skynewspolitics--2020-12-12--EU offer 'remains unacceptable' as Brexit trade talks continue overnight

As negotiations on a UK-EU trade deal are set to continue overnight , a British government source has said that `` as things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable '' .
The chief negotiators ' meeting has now broken for the evening although other teams are continuing to negotiate at technical levels , according to a UK official .
Both sides now concede that a no-deal outcome is more likely than not when the talks end on Sunday , and Royal Navy gunboats have been readied to patrol UK waters to prevent illegal fishing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 January .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von de Leyen are expected to continue speaking tomorrow .
The government source said : `` Talks are continuing overnight , but as things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable .
`` The prime minister will leave no stone unturned in this process , but he is absolutely clear : any agreement must be fair and respect the fundamental position that the UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks ' time . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` irresponsible '' behaviour akin to an `` English nationalist '' after Royal Navy gunboats were readied to patrol UK waters to prevent illegal fishing in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
Reciprocal access to waters will end next year , although Brussels has called for the current terms to continue for 12 months - a request that appears to have been rejected .
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels are on standby to guard British waters from European trawlers if there is no new Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when transitional arrangements end .
Reports have suggested UK military helicopters will also be made available next year and that ministers are looking at boosting powers authorising the navy to board vessels and arrest fishermen .
France shrugged off the plans as an Elysee official told the Reuters news agency `` keep calm and carry on '' , quoting the British wartime slogan in response to London 's decision to assign the gunboats .
They declined to comment further .
Tobias Ellwood , Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee , expressed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navy , adding that the UK 's enemies would be `` laughing at us '' while the country squared up to a NATO ally .
Former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Patten , meanwhile , accused Mr Johnson of behaving like an `` English nationalist '' .
The decision to ready the navy - likely to be read as a warning in Brussels over fishing rights - comes after Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both warned of significant differences between London and Brussels in trade talks .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday night to take stock of the situation .
Former defence minister Mr Ellwood told Sky News : `` Here we are , these undignified reports suggesting that our overstretched navy is going to square up to our NATO ally over fishing vessel rights , at the same time beneath the surface of that water we have increased activity from Russian submarines and Russian drones .
`` Our adversaries must be laughing at us and we need to get back to the table , focus on what 's important in these last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that he feared for the UK 's future under Mr Johnson 's premiership .
The former Tory chairman and European commissioner said : `` While I hope for the best , I do fear for the worst because it is very , very difficult to see what the plan is , how we 're going to do so brilliantly when we 're out of this 'cage ' of Europe - which we of course helped to build because the main constructor of the single market was Margaret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chairman of the European Parliament 's Committee on Fisheries , called for a calming of the rhetoric following the reports .
He told Times Radio : `` Let 's keep cool .
Let 's keep calm .
`` I was just looking at a history book .
The creation of the French Royal Navy was done in 1294 in response to naval battles between French and English fishermen .
So this is a long , long history between our two nations .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker '' You 're saying it 's about fish but let 's think just a few seconds .
Do you really think it 's only about fish that navy ships are used and will be used ?
I do n't think so . ''
The trade talks remain deadlocked over fishing rights and the so-called level playing field , amid fears the UK would be tied to future EU standards .
Other Tories have called for tougher action , however , with Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski tweeting on Friday that naval forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters '' .
Admiral Lord West , a former chief of naval staff , also said he agreed with the Royal Navy being used to protect UK waters from foreign fishing vessels under no-deal .
Describing the practicalities , Lord West told Today : `` There are complications in that you can push vessels aside , you can cut their fishing tackle but boarding these foreign ships , they 'll need to pass probably a little thing through Parliament to give authority to board and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ der Leyen confirmed on Friday the two sides had `` not yet found the solutions to bridge our differences '' on fisheries .
She urged the government to `` understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets built on decades , and sometimes centuries , of access '' .
Mr Johnson said he was `` hopeful '' progress could be made .
Chief trade negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are set to talk throughout the weekend in Brussels .
Meanwhile , stretches of the M20 were closed overnight as a test is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a `` dress rehearsal '' for potential traffic problems after Brexit .
The scheme , known as Operation Brock , is to ease congestion in Kent if traffic is brought to a standstill due to disruption caused if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement and there is no longer frictionless trade .

As negotiations on a UK-EU trade deal continue with less than 24 hours to go, a British government source has said that "as things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable".
The chief negotiators' meeting ended on Saturday evening although other teams have been continuing to negotiate at technical levels, according to a UK official.
Both sides now concede that a no-deal outcome is more likely than not when the talks are due to end today, and Royal Navy gunboats have been readied to patrol UK waters to prevent illegal fishing in the event of a no-deal Brexit on 1 January.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to continue their discussions this morning.
The government source said talks had been "continuing overnight, but as things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable".
"The prime minister will leave no stone unturned in this process, but he is absolutely clear: any agreement must be fair and respect the fundamental position that the UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks' time," the source added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:36 Boris Johnson says a no-deal outcome 'looking very, very likely'.
It comes as Mr Johnson was accused of "irresponsible" behaviour akin to an "English nationalist" after Royal Navy gunboats were readied to patrol UK waters to prevent illegal fishing in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Reciprocal access to waters will end next year, although Brussels has called for the current terms to continue for 12 months - a request that appears to have been rejected.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels are on standby to guard British waters from European trawlers if there is no new Brexit agreement on fishing rights after 31 December when transitional arrangements end.
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Reports have suggested UK military helicopters will also be made available next year and that ministers are looking at boosting powers authorising the navy to board vessels and arrest fishermen.
France shrugged off the plans as an Elysee official told the Reuters news agency "keep calm and carry on", quoting the British wartime slogan in response to London's decision to assign the gunboats.
They declined to comment further.
Image: The Royal Navy has been put on standby to protect UK fishing grounds
Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, expressed his distaste at the threat to deploy the navy, adding that the UK's enemies would be "laughing at us" while the country squared up to a NATO ally.
Former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Patten, meanwhile, accused Mr Johnson of behaving like an "English nationalist".
The decision to ready the navy - likely to be read as a warning in Brussels over fishing rights - comes after Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen both warned of significant differences between London and Brussels in trade talks.
Mr Johnson chaired a meeting with senior UK officials on Friday night to take stock of the situation.
Former defence minister Mr Ellwood told Sky News: "Here we are, these undignified reports suggesting that our overstretched navy is going to square up to our NATO ally over fishing vessel rights, at the same time beneath the surface of that water we have increased activity from Russian submarines and Russian drones.
"Our adversaries must be laughing at us and we need to get back to the table, focus on what's important in these last 24-48 hours."
Image: Fishing rights are sticking point in the negotiations
Lord Patten told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he feared for the UK's future under Mr Johnson's premiership.
The former Tory chairman and European commissioner said: "While I hope for the best, I do fear for the worst because it is very, very difficult to see what the plan is, how we're going to do so brilliantly when we're out of this 'cage' of Europe - which we of course helped to build because the main constructor of the single market was Margaret Thatcher."
French MEP Pierre Karleskind, chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, called for a calming of the rhetoric following the reports.
He told Times Radio: "Let's keep cool. Let's keep calm.
"I was just looking at a history book. The creation of the French Royal Navy was done in 1294 in response to naval battles between French and English fishermen. So this is a long, long history between our two nations.
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"You're saying it's about fish but let's think just a few seconds. Do you really think it's only about fish that navy ships are used and will be used? I don't think so."
The trade talks remain deadlocked over fishing rights and the so-called level playing field, amid fears the UK would be tied to future EU standards.
Other Tories have called for tougher action, however, with Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski tweeting on Friday that naval forces should be deployed in the New Year "to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters".
Admiral Lord West, a former chief of naval staff, also said he agreed with the Royal Navy being used to protect UK waters from foreign fishing vessels under no-deal.
Image: Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the issue of fisheries
Describing the practicalities, Lord West told Today: "There are complications in that you can push vessels aside, you can cut their fishing tackle but boarding these foreign ships, they'll need to pass probably a little thing through Parliament to give authority to board and get on them."
Ms von der Leyen confirmed on Friday the two sides had "not yet found the solutions to bridge our differences" on fisheries.
She urged the government to "understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets built on decades, and sometimes centuries, of access".
Mr Johnson said he was "hopeful" progress could be made.
Chief trade negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are continuing to talk throughout the weekend in Brussels.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-12--'We've practised every single foreseeable scenario': Govt reveals details of no-deal planning

