skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--We won't get a Brexit deal in Brussels today - so what happens next?

Europe 's political leaders will arrive in Brussels later for one of their regular meetings .
They 'll be talking about the obvious things - the EU budget , foreign affairs , coronavirus - but a chunk of time will go on something they have n't discussed for a while ... Brexit .
Talks over a Brexit trade deal may have been going on in the background , but it has been many months since this group of leaders , known as the European Council , had a formal discussion about what a deal might look like .
Just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when they last met , Brexit got the most fleeting of mentions .
Here , at least , it 's slated for a proper , full-on discussion .
What they 'll get is an update on negotiations , and an assessment from chief negotiator Michel Barnier of how likely a deal might be .
What we wo n't get here is a deal itself .
What that means is that Boris Johnson 's 15 October deadline will pass without a Brexit deal being signed .
Among the ranks of EU diplomats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by that .
They always regarded that deadline as a British confection that carried no weight and , for weeks now , the expectation has been that negotiations will plough on until the end of October and probably into November .
Leaders already know the problem - the familiar sticking points for a Brexit deal are around governance , fisheries and the so-called `` level playing field '' provisions around regulations such as state aid .
Solving these issues requires more talks in both London and Brussels , as well as political will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal is possible but , at the same time , both see no deal as a possibility .
It 's easy to say that we 've been here before , but there is a profound difference between the high-stakes Brexit negotiations that we saw 12 months ago and the ones that are being played out today .
Back in 2019 , Brexit was the big political game in town - the big beasts of European politics were being judged on how they managed it .
Now , since the shattering impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamentally .
You wo n't find many Italian voters putting Brexit at the top of their worries , or French voters who think Emmanuel Macron 's most important job is to sort out Brexit ( with the exception of French fishermen , who may yet push Mr Macron to veto a deal that they do n't like ) .
So while there 's no doubt that the EU wants a deal with a nation that sits so near to Europe 's borders , the mantra I 've heard again and again is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think they are prepared to compromise , but only if they see Mr Johnson compromising too .
So what will come out of this council ?
Not a conclusion , but just a statement , I expect .
Something to do with the need to intensify talks and push harder for a deal .
And perhaps a sense of urgency .
Nobody really expects Mr Johnson to walk away from talks at this point , but they do all know that time is running out .
Can a deal still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is yes .
A Brexit deal is probably , just , more likely than no deal .
But can we take it for granted that Europe and the UK will eventually find common ground ?
No , I do n't think we can .
Both sides have started preparing for no deal ; the politics are volatile .
With so many other distractions in the world , delivering a Brexit deal wo n't be easy .

Europe's political leaders will arrive in Brussels later for one of their regular meetings.
They'll be talking about the obvious things - the EU budget, foreign affairs, coronavirus - but a chunk of time will go on something they haven't discussed for a while... Brexit.
Talks over a Brexit trade deal may have been going on in the background, but it has been many months since this group of leaders, known as the European Council, had a formal discussion about what a deal might look like.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Brexit talks: 'Significant gaps' remain
Just a couple of weeks ago, for instance, when they last met, Brexit got the most fleeting of mentions. Here, at least, it's slated for a proper, full-on discussion.
What they'll get is an update on negotiations, and an assessment from chief negotiator Michel Barnier of how likely a deal might be. What we won't get here is a deal itself.
What that means is that Boris Johnson's 15 October deadline will pass without a Brexit deal being signed.
Among the ranks of EU diplomats in Brussels, absolutely nobody will be surprised by that. They always regarded that deadline as a British confection that carried no weight and, for weeks now, the expectation has been that negotiations will plough on until the end of October and probably into November.
Leaders already know the problem - the familiar sticking points for a Brexit deal are around governance, fisheries and the so-called "level playing field" provisions around regulations such as state aid.
Solving these issues requires more talks in both London and Brussels, as well as political will and compromise. Both sides still think a deal is possible but, at the same time, both see no deal as a possibility.
Advertisement
Image: British chief negotiator David Frost and Europe's negotiator Michel Barnier are continuing Brexit talks
It's easy to say that we've been here before, but there is a profound difference between the high-stakes Brexit negotiations that we saw 12 months ago and the ones that are being played out today.
Back in 2019, Brexit was the big political game in town - the big beasts of European politics were being judged on how they managed it.
Now, since the shattering impact of COVID-19, the political dynamic has changed fundamentally.
You won't find many Italian voters putting Brexit at the top of their worries, or French voters who think Emmanuel Macron's most important job is to sort out Brexit (with the exception of French fishermen, who may yet push Mr Macron to veto a deal that they don't like).
So while there's no doubt that the EU wants a deal with a nation that sits so near to Europe's borders, the mantra I've heard again and again is "not at any price". Yes, I think they are prepared to compromise, but only if they see Mr Johnson compromising too.
So what will come out of this council? Not a conclusion, but just a statement, I expect.
Something to do with the need to intensify talks and push harder for a deal. And perhaps a sense of urgency. Nobody really expects Mr Johnson to walk away from talks at this point, but they do all know that time is running out.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:42 Brexit talks in deep water over fishing quota
Can a deal still be done? I think the answer to that is yes. A Brexit deal is probably, just, more likely than no deal.
But can we take it for granted that Europe and the UK will eventually find common ground? No, I don't think we can.
Both sides have started preparing for no deal; the politics are volatile.
With so many other distractions in the world, delivering a Brexit deal won't be easy.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--Lancashire expected to be latest area put under Tier 3 COVID-19 lockdown

Lancashire is likely to be announced as the latest area to move into Tier 3 of England 's lockdown restrictions , Sky News understands .
Discussions between Westminster and local leaders around the financial package are still ongoing but the decision is expected to be announced within hours .
Liverpool City Region is already under the highest category of the government 's new three-tier system for localised restrictions .
Under Tier 3 , people are banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens , while bars and pubs are closed unless they can operate as restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tier 2 , including London , Essex , Elmbridge , Barrow-in-Furness , North East Derbyshire , Erewash , Chesterfield , and York .
Southend and Thurrock in Essex are not included in the new measures because they are unitary authorities .
Tier 2 restrictions mean people can not meet other households socially indoors - whether at home or at other venues such as pubs .
The `` rule of six '' still applies in outdoor settings - as it does all over the country , and people are advised to `` reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , leaders in Greater Manchester have `` unanimously opposed '' being put into Tier 3 , amid a bitter political row with Westminster .
A call between Greater Manchester leaders and Downing Street officials failed to reach an agreement on new coronavirus rules on Thursday .
And , after those inconclusive talks , Manchester 's mayor Andy Burnham branded the Tier 3 plans as `` flawed and unfair '' .

Lancashire "looks like" it will become the next area to move to Tier 3 of England's coronavirus restrictions, a senior local leader has told Sky News.
Burnley mayor Wajid Khan said it was "safe to say" the county will be placed in the top band of new measures and that is "what the evidence is suggesting we should be doing".
But discussions with the government are continuing this morning around more financial support.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Image: Liverpool is currently the only area in Tier 3
A final announcement is expected within hours.
Liverpool City Region is currently the only place under the highest category of the government's new three-tier system for localised restrictions.
Under Tier 3, people are banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs are closed unless they can operate as restaurants only.
Mr Khan accused Number 10 of "dictating, not negotiating", telling Sky's Kay Burley: "We are fighting back and we want more money to help support businesses, to keep people in jobs in struggling sectors."
But he conceded: "I think it's safe to say we will be moving into Tier 3 from all my understanding from my discussions with leaders and people involved there.
Advertisement
"It's just how much support the government can look at."
Image: Here's how the new three-tier system works
Yesterday, several major areas moved up to Tier 2 - including London, Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, North East Derbyshire, Erewash, Chesterfield, and York.
Southend and Thurrock in Essex are not included in the new measures because they are unitary authorities.
Tier 2 restrictions mean people cannot meet other households socially indoors - whether at home or at other venues such as pubs.
The "rule of six" still applies in outdoor settings - as it does all over the country, and people are advised to "reduce the number of journeys where possible".
Meanwhile, leaders in Greater Manchester have "unanimously opposed" being put into Tier 3, amid a bitter political row with Westminster.
A call between Greater Manchester leaders and Downing Street officials failed to reach an agreement on new coronavirus rules on Thursday.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said there are no further discussions with Westminster scheduled for today.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--'We are being set up': Fuming Manchester leaders 'unanimously reject' Tier 3 plan

