a difficult few months , '' he added .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Boris Johnson of `` gross negligence '' and said the prime minister should apologise for his handling of the pandemic .
He said the British people were paying the price for the PM 's `` incompetence '' and that Mr Johnson 's `` indecision '' and `` weak leadership '' was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported new restrictions being placed on the capital but accused the government of giving people `` false hope '' over Christmas .
Mr Khan told Ridge : `` All this was conceivable .
What people want is clarity - instead what we got was stop-start change , marching us up a hill , then marching us down , marching us back up the hill , then marching us down again . ''
He said the capital had experienced `` the worst year we 've had since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Association ( BMA ) council chair , Dr Chaand Nagpaul , said the planned five-day Christmas relaxation had not followed the science on the new variant , which he said `` was spreading week-on-week '' when the five-day rules were announced by the PM .
He told Ridge : `` Last Wednesday , before the new variant was announced , it was obvious that the infection was spreading at a dangerous level , the NHS was in a dangerous state . ''
But Dr Susan Hopkins , of Public Health England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was up to 70 % more transmissible was only confirmed on Friday .
She said it had spread to other parts of the UK , but in smaller amounts than London , Kent and parts of Essex , adding that there was no evidence it was causing a disproportionate number of hospital admissions .
The areas now in Tier 4 are : • London ( all 32 boroughs and the City of London ) Are you changing your Christmas plans ?
Get in touch with Sky News

The new strain of COVID-19 is out of control and people need to behave as if they already have the virus, especially in the new Tier 4 areas of England, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned.
The five-day Christmas bubble period has been reduced to just Christmas Day for England, Wales and Scotland - and scrapped completely for areas in England under new Tier 4 rules - but remains in Northern Ireland.
The fresh tough coronavirus measures - which MPs will vote on in January - affect those in London, most of the South East, and parts of eastern England.
Mr Hancock said everybody was looking forward to Christmas, but the new infectious and rapid-spreading strain "was out of control" and the government had to act "quickly and decisively".
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
He suggested the strengthened measures could be in place for months, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "It (the new strain) is an enormous challenge, until we can get the vaccine rolled out to protect people. This is what we face over the next couple of months."
He added: "Everybody, particularly people in Tier 4 areas, needs to behave as if they might well have the virus - that is the only way we are going to get it under control."
He said controlling the new strain of COVID-19 is "more important now than ever", that people stick to the rules and reduce social contact "because this is deadly serious".
"This is a deadly disease, we need to keep it under control, and it has been made more difficult by this new variant."
Advertisement
And he said scenes of people queueing at train stations, rushing to leave London before the new measures came into force this morning, was "totally irresponsible behaviour".
Asked why the prime minister announced the Christmas relaxation rules weeks ago, when there was a chance he would have to renege on his promise, Mr Hancock said: "Because we understand, I understand, how important Christmas is to people.
"I understand how people feel. I had to call my mum last night and say, 'We are not going to see each other over Christmas'."
He said ministers had no choice but to act - effectively cancelling Christmas for millions of people - after being presented with the new scientific evidence on Friday afternoon.
Mr Hancock said cases have "rocketed" during the last few days and warned keeping the new variant under control until a vaccine has been rolled out would be "very difficult".
"As of 8 o'clock yesterday morning 350,000 people have been vaccinated. We plan by the end of the weekend to have something around the half-million mark."
"So we can see the way out through this but it is going to be a difficult few months," he added.
A further 35,928 cases of COVID-19 were announced on Sunday, in the latest 24-hour period.
Another 326 deaths were recorded within 28 days of a positive test.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Boris Johnson of "gross negligence" and said the prime minister should apologise for his handling of the pandemic.
He said the British people were paying the price for the PM's "incompetence" and that Mr Johnson's "indecision" and "weak leadership" was "costing lives and costing jobs".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Starmer: PM's Xmas U-turn delay 'gross negligence'
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported new restrictions being placed on the capital but accused the government of giving people "false hope" over Christmas.
Mr Khan told Ridge: "All this was conceivable. What people want is clarity - instead what we got was stop-start change, marching us up a hill, then marching us down, marching us back up the hill, then marching us down again."
He said the capital had experienced "the worst year we've had since the Second World War".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:48 'Worst year for London since WWII'
British Medical Association (BMA) council chair, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said the planned five-day Christmas relaxation had not followed the science on the new variant, which he said "was spreading week-on-week" when the five-day rules were announced by the PM.
He told Ridge: "Last Wednesday, before the new variant was announced, it was obvious that the infection was spreading at a dangerous level, the NHS was in a dangerous state."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Large crowds at St Pancras as people flee Tier 4
But Dr Susan Hopkins, of Public Health England, said the estimate that the new variant was up to 70% more transmissible was only confirmed on Friday.
She said it had spread to other parts of the UK, but in smaller amounts than London, Kent and parts of Essex, adding that there was no evidence it was causing a disproportionate number of hospital admissions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 New COVID variant 'in every English region'
The areas now in Tier 4 are:
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Gosport
East of England (Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
Havant
Kent
London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London)
Portsmouth
Rother and Hastings
Surrey (excluding Waverley)
Are you changing your Christmas plans? Get in touch with Sky News