Details have been released of the government 's preparations for a no-deal Brexit , as last-ditch talks continue in Brussels .
It has emerged the government has spent £4bn on measures to limit disruption to trade and travel , including the introduction of new border requirements to allow goods to flow post-Brexit .
More than 900 extra border officers have been hired with around 1,100 more to be recruited by March , and more than 20 different telephone helplines are expected to provide advice to businesses .
The government said it had practised `` every single foreseeable scenario '' with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues a no-deal Brexit might throw up .
`` These plans work in real life - not just on paper , '' a government spokesperson said .
`` We 've run live exercises moving fresh produce and fish across the border , and scrambled naval vessels to respond to threats of illegal fishing in our soon-to-be sovereign waters .
`` We 've tested our traffic management plans and are confident that we have the tools to mitigate disruption and the queues at the border which will inevitably occur in the early weeks as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' It comes as Britain steps up its contingency planning for when it leaves the European Union on 31 December .
The Daily Operations Committee , known as XO and responsible for no-deal preparations , has met 200 times and is chaired by Michael Gove .
The XO is looking to increase public awareness about the changing rules that are set to come into force in little under three weeks ' time .
`` As with any major change , deal or no deal , there will be challenges and bumps to overcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There will be new rules for those travelling and traders , this would be the case with a free trade agreement - just as it would without one .
`` We 've chosen to stage the introduction of our new border requirements - but the EU has not .
`` That is why businesses need to be ready for the new requirements on January 1 no matter the outcome - or risk goods not passing through the borders and adding to queues . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker CBI director-general Tony Danker has called for `` grace periods '' to be agreed so businesses do not face a `` damaging cliff edge '' .
He said : `` Many businesses and many jobs are at stake in these negotiations , so we appeal to politicians on both sides of the Channel to find the path through this .
`` But with less than three weeks to go , we also need to plan in parallel for January 1 , deal or no deal .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data adequacy and financial services equivalence .
It also means allowing sensible grace periods for businesses to adapt to re-labelling of products and phasing in of border checks .
`` We need both sides to be deeply practical - and to remove the immediate threat of a damaging cliff-edge . ''
Meanwhile , talks between the UK and the EU are still hitting stumbling blocks , with both sides signalling a deal is looking unlikely .
The UK 's chief negotiator David Frost and the EU 's Michel Barnier are due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bid to reach an agreement and avoid a no-deal Brexit .
It is understood Boris Johnson and the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will also hold talks to avert a collapse of the process .

Details have been released of the government's preparations for a no-deal Brexit, as last-ditch talks continue in Brussels.
It has emerged the government has spent £4bn on measures to limit disruption to trade and travel, including the introduction of new border requirements to allow goods to flow post-Brexit.
More than 900 extra border officers have been hired with around 1,100 more to be recruited by March, and more than 20 different telephone helplines are expected to provide advice to businesses.
The government said it had practised "every single foreseeable scenario" with different ministers responsible for a variety of issues a no-deal Brexit might throw up.
"These plans work in real life - not just on paper," a government spokesperson said.
"We've run live exercises moving fresh produce and fish across the border, and scrambled naval vessels to respond to threats of illegal fishing in our soon-to-be sovereign waters.
"We've tested our traffic management plans and are confident that we have the tools to mitigate disruption and the queues at the border which will inevitably occur in the early weeks as traders adjust to the new requirements."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:54 'Britain should be very worried about no-deal'
It comes as Britain steps up its contingency planning for when it leaves the European Union on 31 December.
The Daily Operations Committee, known as XO and responsible for no-deal preparations, has met 200 times and is chaired by Michael Gove.
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The XO is looking to increase public awareness about the changing rules that are set to come into force in little under three weeks' time.
"As with any major change, deal or no deal, there will be challenges and bumps to overcome," said the government spokesman said.
"There will be new rules for those travelling and traders, this would be the case with a free trade agreement - just as it would without one.
"We've chosen to stage the introduction of our new border requirements - but the EU has not.
"That is why businesses need to be ready for the new requirements on January 1 no matter the outcome - or risk goods not passing through the borders and adding to queues."
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
CBI director-general Tony Danker has called for "grace periods" to be agreed so businesses do not face a "damaging cliff edge".
He said: "Many businesses and many jobs are at stake in these negotiations, so we appeal to politicians on both sides of the Channel to find the path through this.
"But with less than three weeks to go, we also need to plan in parallel for January 1, deal or no deal.
"That means everything from border systems and processes to data adequacy and financial services equivalence. It also means allowing sensible grace periods for businesses to adapt to re-labelling of products and phasing in of border checks.
"We need both sides to be deeply practical - and to remove the immediate threat of a damaging cliff-edge."
Meanwhile, talks between the UK and the EU are still hitting stumbling blocks, with both sides signalling a deal is looking unlikely.
The UK's chief negotiator David Frost and the EU's Michel Barnier are due to resume talks in Brussels on Sunday in a bid to reach an agreement and avoid a no-deal Brexit.
It is understood Boris Johnson and the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will also hold talks to avert a collapse of the process.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-12--'Keep calm and carry on': France shrugs off UK plan to deploy navy amid Brexit trade deal standoff

France has shrugged off plans by Britain to deploy Royal Navy ships to protect the country 's fishing rights in the case of a no-deal Brexit .
`` Keep calm and carry on , '' an Elysee official told Reuters on Saturday , quoting the British wartime slogan in response to London 's decision to assign four gunboats to prevent illegal fishing .
They declined to comment further .
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels are on standby to guard British waters from European trawlers if there is no new Brexit agreement on fishing rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson has been accused of `` irresponsible '' behaviour akin to an `` English nationalist '' after the Royal Navy gunboats were readied to patrol UK waters .
It comes as negotiations over a UK-EU trade deal are set to end on Sunday , with both sides conceding that a no-deal outcome is more likely than not .
Reports have suggested UK military helicopters will also be made available next year and that ministers are looking at boosting powers authorising the navy to board vessels and arrest fishermen .
Reciprocal access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Brussels has called for the current terms to continue for 12 months - a request that appears to have been rejected .
Tobias Ellwood , Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee , called the threat to deploy the navy `` irresponsible '' , adding that the UK 's enemies would be `` enjoying '' seeing Britain `` squaring up to a close NATO ally '' .
Former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Patten , meanwhile , accused Mr Johnson of behaving like an `` English nationalist '' .
The decision to ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a warning in Brussels over fishing rights - comes after Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both warned of significant differences between London and Brussels in trade talks .
Mr Johnson chaired a meeting with senior UK officials on Friday night to take stock of the situation .
Former defence minister Mr Ellwood told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I think these headlines are absolutely irresponsible .
We need to be focusing on what is already in the bag - 98 % of the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four outstanding issues .
`` Important though they are , let 's park those for the future .
Let 's get this deal because economically , but most importantly , international reputationally this would be so damaging to Britain - it would be a retrograde step , a failure of statecraft . ''
Lord Patten , also told Today he feared for the UK 's future under Mr Johnson 's premiership .
The former Tory chairman and European commissioner said : `` While I hope for the best , I do fear for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult to see what the plan is , how we 're going to do so brilliantly when we 're out of this 'cage ' of Europe - which we of course helped to build because the main constructor of the single market was Margaret Thatcher . ''
French MEP Pierre Karleskind , chairman of the European Parliament 's Committee on Fisheries , called for a calming of the rhetoric following the reports .
He told Times Radio : `` Let 's keep cool .
Let 's keep calm .
`` I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The creation of the French Royal Navy was done in 1294 in response to naval battles between French and English fishermen .
So this is a long , long history between our two nations .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' You 're saying it 's about fish but let 's think just a few seconds .
Do you really think it 's only about fish that navy ships are used and will be used ?
I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain deadlocked over fishing rights and the so-called level playing field , amid fears the UK would be tied to future EU standards .
Other Tories have called for tougher action , however , with Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski tweeting on Friday that naval forces should be deployed in the New Year `` to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters '' .
Admiral Lord West , a former chief of naval staff , also said he agreed with the Royal Navy being used to protect UK waters from foreign fishing vessels under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West told Today : `` There are complications in that you can push vessels aside , you can cut their fishing tackle but boarding these foreign ships , they 'll need to pass probably a little thing through parliament to give authority to board and get on them . ''
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Friday the two sides had `` not yet found the solutions to bridge our differences '' on fisheries .
She urged the government to `` understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets built on decades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson said he was `` hopeful '' progress could be made .
Chief trade negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are set to talk throughout the weekend in Brussels .
Meanwhile , stretches of the M20 were closed overnight as a test is carried out on the motorway as part of a `` dress rehearsal '' for potential traffic problems after Brexit .
The scheme , known as Operation Brock , is to ease congestion in Kent if traffic is brought to a standstill due to disruption caused if the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no longer frictionless trade .
Analysis : The UK is sending a message to Macron and Barnier By Rob Powell , political correspondent Separating the theatrics from the substance in the Brexit saga can often be a tough task .
Not today .
Last night 's confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that four navy ships are on standby to deter EU vessels in the event of no deal sounds alarming .
`` We 'll send in gunboats '' screams the front page of this morning 's Daily Mail .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these four 'offshore patrol vessels ' to safeguard UK waters .
`` Chasing naughty fishermen '' is how one former navy sailor describes their task .
So it 's no great surprise that they 'll be used in the New Year - whatever Brexit arrangement is reached .
But the fact this story has been confirmed by the Ministry of Defence and has found its way onto the front pages does tell us something .
Fishing is one of the few areas where the UK has a high degree of leverage over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be no deal , French fishing fleets that depend on UK waters to make a living will lose all access .
That could decimate coastal communities on the other side of the Channel and be politically toxic for French President Emmanuel Macron .
In cooking up this story , the UK is sending a message to him and Michel Barnier that it is serious about no deal .
Flexing muscles rather than revealing new facts .
As ever was the case in Brexit .

