skynewspolitics--2020-12-06--Minister says BLM is a 'political movement' when asked about fans booing

A minister has described Black Lives Matter as a `` political movement '' as he faced questions about fans who booed footballers taking a knee to support the issue .
Environment Secretary George Eustice made the comments when asked about Millwall supporters ' behaviour before their game against Derby County on Saturday .
`` The issue of race and racial discrimination is something that we all take very , very seriously , '' Mr Eustice told Sky News .
`` My personal view is that Black Lives Matter , capital B , L and M , is actually a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us believe in , which is standing up for racial equality .
`` Each individual can take their own choices about how they reflect this .
`` I know a number of people feel quite strongly and have taken that approach . ''
Mr Eustice was played footage of the booing and asked for his reaction to what he had seen and heard .
`` I 'm afraid I 'm listening on a sort of a walkie-talkie in the middle of a street with a bus going behind me so… there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past , '' he replied .
`` It 's right that it 's called out and challenged when we see it .
`` It does n't have any place in society today and if people choose to express their view in a particular way that should always be respected . ''
A spokesperson for Mr Eustice later told Sky News that when talking about respecting people 's right to express themselves , he was speaking about players ' taking the knee .
Footballers have been taking a knee at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of global sporting protests against racial injustice , police brutality and systemic discrimination against black people .
Millwall said they are `` dismayed and saddened '' by fans booing players before the team 's game at The Den .
It was the first time fans were able to watch from the stands since the coronavirus pandemic halted games in March , with around 2,000 supporters in the stands .
In a statement , the club said it has `` worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting occasion was completely overshadowed , much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts '' .
Boos were also heard when players took the knee before Colchester 's game against Grimsby in League Two in front of close to 1,000 fans .
A Colchester statement said : `` Colchester United are fully behind any and all of our players and staff who take a stand against any form of discrimination in football , sport and life .
`` We also condemn the behaviours of any supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

A minister has described Black Lives Matter as a "political movement" as he faced questions about fans who booed footballers taking a knee to support the issue.
Environment Secretary George Eustice made the comments when asked about Millwall supporters' behaviour before their game against Derby County on Saturday.
"The issue of race and racial discrimination is something that we all take very, very seriously," Mr Eustice told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Millwall fans boo as players take the knee
"My personal view is that Black Lives Matter, capital B, L and M, is actually a political movement that is different to what most of us believe in, which is standing up for racial equality.
"Each individual can take their own choices about how they reflect this.
"I know a number of people feel quite strongly and have taken that approach."
Mr Eustice was played footage of the booing and asked for his reaction to what he had seen and heard.
"I'm afraid I'm listening on a sort of a walkie-talkie in the middle of a street with a bus going behind me so… there have been problems with racism in football in the past," he replied.
"It's right that it's called out and challenged when we see it.
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"It doesn't have any place in society today and if people choose to express their view in a particular way that should always be respected."
A spokesperson for Mr Eustice later told Sky News that when talking about respecting people's right to express themselves, he was speaking about players' taking the knee.
Image: George Eustice said BLM was a 'political movement' and 'each individual can take their own choices about how they reflect this'
Footballers have been taking a knee at the start of matches since football resumed in June as part of global sporting protests against racial injustice, police brutality and systemic discrimination against black people.
Millwall said they are "dismayed and saddened" by fans booing players before the team's game at The Den.
It was the first time fans were able to watch from the stands since the coronavirus pandemic halted games in March, with around 2,000 supporters in the stands.
In a statement, the club said it has "worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts".
Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Boos were also heard when players took the knee before Colchester's game against Grimsby in League Two in front of close to 1,000 fans.
A Colchester statement said: "Colchester United are fully behind any and all of our players and staff who take a stand against any form of discrimination in football, sport and life.
"We also condemn the behaviours of any supporters that actively voice opposition to those activities."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-05--UK and EU in 'final throw of the dice' as Brexit trade talks set to resume

British and EU negotiators will return to the negotiating table today in a `` final throw of the dice '' as they try to secure a post-Brexit trade deal .
With time running out before the Brexit transition period ends at the end of the month , Britain 's chief negotiator Lord Frost will reconvene talks with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier in Brussels to try to resolve `` significant differences '' .
But British sources have warned that the process may still conclude without an agreement .
`` This is the final throw of the dice , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There is a fair deal to be done that works for both sides , but this will only happen if the EU is willing to respect the fundamental principles of sovereignty and control . ''
Today 's meeting follows an hour-long call on Saturday between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , in which they agreed on a final push to get an agreement .
In a joint statement following their discussion , Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen said that while `` progress has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences remain on three critical issues : level playing field , governance and fisheries '' .
The level playing field refers to state subsidies and standards : the EU fears that Britain could become a low-regulation economic rival , cutting standards and heavily subsidising its industries .
In the statement , Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen said : `` Both sides underlined that no agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved .
`` Whilst recognising the seriousness of these differences , we agreed that a further effort should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they can be resolved .
`` We are therefore instructing our chief negotiators to reconvene tomorrow in Brussels .
`` We will speak again on Monday evening . ''
The negotiations on a potential trade deal between the UK and EU have gone down to the wire , with time for an agreement rapidly running out .
It comes after a week of intense negotiations in London , with late night sessions fuelled by deliveries of sandwiches and pizza .
Britain wants to `` take back control '' from Brussels and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry is another obstacle - a small part of the European economy at large , but very important to nations such as France .
The EU wants to continue to fish in British waters , but the UK wants to control access and quotas .
What is unclear from the joint statement from Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen is whether either - or both - of the two leaders was prepared to shift ground during the call in a way that would enable their negotiators to bridge the gaps .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK accused the EU side of seeking to introduce `` new elements '' into the negotiations at the 11th hour .
The British side was angered by reported demands by Brussels that EU fishermen should continue to enjoy the same access to UK waters for another 10 years .
There was concern that Mr Barnier was coming under pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron at the head of a group of countries which feared he was giving too much ground to the UK .
Ireland 's Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions in Brussels on Sunday .
`` An agreement is in everyone 's best interests , '' he tweeted .
`` Every effort should be made to reach a deal . ''
Analysis : A deal remains favourite - but it 's not certain On the face of it , this is like putting a cup more petrol in an empty fuel tank .
The car might trundle on for a mile or two , but it wo n't get you home .
Brexit talks have been stuck for months now over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition rules , known as the level playing field .
For day after day , negotiators have wrestled with how to find an agreement - and have consistently failed .
So how will a few more days help ?
If it was just down to the pressure of time , that would have worked by now .
What 's required now is for new instructions from above - and in the case of the EU , that means giving more wriggle room to chief negotiator Michel Barnier .
The problem is that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Belgium - have already complained that they think he 's giving away too much to the UK .
Would they really be happy to let him make further concessions ?
The same challenge faces Boris Johnson and Lord Frost ( the UK 's chief Brexit negotiator ) - how to strike a deal that looks sufficiently hard-won to satisfy Brexiteers , but is also palatable to the EU .
It will take compromise , and at pace .
Proper diplomatic high-wire stuff and , among senior sources I speak to , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most still expect a deal , but perhaps because that 's how negotiations often work - crisis , anger , broken deadlines and then agreement at the last minute .
The choreography , they insist , is part of the process .
But there has never been a deal quite like this one .
On Monday , the Internal Market Bill , which is utterly hated by the EU , is back in the House of Commons .
The European Council meets on Thursday .
And the French have already said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal if they hate it .
The truth is that , right now , nobody knows what 's going to happen .
A deal remains favourite , perhaps because no-deal is seen as so economically damaging .
But it 's not certain .