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has accused the government of treating the region as a `` sacrificial lamb '' as local leaders rejected the strictest coronavirus measures .
Leaders in Greater Manchester have `` unanimously opposed '' being put into the highest category of the government 's new three-tier system for localised COVID-19 restrictions , amid a bitter political row with Westminster .
A call between Greater Manchester leaders and Downing Street officials failed to reach an agreement on new coronavirus rules on Thursday .
And , after those inconclusive talks , Mr Burnham branded the Tier 3 plans as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are asking us to gamble our residents ' jobs , homes and businesses and a large chunk of our economy on a strategy that their own experts tell them might not work , '' he said .
`` We would never sign up for that . ''
Under Tier 3 restrictions , people are banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens , while bars and pubs are closed unless they can operate as restaurants only .
However , Mr Burnham said Greater Manchester leaders had been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , that `` any regional lockdown would require widespread closures way beyond pubs to stand any real chance of working '' .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , has previously admitted Tier 3 restrictions `` will not be sufficient '' to slow COVID-19 infections alone .
Businesses forced to close as a result of localised restrictions will , from 1 November , see the government pay two-thirds of their employees ' wages .
But Mr Burnham said the government should be offering the same support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will finish at the end of this month and has seen the government pay 80 % of employees ' wages .
He accused ministers of testing out the three-tier approach on parts of northern England .
`` Greater Manchester , the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire are being set up as the canaries in the coalmine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy as an attempt to prevent the expense of what is truly needed , '' the mayor said .
`` The very least they should be offering the people of Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures is a full and fair 80 % furlough for all affected workers , 80 % income support for people who are self-employed , and a proper compensation scheme for businesses .
`` So far , they have not been prepared to offer that . ''
Urging the government to pursue a different course and consider a return to stringent England-wide restrictions , the Greater Manchester mayor said : `` I 've said it may be that we need to look at a national circuit break as preferable to this unfunded , risky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the health of the nation but let 's do it as one nation , and not make the north of England the sacrificial lamb for an ill-thought-through Downing Street policy which does n't make sense in the real world . ''
Mr Burnham claimed Prof Van-Tam had told Greater Manchester leaders that `` the only certain thing to work is a national lockdown '' .
`` But the government told us this morning it is unwilling to do that because of the damage it will do to the national economy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is what they want to impose on the North West . ''
Mr Burnham accused the government of `` treating us with contempt '' , adding : `` People are fed up of being treated in this way , the North is fed up of being pushed around .
`` We are n't going to be pushed around anymore . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock called on local leaders to `` set aside party politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for increased restrictions .
`` The situation in the northwest of England is severe , '' he said .
`` The number of cases is rising exponentially , the number of people in hospital has doubled in just 12 days .
`` So I call upon local leaders to set aside this party politics and to work with us to put in place the measures that are needed in Greater Manchester , across the North West , so that we can deal with this virus and support people through it .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together so that we can control this virus . ''
Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs , warned the government that forcing Tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester would be `` a very foolish thing to do '' .
The Altrincham and Sale West MP told Times Radio : `` The danger is , if you try to do these things without consent , people lose patience very quickly .
`` We have a very clear demonstration at the moment ; you have no support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders and opposition from the mayor as well .
`` There clearly is n't the broad consent for this measure that is needed . ''

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has accused the government of treating the region as a "sacrificial lamb" as local leaders rejected the strictest coronavirus measures.
Leaders in Greater Manchester have "unanimously opposed" being put into the highest category of the government's new three-tier system for localised COVID-19 restrictions, amid a bitter political row with Westminster.
A call between Greater Manchester leaders and Downing Street officials failed to reach an agreement on new coronavirus rules on Thursday.
And, after those inconclusive talks, Mr Burnham branded the Tier 3 plans as "flawed and unfair".
"They are asking us to gamble our residents' jobs, homes and businesses and a large chunk of our economy on a strategy that their own experts tell them might not work," he said.
"We would never sign up for that."
Under Tier 3 restrictions, people are banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs are closed unless they can operate as restaurants only.
However, Mr Burnham said Greater Manchester leaders had been told by England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, that "any regional lockdown would require widespread closures way beyond pubs to stand any real chance of working".
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, has previously admitted Tier 3 restrictions "will not be sufficient" to slow COVID-19 infections alone.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Stop playing party politics' over restrictions
Businesses forced to close as a result of localised restrictions will, from 1 November, see the government pay two-thirds of their employees' wages.
But Mr Burnham said the government should be offering the same support it did through the furlough scheme, which will finish at the end of this month and has seen the government pay 80% of employees' wages.
He accused ministers of testing out the three-tier approach on parts of northern England.
"Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire are being set up as the canaries in the coalmine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy as an attempt to prevent the expense of what is truly needed," the mayor said.
"The very least they should be offering the people of Greater Manchester who will be affected by these closures is a full and fair 80% furlough for all affected workers, 80% income support for people who are self-employed, and a proper compensation scheme for businesses.
"So far, they have not been prepared to offer that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 'We aren't going to be pushed around anymore'
Urging the government to pursue a different course and consider a return to stringent England-wide restrictions, the Greater Manchester mayor said: "I've said it may be that we need to look at a national circuit break as preferable to this unfunded, risky regional lockdown strategy.
"We have to protect the health of the nation but let's do it as one nation, and not make the north of England the sacrificial lamb for an ill-thought-through Downing Street policy which doesn't make sense in the real world."
Mr Burnham claimed Prof Van-Tam had told Greater Manchester leaders that "the only certain thing to work is a national lockdown".
"But the government told us this morning it is unwilling to do that because of the damage it will do to the national economy," he said.
"And yet that is what they want to impose on the North West."
Mr Burnham accused the government of "treating us with contempt", adding: "People are fed up of being treated in this way, the North is fed up of being pushed around.
"We aren't going to be pushed around anymore."
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health Secretary Matt Hancock called on local leaders to "set aside party politics" and back the government's plan for increased restrictions.
"The situation in the northwest of England is severe," he said.
"The number of cases is rising exponentially, the number of people in hospital has doubled in just 12 days.
"So I call upon local leaders to set aside this party politics and to work with us to put in place the measures that are needed in Greater Manchester, across the North West, so that we can deal with this virus and support people through it.
"This is a time for people to come together so that we can control this virus."
Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs, warned the government that forcing Tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester would be "a very foolish thing to do".
The Altrincham and Sale West MP told Times Radio: "The danger is, if you try to do these things without consent, people lose patience very quickly.
"We have a very clear demonstration at the moment; you have no support among MPs, no support among council leaders and opposition from the mayor as well.
"There clearly isn't the broad consent for this measure that is needed."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--PM's negotiator hits back at EU's stance on Brexit talks after Brussels summit