France has shrugged off plans by Britain to deploy Royal Navy ships to protect the country's fishing rights in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
"Keep calm and carry on," an Elysee official told Reuters on Saturday, quoting the British wartime slogan in response to London's decision to assign four gunboats to prevent illegal fishing. They declined to comment further.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels are on standby to guard British waters from European trawlers if there is no new Brexit agreement on fishing rights after 31 December when transitional arrangements end.
Boris Johnson has been accused of "irresponsible" behaviour akin to an "English nationalist" after the Royal Navy gunboats were readied to patrol UK waters.
It comes as negotiations over a UK-EU trade deal are set to end on Sunday, with both sides conceding that a no-deal outcome is more likely than not.
Reports have suggested UK military helicopters will also be made available next year and that ministers are looking at boosting powers authorising the navy to board vessels and arrest fishermen.
Reciprocal access to waters will end next year, although Brussels has called for the current terms to continue for 12 months - a request that appears to have been rejected.
Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, called the threat to deploy the navy "irresponsible", adding that the UK's enemies would be "enjoying" seeing Britain "squaring up to a close NATO ally".
Advertisement
Image: Fishing in UK waters remains a sticking point in the trade talks. File pic
Former Conservative cabinet minister Lord Patten, meanwhile, accused Mr Johnson of behaving like an "English nationalist".
The decision to ready the navy - likely to be read as a warning in Brussels over fishing rights - comes after Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both warned of significant differences between London and Brussels in trade talks.
Mr Johnson chaired a meeting with senior UK officials on Friday night to take stock of the situation.
Former defence minister Mr Ellwood told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think these headlines are absolutely irresponsible. We need to be focusing on what is already in the bag - 98% of the deal is there, there are three or four outstanding issues.
"Important though they are, let's park those for the future. Let's get this deal because economically, but most importantly, international reputationally this would be so damaging to Britain - it would be a retrograde step, a failure of statecraft."
Lord Patten, also told Today he feared for the UK's future under Mr Johnson's premiership.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 No-deal Brexit 'looking very, very likely'
The former Tory chairman and European commissioner said: "While I hope for the best, I do fear for the worst because it is very, very difficult to see what the plan is, how we're going to do so brilliantly when we're out of this 'cage' of Europe - which we of course helped to build because the main constructor of the single market was Margaret Thatcher."
French MEP Pierre Karleskind, chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, called for a calming of the rhetoric following the reports.
He told Times Radio: "Let's keep cool. Let's keep calm.
"I was just looking at a history book. The creation of the French Royal Navy was done in 1294 in response to naval battles between French and English fishermen. So this is a long, long history between our two nations.
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"You're saying it's about fish but let's think just a few seconds. Do you really think it's only about fish that navy ships are used and will be used? I don't think so."
The trade talks remain deadlocked over fishing rights and the so-called level playing field, amid fears the UK would be tied to future EU standards.
Other Tories have called for tougher action, however, with Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski tweeting on Friday that naval forces should be deployed in the New Year "to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters".
Admiral Lord West, a former chief of naval staff, also said he agreed with the Royal Navy being used to protect UK waters from foreign fishing vessels under no-deal.
Image: Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee. File pic
Describing the practicalities, Lord West told Today: "There are complications in that you can push vessels aside, you can cut their fishing tackle but boarding these foreign ships, they'll need to pass probably a little thing through parliament to give authority to board and get on them."
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Friday the two sides had "not yet found the solutions to bridge our differences" on fisheries.
She urged the government to "understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets built on decades, and sometimes centuries, of access".
Mr Johnson said he was "hopeful" progress could be made.
Chief trade negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are set to talk throughout the weekend in Brussels.
Image: A moveable barrier has been implemented on the M20 as part of Operation Brock
Meanwhile, stretches of the M20 were closed overnight as a test is carried out on the motorway as part of a "dress rehearsal" for potential traffic problems after Brexit.
The scheme, known as Operation Brock, is to ease congestion in Kent if traffic is brought to a standstill due to disruption caused if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement and there is no longer frictionless trade.
Analysis: The UK is sending a message to Macron and Barnier
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
Separating the theatrics from the substance in the Brexit saga can often be a tough task. Not today.
Last night's confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that four navy ships are on standby to deter EU vessels in the event of no deal sounds alarming.
"We'll send in gunboats" screams the front page of this morning's Daily Mail.
In reality, it's the job of these four 'offshore patrol vessels' to safeguard UK waters.
Image: Admiral Lord West, a former chief of naval staff. File pic
"Chasing naughty fishermen" is how one former navy sailor describes their task.
So it's no great surprise that they'll be used in the New Year - whatever Brexit arrangement is reached.
But the fact this story has been confirmed by the Ministry of Defence and has found its way onto the front pages does tell us something.
Fishing is one of the few areas where the UK has a high degree of leverage over the European Union.
If it is to be no deal, French fishing fleets that depend on UK waters to make a living will lose all access.
That could decimate coastal communities on the other side of the Channel and be politically toxic for French President Emmanuel Macron.
In cooking up this story, the UK is sending a message to him and Michel Barnier that it is serious about no deal.
Flexing muscles rather than revealing new facts.
As ever was the case in Brexit.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-13--Brexit talks to 'go the extra mile' and continue beyond deadline

Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and Brussels will continue into next week after negotiators were told to `` go the extra mile '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen released a brief joint statement following what they called a `` useful '' phone call on Sunday morning .
They said they `` discussed the major unresolved topics '' and that `` despite the exhaustion '' of many months of talks and multiple missed deadlines , it was `` responsible '' to keep trying to break the deadlock .
Mr Johnson later said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on some key issues ... but we 're going to keep talking to see what we can do '' .
He added no-deal remains the `` most likely '' outcome and that while it has `` advantages '' such as `` clarity and simplicity '' , `` it 's not where we wanted to get to '' .
Simon Coveney , Ireland 's foreign minister , said the two leaders ' joint declaration was `` a good signal '' .
He added it was `` time to hold our nerve and allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cautioning that a deal is `` clearly very difficult , but possible '' .
Mr Johnson this morning summoned cabinet ministers to update them , given both the UK and EU had said Sunday could be the make-or-break moment for talks .
A Labour spokesperson responded by saying the government `` promised the British people that they had an oven-ready deal and that they would get Brexit done '' and now `` needs to deliver on that promise , get us the deal and allow us to move on as a country '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday that Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen needed to break the `` logjam '' at a `` political level '' .
And Spain 's foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya warned no-deal would be `` extremely negative '' for all parties but `` more on the UK side '' .
There are now less than three weeks until the end of the transition period - the arrangements that came into force after Brexit happened on 31 January which have seen the UK continue to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to prepare for big changes to come into force from 1 January 2021 but have no idea on exactly what terms firms will be exporting and importing goods .
Tony Danker , head of the Confederation of British Industry , said the news that talks will continue `` gives hope '' but that `` ongoing delays are frustrating and cost businesses '' .
`` Government must move with even more determination to avoid the looming cliff edge of 1 January , '' he added .
The mere fact there is a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were able to hammer out a form of words , they were able to do a deal on what they should say immediately after that phone call .
Which is not something that could be said after Wednesday 's dinner for instance , when the UK gave a unilateral readout of what went on , or indeed when the UK put out a statement last night .
This would seem to point to optimism - and it 's significant they do n't seem to go into the specifics .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint statements , that the tone is much more positive and that the cabinet have now been briefed are all signs of positivity .
We 're not out of the woods , clearly there is a long way to go .
But we are a world away from where we were even just at 9 o'clock last night .

Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and Brussels will continue into next week after negotiators were told to "go the extra mile".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen released a brief joint statement following what they called a "useful" phone call on Sunday morning.
They said they "discussed the major unresolved topics" and that "despite the exhaustion" of many months of talks and multiple missed deadlines, it was "responsible" to keep trying to break the deadlock.
Image: The changes from 1 January 2021 will have big implications for businesses
Mr Johnson later said "we're still very far apart on some key issues... but we're going to keep talking to see what we can do".
He added no-deal remains the "most likely" outcome and that while it has "advantages" such as "clarity and simplicity", "it's not where we wanted to get to".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Negotiators 'to continue talks' over Brexit
Speaking to Sky News, the Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin remained optimistic.
"I do not understate the difficulties and the challenges that face both sets of negotiators," he said. "But in my view if there's a will there's a way, and I think it's very important that they do everything they can do to get a deal over the line."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Where there's a will there's a way' - Irish PM
Simon Coveney, Ireland's foreign minister, said Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen's joint declaration was "a good signal".
He added it was "time to hold our nerve and allow the negotiators to inch progress forward", cautioning that a deal is "clearly very difficult, but possible".
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Image: There are now less than three weeks until the end of the transition period
Mr Johnson this morning summoned cabinet ministers to update them, given both the UK and EU had said Sunday could be the make-or-break moment for talks.
A Labour spokesperson responded by saying the government "promised the British people that they had an oven-ready deal and that they would get Brexit done" and now "needs to deliver on that promise, get us the deal and allow us to move on as a country".
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday that Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen needed to break the "logjam" at a "political level".
And Spain's foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya warned no-deal would be "extremely negative" for all parties but "more on the UK side".
There are now less than three weeks until the end of the transition period - the arrangements that came into force after Brexit happened on 31 January which have seen the UK continue to follow most EU rules.
Businesses have been told to prepare for big changes to come into force from 1 January 2021 but have no idea on exactly what terms firms will be exporting and importing goods.
Tony Danker, head of the Confederation of British Industry, said the news that talks will continue "gives hope" but that "ongoing delays are frustrating and cost businesses".
"Government must move with even more determination to avoid the looming cliff edge of 1 January," he added.
Analysis from London: How significant is leaders' latest statement?
By Sam Coates, deputy political editor
The mere fact there is a joint statement is extremely important.
It suggests that they were able to hammer out a form of words, they were able to do a deal on what they should say immediately after that phone call.
Which is not something that could be said after Wednesday's dinner for instance, when the UK gave a unilateral readout of what went on, or indeed when the UK put out a statement last night.
This would seem to point to optimism - and it's significant they don't seem to go into the specifics.
I think the evolution that we're back to joint statements, that the tone is much more positive and that the cabinet have now been briefed are all signs of positivity.
We're not out of the woods, clearly there is a long way to go.
But we are a world away from where we were even just at 9 o'clock last night.
Analysis from Brussels: Another no-deal deadline avoided
By Michelle Clifford, Europe correspondent
Ursula von der Leyen was the first to speak after that phone call but she gave nothing away in terms of what had shifted.
What took the Commission president from saying no-deal looked most likely to "it's worth going the extra mile"?
Some optimism had filtered out overnight after another lengthy day of talks as negotiators drilled down on how to solve the problem of protecting the single market whilst giving the UK the right to set its own rules.
You might call it the fairness versus sovereignty dilemma.
Something must have shifted on a political level to provide the momentum to carry on talking but neither side was openly talking about what.
When Boris Johnson spoke, he once again offered to visit European capitals to try a get a deal done. A word with Macron? A chat with Merkel? The EU has already said no to that.
But the talking will go on in Brussels.
There's no certainty a deal will come at the end of it of it all. But another, yet another, deadline has passed with no-deal avoided.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-13--Police drop investigation into Tory MP arrested over rape accusation

Police have dropped their investigation into a Conservative MP who was arrested after a woman accused him of rape , sexual assault and coercive control .
The former minister , who is in his 50s , was arrested on 1 August and taken into custody at an east London police station before later being released on bail .
Sky News understands he was accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament .
The MP has always denied the allegations .
The Metropolitan Police had said they received allegations on 31 July of sexual offences and assault relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , including in Westminster , between July last year and January this year .
Last night , a police spokesman said : `` Following a thorough investigation , and based on all evidence made available to officers , the decision was taken that the case did not meet the evidential test and no further action will be taken . ''
The man has been made aware of the police decision , the force said .
A day after the MP 's arrest , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said that parliament `` needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young women to work in .
`` There has clearly been some very difficult allegations and cases in recent years , '' he told Times Radio .
`` We need to make sure , like any other workplace , it is one that 's fit for everybody , where everybody feels safe and comfortable working , and when allegations are raised they are treated with the seriousness they deserve . ''
The investigation came days after former Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke was convicted at Southwark Crown Court in a separate case of sexually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a parliamentary worker .

Police have dropped their investigation into a Conservative MP who was arrested after a woman accused him of rape, sexual assault and coercive control.
The former minister, who is in his 50s, was arrested on 1 August and taken into custody at an east London police station before later being released on bail.
Sky News understands he was accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament.
The MP has always denied the allegations.
The Metropolitan Police had said they received allegations on 31 July of sexual offences and assault relating to four separate incidents at addresses in London, including in Westminster, between July last year and January this year.
Last night, a police spokesman said: "Following a thorough investigation, and based on all evidence made available to officers, the decision was taken that the case did not meet the evidential test and no further action will be taken."
The man has been made aware of the police decision, the force said.
A day after the MP's arrest, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said that parliament "needs to be" a safe environment for young women to work in.
"There has clearly been some very difficult allegations and cases in recent years," he told Times Radio.
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"We need to make sure, like any other workplace, it is one that's fit for everybody, where everybody feels safe and comfortable working, and when allegations are raised they are treated with the seriousness they deserve."
The investigation came days after former Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke was convicted at Southwark Crown Court in a separate case of sexually assaulting two women, one of whom was a parliamentary worker.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-14--'Narrow path' to Brexit trade deal 'visible', EU diplomat says