British and EU negotiators will return to the negotiating table today in a "final throw of the dice" as they try to secure a post-Brexit trade deal.
With time running out before the Brexit transition period ends at the end of the month, Britain's chief negotiator Lord Frost will reconvene talks with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier in Brussels to try to resolve "significant differences".
But British sources have warned that the process may still conclude without an agreement.
"This is the final throw of the dice," said one source close to the talks.
"There is a fair deal to be done that works for both sides, but this will only happen if the EU is willing to respect the fundamental principles of sovereignty and control."
Image: Ms von der Leyen read out a joint statement after an hour-long phone call with Mr Johnson
Today's meeting follows an hour-long call on Saturday between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which they agreed on a final push to get an agreement.
In a joint statement following their discussion, Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen said that while "progress has been achieved in many areas... significant differences remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries".
Image: Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen spoke in an hour-long phone call on Saturday
The level playing field refers to state subsidies and standards: the EU fears that Britain could become a low-regulation economic rival, cutting standards and heavily subsidising its industries.
In the statement, Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen said: "Both sides underlined that no agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved.
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"Whilst recognising the seriousness of these differences, we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved.
"We are therefore instructing our chief negotiators to reconvene tomorrow in Brussels.
"We will speak again on Monday evening."
Image: Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen issued a joint statement on Saturday
The negotiations on a potential trade deal between the UK and EU have gone down to the wire, with time for an agreement rapidly running out.
It comes after a week of intense negotiations in London, with late night sessions fuelled by deliveries of sandwiches and pizza.
Britain wants to "take back control" from Brussels and set its own economic policies.
The fishing industry is another obstacle - a small part of the European economy at large, but very important to nations such as France.
The EU wants to continue to fish in British waters, but the UK wants to control access and quotas.
What is unclear from the joint statement from Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen is whether either - or both - of the two leaders was prepared to shift ground during the call in a way that would enable their negotiators to bridge the gaps.
In the run up to the call, the UK accused the EU side of seeking to introduce "new elements" into the negotiations at the 11th hour.
The British side was angered by reported demands by Brussels that EU fishermen should continue to enjoy the same access to UK waters for another 10 years.
There was concern that Mr Barnier was coming under pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron at the head of a group of countries which feared he was giving too much ground to the UK.
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he welcomed news that negotiators would resume their discussions in Brussels on Sunday.
"An agreement is in everyone's best interests," he tweeted. "Every effort should be made to reach a deal."
Analysis: A deal remains favourite - but it's not certain
By Adam Parsons, Sky News Europe correspondent
On the face of it, this is like putting a cup more petrol in an empty fuel tank. The car might trundle on for a mile or two, but it won't get you home.
Brexit talks have been stuck for months now over the familiar themes of fishing, governance and competition rules, known as the level playing field.
For day after day, negotiators have wrestled with how to find an agreement - and have consistently failed. So how will a few more days help?
If it was just down to the pressure of time, that would have worked by now.
What's required now is for new instructions from above - and in the case of the EU, that means giving more wriggle room to chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 Sky News correspondents discuss Brexit impasse
The problem is that some countries - including France, the Netherlands and Belgium - have already complained that they think he's giving away too much to the UK. Would they really be happy to let him make further concessions?
The same challenge faces Boris Johnson and Lord Frost (the UK's chief Brexit negotiator) - how to strike a deal that looks sufficiently hard-won to satisfy Brexiteers, but is also palatable to the EU.
It will take compromise, and at pace. Proper diplomatic high-wire stuff and, among senior sources I speak to, there is no consensus about what will happen.
Most still expect a deal, but perhaps because that's how negotiations often work - crisis, anger, broken deadlines and then agreement at the last minute. The choreography, they insist, is part of the process.
But there has never been a deal quite like this one.
On Monday, the Internal Market Bill, which is utterly hated by the EU, is back in the House of Commons.
The European Council meets on Thursday. And the French have already said they would be prepared to veto a Brexit deal if they hate it.
The truth is that, right now, nobody knows what's going to happen. A deal remains favourite, perhaps because no-deal is seen as so economically damaging. But it's not certain.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-06--'National humiliation': Majority of public do not trust govt to manage pandemic - survey

The majority of the British public does not trust the government to manage the coronavirus pandemic , according to a survey .
Some 57 % of people said they did not trust the government to control the spread of COVID-19 .
It was the first time since April that a majority of people have been distrusting of the government 's ability to handle the pandemic .
Despite this , 44 % said they supported the government 's approach to controlling the pandemic , compared to the 25 % who oppose it .
The finding was based on research by King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2,244 interviews with UK residents aged 16-75 carried out online between 20 and 24 November .
Almost seven out of 10 say the government response has been confused and inconsistent - up from 42 % at the beginning of the crisis .
About four out of 10 say the government has adapted badly to the changing scientific information - up from 15 % in early April .
Just over half of those surveyed said the government 's handling had been a national humiliation and two-thirds said the government had failed to prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 45 % said the government had done a bad job of protecting young people 's futures during the pandemic and 46 % said they had done a bad job of protecting the health of elderly or vulnerable people .
Professor Bobby Duffy , director of the Policy Institute at King 's College London , said : `` Trust in authority is key to maintaining compliance with the unprecedented restrictions that the public are being asked to live with and building a sense of collective responsibility .
`` The UK government began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying they trusted its handling of the pandemic - but it has haemorrhaged public confidence ever since .
`` Now , for the first time , a majority say they distrust its management of the crisis .
`` However , despite all the negative and declining ratings , nearly half the public say they support the government 's approach , almost twice the proportion that oppose it , and virtually unchanged from July .
`` So while perceptions of the government are declining , support for the actual measures are not - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of the public to controlling the spread of the virus . ''
A government spokeswoman said : `` The government has been working day and night to battle against coronavirus , taking the right steps at the right time to deliver a strategy to protect our NHS and save lives and livelihoods .
`` We have been guided by the advice of experts from SAGE and its sub-committees throughout and our response helped to ensure the NHS was not overwhelmed .
`` We have made significant strides in our response to tackling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in British history from scratch , helping to stop the spread of coronavirus through NHS Test and Trace , and securing 357 million doses of potential vaccines through the work of the Vaccines Taskforce , with the first vaccines set to be rolled out next week . ''

The majority of the British public does not trust the government to manage the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey.
Some 57% of people said they did not trust the government to control the spread of COVID-19.
It was the first time since April that a majority of people have been distrusting of the government's ability to handle the pandemic.
Image: Comparing the COVID-19 vaccines ordered by the UK
Despite this, 44% said they supported the government's approach to controlling the pandemic, compared to the 25% who oppose it.
The finding was based on research by King's College London and Ipsos Mori, and 2,244 interviews with UK residents aged 16-75 carried out online between 20 and 24 November.
Almost seven out of 10 say the government response has been confused and inconsistent - up from 42% at the beginning of the crisis.
About four out of 10 say the government has adapted badly to the changing scientific information - up from 15% in early April.
Just over half of those surveyed said the government's handling had been a national humiliation and two-thirds said the government had failed to prepare properly for a second wave of infections.
Some 45% said the government had done a bad job of protecting young people's futures during the pandemic and 46% said they had done a bad job of protecting the health of elderly or vulnerable people.
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Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, said: "Trust in authority is key to maintaining compliance with the unprecedented restrictions that the public are being asked to live with and building a sense of collective responsibility.
"The UK government began this crisis with seven in 10 people saying they trusted its handling of the pandemic - but it has haemorrhaged public confidence ever since.
"Now, for the first time, a majority say they distrust its management of the crisis.
"However, despite all the negative and declining ratings, nearly half the public say they support the government's approach, almost twice the proportion that oppose it, and virtually unchanged from July.
"So while perceptions of the government are declining, support for the actual measures are not - which reflects the incredible ongoing commitment among the majority of the public to controlling the spread of the virus."
A government spokeswoman said: "The government has been working day and night to battle against coronavirus, taking the right steps at the right time to deliver a strategy to protect our NHS and save lives and livelihoods.
"We have been guided by the advice of experts from SAGE and its sub-committees throughout and our response helped to ensure the NHS was not overwhelmed.
"We have made significant strides in our response to tackling coronavirus including building the largest diagnostic testing system in British history from scratch, helping to stop the spread of coronavirus through NHS Test and Trace, and securing 357 million doses of potential vaccines through the work of the Vaccines Taskforce, with the first vaccines set to be rolled out next week."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-06--A no-deal was unthinkable once - this week we'll find out if PM is prepared to press that button