Boris Johnson 's negotiator has accused the EU of taking an `` unusual approach '' to trade talks after the bloc 's leaders called on the UK to `` make the necessary moves '' for a post-Brexit deal .
Lord Frost , the prime minister 's EU adviser , hit back at the stance taken by the EU 's national leaders at a Brussels summit on Thursday .
In a series of tweets , Lord Frost said he was `` disappointed '' by the conclusions from the summit and `` surprised '' the bloc is `` no longer committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnership '' .
This came after a call for the EU 's chief negotiator to `` intensify '' talks with the UK was removed from draft summit conclusions by EU leaders and replaced with `` continue '' .
Lord Frost added : `` Also surprised by suggestion that to get an agreement all future moves must come from UK .
`` It 's an unusual approach to conducting a negotiation . ''
Lord Frost revealed that Mr Johnson will deliver his own reaction to the EU summit conclusions on Friday .
The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking away from negotiations by setting this week 's Brussels gathering as a deadline for agreeing a deal .
At their summit in the Belgian capital , EU leaders had called on the UK `` to make the necessary moves to make an agreement possible '' .
They also noted their `` concern '' that progress in ongoing UK-EU negotiations was `` still not sufficient for an agreement to be reached '' .
The leaders agreed that the 27 member states and EU institutions should `` step up their work on preparedness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes '' , ahead of the possibility of the Brexit transition period ending on 31 December without a deal on a future relationship .
The leaders invited the European Commission to `` give timely consideration to unilateral and time-limited contingency measures that are in the EU 's interest '' due to the prospect of a no-deal outcome .
European Council President Charles Michel , speaking at a news conference after the leaders ' discussions on Brexit , said the bloc was `` 100 % united '' .
`` We are united and determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any cost , '' he added .
Michel Barnier , the EU 's chief negotiator , echoed that stance and told the news conference that differences still remained between the two sides on so-called level playing field commitments , issues of governance , and fisheries .
He added that the EU was ready to continue negotiations `` until the last possible day '' .
`` We want to give these discussions every chance of being successful so that we secure an agreement , '' he said .
Mr Barnier also held out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's 15 October deadline , by adding that his team would travel for London for talks next week and would host negotiations in Brussels the week after .
He also insisted that his officials are `` prepared to speed up negotiations '' , in contrast to Lord Frost 's tweets .
The gathering of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday was interrupted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen having to pull out of the summit after a member of her staff tested positive for coronavirus .
She posted on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a member of my front office has tested positive to Covid-19 this morning .
`` I myself have tested negative .
However as a precaution I am immediately leaving the European Council to go into self-isolation . ''
On the eve of Thursday 's EU summit , Mr Johnson held a phone call with Ms von der Leyen and Mr Michel .
During the call , the prime minister `` noted the desirability of a deal '' but `` expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Thursday , Ireland 's foreign affairs minister , Simon Coveney , said he believed `` a deal can be done '' but admitted the UK and EU remained `` miles apart '' on the issue of fisheries .
`` There 's a lot of difficult work to do and I think it is going to take weeks rather than days to finalise this , '' he told an Irish parliamentary committee meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of November that we will be in the space of a deal in sight . ''
On Brexit , the message from the European Union is a bit mixed - talking about negotiations , but also saying that compromise has to come from the UK .
Analysis : Is a deal certain ?
Definitely not !
By Adam Parsons , Europe correspondent Wanting more talks , but shying away from the word `` intensify '' .
Talk of progress followed by claims of stalemate .
The one thing that unified them was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not at any price '' .
Variants of that turn of phrase came from officials and leaders , including chief negotiator Michel Barnier , European Council president Charles Michel and the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen .
And yet perhaps the most symbolic moment of this day was not about what Von der Leyen said , but what she did - rushing away from the meeting to self-isolate in her flat at the top of the Berlaymont building .
The truth is that , however important Brexit may seem to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to the damage being wrought by coronavirus .
The mood among many sources is that they want a deal not just because of the economic benefits but to get it over and done with .
The big exception is French president Emmanuel Macron - who today reiterated that he would n't `` sacrifice '' his nation 's fishermen if he thought their rights were being constrained .
So is a deal possible ?
Yes .
It is likely ?
Maybe .
But is it certain ?
Definitely not .
The European Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up '' preparations for a no-deal Brexit .

Boris Johnson's negotiator has accused the EU of taking an "unusual approach" to trade talks after the bloc's leaders called on the UK to "make the necessary moves" for a post-Brexit deal.
Lord Frost, the prime minister's EU adviser, hit back at the stance taken by the EU's national leaders at a Brussels summit on Thursday.
In a series of tweets, Lord Frost said he was "disappointed" by the conclusions from the summit and "surprised" the bloc is "no longer committed to working 'intensively' to reach a future partnership".
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
This came after a call for the EU's chief negotiator to "intensify" talks with the UK was removed from draft summit conclusions by EU leaders and replaced with "continue".
Lord Frost added: "Also surprised by suggestion that to get an agreement all future moves must come from UK.
"It's an unusual approach to conducting a negotiation."
Lord Frost revealed that Mr Johnson will deliver his own reaction to the EU summit conclusions on Friday.
The prime minister has previously raised the prospect of walking away from negotiations by setting this week's Brussels gathering as a deadline for agreeing a deal.
At their summit in the Belgian capital, EU leaders had called on the UK "to make the necessary moves to make an agreement possible".
Advertisement
They also noted their "concern" that progress in ongoing UK-EU negotiations was "still not sufficient for an agreement to be reached".
The leaders agreed that the 27 member states and EU institutions should "step up their work on preparedness and readiness at all levels and for all outcomes", ahead of the possibility of the Brexit transition period ending on 31 December without a deal on a future relationship.
Image: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was forced to leave the summit
The leaders invited the European Commission to "give timely consideration to unilateral and time-limited contingency measures that are in the EU's interest" due to the prospect of a no-deal outcome.
European Council President Charles Michel, speaking at a news conference after the leaders' discussions on Brexit, said the bloc was "100% united".
"We are united and determined to reach an agreement but not at any cost," he added.
Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, echoed that stance and told the news conference that differences still remained between the two sides on so-called level playing field commitments, issues of governance, and fisheries.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Barnier: 'We want a Brexit deal but not at any price'
He added that the EU was ready to continue negotiations "until the last possible day".
"We want to give these discussions every chance of being successful so that we secure an agreement," he said.
Mr Barnier also held out the prospect of a two-week extension to Mr Johnson's 15 October deadline, by adding that his team would travel for London for talks next week and would host negotiations in Brussels the week after.
He also insisted that his officials are "prepared to speed up negotiations", in contrast to Lord Frost's tweets.
The gathering of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday was interrupted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen having to pull out of the summit after a member of her staff tested positive for coronavirus.
She posted on Twitter: "I have just been informed that a member of my front office has tested positive to Covid-19 this morning.
"I myself have tested negative. However as a precaution I am immediately leaving the European Council to go into self-isolation."
On the eve of Thursday's EU summit, Mr Johnson held a phone call with Ms von der Leyen and Mr Michel.
During the call, the prime minister "noted the desirability of a deal" but "expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past two weeks", a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Thursday, Ireland's foreign affairs minister, Simon Coveney, said he believed "a deal can be done" but admitted the UK and EU remained "miles apart" on the issue of fisheries.
"There's a lot of difficult work to do and I think it is going to take weeks rather than days to finalise this," he told an Irish parliamentary committee meeting.
"I hope that by the start of November that we will be in the space of a deal in sight."
On Brexit, the message from the European Union is a bit mixed - talking about negotiations, but also saying that compromise has to come from the UK.
Analysis: Is a deal certain? Definitely not!
By Adam Parsons, Europe correspondent
Wanting more talks, but shying away from the word "intensify". Talk of progress followed by claims of stalemate.
The one thing that unified them was the expression "we want a deal but not at any price".
Variants of that turn of phrase came from officials and leaders, including chief negotiator Michel Barnier, European Council president Charles Michel and the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
And yet perhaps the most symbolic moment of this day was not about what Von der Leyen said, but what she did - rushing away from the meeting to self-isolate in her flat at the top of the Berlaymont building.
The truth is that, however important Brexit may seem to us, most Europeans now consider it trivial next to the damage being wrought by coronavirus.
The mood among many sources is that they want a deal not just because of the economic benefits but to get it over and done with.
The big exception is French president Emmanuel Macron - who today reiterated that he wouldn't "sacrifice" his nation's fishermen if he thought their rights were being constrained.
So is a deal possible? Yes. It is likely? Maybe. But is it certain? Definitely not. The European Council today warned its members to "step up" preparations for a no-deal Brexit.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--Five-person team gets £25k a day to work on Test and Trace system