An EU diplomat has told Sky News that there `` might now be a narrow path '' to a Brexit trade deal `` visible '' , but only `` if negotiators can clear the remaining hurdles in the next few days '' .
`` There has been some progress in the negotiations over the last few days , but sometimes substantial gaps still need to be bridged , '' they told Sky 's Europe Correspondent Adam Parsons .
A second EU diplomat told our correspondent that chief negotiator Michel Barnier was `` more upbeat '' than in his previous appraisal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be movement but a deal is still far from certain , '' they added .
Downing Street has described a no-deal Brexit as a `` possible '' outcome , signalling there had been an improvement in the chances of a deal since Boris Johnson said it was the `` most likely '' scenario on Sunday .
It comes after the two sides agreed to `` go the extra mile '' and continue discussions on a trade deal ahead of the end of the transition .
Mr Barnier earlier updated the bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the talks .
A senior EU diplomat , cited by the Reuters news agency , said Mr Barnier had told them there has been `` limited '' progress on agreeing an enforcement mechanism to settle future trade disputes .
But they said there were still differences on state aid and fisheries , with the two sides having moved further apart on the latter .
Mr Barnier was said to be `` guarded '' about the prospects of striking a trade deal before the end of the transition period on 31 December , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their main takeaway from the briefing was : `` Patient still alive ... but keep the undertaker on speed dial . ''
In a message on his Twitter account , the EU 's negotiator said `` it is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success '' and that the `` next few days '' were important if a deal was to be in place for 1 January .
Britain left the EU at the end of January and entered into an 11-month transition period , following EU rules and regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
The two teams have been attempting to thrash out an agreement ahead of that deadline , although negotiations have continued to remain stuck on a number of issues .
Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen released a joint statement following what they called a `` useful '' phone call on Sunday .
The pair said they `` discussed the major unresolved topics '' and that `` despite the exhaustion '' of many months of talks and multiple missed deadlines , it was `` responsible '' to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the latest on the talks , Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky News : `` The state of the negotiations is , as the prime minister said yesterday , is that we will continue discussing .
`` We are of course apart on certain matters , but as the PM said , we do n't want to walk away from these talks . ''
Mr Sharma added that any deal `` has to respect the fact that we are a sovereign country , an independent country and that 's the basis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a deal to be done '' .
Speaking on Monday , Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was somewhat `` hopeful '' of a deal .
`` I am hopeful but I do n't want to understate the very significant challenges that face both the UK and the EU side on this level playing field issue and the fisheries issue , '' he said .
`` They are significantly difficult issues and they have bedevilled the talks from the outset .
But the fact they have decided to continue the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do take some hope from that . ''
Speaking on Sunday , the PM said : `` We 're still very far apart on some key issues ... but we 're going to keep talking to see what we can do . ''
One his MPs , Sir Roger Gale , has said the PM should resign if he is not able to strike a trade deal with Brussels .
The veteran Conservative MP for North Thanet in Kent said Mr Johnson would have `` have failed the people of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street would be `` untenable '' .

Brexit trade talks "remain difficult" and "have not made significant progress in recent days", a UK government source has said.
The UK's chief negotiator, Lord Frost, and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, continued discussions on a post-Brexit trade deal on Monday in the hope of breaking months of deadlock.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen decided to scrap Sunday's deadline for a final decision on whether an agreement will be possible, in order for talks to resume.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Are we any nearer to a Brexit deal?
However, the UK government source delivered a downbeat verdict on the most recent discussions, which remain stuck on the issues of "level playing field" provisions and fisheries.
"Talks remain difficult and we have not made significant progress in recent days, despite efforts by the UK side to bring energy and ideas to the process," the source said.
"Like any sovereign country we must have the right to take our own decisions and to choose regulations that suit the UK.
"We can not sign up to dynamic alignment through the back door. The UK can not be locked into the EU's regulatory orbit.
"We have always been absolutely clear that the UK will have control over access to our waters and better deal for UK fishing communities.
"There is simply no truth to the idea that we have backtracked.
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"The innacurate briefings from the EU side in recent days have made a difficult discussion even more challenging in the short period of time we have left."
Image: The EU and UK have agreed to 'go the extra mile' and continue discussions on a trade deal
Earlier, an EU diplomat had told Sky News there "might now be a narrow path" to a Brexit trade deal "visible", but only "if negotiators can clear the remaining hurdles in the next few days".
"There has been some progress in the negotiations over the last few days, but sometimes substantial gaps still need to be bridged," they told Sky's Europe Correspondent Adam Parsons.
A second EU diplomat told our correspondent that Mr Barnier was "more upbeat" than in his previous appraisal of the Brexit talks.
"There seems to be movement but a deal is still far from certain," they added.
Downing Street has described a no-deal Brexit as a "possible" outcome, signalling there had been an improvement in the chances of a deal since Mr Johnson said it was the "most likely" scenario on Sunday.
It comes after the two sides agreed to "go the extra mile" and continue discussions on a trade deal ahead of the end of the transition period on 31 December.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Barnier says EU wants 'free and fair' competition
Mr Barnier earlier updated the bloc's ambassadors on the state of play in the talks.
A senior EU diplomat, cited by the Reuters news agency, said Mr Barnier had told them there has been "limited" progress on agreeing an enforcement mechanism to settle future trade disputes.
But they said there were still differences on state aid and fisheries, with the two sides having moved further apart on the latter.
Mr Barnier was said to be "guarded" about the prospects of striking a trade deal before the end of the transition period on 31 December, while an EU diplomat told Reuters that their main takeaway from the briefing was: "Patient still alive... but keep the undertaker on speed dial."
In a message on his Twitter account, the EU's negotiator said "it is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success" and that the "next few days" were important if a deal was to be in place for 1 January.
Britain left the EU at the end of January and entered into an 11-month transition period, following EU rules and regulations whilst trying to negotiate a free trade deal.
The two teams have been attempting to thrash out an agreement ahead of that deadline, although negotiations have continued to remain stuck on a number of issues.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 UK 'should still get ready to trade on WTO terms'
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen released a joint statement following what they called a "useful" phone call on Sunday.
The pair said they "discussed the major unresolved topics" and that "despite the exhaustion" of many months of talks and multiple missed deadlines, it was "responsible" to keep trying to break the deadlock.
Asked for the latest on the talks, Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky News: "The state of the negotiations is, as the prime minister said yesterday, is that we will continue discussing.
"We are of course apart on certain matters, but as the PM said, we don't want to walk away from these talks."
Mr Sharma added that any deal "has to respect the fact that we are a sovereign country, an independent country and that's the basis on which we will do a deal if there is a deal to be done".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Negotiators 'to continue talks' over Brexit
Speaking on Monday, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was somewhat "hopeful" of a deal.
"I am hopeful but I don't want to understate the very significant challenges that face both the UK and the EU side on this level playing field issue and the fisheries issue," he said.
"They are significantly difficult issues and they have bedevilled the talks from the outset. But the fact they have decided to continue the talks yesterday is a hopeful sign and I do take some hope from that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'No need to stockpile before Brexit'
Speaking on Sunday, the prime minister said: "We're still very far apart on some key issues... but we're going to keep talking to see what we can do."
One his MPs, Sir Roger Gale, has said Mr Johnson should resign if he is not able to strike a trade deal with Brussels.
The veteran Conservative MP for North Thanet in Kent said the prime minister would have "have failed the people of the United Kingdom" and his position in Downing Street would be "untenable".


skynewspolitics--2020-12-14--Decision over moving London into Tier 3 could be made today, mayor says

It is possible that a decision on moving London into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions could be made today , Sadiq Khan has told Sky News .
The government is due to review the allocation of COVID-19 tiers later this week , but the London mayor said the situation in the capital means a decision might be taken sooner .
A move into Tier 3 would mean pubs and restaurants in the capital being forced to close , apart from takeaway services .
`` My understanding is that COVID-O is meeting as we speak - that 's the sub-committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mr Khan said .
`` We will have to wait and see what the government decides - it 's a government decision , not my decision or London leaders ' decision . ''
Pressed if a decision could be made as early as today , Mr Khan said `` it 's possible '' because `` we have seen over the last few days a big increase in the virus '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to update MPs on the latest developments in the fight against coronavirus at around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street news conference later - follow it live here .
Ahead of that , the government held a briefing with the capital 's MPs .
One London MP said there was a `` lot of frustration '' , with no real answers to their questions .
It was the `` same gloomy outlook as last week 's meeting except all the data is even worse , almost back to the levels pre-lockdown '' .
They suggested that the message to people over Christmas would be `` do not mix if you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a move into Tier 3 would be `` catastrophic to our hospitality , to our culture and to retail '' .
He added : `` If the government decides to do that , they must provide additional support over and above what 's been offered to make sure these businesses do n't go bust .
`` If they go bust , not only will it lead to thousands of Londoners being made unemployed , but our ability to recover from this pandemic will be made much harder . ''
Amid rising COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has urged the government to consider asking London 's schools and colleges to close early and reopen later in January because of `` significant '' outbreaks among 10 to 19-year-olds .
In a letter to Boris Johnson , the mayor said `` urgent consideration must ... be given to closing secondary schools , sixth form and FE colleges a few days early and keeping them closed for longer after Christmas '' .
Mr Khan said online lessons should replace missed classes , with mass testing in schools to help detect outbreaks of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greenwich , south-east London , were asked to move to online learning from Tuesday .
Islington Council has also advised schools to move to online learning from the end of Tuesday and to continue with the arrangement until 11 January .
Meanwhile , Essex County Council has said nearly all secondary schools in Basildon have moved to full remote education .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But responding to the mayor , Downing Street has said schools are expected to stay open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've consistently said that not being in school has a detrimental impact on children 's learning as well as their own personal development and mental health , '' the PM 's spokesman said .
`` Which is why we expect all schools and colleges to remain open until the end of term on Thursday , as schools have remained open throughout the pandemic . ''
In his letter to the PM , Mr Khan said the seven-day case rate had increased in all 32 of London 's council areas compared with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas where the seven-day rate was above 200 cases per 100,000 people .