We are finally at the end game of Brexit .
Four and a half years since the referendum , in the next few days the UK and EU will have to decide whether we exit our relationship with the 27-strong bloc with a trade deal or without one .
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak on Monday evening it will be to see whether , since their phone call on Saturday evening , there has been any progress in breaking the deadlock and whether there might be a `` landing zone '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant call in the final stages of talks , but not necessarily the make-or-break moment , according to officials on both sides ; that could come later in the week when EU leaders meet at the European Council on Thursday .
This summit marks the effective deadline for a Brexit deal .
One official tells me this is the summit where a deal will be sealed amongst EU leaders or , if no progress has been made , the moment when Brussels activates no-deal measures .
Either way , by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of Brexit 's fate .
The UK side tell me there are `` still significant gaps to bridge '' .
The EU side say there has been some progress in the past 24 hours on fisheries , but competition rules are still the main sticking point .
It does n't come as much surprise .
`` Level playing field '' rules - a trade policy term for common rules and standards to prevent businesses in different countries gaining competitive advantages over those operations in other countries - has been the most intractable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and still is .
The EU has been clear all along : preferential access to its 27-strong internal market depends on the UK agreeing to EU rules on competition , state aid , labour and environmental standards .
For Brussels , making sure the UK can not undercut the bloc after it has left the EU is its strongest red line .
The UK argues the very essence of Brexit means that London should be able to set its own rules rather than remain tied to Brussels ' regulatory orbit .
For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the core point of sovereignty .
The UK 's compromise would be to agree with the EU for the non-regression of existing standards .
But what Mr Johnson wo n't agree is to take EU rules forever .
The EU side wants detailed , enforceable commitments on future policies not just existing ones .
It is a very hard circle to square .
Meanwhile , the government 's intention to press on with with two bills - the Internal Market Bill and the Finance Bill - that violate the Brexit treaty agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year is also a source of tension .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker European Council president Charles Michel warned on Friday a trade deal would be impossible if the Withdrawal Agreement is not upheld .
Ministers in London point out that these bills are going through the process and not yet set in law .
Clauses can be dropped if a deal is reached .
But it is all , as one senior minister described it to me , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a no-deal look like ?
On Sunday night , Twitter account @ mi6rogue published a leaked document from the Cabinet Office setting out `` reasonable worst case scenario planning assumptions '' for the end of the transition period .
The 34-page document is described as one which provides a `` challenging manifestation of risk in question '' but does not provide `` an extreme or absolute worst case scenario '' .
But what it does do is give us an idea of what might happen if a deal is n't agreed .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 60-80 % of current levels with the majority of the disruption occurring within the first three months after the end of the transition period '' .
Food prices could go up and we might experience reduced availability especially in certain fresh products but not overall food shortages .
The document warns that low income groups `` will be disproportionately affected by any price rises in food and fuel '' , while border delays could affect local fuel supplies - although there will not be a wider national level oil shortage .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 40-70 % of trucks travelling to the EU perhaps not ready for new border controls .
On fisheries , UK and EU fishermen could clash over lost access to historic fishing grounds and there could be an uplift in illegal fishing .
Border delays could have a severe impact on some businesses , such as those exporting fresh or live products such as crab and scallops .
There is also a warning in the planning document about `` protests and counter protests '' across the UK that `` may absorb significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in public disorder and community tensions '' .
A spokesman said the government does n't comment on leaked documents .
What we will find out in the coming days is whether it will be a Canada-style free trade deal or a no-deal exit from the EU .
Whichever outcome it is , it 's a very long way from a referendum in which 16.1m people voted to remain in the EU versus 17.4m who wanted to leave .
A result that pointed to a 'soft ' Brexit that would incorporate the wishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the balance of hard Brexit or no trade deal after the middle ground disappeared in a bitter and polemical political war .
The prime minister knows he has the support of his cabinet and the Conservative party to go for no-deal .
He knows too that such a decision carries with it the risk of huge short-term disruption and economic damage .
Official forecasts say no-deal will cost the UK economy £40bn next year .
Mr Johnson led Vote Leave to victory in 2016 , now he has to finally decide the terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No-deal unthinkable once , Mr Johnson won the political space to make it a real option .
This week we 'll find out if he 's really prepared to press that button .

We are finally at the end game of Brexit.
Four-and-a-half years since the referendum, in the next few days the UK and EU will have to decide whether we exit our relationship with the 27-strong bloc with a trade deal or without one.
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak on Monday evening it will be to see whether, since their phone call on Saturday evening, there has been any progress in breaking the deadlock and whether there might be a "landing zone" for a deal.
Image: Britain's chief negotiator David Frost (L) and EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier continued talks on Sunday
It is undoubtedly a significant call in the final stages of talks, but not necessarily the make-or-break moment, according to officials on both sides. That could come later in the week when EU leaders meet at the European Council on Thursday.
This summit marks the effective deadline for a Brexit deal.
One official tells me this is the summit where a deal will be sealed amongst EU leaders or, if no progress has been made, the moment when Brussels activates no-deal measures. Either way, by the end of this week we should have an idea of Brexit's fate.
The UK side tell me there are "still significant gaps to bridge". The EU side say there has been some progress in the past 24 hours on fisheries, but competition rules are still the main sticking point.
It doesn't come as much surprise. "Level playing field" rules - a trade policy term for common rules and standards to prevent businesses in different countries gaining competitive advantages over those operations in other countries - has been the most intractable point of conflict throughout the talks, and still is.
The EU has been clear all along: preferential access to its 27-strong internal market depends on the UK agreeing to EU rules on competition, state aid, labour and environmental standards.
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For Brussels, making sure the UK cannot undercut the bloc after it has left the EU is its strongest red line.
The UK argues the very essence of Brexit means that London should be able to set its own rules rather than remain tied to Brussels' regulatory orbit.
For the British side, determining their own rules is the core point of sovereignty.
The UK's compromise would be to agree with the EU for the non-regression of existing standards. But what Mr Johnson won't agree is to take EU rules forever. The EU side wants detailed, enforceable commitments on future policies not just existing ones. It is a very hard circle to square.
Meanwhile, the government's intention to press on with with two bills - the Internal Market Bill and the Finance Bill - that violate the Brexit treaty agreed between Mr Johnson and EU leaders last year is also a source of tension.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
European Council President Charles Michel warned on Friday a trade deal would be impossible if the Withdrawal Agreement is not upheld.
Ministers in London point out that these bills are going through the process and not yet set in law. Clauses can be dropped if a deal is reached. But it is all, as one senior minister described it to me, "high stakes stuff".
What might a no-deal look like?
On Sunday night, Twitter account @mi6rogue published a leaked document from the Cabinet Office setting out "reasonable worst case scenario planning assumptions" for the end of the transition period.
The 34-page document is described as one which provides a "challenging manifestation of risk in question" but does not provide "an extreme or absolute worst case scenario".
But what it does do is give us an idea of what might happen if a deal isn't agreed.
On medicines, flow rates could fall to "60% to 80% of current levels with the majority of the disruption occurring within the first three months after the end of the transition period".
Food prices could go up and we might experience reduced availability especially in certain fresh products but not overall food shortages.
The document warns that low-income groups "will be disproportionately affected by any price rises in food and fuel", while border delays could affect local fuel supplies - although there will not be a wider national level oil shortage.
Image: Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen will talk again on Monday
There could also be delays at the borders, with 40% to 70% of trucks travelling to the EU perhaps not ready for new border controls.
On fisheries, UK and EU fishermen could clash over lost access to historic fishing grounds and there could be an uplift in illegal fishing. Border delays could have a severe impact on some businesses, such as those exporting fresh or live products such as crab and scallops.
There is also a warning in the planning document about "protests and counter protests" across the UK that "may absorb significant amounts of policy resources and a possible rise in public disorder and community tensions". A spokesman said the government doesn't comment on leaked documents.
What we will find out in the coming days is whether it will be a Canada-style free trade deal or a no-deal exit from the EU.
Whichever outcome it is, it's a very long way from a referendum in which 16.1m people voted to remain in the EU versus 17.4m who wanted to leave.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:58 Brown says PM faces 'economic war' on Brexit
A result that pointed to a 'soft' Brexit that would incorporate the wishes of both sides has ended up in the balance of hard Brexit or no trade deal after the middle ground disappeared in a bitter and polemical political war.
The prime minister knows he has the support of his cabinet and the Conservative party to go for no-deal.
He knows too that such a decision carries with it the risk of huge short-term disruption and economic damage.
Official forecasts say no-deal will cost the UK economy £40bn next year. Mr Johnson led Vote Leave to victory in 2016, now he has to finally decide the terms by which the UK finally leaves.
No-deal unthinkable once, Mr Johnson won the political space to make it a real option. This week we'll find out if he's really prepared to press that button.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-06--'Don't sit in the stand': Gary Neville criticises Labour for COVID vote abstention