Amid claims that England 's crucial COVID-19 contact tracing scheme has failed , Sky News can reveal that the government has been paying a five-person team of management consultants £25,000 a day to work on that part of the system .
The team from Boston Consulting Group ( BCG ) helped mastermind the creation of the contact tracing systems .
They were only a fraction of the private sector consultants working on the test and trace system , however , they are believed to have been among the most expensive .
Two members of the team were being paid day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were being paid £4,160 - though the consultancy gave the government a 10 % discount for the job .
The revelation , based on confidential documents seen by Sky News , underlines the extent of how much the government is paying for the work of individual high-flying executives on the system , which is supposed to help track down the contacts of those who have caught COVID-19 .
There are around 40 BCG executives in total working on Test and Trace , on day rates ranging from £2,400 to £7,360 .
The individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the firm charges on the basis of an individual 's time .
Fresh figures published by Test and Trace today show that in the latest period for which there is data , the week to 7 October , the proportion of contacts successfully reached in England dropped to 62.9 % - the lowest since the creation of the system .
The fall may be associated with the data problems a couple of weeks ago , when a spreadsheet error at Public Health England meant around 16,000 cases were not rapidly passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means the system is now falling far below the objectives set out by public health officials , who would like 80 % of contacts to be reached .
Dr Layla McCay , director at the NHS Confederation , said : `` If the NHS is to continue to be able to cope , with the added challenges of winter , we will either need to see a swift and significant improvement in the test and trace system , or more draconian measures over even larger parts of the country . ''
Shadow health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new figures show just 62 % of contacts were reached .
`` That 's equivalent to 81,000 not reached , circulating in society , even though they 've been exposed to the virus .
`` This is another record blow and yesterday we learnt that consultants working on Test and Trace are being paid over £6,000 a day to run this failing service .
`` In a single week the government is paying these senior consultants more than they pay an experienced nurse in a year .
`` So can the secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money are being paid to consultants to run a service that is only getting worse ? ''

Amid claims that England's crucial COVID-19 contact tracing scheme has failed, Sky News can reveal that the government has been paying a five-person team of management consultants £25,000 a day to work on that part of the system.
The team from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) helped mastermind the creation of the contact tracing systems.
While they were only a fraction of the private sector consultants working on the test and trace system, they are believed to have been among the most expensive.
Two members of the team were being paid day rates of £7,360 while the remaining three were being paid £4,160 - though the consultancy gave the government a 10% discount for the job.
The revelation, based on confidential documents seen by Sky News, underlines the extent of how much the government is paying for the work of individual high-flying executives on the system, which is supposed to help track down the contacts of those who have caught COVID-19.
There are around 40 BCG executives in total working on Test and Trace, on day rates ranging from £2,400 to £7,360.
The individual consultants may not receive this full sum, but the firm charges on the basis of an individual's time.
Fresh figures published by Test and Trace today show that in the latest period for which there is data, the week to 7 October, the proportion of contacts successfully reached in England dropped to 62.9% - the lowest since the creation of the system.
The fall may be associated with the data problems a couple of weeks ago, when a spreadsheet error at Public Health England meant around 16,000 cases were not rapidly passed to the tracers.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 How does the NHS app work?
However, it means the system is now falling far below the objectives set out by public health officials, who would like 80% of contacts to be reached.
Dr Layla McCay, director at the NHS Confederation, said: "If the NHS is to continue to be able to cope, with the added challenges of winter, we will either need to see a swift and significant improvement in the test and trace system, or more draconian measures over even larger parts of the country."
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Today the new figures show just 62% of contacts were reached.
Image: Labour's Jonathan Ashworth claims the taxpayer is not getting value for money
"That's equivalent to 81,000 not reached, circulating in society, even though they've been exposed to the virus.
"This is another record blow and yesterday we learnt that consultants working on Test and Trace are being paid over £6,000 a day to run this failing service.
"In a single week the government is paying these senior consultants more than they pay an experienced nurse in a year.
"So can the secretary of state explain why such huge sums of money are being paid to consultants to run a service that is only getting worse?"


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--Speaker bans booze in all House of Commons bars and restaurants

The sale of alcohol will be banned in all House of Commons bars and restaurants after London 's coronavirus restrictions were stepped up , the Speaker of the House has announced .
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the prohibition will come into effect on Saturday and will apply if `` food is served or not '' .
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the capital will be placed under Tier 2 measures , which ban indoor mixing between households .
Under the restrictions , bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open .
Only the Liverpool City Region is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which at a minimum prevent pubs from opening unless they can act like a restaurant and serve food .
Alcohol can be bought on hospitality premises in Tier 3 areas only if it is accompanied by a `` substantial meal '' , according to government guidance .
Sir Lindsay said : `` Following the government 's decision to move London into the Tier 2 COVID alert category , I have asked the parliamentary authorities to introduce measures to bring the House of Commons into line with the national picture .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - with the very highest level ordering the closure of pubs - I have decided to stop the sale of alcohol across the House of Commons end of the estate from this Saturday .
`` This means it will not be possible to buy an alcoholic drink from any of our catering outlets for the foreseeable future - whether food is served or not .
`` The House of Commons Commission will be meeting on Monday to consider other measures needed to protect MPs , their staff and House staff , while maintaining @ @ @ @ @

The sale of alcohol will be banned in all House of Commons bars and restaurants after London's coronavirus restrictions were stepped up, the Speaker of the House has announced.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the prohibition will come into effect on Saturday and will apply if "food is served or not".
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the capital will be placed under Tier 2 measures, which ban indoor mixing between households.
Image: Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he wanted Commons measures to fall in line with the 'national picture'. Pic: UK Parliament
Under the restrictions, bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open.
Only the Liverpool City Region is under the most stringent Tier 3 conditions, which at a minimum prevent pubs from opening unless they can act like a restaurant and serve food.
Alcohol can be bought on hospitality premises in Tier 3 areas only if it is accompanied by a "substantial meal", according to government guidance.
Sir Lindsay said: "Following the government's decision to move London into the Tier 2 COVID alert category, I have asked the parliamentary authorities to introduce measures to bring the House of Commons into line with the national picture.
"As MPs represent different constituencies in different tiers - with the very highest level ordering the closure of pubs - I have decided to stop the sale of alcohol across the House of Commons end of the estate from this Saturday.
"This means it will not be possible to buy an alcoholic drink from any of our catering outlets for the foreseeable future - whether food is served or not.
Advertisement
"The House of Commons Commission will be meeting on Monday to consider other measures needed to protect MPs, their staff and House staff, while maintaining our COVID-secure status."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--Labour leader Starmer hit by series of resignations and major rebellion

Sir Keir Starmer has witnessed a series of resignations and a sizeable rebellion as a number of Labour MPs ignored his orders and voted against new laws on undercover operatives .
The Labour leader had told his MPs to abstain on the third reading of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources ( CHIS ) Bill on Thursday .
But 34 Labour MPs decided to vote against the legislation as it faced its final hurdle in the House of Commons .
The government 's bill is aimed at protecting undercover operatives from prosecution if they are forced to break the law on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances in which operatives can commit crime - replacing various pieces of overlapping legislation .
The legislation will cover 13 law enforcement and government agencies , including the police , the National Crime Agency , the armed forces and the Prison Service .
However , critics have described the bill as a `` licence for government agencies to authorise torture and murder '' as there is no specific limitations on the type of criminal activity that may be authorised .
Ministers have denied those charges and argued that human rights law is sufficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill being used to authorise serious abuses .
Labour 's bid to amend the legislation to specify the limits on what agents could be allowed to do was defeated on Thursday before the bill 's third reading passed by 313 votes to 98 .
Among the 34 Labour MPs to rebel were shadow ministers Margaret Greenwood and Dan Carden , who both subsequently resigned their front bench roles for defying the party 's whip .
Five other Labour MPs to vote against the bill - Sarah Owen , Kim Johnson , Mary Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary private secretaries .
The Labour rebels also included the party 's former leader Jeremy Corbyn , ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell , and former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding to Labour 's decision to tell its MPs to abstain on the third reading of the bill , Home Secretary Priti Patel said : `` Once again , Labour has refused to stand up for those who protect our country and keep us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have changed , but Labour still ca n't be trusted on national security .
`` Only the Conservatives will give our security services the power and support they need to keep our country safe . ''
Kate Allen , the director of Amnesty International UK , urged the House of Lords to add urgent amendments to the bill when peers consider the legislation .
`` It 's hugely worrying that we 're a step closer to seeing this deeply dangerous bill become law , '' she said .
`` MPs are signing off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorise torture and murder .
`` Giving such disturbing powers to bodies including MI5 and the police could have devastating impacts . ''