It is possible that a decision on moving London into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions could be made today, Sadiq Khan has told Sky News.
The government is due to review the allocation of COVID-19 tiers later this week, but the London mayor said the situation in the capital means a decision might be taken sooner.
A move into Tier 3 would mean pubs and restaurants in the capital being forced to close, apart from takeaway services.
"My understanding is that COVID-O is meeting as we speak - that's the sub-committee of the cabinet that makes the recommendations," Mr Khan said.
"We will have to wait and see what the government decides - it's a government decision, not my decision or London leaders' decision."
Pressed if a decision could be made as early as today, Mr Khan said "it's possible" because "we have seen over the last few days a big increase in the virus".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to update MPs on the latest developments in the fight against coronavirus at around 3.30pm.
He will also host a Downing Street news conference later - follow it live here.
Ahead of that, the government held a briefing with the capital's MPs.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Aerial footage shows Oxford Street filled with Xmas shoppers
One London MP said there was a "lot of frustration", with no real answers to their questions.
It was the "same gloomy outlook as last week's meeting except all the data is even worse, almost back to the levels pre-lockdown".
They suggested that the message to people over Christmas would be "do not mix if you don't need to".
Mr Khan said a move into Tier 3 would be "catastrophic to our hospitality, to our culture and to retail".
He added: "If the government decides to do that, they must provide additional support over and above what's been offered to make sure these businesses don't go bust.
"If they go bust, not only will it lead to thousands of Londoners being made unemployed, but our ability to recover from this pandemic will be made much harder."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Tier system review will be 'fair' says PM
Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the capital, Mr Khan has urged the government to consider asking London's schools and colleges to close early and reopen later in January because of "significant" outbreaks among 10 to 19-year-olds.
In a letter to Boris Johnson, the mayor said "urgent consideration must... be given to closing secondary schools, sixth form and FE colleges a few days early and keeping them closed for longer after Christmas".
Mr Khan said online lessons should replace missed classes, with mass testing in schools to help detect outbreaks of the virus.
The call came after schools in Greenwich, south-east London, were asked to move to online learning from Tuesday.
Islington Council has also advised schools to move to online learning from the end of Tuesday and to continue with the arrangement until 11 January.
Meanwhile, Essex County Council has said nearly all secondary schools in Basildon have moved to full remote education.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But responding to the mayor, Downing Street has said schools are expected to stay open until the end of term.
"We've consistently said that not being in school has a detrimental impact on children's learning as well as their own personal development and mental health," the PM's spokesman said.
"Which is why we expect all schools and colleges to remain open until the end of term on Thursday, as schools have remained open throughout the pandemic."
In his letter to the PM, Mr Khan said the seven-day case rate had increased in all 32 of London's council areas compared with the previous week.
There were also 17 areas where the seven-day rate was above 200 cases per 100,000 people.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-14--London and other parts of South East to move into Tier 3 after midnight tomorrow

London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will move into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday .
The move will see thousands of bars , pubs , cafes and restaurants close in the capital and surrounding areas after Tuesday night , except for takeaway , delivery and click and collect services .
The Tier 3 measures , announced to MPs by Health Secretary Matt Hancock , will come into force at 00.01am on Wednesday .
Along with Greater London , the south and west of Essex will soon be under the `` very high '' alert level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Tier 3 , which includes : Mr Hancock told the House of Commons that a `` new variant of coronavirus '' might be associated with the faster spread of infections in the South East .
But the health secretary stressed there was nothing yet to suggest the mutation was more likely to cause serious disease , or would fail to respond to a vaccine .
As well as the restrictions on hospitality , Tier 3 measures mean people must not meet socially indoors , in private gardens , or at most outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live with or are not in a support bubble with .
People living in Tier 3 areas should also avoid travelling outside their area and reduce the number of journeys they make wherever possible .
The heightened restrictions also mean fans will likely once again be banned from football stadiums and other sporting venues .
And theatres are also set to have to close their doors once more .
However , the `` rule of six '' will allow people from different households to continue meeting in small groups outdoors in parks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
Mr Hancock told MPs the last week had seen `` very sharp , exponential rises in the virus across London , Kent , parts of Essex and Hertfordshire '' .
The government is due to review the allocation of coronavirus tiers across the whole of England later this week .
But Mr Hancock told MPs he was acting ahead of the formal review date for London , Essex and Hertfordshire due to the sharp rise in infections and with hospitals `` already under pressure '' in those areas .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because when the virus is growing exponentially there is not a moment to spare , '' he said .
With the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine continuing to be rolled-out across the UK , the health secretary told MPs that `` help is on its way '' .
`` While we deploy the fruits of scientific endeavour to make the country safe , we must do what it takes to protect our loved ones and our NHS now , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` I know these steps are hard , but we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch . ''
The health secretary said affected businesses would be able to rely on government help through the furlough scheme and support for the self-employed .
He added the government had already begun to `` surge '' mobile testing into London , Essex and Kent , which is already in Tier 3 .
Responding to Mr Hancock , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said that `` none of us are surprised at the action he is taking today '' .
He also quizzed the health secretary on the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and avoid huge pressures on the NHS in January .
`` He was warned that Tier 2 would not be enough to contain the spread of the virus in many places , '' Mr Ashworth said .
`` Indeed , it looks like in some areas , such as Kent , Tier 3 is not enough to contain the spread either .
`` Elsewhere in the country , Tier 3 does appear to be forcing the virus to flatline .
`` Indeed , in the North West it is trending down .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster than the decreasing areas are falling .
`` As things stand , we are heading into the Christmas easing with diminishing headroom .
The buffer zone that the tiers were supposed to provide is getting much thinner . ''
In reply , Mr Hancock told people to be `` cautious and careful '' at Christmas , while he also suggested people should avoid travel into central London to do Christmas shopping from Wednesday .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker London mayor Sadiq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointing for our businesses who have suffered so much already this year '' .
`` But it 's clear that the virus is accelerating in the wrong direction once again across London and the lives of Londoners are at risk , '' he added .
`` It would be such a tragedy to lose even more people to this disease when the vaccine is now being rolled out across our city . ''
Mr Khan urged Londoners to abide by the Tier 3 rules in an effort to avoid `` yet another full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Confederation of British Industry warned that `` thousands of jobs and livelihoods could be at risk '' due to the government moving London into Tier 3 .