Former footballer Gary Neville has criticised Labour 's decision to abstain in a vote on coronavirus restrictions , saying : `` You 're the opposition , do n't sit in the stand . ''
`` They sat in the stand whilst the home team had a clear run , '' Neville told Sophy Ridge on Sunday in reference to the vote last Tuesday on the government 's new tiered system of COVID-19 rules .
The ex-Manchester United and England star was speaking to Sky News about the campaign he has launched for more economic support for businesses during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which aims to get Manchester `` back on its feet '' in supporting retail , leisure , culture and sports businesses during the coronavirus crisis .
Neville said Labour is `` there to protect the disadvantaged and the vulnerable '' and not enough economic support has been provided , `` which means you 've got to take a position and be bold and go against it '' .
He continued : `` You can not abstain and that 's where the people of Manchester at this moment in time I think are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I suppose protecting the residents of Manchester and the communities that are hardest hit . ''
Neville added : `` So when you 're elected and you 're in that seat in Westminster , you take a position , you do n't abstain , you take part in the match , you 're the opposition . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party had `` serious misgivings '' about the tiered system , but voting them down `` would not be in the national interest '' .
Asked about Neville 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Thomas-Symonds told Ridge : `` We did n't sit in the stands at all , what we did is to act in the national interest . ''
He said the party `` accepted '' that there should be measures in place , but because there was not a `` comprehensive health and economic strategy '' alongside them , `` they were n't at a level where we could give them our wholehearted support and that 's why we took the decision to abstain '' .
Neville was also critical of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` out of their depth '' .
`` I 've got no doubt how difficult it 's been in the last eight to 10 months being in government , I 've got no doubt , '' Neville said .
`` It 's unique circumstances and I 've been there when I was the leader of a football club for four months in Valencia and I was out of my depth and I was spinning and I had to just jump off the roundabout because ultimately , I was out of my depth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .
`` That 's what I feel in the last eight months I 've seen in the leadership of this country . ''
Asked if he thought the government have felt out of their depth , he replied : `` They are out of their depth , out of their depth . ''
Speaking about the situation in Manchester , which faced extra restrictions months before the tiered system was introduced , Neville said : `` We 've got economic problems , we 've got health problems , mental health issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we are going to come out of it , uncertainty .
`` We just felt the business community in Manchester has always been resilient , Mancunians have always come together to come out of crisis like this before and it 's about time now that we started to think about how the future looks . ''
Neville , who has gone into property development since retiring and also works as a pundit for Sky Sports , jointly owns the Stock Exchange Hotel in central Manchester with former teammate Ryan Giggs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40-storey tower in the city which will include another luxury hotel , as well as apartments and offices .
Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Neville said the `` whole of the hospitality sector has been devastated '' by COVID-19 and there needs to be more economic support provided .
`` There 's going to need to be a fair wind with us , '' he said .
`` We certainly can not continue to keep moving in and out of tiers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's just a complete devastation on people 's livelihoods . ''
Neville said he did not have a problem with coronavirus measures because `` health must be the priority , but said `` the lack of support and the lack of planning is the big problem '' .

Former footballer Gary Neville has criticised Labour's decision to abstain in a vote on coronavirus restrictions, saying: "You're the opposition, don't sit in the stand."
"They sat in the stand whilst the home team had a clear run," Neville told Sophy Ridge on Sunday in reference to the vote last Tuesday on the government's new tiered system of COVID-19 rules.
The ex-Manchester United and England star was speaking to Sky News about the campaign he has launched for more economic support for businesses during the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Sir Keir: England's tier system 'risky'
Neville has helped set up UnitedCity, which aims to get Manchester "back on its feet" in supporting retail, leisure, culture and sports businesses during the coronavirus crisis.
Neville said Labour is "there to protect the disadvantaged and the vulnerable" and not enough economic support has been provided, "which means you've got to take a position and be bold and go against it".
He continued: "You cannot abstain and that's where the people of Manchester at this moment in time I think are frustrated with the lack of leadership in I suppose protecting the residents of Manchester and the communities that are hardest hit."
Neville added: "So when you're elected and you're in that seat in Westminster, you take a position, you don't abstain, you take part in the match, you're the opposition."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party had "serious misgivings" about the tiered system, but voting them down "would not be in the national interest".
Asked about Neville's criticism, Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds told Ridge: "We didn't sit in the stands at all, what we did is to act in the national interest."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 PM labels Starmer 'General Indecision'
He said the party "accepted" that there should be measures in place, but because there was not a "comprehensive health and economic strategy" alongside them, "they weren't at a level where we could give them our wholehearted support and that's why we took the decision to abstain".
Neville was also critical of the government during his interview, describing them as "out of their depth".
"I've got no doubt how difficult it's been in the last eight to 10 months being in government, I've got no doubt," Neville said.
"It's unique circumstances and I've been there when I was the leader of a football club for four months in Valencia and I was out of my depth and I was spinning and I had to just jump off the roundabout because ultimately, I was out of my depth and I didn't know what I was doing.
"That's what I feel in the last eight months I've seen in the leadership of this country."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 England's lockdown ends in tiers
Asked if he thought the government have felt out of their depth, he replied: "They are out of their depth, out of their depth."
Speaking about the situation in Manchester, which faced extra restrictions months before the tiered system was introduced, Neville said: "We've got economic problems, we've got health problems, mental health issues, there's a lack of understanding of how we are going to come out of it, uncertainty.
"We just felt the business community in Manchester has always been resilient, Mancunians have always come together to come out of crisis like this before and it's about time now that we started to think about how the future looks."
Neville, who has gone into property development since retiring and also works as a pundit for Sky Sports, jointly owns the Stock Exchange Hotel in central Manchester with former teammate Ryan Giggs.
The pair also have plans to build a 40-storey tower in the city which will include another luxury hotel, as well as apartments and offices.
Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Neville said the "whole of the hospitality sector has been devastated" by COVID-19 and there needs to be more economic support provided.
"There's going to need to be a fair wind with us," he said.
"We certainly cannot continue to keep moving in and out of tiers the way in which we are or else it's just a complete devastation on people's livelihoods."
Neville said he did not have a problem with coronavirus measures because "health must be the priority, but said "the lack of support and the lack of planning is the big problem".


skynewspolitics--2020-12-06--Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday

As Brexit talks go down to the wire , whether or not the UK manages to strike a trade deal with the EU dominated this week 's show , along with the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic .
Brexit talks are `` in a very difficult position '' after a `` setback '' in the last couple of days , the environment secretary has told Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
George Eustice said there had been hope of a breakthrough this week , but the European Union had `` added a whole load of additional demands '' .
Saying `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day or two whether it is an exercise that the EU is engaged in maybe to have one final try to get a few other things over the line '' , Mr Eustice suggested it could be a `` choreographed '' move - and said the UK would `` continue work on these negotiations until there is no point in doing so any further '' .
Talks are resuming today in Brussels in what has been described as a `` final throw of the dice '' , though Mr Eustice reiterated that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it came .
If the UK does leave the EU with no deal it faces an `` economic war '' with Europe and America , according to Gordon Brown .
The former prime minister and chancellor , last in power as the world grappled with the fallout of the 2008 financial crash , said the lack of a deal would `` cost us very dearly '' and `` food , drugs and everything else we would find it difficult to get into the country without tariffs and without holdups '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end up as the most isolated prime minister in peacetime history with no friends around the world because he has simply chosen a path of confrontation '' and said `` it is in Britain 's economic interests to get a deal and to get a deal now . ''
He gave the chancellor some free advice too , saying : `` I used to say when I was the chancellor there were only two kinds of chancellor : there were those who failed and there were those who got out just in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak , I would think that handing out all this money , his problems are really now beginning . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Brown said the chancellor had `` not provided for the recovery in the way it should be done and I think he faces huge problems in the future and that will decide his fate… I think he is making some mistakes now that he should rectify '' .
Despite the anticipated disruption at the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-deal Brexit , the environment secretary did promise that vaccines coming in from Europe would n't be affected .
Mr Eustice told the show `` huge amounts of work has gone on to maintain the flow of goods at the border '' and contingency plans for vaccine doses were ready `` including a government procured ferry that is on standby and of course , the option , should it be needed , to use air freight too '' .
A total of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech are on their way to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling out across the country .
While the environment secretary was n't very clear on how many vaccine doses were heading to the UK , others had a bit more information .
Saffron Cordery , deputy chief executive of NHS Providers , told the show that `` up to four million doses '' of vaccine were expected in the UK by the end of the month .
She told the programme the low temperature the vaccine needs to be kept at meant it `` can only be administered in hospitals but trusts up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the [ medical regulator ] to see if they can get them distributed more closely to care homes so that they can go into care homes and sort the vaccines for those residents '' .
4 ) 'Out of their depth' What links a former England footballer 's time managing Valencia and the government 's response to coronavirus ?
If you ask Gary Neville , it 's because both he and Boris Johnson were out of their depth in their respective situations .
`` I was spinning and I had to just jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was doing '' , Neville told Sophy about his torrid four months managing the Spanish club , adding `` that 's what I feel in the last eight months I 've seen in the leadership of this country '' .
Calling for `` a plan that surely works '' , he said the UK was `` none the wiser as to how our long-term looks , how our short-term looks , how our medium-term looks .
In Manchester we do n't know whether we 're coming out of a lockdown in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lockdown we do n't know if we 'll be going back in it again two weeks ' later . ''
But Neville 's criticism was bipartisan , with strong words for Labour after the party abstained from the latest vote on coronavirus restrictions .
`` You 're in that seat in Westminster , you 've to take a position , you do n't abstain , you take part in the match , you 're the opposition , '' he said , saying it was as if Labour had `` sat in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear run '' .
5 ) Neither for nor against The shadow home secretary was n't taking the criticism lying down though , saying `` we did n't sit in the stands at all , what we did is to act in the national interest '' .
Nick Thomas-Symonds said Labour `` accepted first of all that there should be restrictions , that 's why we did n't oppose them but at the same time there were still issues so for example , there was n't a comprehensive health and indeed economic strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a communications strategy , there was n't the strategy we need around test , trace and isolate '' .
Having defended Labour 's abstention on coronavirus regulations , Mr Thomas-Symonds signally failed to rule out a repetition on Brexit .
Despite predicting that no deal would be `` catastrophic '' , the shadow home secretary refused to say what Labour 's position would be - and that the party needed `` to see what has been agreed , I think that 's a sensible , responsible position to take but we very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the government `` absolutely need to get a deal '' and `` we all know what the consequences of no-deal would be for the country both in terms of jobs and livelihoods all across the United Kingdom but also in terms of that security partnership that we need '' .
It reflects a reported divide within Labour 's frontbench , as the party tries to avoid alienating Brexit voters while retaining its freedom to criticise the government for any failures .

As Brexit talks go down to the wire, whether or not the UK manages to strike a trade deal with the EU dominated this week's show, along with the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic.
1) A 'very difficult' position
Brexit talks are "in a very difficult position" after a "setback" in the last couple of days, the environment secretary has told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
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George Eustice said there had been hope of a breakthrough this week, but the European Union had "added a whole load of additional demands".
Saying "we will find out in the next day or two whether it is an exercise that the EU is engaged in maybe to have one final try to get a few other things over the line", Mr Eustice suggested it could be a "choreographed" move - and said the UK would "continue work on these negotiations until there is no point in doing so any further".
Talks are resuming today in Brussels in what has been described as a "final throw of the dice", though Mr Eustice reiterated that the government was prepared for a no-deal exit if it came.
2) 'Economic war'
If the UK does leave the EU with no deal it faces an "economic war" with Europe and America, according to Gordon Brown.
The former prime minister and chancellor, last in power as the world grappled with the fallout of the 2008 financial crash, said the lack of a deal would "cost us very dearly" and "food, drugs and everything else we would find it difficult to get into the country without tariffs and without holdups".
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He predicted that "Boris Johnson is going to end up as the most isolated prime minister in peacetime history with no friends around the world because he has simply chosen a path of confrontation" and said "it is in Britain's economic interests to get a deal and to get a deal now."
He gave the chancellor some free advice too, saying: "I used to say when I was the chancellor there were only two kinds of chancellor: there were those who failed and there were those who got out just in time, and if I was Rishi Sunak, I would think that handing out all this money, his problems are really now beginning."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Brown said the chancellor had "not provided for the recovery in the way it should be done and I think he faces huge problems in the future and that will decide his fate… I think he is making some mistakes now that he should rectify".
3) Vaccine contingencies
Despite the anticipated disruption at the UK's borders in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the environment secretary did promise that vaccines coming in from Europe wouldn't be affected.
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Mr Eustice told the show "huge amounts of work has gone on to maintain the flow of goods at the border" and contingency plans for vaccine doses were ready "including a government procured ferry that is on standby and of course, the option, should it be needed, to use air freight too".
A total of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech are on their way to the UK this week ahead of the vaccine rolling out across the country.
While the environment secretary wasn't very clear on how many vaccine doses were heading to the UK, others had a bit more information.
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Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told the show that "up to four million doses" of vaccine were expected in the UK by the end of the month.
She told the programme the low temperature the vaccine needs to be kept at meant it "can only be administered in hospitals but trusts up and down the country are working with the [medical regulator] to see if they can get them distributed more closely to care homes so that they can go into care homes and sort the vaccines for those residents".
4) 'Out of their depth'
What links a former England footballer's time managing Valencia and the government's response to coronavirus?
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If you ask Gary Neville, it's because both he and Boris Johnson were out of their depth in their respective situations.
"I was spinning and I had to just jump off the roundabout…I didn't know what I was doing", Neville told Sophy about his torrid four months managing the Spanish club, adding "that's what I feel in the last eight months I've seen in the leadership of this country".
Calling for "a plan that surely works", he said the UK was "none the wiser as to how our long-term looks, how our short-term looks, how our medium-term looks. In Manchester we don't know whether we're coming out of a lockdown in two weeks and if we come out of that lockdown we don't know if we'll be going back in it again two weeks' later."
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But Neville's criticism was bipartisan, with strong words for Labour after the party abstained from the latest vote on coronavirus restrictions.
"You're in that seat in Westminster, you've to take a position, you don't abstain, you take part in the match, you're the opposition," he said, saying it was as if Labour had "sat in the stand while the home team had a clear run".
5) Neither for nor against
The shadow home secretary wasn't taking the criticism lying down though, saying "we didn't sit in the stands at all, what we did is to act in the national interest".
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Nick Thomas-Symonds said Labour "accepted first of all that there should be restrictions, that's why we didn't oppose them but at the same time there were still issues so for example, there wasn't a comprehensive health and indeed economic strategy alongside the restrictions, there wasn't a communications strategy, there wasn't the strategy we need around test, trace and isolate".
Having defended Labour's abstention on coronavirus regulations, Mr Thomas-Symonds signally failed to rule out a repetition on Brexit.
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Despite predicting that no deal would be "catastrophic", the shadow home secretary refused to say what Labour's position would be - and that the party needed "to see what has been agreed, I think that's a sensible, responsible position to take but we very much hope there is a deal".
He said the government "absolutely need to get a deal" and "we all know what the consequences of no-deal would be for the country both in terms of jobs and livelihoods all across the United Kingdom but also in terms of that security partnership that we need".
It reflects a reported divide within Labour's frontbench, as the party tries to avoid alienating Brexit voters while retaining its freedom to criticise the government for any failures.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-07--PM and EU chief to hold second phone call in 48 hours as Brexit talks go down to the wire

Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will hold a telephone call this afternoon as Brexit trade talks go down to the wire .
The prime minister will speak with the EU chief at 4pm ( 5pm in Brussels ) to assess whether a post-Brexit trade agreement can still be reached .
It will be the pair 's second phone call within 48 hours , after they agreed on Saturday to make a `` further effort '' to reach a deal , despite months of deadlock on key issues .
Saturday 's phone call between Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of negotiations , which continued late into Sunday night .
However the EU 's chief negotiator , Michel Barnier , was said to have been `` very gloomy '' about the prospects of a deal when he spoke to the bloc 's national ambassadors on Monday morning .
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney told RTE news : `` Having heard from Michel Barnier this morning , really the news is very downbeat .
`` I would say he is very gloomy , and obviously very cautious about the ability to make progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` EU-UK negotiations have entered the endgame , time is running out quickly .
`` Despite intensive negotiations until late last night , the gaps on level playing field , governance and fisheries are still not bridged .
`` The outcome is still uncertain , it can still go both ways . ''
Meanwhile , an EU source told Sky News they were `` not expecting anything substantial yet '' although they predicted `` some more drama '' and said trade talks were `` moving in the right direction on fishing '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant differences remain on critical issues '' , including fisheries , which was still being negotiated by the UK 's team in Brussels .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` Our negotiations are ongoing but we remain committed to trying to reach a free trade agreement , and that is what our team is there trying to achieve today , but we are clearly in the final stages now . ''
The spokesman also said the UK government was `` prepared to negotiate for as long as we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still possible '' , after Mr Barnier reportedly told members of the European Parliament the deadline for talks succeeding is Wednesday .
The EU 's national leaders will gather for a summit in Brussels on Thursday , which will come just three weeks before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .
The pound fell by more than two cents against the US dollar on Monday morning to just over $ 1.32 as investors grew more anxious about the possibility of a no-deal outcome .
It was a sharp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week which saw sterling climb above $ 1.35 for the first time this year .
The timing of the prime minister 's call with Ms von der Leyen means it will likely come before the UK government plans to push ahead with controversial Brexit legislation that could allow the UK to break international law .
The Internal Market Bill , which has been condemned by critics both in Westminster and across European capitals , seeks to allow ministers to override the Withdrawal Agreement - the UK 's divorce deal with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has admitted the legislation could see the UK breach international law , but argue it is needed to protect the integrity of the UK and the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland .
However , in a sign progress could yet be made on Irish border issues , it was announced senior cabinet minister Michael Gove would meet with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Monday .
A UK government spokesman said the pair would meet to `` discuss issues related to their work as co-chairs of the Withdrawal Agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement Joint Committee oversees UK and EU implementation , application and interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement , including the Northern Ireland Protocol , '' they added .
`` The work of the Joint Committee is separate from the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations . ''
Mr Sefcovic posted on Twitter that the two sides would be `` working hard '' to make sure post-Brexit arrangements for the Irish border were `` fully operational '' on 1 January , after the end of the Brexit transition period .
It has been speculated that successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the conclusion of a UK-EU post-Brexit trade agreement , could see the UK government later drop the most contentious parts of the Internal Market Bill .
Last month , the House of Lords removed the most controversial clauses of the Internal Market Bill from the proposed legislation .
But Foreign Office minister James Cleverly told Sky News ' Kay Burley those clauses would be reintroduced to the bill when it returns to the House of Commons today , with MPs set to vote on whether to keep or scrap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It contains clauses that we may need to rely on and , if we do need to rely on them , better that they 're there , '' Mr Cleverly said .
`` It 's an insurance policy , like all insurance policies you 'd prefer not to have to use it .
But you would kick yourself if you need it and it is n't there . ''
Asked whether it was worth risking the EU 's anger by reintroducing the controversial legislation in full , Mr Cleverly replied : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our position and actually give an advantage to the EU negotiators .
`` And , in a negotiation like this , it is really key that both parties negotiate hard - I 'm sure the EU negotiators are negotiating hard , but so is David Frost ( the UK 's chief negotiator ) and our negotiating team .
`` We do it in a spirit of positivity , but we do want to get a deal that works for the UK , an agreement that works for the UK . ''
Without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of this month , the EU and UK are likely to have to trade on World Trade Organisation rules with tariffs imposed in both directions .

Brexit trade talks are going down to the wire with a phone call between Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this afternoon.
The prime minister was due to speak with the EU chief at 4pm (5pm in Brussels) to assess whether a post-Brexit trade agreement can still be reached.
According to reports, the call was "paused" after 90 minutes - but there has been no official confirmation from either side.
Meanwhile, the government offered a concession to the EU and said it would drop the most controversial parts of its Internal Market Bill - which could break international law - following "good progress" in talks over Irish border arrangements.
This afternoon's phone call between Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen is their second within 48 hours, after they agreed over the weekend to make a "further effort" to reach a deal, despite months of deadlock on key issues.
Saturday's call preceded another day of negotiations, which continued late into the night.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Internal Market Bill is an 'insurance policy'
However the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, was said to have been "very gloomy" about the prospects of a deal when he spoke to the bloc's national ambassadors on Monday morning.
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney told RTE news: "Having heard from Michel Barnier this morning, really the news is very downbeat.
"I would say he is very gloomy, and obviously very cautious about the ability to make progress today."
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One EU diplomat said: "EU-UK negotiations have entered the endgame, time is running out quickly.
"Despite intensive negotiations until late last night, the gaps on level playing field, governance and fisheries are still not bridged.
"The outcome is still uncertain, it can still go both ways."
Meanwhile, an EU source told Sky News they were "not expecting anything substantial yet" although they predicted "some more drama" and said trade talks were "moving in the right direction on fishing".
Image: There is less than a month until the end of the Brexit transition period
Downing Street said on Monday that "significant differences remain on critical issues", including fisheries, which was still being negotiated by the UK's team in Brussels.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "Our negotiations are ongoing but we remain committed to trying to reach a free trade agreement, and that is what our team is there trying to achieve today, but we are clearly in the final stages now."
The spokesman also said the UK government was "prepared to negotiate for as long as we have time available if we think an agreement is still possible", after Mr Barnier reportedly told members of the European Parliament the deadline for talks succeeding is Wednesday.
In a bid to soothe tensions, the UK government also confirmed it would "be prepared to remove" two parts of the Internal Market Bill.
The draft legislation has been condemned by critics both in Westminster and across European capitals for allowing ministers to override the Withdrawal Agreement - the UK's divorce deal with the EU that was agreed last year.
The government has admitted the legislation could see the UK breach international law, but argue it is needed to protect the integrity of the UK and the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 'Significant differences remain'
Senior cabinet minister Michael Gove met with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Monday.
Following their meeting, the UK government released a statement saying it could scrap the controversial parts related to state aid and export declarations.
The bill is being debated on on Monday in the Commons after the Lords took out the same sections, but the government is expected to successfully reinsert them - setting up a "ping pong" battle between the two Houses.
Foreign Office minister James Cleverly told Sky News' Kay Burley those clauses would be reintroduced to the bill when it returns to the House of Commons today, with MPs set to vote on whether to keep or scrap the Lords' amendments this evening.
"It contains clauses that we may need to rely on and, if we do need to rely on them, better that they're there," Mr Cleverly said.
"It's an insurance policy, like all insurance policies you'd prefer not to have to use it. But you would kick yourself if you need it and it isn't there."
Asked whether it was worth risking the EU's anger by reintroducing the controversial legislation in full, Mr Cleverly replied: "Not having that in place would weaken our position and actually give an advantage to the EU negotiators.
"And, in a negotiation like this, it is really key that both parties negotiate hard - I'm sure the EU negotiators are negotiating hard, but so is David Frost (the UK's chief negotiator) and our negotiating team.
"We do it in a spirit of positivity, but we do want to get a deal that works for the UK, an agreement that works for the UK."
The EU's national leaders will gather for a summit in Brussels on Thursday, which will come just three weeks before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.
The pound fell by more than two cents against the US dollar on Monday morning to just over $1.32 as investors grew more anxious about the possibility of a no-deal outcome.
It was a sharp reverse from market optimism over the talks last week which saw sterling climb above $1.35 for the first time this year.
Without a post-Brexit trade deal being agreed by the end of this month, the EU and UK are likely to have to trade on World Trade Organisation rules with tariffs imposed in both directions.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-07--COVID vaccine could be airlifted to UK if Brexit trade talks collapse