Sir Keir Starmer has witnessed a series of resignations and a sizeable rebellion as a number of Labour MPs ignored his orders and voted against new laws on undercover operatives.
The Labour leader had told his MPs to abstain on the third reading of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) Bill on Thursday.
But 34 Labour MPs decided to vote against the legislation as it faced its final hurdle in the House of Commons.
The government's bill is aimed at protecting undercover operatives from prosecution if they are forced to break the law on operations.
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
It also seeks to define circumstances in which operatives can commit crime - replacing various pieces of overlapping legislation.
The legislation will cover 13 law enforcement and government agencies, including the police, the National Crime Agency, the armed forces and the Prison Service.
However, critics have described the bill as a "licence for government agencies to authorise torture and murder" as there is no specific limitations on the type of criminal activity that may be authorised.
Ministers have denied those charges and argued that human rights law is sufficient to prevent the powers contained in the bill being used to authorise serious abuses.
Labour's bid to amend the legislation to specify the limits on what agents could be allowed to do was defeated on Thursday before the bill's third reading passed by 313 votes to 98.
Advertisement
Among the 34 Labour MPs to rebel were shadow ministers Margaret Greenwood and Dan Carden, who both subsequently resigned their front bench roles for defying the party's whip.
Five other Labour MPs to vote against the bill - Sarah Owen, Kim Johnson, Mary Kelly Foy and Navendu Mishra - resigned as parliamentary private secretaries.
The Labour rebels also included the party's former leader Jeremy Corbyn, ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell, and former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott.
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Responding to Labour's decision to tell its MPs to abstain on the third reading of the bill, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Once again, Labour has refused to stand up for those who protect our country and keep us all safe.
"Their leader may have changed, but Labour still can't be trusted on national security.
"Only the Conservatives will give our security services the power and support they need to keep our country safe."
Kate Allen, the director of Amnesty International UK, urged the House of Lords to add urgent amendments to the bill when peers consider the legislation.
"It's hugely worrying that we're a step closer to seeing this deeply dangerous bill become law," she said.
"MPs are signing off on a licence for government agencies to authorise torture and murder.
"Giving such disturbing powers to bodies including MI5 and the police could have devastating impacts."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--MP who travelled with COVID will face no further action from Met Police

Margaret Ferrier , the MP who travelled from London to Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus , will face no further action from the Metropolitan Police .
Scotland Yard said they made the decision not to take any further action because regulations on self-isolation in England came into force after she was tested .
However , they have referred the matter to Police Scotland .
Ms Ferrier , the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West , began experiencing `` mild symptoms '' of COVID-19 on 26 September and took a test .
Two days later , the politician was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train to London before speaking in a House of Commons debate .
She found out she was positive for coronavirus after making her speech in parliament , but still decided to travel hundreds of miles home by train to Glasgow the next day , on 29 September .
Metropolitan Police considered whether Ms Ferrier had broken coronavirus rules , which legally require people to self-isolate if they test positive .
But they said that , because Ms Ferrier took a test prior to stricter rules in England coming into force , they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland Yard spokesperson said : `` In this case the test occurred prior to 29 September and therefore the regulation does not apply .
`` As such , there will be no further action in relation to this investigation from the Metropolitan Police .
`` We are in liaison with Police Scotland and have referred the matter to them for consideration .
`` We continue to urge everyone to abide by all legislation and any relevant guidelines to help protect themselves and others . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Ms Ferrier , who won her Commons seat from Labour at last year 's general election , has been kicked out of the SNP parliamentary party .
But she has resisted calls to resign as an MP , saying she wants to `` keep fighting for my constituents because that 's who I am '' .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , the SNP leader , is among those to have called for Ms Ferrier 's resignation .

Margaret Ferrier, the MP who travelled from London to Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, will face no further action from the Metropolitan Police.
Scotland Yard said they made the decision not to take any further action because regulations on self-isolation in England came into force after she was tested.
However, they have referred the matter to Police Scotland.
Ms Ferrier, the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, began experiencing "mild symptoms" of COVID-19 on 26 September and took a test.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 Ferrier 'should consider her position', says Sturgeon
Two days later, the politician was "feeling much better" so took a train to London before speaking in a House of Commons debate.
She found out she was positive for coronavirus after making her speech in parliament, but still decided to travel hundreds of miles home by train to Glasgow the next day, on 29 September.
Metropolitan Police considered whether Ms Ferrier had broken coronavirus rules, which legally require people to self-isolate if they test positive.
But they said that, because Ms Ferrier took a test prior to stricter rules in England coming into force, they would not be pursuing their investigation.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: "In this case the test occurred prior to 29 September and therefore the regulation does not apply.
Advertisement
"As such, there will be no further action in relation to this investigation from the Metropolitan Police.
"We are in liaison with Police Scotland and have referred the matter to them for consideration.
"We continue to urge everyone to abide by all legislation and any relevant guidelines to help protect themselves and others."
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Ferrier, who won her Commons seat from Labour at last year's general election, has been kicked out of the SNP parliamentary party.
But she has resisted calls to resign as an MP, saying she wants to "keep fighting for my constituents because that's who I am".
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader, is among those to have called for Ms Ferrier's resignation.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--'Merry Christmas kids': Rashford hits back as govt rejects free school meals during holidays

Footballer Marcus Rashford has criticised the government after Downing Street dismissed his call to provide free school meals during all school holidays to end child hunger .
The Manchester United and England striker has launched a petition urging ministers to act , which has so far been signed by more than 160,000 people .
Among the steps it calls for is free school meals to be provided during all holidays and expanded to all households on Universal Credit .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said : `` It 's not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the best way to support families outside of term time is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals . ''
Reacting to the comment , Rashford wrote on Twitter : `` Merry Christmas kids ... '' It 's also not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are .
250 % increase in food poverty and rising ... '' This is not going away anytime soon and neither am I… '' Rashford was made an MBE for his services to vulnerable children last week in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he forced the government into a U-turn earlier this year on free school meal vouchers for eligible pupils over the summer holidays .
The prime minister 's spokesman said circumstances had changed since then .
`` We took that decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic when schools were partially closed during lockdown , '' he said .
`` We 're in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils . ''
The expansion of free school meals is one of three policy recommendations made by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an expansion of school holiday food and activities programmes to more families and an increase in the value of Healthy Start vouchers from £3.10 a week to £4.25 .
`` For too long this conversation has been delayed , '' Rashford said .
`` Child food poverty in the UK is not a result of COVID-19 .
`` We must act with urgency to stabilise the households of our vulnerable children . ''

Footballer Marcus Rashford has criticised the government after Downing Street dismissed his call to provide free school meals during all school holidays to end child hunger.
The Manchester United and England striker has launched a petition urging ministers to act, which has so far been signed by more than 160,000 people.
Among the steps it calls for is free school meals to be provided during all holidays and expanded to all households on Universal Credit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'A little bit strange': Rashford on MBE
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said: "It's not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays.
"We believe the best way to support families outside of term time is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals."
Reacting to the comment, Rashford wrote on Twitter: "Merry Christmas kids...
"It's also not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are. 250% increase in food poverty and rising...
"This is not going away anytime soon and neither am I…"
Rashford was made an MBE for his services to vulnerable children last week in the Queen's birthday honours.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 June: Rashford sparks school meals U-turn
It came after he forced the government into a U-turn earlier this year on free school meal vouchers for eligible pupils over the summer holidays.
The prime minister's spokesman said circumstances had changed since then.
"We took that decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic when schools were partially closed during lockdown," he said.
"We're in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils."
The expansion of free school meals is one of three policy recommendations made by the National Food Strategy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 September: Rashford on poverty task force
It also calls for an expansion of school holiday food and activities programmes to more families and an increase in the value of Healthy Start vouchers from £3.10 a week to £4.25.
"For too long this conversation has been delayed," Rashford said.
"Child food poverty in the UK is not a result of COVID-19.
"We must act with urgency to stabilise the households of our vulnerable children."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--TfL offered £1bn bailout in exchange for fare hikes and wider congestion charge zone