London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will move into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday.
The move will see thousands of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants close in the capital and surrounding areas after Tuesday night, except for takeaway, delivery and click-and-collect services.
The Tier 3 measures, announced to MPs by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, will come into force at 00.01am on Wednesday.
Along with Greater London, the south and west of Essex will soon be under the "very high" alert level.
This includes:
Basildon
Brentwood
Harlow
Epping Forest
Castle Point
Rochford
Maldon
Braintree
Chelmsford
Thurrock
Southend-on-Sea
The south of Hertfordshire will also move into Tier 3, which includes:
Broxbourne
Hertsmere
Watford
Three Rivers
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons that a "new variant of coronavirus" might be associated with the faster spread of infections in the South East.
But the health secretary stressed there was nothing yet to suggest the mutation was more likely to cause serious disease, or would fail to respond to a vaccine.
As well as the restrictions on hospitality, Tier 3 measures mean people must not meet socially indoors, in private gardens, or at most outdoors public venues with anyone they do not live with or are not in a support bubble with.
People living in Tier 3 areas should also avoid travelling outside their area and reduce the number of journeys they make wherever possible.
The heightened restrictions also mean fans will likely once again be banned from football stadiums and other sporting venues.
And theatres are also set to have to close their doors once more.
However, the "rule of six" will allow people from different households to continue meeting in small groups outdoors in parks, public gardens, playgrounds or outdoor sports facilities.
Image: A new variant of coronavirus might be linked to the spread of infections in the South East
Mr Hancock told MPs the last week had seen "very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire".
The government is due to review the allocation of coronavirus tiers across the whole of England later this week.
But Mr Hancock told MPs he was acting ahead of the formal review date for London, Essex and Hertfordshire due to the sharp rise in infections and with hospitals "already under pressure" in those areas.
"We must act now to shift the curve, because when the virus is growing exponentially there is not a moment to spare," he said.
With the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine continuing to be rolled-out across the UK, the health secretary told MPs that "help is on its way".
"While we deploy the fruits of scientific endeavour to make the country safe, we must do what it takes to protect our loved ones and our NHS now," Mr Hancock said.
"I know these steps are hard, but we must not waver as we enter the final stretch."
The health secretary said affected businesses would be able to rely on government help through the furlough scheme and support for the self-employed.
He added the government had already begun to "surge" mobile testing into London, Essex and Kent, which is already in Tier 3.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 'Vigilance' required over new COVID variant
Responding to Mr Hancock, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said that "none of us are surprised at the action he is taking today".
He also quizzed the health secretary on the government's plans to keep people safe through Christmas and avoid huge pressures on the NHS in January.
"He was warned that Tier 2 would not be enough to contain the spread of the virus in many places," Mr Ashworth said.
"Indeed, it looks like in some areas, such as Kent, Tier 3 is not enough to contain the spread either.
"Elsewhere in the country, Tier 3 does appear to be forcing the virus to flatline.
"Indeed, in the North West it is trending down. However, overall the increasing areas are rising faster than the decreasing areas are falling.
"As things stand, we are heading into the Christmas easing with diminishing headroom. The buffer zone that the tiers were supposed to provide is getting much thinner."
In reply, Mr Hancock told people to be "cautious and careful" at Christmas, while he also suggested people should avoid travel into central London to do Christmas shopping from Wednesday.
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London mayor Sadiq Khan said the news was "incredibly disappointing for our businesses who have suffered so much already this year".
"But it's clear that the virus is accelerating in the wrong direction once again across London and the lives of Londoners are at risk," he added.
"It would be such a tragedy to lose even more people to this disease when the vaccine is now being rolled out across our city."
Mr Khan urged Londoners to abide by the Tier 3 rules in an effort to avoid "yet another full lockdown" in the New Year.
The Confederation of British Industry warned that "thousands of jobs and livelihoods could be at risk" due to the government moving London into Tier 3.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-14--No sign of a rethink of Christmas COVID plans - but Hancock doesn't rule out further action

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested the government will not stop households from meeting up over Christmas despite rising COVID-19 infection rates in some parts of the country .
Speaking after he announced London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire are to be placed into the toughest coronavirus measures , Mr Hancock said the government did not rule out further action in a bid to suppress the virus .
`` We know from experience that the best thing to do in the face of this virus is to act fast , not to wait to see its growth continue - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , '' the health secretary told a Downing Street news conference .
Mr Hancock suggested people should refrain from too much social mixing now , ahead of seeing elderly relatives at Christmas .
But , quizzed repeatedly on whether the government would rethink its plans to allow up to three households to gather indoors over the festive period , the health secretary gave no hint of a coming U-turn and would only urge people to be `` careful and responsible '' .
`` Our message around Christmas is really clear , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why people want to see their loved ones , especially at this time of year , especially after this year - we all feel that .
`` But it also must be done in a way that is careful and responsible .
And I think people understand that too .
That 's why we 've taken the approach that we have .
`` But if you are planning to meet up with loved ones at Christmas , then being careful now two weeks ahead - and making sure you minimise the chance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on - is the right thing to do .
`` Actually , that 's the right thing to do all of the time . ''
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , admitted that the relaxation of COVID rules over Christmas would lead to a rise in infections .
`` All of this is about balancing the wider needs of society with the need to keep the virus under control , '' he said .
`` The relatively modest , actually , relaxation over Christmas will , undoubtedly , put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that ... but the feeling was this is a very important time for many families . ''
Prof Whitty urged people to use the relaxation of COVID rules over Christmas in a `` minimalist , responsible way '' in order to keep the number of cases down in early January , adding : `` The key thing is people have just got to be sensible . ''
Asked if Britons should be self-isolating between now and Christmas , if they were planning to see elderly relatives , Mr Hancock replied : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you want to see elderly relatives at Christmas , is to be extremely careful now about who you see . ''
Earlier on Monday , in the House of Commons , Mr Hancock came under pressure from some MPs to review the relaxation of coronavirus measures over Christmas .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood said he was concerned that `` letting down our guard for five days during Christmas could be very dangerous indeed '' , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` alarming numbers '' from the US following the Thanksgiving holiday .
Meanwhile , outside of the Commons , theatre star Elaine Paige - who is part of the cast of Pantoland at the London Palladium , which will now be forced to close - called for the government to `` cancel Christmas '' instead of shutting down hospitality in Tier 3 areas .
She tweeted : `` Theatres ARE safe .
[ Culture Secretary ] Oliver Dowden saw it for himself .
And yet tubes & flights still allowed ?
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response shows how desperate they are for 2hrs of escapism .
If its so terrible - cancel Christmas ! ''
Stephen Reicher , a professor of social psychology at the University of St Andrews , told Sky News that the planned relaxation of coronavirus restrictions for five days over Christmas `` was a mistake '' .
`` It 's encouraged many people who were n't previously planning to meet up , to meet up , '' he said .
`` We need to have very clear messaging which says that , 'yes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about whether it 's safe and whether it makes sense for you and your family to meet up ' .
`` You need to pivot from a concern with the rules , to thinking about the risks of what 's best to keep ourselves and our families safe . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested the government will not stop households from meeting up over Christmas despite rising COVID-19 infection rates in some parts of the country.
Speaking after he announced London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire are to be placed into the toughest coronavirus measures, Mr Hancock said the government did not rule out further action in a bid to suppress the virus.
"We know from experience that the best thing to do in the face of this virus is to act fast, not to wait to see its growth continue - and we do not rule out further action," the health secretary told a Downing Street news conference.
Mr Hancock suggested people should refrain from too much social mixing now, ahead of seeing elderly relatives at Christmas.
But, quizzed repeatedly on whether the government would rethink its plans to allow up to three households to gather indoors over the festive period, the health secretary gave no hint of a coming U-turn and would only urge people to be "careful and responsible".
"Our message around Christmas is really clear," Mr Hancock said.
"We understand why people want to see their loved ones, especially at this time of year, especially after this year - we all feel that.
"But it also must be done in a way that is careful and responsible. And I think people understand that too. That's why we've taken the approach that we have.
"But if you are planning to meet up with loved ones at Christmas, then being careful now two weeks ahead - and making sure you minimise the chance of both catching the disease and passing it on - is the right thing to do.
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"Actually, that's the right thing to do all of the time."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 No evidence new strain will affect vaccine
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, admitted that the relaxation of COVID rules over Christmas would lead to a rise in infections.
"All of this is about balancing the wider needs of society with the need to keep the virus under control," he said.
"The relatively modest, actually, relaxation over Christmas will, undoubtedly, put upward pressure on the virus.
"We know that... but the feeling was this is a very important time for many families."
Prof Whitty urged people to use the relaxation of COVID rules over Christmas in a "minimalist, responsible way" in order to keep the number of cases down in early January, adding: "The key thing is people have just got to be sensible."
Asked if Britons should be self-isolating between now and Christmas, if they were planning to see elderly relatives, Mr Hancock replied: "The best thing you can do, if you want to see elderly relatives at Christmas, is to be extremely careful now about who you see."
Earlier on Monday, in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock came under pressure from some MPs to review the relaxation of coronavirus measures over Christmas.
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
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood said he was concerned that "letting down our guard for five days during Christmas could be very dangerous indeed", while the Liberal Democrats' Munira Wilson highlighted the "alarming numbers" from the US following the Thanksgiving holiday.
Meanwhile, outside of the Commons, theatre star Elaine Paige - who is part of the cast of Pantoland at the London Palladium, which will now be forced to close - called for the government to "cancel Christmas" instead of shutting down hospitality in Tier 3 areas.
She tweeted: "Theatres ARE safe. [Culture Secretary] Oliver Dowden saw it for himself. And yet tubes & flights still allowed? These rules are illogical.
"The audience response shows how desperate they are for 2hrs of escapism. If its so terrible - cancel Christmas!"
Stephen Reicher, a professor of social psychology at the University of St Andrews, told Sky News that the planned relaxation of coronavirus restrictions for five days over Christmas "was a mistake".
"It's encouraged many people who weren't previously planning to meet up, to meet up," he said.
"We need to have very clear messaging which says that, 'yes you can meet up but you need to think about whether it's safe and whether it makes sense for you and your family to meet up'.
"You need to pivot from a concern with the rules, to thinking about the risks of what's best to keep ourselves and our families safe."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-14--Brexit talks 'remain difficult' with 'no significant progress in recent days' - UK source