COVID-19 vaccines could be airlifted to the UK next year if Brexit trade talks collapse and cause delays at Channel crossings .
The government is hoping to receive millions of doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine by the end of the year , with the first vaccinations due to begin this week .
However , the NHS does n't expect to vaccinate the majority of people until next year .
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is produced in Belgium before being transported to the UK and distributed among hospitals .
Live COVID news as UK ready to roll out vaccine The Road Haulage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an EU-UK trade deal by the end of this month , when the Brexit transition period ends , could see `` significant disruption '' up to 12 months .
But Foreign Office minister James Cleverly told Sky News the government had plans to `` absolutely ensure '' the continued supply of coronavirus vaccines , even in the event of a no-deal outcome .
He told Kay Burley : `` We 've got extensive plans in place to ensure the protection of that vaccine supply .
`` As you can imagine , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to make sure that we will get that vaccine supply to the UK .
`` We have looked at use of non-commercial flights , we 've got border arrangements in place . ''
Mr Cleverly did not set out the details of the government 's border plans , but said that `` everyone understands the significance of vaccines '' .
He added : `` These are people 's lives at stake .
`` I have no doubt that the EU will help us to facilitate their travel , we 've got our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine supply . ''
Asked whether he was fully confident the EU would assist the UK in supplying COVID vaccines , even if trade talks ended acrimoniously , Mr Cleverly said : `` I do n't have that degree of cynicism towards the EU . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are due to speak on Monday evening , when they will assess whether a trade deal is still salvageable after months of deadlocked negotiations .
Without a trade deal being agreed by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to have to trade on World Trade Organisation rules with tariffs imposed in both directions .

COVID-19 vaccines could be airlifted to the UK next year if Brexit trade talks collapse and cause delays at Channel crossings.
The government is hoping to receive millions of doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine by the end of the year, with the first vaccinations due to begin this week.
However, the NHS doesn't expect to vaccinate the majority of people until next year.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is produced in Belgium before being transported to the UK and distributed among hospitals.
Live COVID news as UK ready to roll out vaccine
Image: The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is produced in Belgium
The Road Haulage Association has warned a failure to agree an EU-UK trade deal by the end of this month, when the Brexit transition period ends, could see "significant disruption" up to 12 months.
But Foreign Office minister James Cleverly told Sky News the government had plans to "absolutely ensure" the continued supply of coronavirus vaccines, even in the event of a no-deal outcome.
He told Kay Burley: "We've got extensive plans in place to ensure the protection of that vaccine supply.
"As you can imagine, that is the absolute priority product and we are committed to make sure that we will get that vaccine supply to the UK.
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"We have looked at use of non-commercial flights, we've got border arrangements in place."
Mr Cleverly did not set out the details of the government's border plans, but said that "everyone understands the significance of vaccines".
He added: "These are people's lives at stake.
"I have no doubt that the EU will help us to facilitate their travel, we've got our own independent transportation plans to ensure that vaccine supply."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Batches of COVID vaccine arrive at hospital
Asked whether he was fully confident the EU would assist the UK in supplying COVID vaccines, even if trade talks ended acrimoniously, Mr Cleverly said: "I don't have that degree of cynicism towards the EU."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are due to speak on Monday evening, when they will assess whether a trade deal is still salvageable after months of deadlocked negotiations.
Without a trade deal being agreed by the end of this month, the EU and UK are likely to have to trade on World Trade Organisation rules with tariffs imposed in both directions.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-07--Minister criticises Millwall fans, but says he would be 'uncomfortable' if action is taken over BLM

Minister criticises Millwall fans, but says he would be 'uncomfortable' if action is taken over BLM booing

A government minister has condemned Millwall fans who booed as players took the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement - but said he would be `` uncomfortable '' with action being taken against supporters .
The jeering happened at the start of Millwall 's match against Derby County on Saturday , when players made the gesture in what has now become a regular pre-game ritual in English football .
It was the first time Millwall fans had been able to attend a game at their south London stadium since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` dismayed and saddened '' by their fans ' behaviour .
And Foreign Office minister James Cleverly joined the criticism as he branded the booing `` wrong '' .
`` We all have our views over Black Lives Matter as an organisation , as an agenda , but - ultimately - the fight against racism , particularly the fight against racism in football , is really important , '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley .
`` Kick Racism Out of Football is a fantastic organisation , it 's been working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , many years .
`` I think it was wrong and the people who did it should just think a little bit about the message they send about what is our national game . ''
Mr Cleverly said he would be `` a bit uncomfortable '' with action being taken against those among the 2,000 Millwall supporters who booed .
`` But I think the message should be really , really clear - unacceptable , totally unnecessary , '' he added .
`` There are players on the pitch and more widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive message about their fight against racism .
`` And booing that , I think , is just wrong . ''
At the weekend , Environment Secretary George Eustice - when asked about the events at Millwall - described Black Lives Matter as a `` political movement that is different to what most of us believe in , which is standing up for racial equality '' .
Asked about his fellow minister 's comments , Mr Cleverly said that `` elements '' of Black Lives Matter are `` drifting towards the political sphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point that many , many people are trying to make , which is absolutely right , is the UK is a country that stands in opposition to racism , '' he said .
`` That is absolutely right .
I do think some people involved with the Black Lives Matter movement - particularly in the centre of it - have said and done things that I believe to be counterproductive .
`` But the broader agenda is obviously the right thing to do .
`` My mother is from West Africa , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK .
`` But , as I say , I sometimes think some of the words and actions are counterproductive to their desired aim . ''
Pressed on whether he agreed with Mr Eustice 's characterisation of Black Lives Matter as a `` political movement '' , Mr Cleverly added : `` Clearly some elements are drifting in that direction , which I think in some instances makes it harder for them to deliver what they 're saying they want to deliver . ''

A government minister has condemned Millwall fans who booed as players took the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement - but said he would be "uncomfortable" with action being taken against supporters.
The jeering happened at the start of Millwall's match against Derby County on Saturday, when players made the gesture in what has now become a regular pre-game ritual in English football.
It was the first time Millwall fans had been able to attend a game at their south London stadium since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis in March.
Image: Saturday's match was the first time Millwall fans had been able to attend a game at their south London stadium since February
The Championship club have said they were "dismayed and saddened" by their fans' behaviour.
And Foreign Office minister James Cleverly joined the criticism as he branded the booing "wrong".
"We all have our views over Black Lives Matter as an organisation, as an agenda, but - ultimately - the fight against racism, particularly the fight against racism in football, is really important," he told Sky News' Kay Burley.
"Kick Racism Out of Football is a fantastic organisation, it's been working on this for many, many, many, many years.
"I think it was wrong and the people who did it should just think a little bit about the message they send about what is our national game."
Mr Cleverly said he would be "a bit uncomfortable" with action being taken against those among the 2,000 Millwall supporters who booed.
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"But I think the message should be really, really clear - unacceptable, totally unnecessary," he added.
"There are players on the pitch and more widely doing something they believed strongly sent a positive message about their fight against racism.
"And booing that, I think, is just wrong."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 Eustice: 'BLM is actually a political movement'
At the weekend, Environment Secretary George Eustice - when asked about the events at Millwall - described Black Lives Matter as a "political movement that is different to what most of us believe in, which is standing up for racial equality".
Asked about his fellow minister's comments, Mr Cleverly said that "elements" of Black Lives Matter are "drifting towards the political sphere".
"I think the broader point that many, many people are trying to make, which is absolutely right, is the UK is a country that stands in opposition to racism," he said.
"That is absolutely right. I do think some people involved with the Black Lives Matter movement - particularly in the centre of it - have said and done things that I believe to be counterproductive.
"But the broader agenda is obviously the right thing to do.
"My mother is from West Africa, of course we want to see racism eradicated in the UK.
"But, as I say, I sometimes think some of the words and actions are counterproductive to their desired aim."
Pressed on whether he agreed with Mr Eustice's characterisation of Black Lives Matter as a "political movement", Mr Cleverly added: "Clearly some elements are drifting in that direction, which I think in some instances makes it harder for them to deliver what they're saying they want to deliver."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-07--Labour's shadow faith minister resigns over 'misjudged' same-sex marriage comments