The government is demanding the extension of London 's congestion charge zone and further fare hikes as part of a £1bn proposal to rescue the capital 's transport authority for the second time this year .
Sky News has learnt that ministers have told Transport for London ( TfL ) , which is chaired by the London mayor Sadiq Khan , that it will have to introduce the reforms if it is to secure a bailout package ahead of a funding deadline in the coming days .
The conditions demanded by the government are understood to include broader fare increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitlements for children and pensioners as TfL stares into a financial abyss deepened by the coronavirus pandemic .
Additional COVID-19 restrictions to be introduced in London this weekend , which will further limit social interactions , are likely to exacerbate TfL 's funding crisis .
A source close to the Department for Transport said that TfL had been offered additional funding of roughly £1bn - equivalent to less than two months ' cost of running the capital 's transport network .
The source added that TfL was holding out for a new rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Khan has warned that the body would run out of money by October 17 without a fresh funding deal in place .
He wants a £5.7bn package to help secure the network 's future for the next 18 months .
An emergency meeting of TfL 's finance committee was due to be held by the end of this week , although the precise timing was unclear on Thursday night .
A person close to the mayor said negotiations were continuing about a deal to keep TfL services running , but added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congestion charge to the North and South Circular and taking free travel away from children and older people would be totally unacceptable to the mayor and he would not ask Londoners to accept them in these exceptionally difficult times . ''
The City Hall insider 's response to the proposals lays bare the scale of the tensions between the mayor and the government , with TfL hypothetically just days away from having to file a Section 114 notice - a process which would effectively declare it insolvent .
It came within days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1.6bn bailout in May .
That deal gave the government the right to nominate two board representatives and paved the way for a more comprehensive review of the transport authority 's finances being conducted .
Older Londoners who hold a Freedom Pass can still travel without charge for most of the time , although since June they have had to pay during morning peak hours , which TfL said was `` to help support social distancing on the public transport network and help control the coronavirus '' .
TfL said it remained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel charges for under-18s .
Andrew Gilligan , the former journalist who worked with Boris Johnson during his tenure as the London mayor , and Claire Moriarty , a former DfT civil servant , were named as the government 's special board representatives in July .
Sky News subsequently revealed that the DfT had drafted in KPMG , the accountancy firm , to conduct the review of TfL 's business plan and funding requirements .
The financial strain on TfL , which is expected to lose £4bn this year , is posing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authority 's new commissioner , who stepped down from the equivalent role in New York earlier this year .
The transport authority put 7000 of its staff on furlough earlier this year , and has halted hundreds of construction projects in a bid to save money .
It has asked commuters to `` reimagine their journeys where possible '' , including walking or cycling as alternatives to public transport .
A TfL spokesperson said on Thursday : `` We continue to discuss our immediate funding requirements with the government and hope these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we can help London through this next phase of the pandemic .
`` We are doing what we can to minimise costs and aim to continue operating a full service across our network while our funding discussions continue . ''
The DfT said : `` The government continues to engage with Transport for London and the mayor on the impacts of COVID-19 on TfL 's finances .
`` These discussions are ongoing and will ensure London has a safe , reliable network while delivering a fair deal to UK taxpayers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be inappropriate to disclose further details at this stage . ''
Earlier this week , dozens of business leaders including the chief executives of British Land and the New West End Company wrote to Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , to urge a swift resolution to TfL 's funding crisis .
`` Beyond the immediate need , TfL needs to have a more diverse and robust funding arrangement over at least a 5-year period , which make it less reliant on uncertain fare income , '' they wrote .
`` We hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autumn will reflect this . ''

The government is demanding the extension of London's congestion charge zone and further fare hikes as part of a £1bn proposal to rescue the capital's transport authority for the second time this year.
Sky News has learnt that ministers have told Transport for London (TfL), which is chaired by the London mayor Sadiq Khan, that it will have to introduce the reforms if it is to secure a bailout package ahead of a funding deadline in the coming days.
The conditions demanded by the government are understood to include broader fare increases and the removal of remaining free travel entitlements for children and pensioners as TfL stares into a financial abyss deepened by the coronavirus pandemic.
Additional COVID-19 restrictions to be introduced in London this weekend, which will further limit social interactions, are likely to exacerbate TfL's funding crisis.
A source close to the Department for Transport said that TfL had been offered additional funding of roughly £1bn - equivalent to less than two months' cost of running the capital's transport network.
The source added that TfL was holding out for a new rescue deal worth roughly double that sum.
Mr Khan has warned that the body would run out of money by October 17 without a fresh funding deal in place.
He wants a £5.7bn package to help secure the network's future for the next 18 months.
An emergency meeting of TfL's finance committee was due to be held by the end of this week, although the precise timing was unclear on Thursday night.
Advertisement
A person close to the mayor said negotiations were continuing about a deal to keep TfL services running, but added: "Conditions such as extending a £15 congestion charge to the North and South Circular and taking free travel away from children and older people would be totally unacceptable to the mayor and he would not ask Londoners to accept them in these exceptionally difficult times."
The City Hall insider's response to the proposals lays bare the scale of the tensions between the mayor and the government, with TfL hypothetically just days away from having to file a Section 114 notice - a process which would effectively declare it insolvent.
It came within days of having to do so before securing a £1.6bn bailout in May.
Image: TfL's costs were still running at £600m a month during the lockdown earlier this year
That deal gave the government the right to nominate two board representatives and paved the way for a more comprehensive review of the transport authority's finances being conducted.
Older Londoners who hold a Freedom Pass can still travel without charge for most of the time, although since June they have had to pay during morning peak hours, which TfL said was "to help support social distancing on the public transport network and help control the coronavirus".
TfL said it remained in talks with Whitehall departments about further changes to travel charges for under-18s.
Andrew Gilligan, the former journalist who worked with Boris Johnson during his tenure as the London mayor, and Claire Moriarty, a former DfT civil servant, were named as the government's special board representatives in July.
Sky News subsequently revealed that the DfT had drafted in KPMG, the accountancy firm, to conduct the review of TfL's business plan and funding requirements.
The financial strain on TfL, which is expected to lose £4bn this year, is posing an early test for Andy Byford, the authority's new commissioner, who stepped down from the equivalent role in New York earlier this year.
The transport authority put 7000 of its staff on furlough earlier this year, and has halted hundreds of construction projects in a bid to save money.
It has asked commuters to "reimagine their journeys where possible", including walking or cycling as alternatives to public transport.
A TfL spokesperson said on Thursday: "We continue to discuss our immediate funding requirements with the government and hope these discussions can be concluded successfully soon, so we can help London through this next phase of the pandemic.
"We are doing what we can to minimise costs and aim to continue operating a full service across our network while our funding discussions continue."
The DfT said: "The government continues to engage with Transport for London and the mayor on the impacts of COVID-19 on TfL's finances.
"These discussions are ongoing and will ensure London has a safe, reliable network while delivering a fair deal to UK taxpayers.
"Discussions are underway, and it would be inappropriate to disclose further details at this stage."
Earlier this week, dozens of business leaders including the chief executives of British Land and the New West End Company wrote to Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, to urge a swift resolution to TfL's funding crisis.
"Beyond the immediate need, TfL needs to have a more diverse and robust funding arrangement over at least a 5-year period, which make it less reliant on uncertain fare income," they wrote.
"We hope that the agreement you reach with TfL this autumn will reflect this."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--Millions to be banned from mixing indoors as London is set to move into Tier 2 lockdown

London will face Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday , with the capital 's mayor warning that the virus is `` spreading rapidly in every corner of our city '' .
Moving to the `` high '' alert warning means millions of people in London will be banned from meeting people from other households indoors , whether that is in their home or in a pub or restaurant .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world People can meet outside in private gardens and outdoor spaces - provided they adhere to social distancing and follow the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health minister Helen Whately told London MPs about the decision in a meeting on Thursday morning , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock later formally announcing the move in a Commons statement .
He also confirmed a number of other areas will be joining London in Tier 2 from midnight on Friday : Essex ( excluding Southend and Thurrock ) , Elmbridge , Barrow-in-Furness , York , North East Derbyshire , Chesterfield and Erewash .
There has not yet been a decision about whether to move Greater Manchester into Tier 3 ( `` very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of restrictions , amid a bitter row between the region 's leaders and Westminster .
Mr Hancock told MPs that `` discussions are ongoing '' , adding : `` No further decisions have yet been made but we need to make rapid progress . ''
London mayor Sadiq Khan said COVID-19 is `` spreading rapidly in every corner of our city '' , with a `` significant number '' of boroughs reporting an average of 100 cases per 100,000 people .
The London-wide average infection rate was 92 new cases per 100,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ varies widely across boroughs .
Richmond had the highest rate at 110.7 new cases , while Bexley had 48.9 .
`` Nobody wants to see more restrictions , but this is deemed to be necessary in order to protect Londoners by myself , London council leaders and ministers , '' he told the London Assembly .
Mr Khan said that `` action on a national scale '' was still required , given `` how far the virus has already been allowed to spread '' and the government 's `` complete failure to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in place '' .
He backed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer 's call for a `` short national circuit breaker '' lockdown , which `` could save thousands of lives and drive the virus down to manageable levels '' .
Mr Khan added : `` In London , we experienced the worst of COVID-19 back in the spring .
Thousands of lives were lost and our economy has been left reeling .
`` We simply ca n't afford for the government to be slow to act again . ''
Rupa Huq , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said she was `` unconvinced this tinkering is really enough '' .
`` As SAGE [ Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ] advise , to stop it spreading like wildfire a short sharp circuit breaker now needed , '' she added .
The ban on households mixing indoors will have an impact on London 's 3,640 pubs and 7,556 restaurants .
But they will not be eligible for government support available to businesses ordered to close , as this only applies to premises in Tier 3 areas .
The chef Yotam Ottolenghi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Sky News the government was `` depriving us of oxygen while asking us to stay open '' .
He also explained that many customers had been people from different households .
`` Either shut us down and give us the support we need or take us out of that Tier 2 situation , '' he said .
Nickie Aiken , Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster , said she was `` deeply concerned about the impact further lockdown will have on the capital 's hospitality , leisure and retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , London residents have also expressed their fears over the new restrictions .
Mia Powell , who lives alone , said : `` This is really going to impact on my mental health and how I operate .
`` I 'm a very social person so I 'm very worried by this news .
I 'm worried and a bit peeved but I understand it 's for the safety of the nation .
`` I just wish I did n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by myself which is the worst thing . ''
Lucy Radford lives in Richmond and has two children , including a 10-month-old baby , Monty .
`` I 'm all in favour as my father 's a scientist and we need to break this , '' she said .
`` Obviously it 's going to be hard I have one child at school and the baby here ... with my first we were out every day on play dates , all the time , so it 's hard and it 's lonely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wine quite frankly , and it is isolating . ''
Another Tory MP , Bromley and Chislehurst 's Sir Bob Neil , told Sky News it was a `` mistake '' and `` disproportionate '' for all of London to go into Tier 2 .
He told All Out Politics that the `` one-size fits all approach is a mistake '' .
Mr Hancock told MPs that the government had looked at a `` borough-by-borough approach '' , but `` the decision that we came to is because the cases are rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right for the capital to move as a whole '' .

London will face Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday, with the capital's mayor warning that the virus is "spreading rapidly in every corner of our city".
Moving to the "high" alert warning means millions of people in London will be banned from meeting people from other households indoors, whether that is in their home or in a pub or restaurant.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
People can meet outside in private gardens and outdoor spaces - provided they adhere to social distancing and follow the "rule of six" on gatherings.
Health minister Helen Whately told London MPs about the decision in a meeting on Thursday morning, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock later formally announcing the move in a Commons statement.
He also confirmed a number of other areas will be joining London in Tier 2 from midnight on Friday: Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock), Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Erewash.
There has not yet been a decision about whether to move Greater Manchester into Tier 3 ("very high"), the highest level of restrictions, amid a bitter row between the region's leaders and Westminster.
Mr Hancock told MPs that "discussions are ongoing", adding: "No further decisions have yet been made but we need to make rapid progress."
London mayor Sadiq Khan said COVID-19 is "spreading rapidly in every corner of our city", with a "significant number" of boroughs reporting an average of 100 cases per 100,000 people.
Advertisement
The London-wide average infection rate was 92 new cases per 100,000 in the week 11 October.
But it varies widely across boroughs. Richmond had the highest rate at 110.7 new cases, while Bexley had 48.9.
"Nobody wants to see more restrictions, but this is deemed to be necessary in order to protect Londoners by myself, London council leaders and ministers," he told the London Assembly.
Mr Khan said that "action on a national scale" was still required, given "how far the virus has already been allowed to spread" and the government's "complete failure to get a working test, trace and isolate system in place".
He backed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's call for a "short national circuit breaker" lockdown, which "could save thousands of lives and drive the virus down to manageable levels".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Minister's appeal to local leaders
Mr Khan added: "In London, we experienced the worst of COVID-19 back in the spring. Thousands of lives were lost and our economy has been left reeling.
"We simply can't afford for the government to be slow to act again."
Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said she was "unconvinced this tinkering is really enough".
"As SAGE [Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] advise, to stop it spreading like wildfire a short sharp circuit breaker now needed," she added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:30 Coronavirus: Mixed-up restrictions around UK
The ban on households mixing indoors will have an impact on London's 3,640 pubs and 7,556 restaurants.
But they will not be eligible for government support available to businesses ordered to close, as this only applies to premises in Tier 3 areas.
The chef Yotam Ottolenghi, who owns several restaurants across London, told Sky News the government was "depriving us of oxygen while asking us to stay open".
He also explained that many customers had been people from different households.
"Either shut us down and give us the support we need or take us out of that Tier 2 situation," he said.
Nickie Aiken, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster, said she was "deeply concerned about the impact further lockdown will have on the capital's hospitality, leisure and retail businesses".
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, London residents have also expressed their fears over the new restrictions.
Mia Powell, who lives alone, said: "This is really going to impact on my mental health and how I operate.
"I'm a very social person so I'm very worried by this news. I'm worried and a bit peeved but I understand it's for the safety of the nation.
"I just wish I didn't have to do it alone sat at home by myself which is the worst thing."
Lucy Radford lives in Richmond and has two children, including a 10-month-old baby, Monty.
Image: There will be a ban on household mixing indoors
"I'm all in favour as my father's a scientist and we need to break this," she said.
"Obviously it's going to be hard I have one child at school and the baby here... with my first we were out every day on play dates, all the time, so it's hard and it's lonely.
"It makes you want a glass of wine quite frankly, and it is isolating."
Another Tory MP, Bromley and Chislehurst's Sir Bob Neil, told Sky News it was a "mistake" and "disproportionate" for all of London to go into Tier 2.
He told All Out Politics that the "one-size fits all approach is a mistake".
Mr Hancock told MPs that the government had looked at a "borough-by-borough approach", but "the decision that we came to is because the cases are rising throughout the capital, therefore it was right for the capital to move as a whole".


skynewspolitics--2020-10-16--Boris Johnson says it's time to 'get ready' for no deal with EU

Boris Johnson says it 's time to `` get ready '' for the prospect of no free trade deal with the EU on 1 January .
The prime minister claimed Brussels had `` abandoned '' the ambition but insisted `` we always knew there would be changes '' next year once the Brexit transition period ends .
Speaking from Downing Street after an EU summit which both sides said was the deadline for hammering out a deal , Mr Johnson said it looked like the country was heading for what he called `` the Australian solution '' .
He suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , adding : `` What we 're saying to them is come here , come to us , if there 's some fundamental change of approach . ''
The UK left the EU on 31 January this year .
After that the country entered a transition period , following many of the same rules meaning there was no change to trade and tariffs or things like freedom of movement .
Negotiators have since been trying to hammer out a trade deal to come into force when that runs out at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a dramatic intervention that `` there does n't seem to be any progress coming from Brussels '' .
He told businesses and hauliers to `` get ready '' for there to be no free trade deal .
Instead he said the UK 's relationship with the EU could be more like the one Brussels has with Australia , which will mean tariffs being introduced on goods between the UK and the 27 other EU countries .
Mr Johnson urged people to `` embrace '' the plan with `` high hearts '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He is due to hold a news conference later on Friday afternoon .
Ursula von der Leyen , president of the EU Commission , said she would continue to work for a deal - `` but not at any price '' .
`` As planned , our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations , '' she added .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel also echoed a similar sentiment , saying : `` As far as the EU is concerned , and as far as I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
And Charles Michel , head of the EU Council , said fisheries remains a `` very important topic '' in talks and insisted the UK should implement the divorce deal `` in total '' , after Mr Johnson threatened to override it .
The pound fell by a cent against the dollar immediately following the prime minister 's statement , but quickly recovered to trade at just under $ 1.29 .
Analysis : EU wo n't be encouraged or upset by PM 's intervention By Adam Parsons , Europe correspondent The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as encouraging , but nor will they be especially upset .
Mr Johnson has left the way clear for talks to continue , inviting the EU to `` come here , come to us '' .
And by happy coincidence , Michel Barnier had already offered to continue negotiations in London next week .
As for the commitment to prepare for an Australian-style deal , by which he means just about no deal at all , EU sources have said to me that they think everyone should have been making those preparations anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn up the heat ?
Maybe , although the pressure of the clock is doing that anyway .
The EU does think that slight progress has been made , but nobody is claiming that a deal is around the corner .
The economic damage of COVID-19 is a much bigger problem for many leaders .
Plenty of countries see a Brexit deal as a distraction at a time when they want to spend their time concentrating on how to respond to the resurgent pandemic .
And there is a school of thought among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-deal might be a good thing , in order to focus minds on a subsequent return to negotiations .
One diplomat said to me : `` If we end up with no-deal , and massive queues of lorries on both sides of the Channel , then everyone might negotiate with a bit more purpose . ''
The mantra here has been `` we want a deal , but not at any cost '' .
There 's not much sign of anyone embracing a fundamental rethink at this point .