A Labour MP has resigned as the party 's shadow faith minister following `` misjudged comments '' about same-sex marriages .
Janet Daby , the Lewisham East MP , quit her front bench role on Monday and issued an apology for her remarks .
It comes after she last week told journalists there `` needs to be something in place that respects people 's conscience and views of faith '' if they do n't wish to officiate at same-sex marriages .
Ms Daby had been asked on a Zoom briefing for the Religion Media Centre as to whether it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to hold same-sex wedding ceremonies .
`` This is to do with a person 's own conscience really around this , '' she replied during a Q & A .
`` It 's similar , probably , to a vote of conscience in parliament .
My own view around this would be that I 'd like to have some more information on it , obviously , I 'd like to have those conversations with people .
`` It 's almost similar , as well , to whether someone wishes to partake in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think nurses have a choice .
`` This is highly complex and controversial .
And what I think , is there needs to be something in place that respects people 's conscience and views of faith , as well as that protects people 's rights that want to ensure they can also be treated equally within their own rights as well .
`` I think that needs to happen . ''
In a Twitter post on Monday , Ms Daby said : `` I 'm proud to support same-sex marriages .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnerships , and all the progress we 've made since .
`` I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday , and have decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister . ''
A Labour Party spokesperson said : `` Janet Daby has today stood down from her role as a shadow minister .
We will appoint a replacement in due course . ''
Ms Daby 's office said : `` Janet 's comments were made in consideration of a person of faith asking the question , but do not reflect her views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage , and believes registrars should not be in the role if they do not want to conduct same-sex weddings . ''
Ms Daby was appointed the party 's shadow faith minister following the election of Sir Keir Starmer as Labour 's new leader in April .
She has been an MP since winning a by-election in her south London constituency in 2018 .

A Labour MP has resigned as the party's shadow faith minister following "misjudged comments" about same-sex marriages.
Janet Daby, the Lewisham East MP, quit her front bench role on Monday and issued an apology for her remarks.
It comes after she last week told journalists there "needs to be something in place that respects people's conscience and views of faith" if they don't wish to officiate at same-sex marriages.
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Ms Daby had been asked on a Zoom briefing for the Religion Media Centre as to whether it was appropriate for registrars to be sacked for refusing to hold same-sex wedding ceremonies.
"This is to do with a person's own conscience really around this," she replied during a Q&A.
"It's similar, probably, to a vote of conscience in parliament. My own view around this would be that I'd like to have some more information on it, obviously, I'd like to have those conversations with people.
"It's almost similar, as well, to whether someone wishes to partake in the medical process of an abortion - I think nurses have a choice.
"This is highly complex and controversial. And what I think, is there needs to be something in place that respects people's conscience and views of faith, as well as that protects people's rights that want to ensure they can also be treated equally within their own rights as well.
"I think that needs to happen."
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In a Twitter post on Monday, Ms Daby said: "I'm proud to support same-sex marriages. On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships, and all the progress we've made since.
"I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday, and have decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister."
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "Janet Daby has today stood down from her role as a shadow minister. We will appoint a replacement in due course."
Ms Daby's office said: "Janet's comments were made in consideration of a person of faith asking the question, but do not reflect her views - she is fully supportive of equal marriage, and believes registrars should not be in the role if they do not want to conduct same-sex weddings."
Ms Daby was appointed the party's shadow faith minister following the election of Sir Keir Starmer as Labour's new leader in April.
She has been an MP since winning a by-election in her south London constituency in 2018.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-07--Same-sex couples in civil partnerships can marry in Northern Ireland for the very first time

Same-sex couples in a civil partnership in Northern Ireland have been allowed to get married from this morning .
People in more than 1,300 same-sex civil partnerships will be able to tie the knot from Monday , after a lengthy campaign and a law change in Westminster during the extended shutdown at Stormont .
Gay marriage was one of the issues that prevented Stormont from reforming its power-sharing executive for several years - and in its absence , parliament pushed ministers to introduce the change .
The DUP , Northern Ireland 's largest party , is staunchly opposed to same-sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the institution should be between a man and a woman .
While same-sex couples were able to get married earlier in the year , the initial reforms excluded those already in a civil-partnership .
In October , Northern Ireland minister Robin Walker introduced the new regulations to parliament , allowing people in civil partnerships to get married retrospectively .
More than 30 same-sex couples are planning to get married this week , according to Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy .
Among them were Cara McCann and Amanda McGurk , part of the Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside Belfast City Hall on Monday morning .
Ms McCann said : `` We fought long and hard for the right to marry . ''
She added : `` We want to thank everyone who was part of this great movement for love and equality , and which has delivered this wonderful , positive change for our society .
`` It is just surreal that this day has come and we feel so much more equal and valued today once we received our marriage certificate .
`` Marriage is universal , everyone across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We grew up not saying , ' I can not wait to get a civil partnership ' , we grew up saying , ' I can not wait to get married ' . ''
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms McGurk said it was an `` absolutely wonderful '' occasion .
`` I do not think we ever thought this day was going to come in our time , '' she added .
`` We have been campaigning and hoping for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are delighted to be the first . ''

Same-sex couples in a civil partnership in Northern Ireland have been allowed to get married from this morning.
People in more than 1,300 same-sex civil partnerships will be able to tie the knot from Monday, after a lengthy campaign and a law change in Westminster during the extended shutdown at Stormont.
Gay marriage was one of the issues that prevented Stormont from reforming its power-sharing executive for several years - and in its absence, parliament pushed ministers to introduce the change.
Image: The pair are among more than 30 couples who will tie the knot this week
The DUP, Northern Ireland's largest party, is staunchly opposed to same-sex marriage on religious grounds and argues that the institution should be between a man and a woman.
While same-sex couples were able to get married earlier in the year, the initial reforms excluded those already in a civil-partnership.
In October, Northern Ireland minister Robin Walker introduced the new regulations to parliament, allowing people in civil partnerships to get married retrospectively.
More than 30 same-sex couples are planning to get married this week, according to Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy.
Among them were Cara McCann and Amanda McGurk, part of the Love Equality campaign, who celebrated their nuptials outside Belfast City Hall on Monday morning.
Image: Campaigners have been lobbying for marriage equality for years. File pic
Ms McCann said: "We fought long and hard for the right to marry."
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She added: "We want to thank everyone who was part of this great movement for love and equality, and which has delivered this wonderful, positive change for our society.
"It is just surreal that this day has come and we feel so much more equal and valued today once we received our marriage certificate.
"Marriage is universal, everyone across the globe knows what a marriage is.
"We grew up not saying, 'I cannot wait to get a civil partnership', we grew up saying, 'I cannot wait to get married'."
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Ms McGurk said it was an "absolutely wonderful" occasion.
"I do not think we ever thought this day was going to come in our time," she added.
"We have been campaigning and hoping for this day for many, many years and are delighted to be the first."