The UK's chief Brexit negotiator has told his European counterpart not to come to London on Monday to resolve stalled talks, after the prime minister warned it was time to "get ready" to leave without a deal.
David Frost spoke to Michel Barnier after Boris Johnson claimed Brussels had "abandoned" the ambition of a free trade deal but insisted "we always knew there would be changes" next year once the Brexit transition period ends.
"There was accordingly no basis for negotiations in London as of Monday," a spokesperson for the prime minister said.
However, they added that Lord Frost agreed to talk with Mr Barnier at some point early next week instead.
Speaking from Downing Street after an EU summit which both sides said was the deadline for hammering out a deal, Mr Johnson said it looked like the country was heading for what he called "the Australian solution".
He suggested he is not completely walking away from negotiations, adding: "What we're saying to them is come here, come to us, if there's some fundamental change of approach."
The UK left the EU on 31 January this year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 EU wants deal 'but not at any cost'
After that the country entered a transition period, following many of the same rules meaning there was no change to trade and tariffs or things like freedom of movement.
Negotiators have since been trying to hammer out a trade deal to come into force when that runs out at the end of December.
Advertisement
But Mr Johnson said in a dramatic intervention that "there doesn't seem to be any progress coming from Brussels".
He told businesses and hauliers to "get ready" for there to be no free trade deal.
Instead he said the UK's relationship with the EU could be more like the one Brussels has with Australia, which will mean tariffs being introduced on goods between the UK and the 27 other EU countries.
Mr Johnson urged people to "embrace" the plan with "high hearts", vowing the UK will "prosper mightily".
His spokesman later said official talks were "over" and there was "no point" to discussions scheduled to take place next week actually going ahead.
Image: Ms von der Leyen said EU negotiators would come to London next week as planned
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, said she would continue to work for a deal - "but not at any price".
"As planned, our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations," she added.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel also echoed a similar sentiment, saying: "As far as the EU is concerned, and as far as I am concerned, we should continue to negotiate."
And Charles Michel, head of the EU Council, said fisheries remains a "very important topic" in talks and insisted the UK should implement the divorce deal "in total", after Mr Johnson threatened to override it.
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At home, Nicola Sturgeon said she felt "deeply frustrated and depressed" by the prospect of a no-trade deal end to the transition while the UK is still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
And Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael tweeted: "To go from 'oven-ready' to 'no-deal' in less than nine months suggests utter incompetence from the PM and his government."
The pound fell by a cent against the dollar immediately following the prime minister's statement, but quickly recovered to trade at just under $1.29.
Analysis: EU won't be encouraged or upset by PM's intervention
By Adam Parsons, Europe correspondent
Image: The transition period runs out at the end of December 2020
The EU won't exactly see these comments as encouraging, but nor will they be especially upset.
Mr Johnson has left the way clear for talks to continue, inviting the EU to "come here, come to us".
And by happy coincidence, Michel Barnier had already offered to continue negotiations in London next week.
As for the commitment to prepare for an Australian-style deal, by which he means just about no deal at all, EU sources have said to me that they think everyone should have been making those preparations anyway, just in case.
Does this turn up the heat? Maybe, although the pressure of the clock is doing that anyway.
The EU does think that slight progress has been made, but nobody is claiming that a deal is around the corner.
The economic damage of COVID-19 is a much bigger problem for many leaders.
Plenty of countries see a Brexit deal as a distraction at a time when they want to spend their time concentrating on how to respond to the resurgent pandemic.
And there is a school of thought among some in Brussels that a period of no-deal might be a good thing, in order to focus minds on a subsequent return to negotiations.
One diplomat said to me: "If we end up with no-deal, and massive queues of lorries on both sides of the Channel, then everyone might negotiate with a bit more purpose."
The mantra here has been "we want a deal, but not at any cost". There's not much sign of anyone embracing a fundamental rethink at this point.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-16--PM's words will have consequences as time runs out for EU trade deal

It appears awfully tempting for many Brexit-watchers to shrug off the significance of Boris Johnson 's sombre statement today , ordering the country to prepare for an Australia-style exit .
It is true that the prime minister did not entirely close the door to further talks with the EU .
It is also true that the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier was already heading to London on Monday for fresh discussions , and that the EU does not believe this to have changed .
There are many in Whitehall even this week insisting the PM wants and needs a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has uttered today will not change that .
But words have consequences in politics , and today 's statement was starker than many expected .
By saying the EU has `` abandoned an idea of a free trade deal '' , Mr Johnson has trashed much of the negotiations done to date , which experts said had made more progress than they expected .
By saying the UK wo n't continue talks unless the EU make a `` fundamental '' change of approach , the PM is creating a hurdle which others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult given the European Union 's 27 leaders ' council conclusions yesterday .
But most of all , the problem is that time is tight , and there are more important things for people to worry about .
The EU want to conclude a trade deal within 14 days - the end of the month - and while there may be an extra week or two flexibility into November , that 's about it .
All at a time when a second coronavirus spike is heading across Europe and proving more difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal requires a huge focus from Number 10 and significant choreography with the EU .
There is a huge amount of patching up to do because of the Internal Market bill , let alone today 's statement .
Yet as intensive care beds fill up , coronavirus mortality increases and political problems pile up , it is all too easy to allow Brexit to slip just a little bit too far down the agenda .
Across Whitehall many are convinced Mr Johnson can not afford not to have a deal , politically or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will he have the singular focus to get it , at this troubled and busy time ?

It appears awfully tempting for many Brexit-watchers to shrug off the significance of Boris Johnson's sombre statement today, ordering the country to prepare for an Australia-style exit.
It is true that the prime minister did not entirely close the door to further talks with the EU.
It is also true that the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier was already heading to London on Monday for fresh discussions, and that the EU does not believe this to have changed.
There are many in Whitehall even this week insisting the PM wants and needs a deal with Brussels, and the remarks he has uttered today will not change that.
But words have consequences in politics, and today's statement was starker than many expected.
By saying the EU has "abandoned an idea of a free trade deal", Mr Johnson has trashed much of the negotiations done to date, which experts said had made more progress than they expected.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 EU wants deal 'but not at any cost'
By saying the UK won't continue talks unless the EU make a "fundamental" change of approach, the PM is creating a hurdle which others will hold him to.
That appears difficult given the European Union's 27 leaders' council conclusions yesterday.
But most of all, the problem is that time is tight, and there are more important things for people to worry about.
Advertisement
The EU want to conclude a trade deal within 14 days - the end of the month - and while there may be an extra week or two flexibility into November, that's about it.
All at a time when a second coronavirus spike is heading across Europe and proving more difficult to manage than the first.
Getting a deal requires a huge focus from Number 10 and significant choreography with the EU.
There is a huge amount of patching up to do because of the Internal Market bill, let alone today's statement.
Yet as intensive care beds fill up, coronavirus mortality increases and political problems pile up, it is all too easy to allow Brexit to slip just a little bit too far down the agenda.
Across Whitehall many are convinced Mr Johnson cannot afford not to have a deal, politically or because of the practical implications. But will he have the singular focus to get it, at this troubled and busy time?