Brexit trade talks `` remain difficult '' and `` have not made significant progress in recent days '' , a UK government source has said .
The UK 's chief negotiator , Lord Frost , and his EU counterpart , Michel Barnier , continued discussions on a post-Brexit trade deal on Monday in the hope of breaking months of deadlock .
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen decided to scrap Sunday 's deadline for a final decision on whether an agreement will be possible , in order for talks to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered a downbeat verdict on the most recent discussions , which remain stuck on the issues of `` level playing field '' provisions and fisheries .
`` Talks remain difficult and we have not made significant progress in recent days , despite efforts by the UK side to bring energy and ideas to the process , '' the source said .
`` Like any sovereign country we must have the right to take our own decisions and to choose regulations that suit the UK .
`` We can not sign up to dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK can not be locked into the EU 's regulatory orbit .
`` We have always been absolutely clear that the UK will have control over access to our waters and better deal for UK fishing communities .
`` There is simply no truth to the idea that we have backtracked .
`` The innacurate briefings from the EU side in recent days have made a difficult discussion even more challenging in the short period of time we have left . ''
Earlier , an EU diplomat had told Sky News there `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Brexit trade deal `` visible '' , but only `` if negotiators can clear the remaining hurdles in the next few days '' .
`` There has been some progress in the negotiations over the last few days , but sometimes substantial gaps still need to be bridged , '' they told Sky 's Europe Correspondent Adam Parsons .
A second EU diplomat told our correspondent that Mr Barnier was `` more upbeat '' than in his previous appraisal of the Brexit talks .
`` There seems to be movement but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' they added .
Downing Street has described a no-deal Brexit as a `` possible '' outcome , signalling there had been an improvement in the chances of a deal since Mr Johnson said it was the `` most likely '' scenario on Sunday .
It comes after the two sides agreed to `` go the extra mile '' and continue discussions on a trade deal ahead of the end of the transition period on 31 December .
Mr Barnier earlier updated the bloc 's ambassadors on the state of play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cited by the Reuters news agency , said Mr Barnier had told them there has been `` limited '' progress on agreeing an enforcement mechanism to settle future trade disputes .
But they said there were still differences on state aid and fisheries , with the two sides having moved further apart on the latter .
Mr Barnier was said to be `` guarded '' about the prospects of striking a trade deal before the end of the transition period on 31 December , while an EU diplomat told Reuters that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Patient still alive ... but keep the undertaker on speed dial . ''
In a message on his Twitter account , the EU 's negotiator said `` it is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success '' and that the `` next few days '' were important if a deal was to be in place for 1 January .
Britain left the EU at the end of January and entered into an 11-month transition period , following EU rules and regulations whilst trying to negotiate a free trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thrash out an agreement ahead of that deadline , although negotiations have continued to remain stuck on a number of issues .
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen released a joint statement following what they called a `` useful '' phone call on Sunday .
The pair said they `` discussed the major unresolved topics '' and that `` despite the exhaustion '' of many months of talks and multiple missed deadlines , it was `` responsible '' to keep trying to break the deadlock .
Asked for the latest on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News : `` The state of the negotiations is , as the prime minister said yesterday , is that we will continue discussing .
`` We are of course apart on certain matters , but as the PM said , we do n't want to walk away from these talks . ''
Mr Sharma added that any deal `` has to respect the fact that we are a sovereign country , an independent country and that 's the basis on which we will do a deal if there is a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was somewhat `` hopeful '' of a deal .
`` I am hopeful but I do n't want to understate the very significant challenges that face both the UK and the EU side on this level playing field issue and the fisheries issue , '' he said .
`` They are significantly difficult issues and they have bedevilled the talks from the outset .
But the fact they have decided to continue the talks yesterday is a hopeful sign and I do take some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , the prime minister said : `` We 're still very far apart on some key issues ... but we 're going to keep talking to see what we can do . ''
One his MPs , Sir Roger Gale , has said Mr Johnson should resign if he is not able to strike a trade deal with Brussels .
The veteran Conservative MP for North Thanet in Kent said the prime minister would have `` have failed the people of the United Kingdom '' and his position in Downing Street would @ @ @ @ @


skynewspolitics--2020-12-14--Why even the price of the English breakfast could be at stake in post-Brexit trade talks

In a vast warehouse in the Netherlands , workers are busy weighing , packing , and loading fruit and vegetables on to lorries ready for shipping to the UK .
ABC Logistics in Poeldijk , near The Hague , exports fresh produce to satisfy every palate - from locally-grown salad leaves to avocados , sweet potatoes , and melons brought in from across the world .
Driver Jeffrey Popma loads pallets of produce on to his vehicle for one of his regular forays across the Channel .
He 's been part of a slick operation for years , but fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cab of his vehicle , he tells me : `` The long waiting times , the queues that would be at the ports .
`` They are the main worries for the drivers .
The time that the crossing will take is the real concern . ''
They 've been planning for Brexit here for months , trying to anticipate what 's coming .
But manager Marcel van Bruggen says they 're working in the dark .
There 's only one certainty he says , deal or no deal , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise and will have to be picked up by the UK consumer .
`` Ultimately the UK citizen will pay the price , '' he says .
`` For example , I always like to give the example of the English breakfast .
You have about six to eight products on the plate - the tomato , the bacon , the sausage , and even the beans often come from Europe .
`` So they have to import it from other countries .
It will be more expensive .
The people are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lot of congestion of products and they are not going to get to the UK . ''
We drive for a little over an hour to the base of what is the Netherlands ' largest exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables to the UK .
At the family-run Scherpenhuizen company , we are shown the production line where blueberries are being sorted and packed for transit to Britain .
In the huge loading area , forklift trucks whizz around with pallets laden with vegetables , all destined for UK homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's leading supermarkets .
Chief operations officer Dick de Brouwer tells me delays at the ports are inevitable , whatever Brexit scenario emerges .
He worries two drivers may be needed for cross-Channel journeys , given limits on how long they can stay behind the wheel .
Even with a trade deal between the UK and the EU , he says extra paperwork and checks will be required .
But a no-deal would hit the shopper hardest .
He says : `` If there are going to be tariffs then the prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing .
And that 's going to increase the cost for the consumer and the customer .
`` On top of that is the documentation that needs to be done . ''
Brexit will have consequences , trade deal or not .
And the warning from the Netherlands is that many in the UK will feel it first in their shopping baskets .

In a vast warehouse in the Netherlands, workers are busy weighing, packing, and loading fruit and vegetables on to lorries ready for shipping to the UK.
ABC Logistics in Poeldijk, near The Hague, exports fresh produce to satisfy every palate - from locally-grown salad leaves to avocados, sweet potatoes, and melons brought in from across the world.
Driver Jeffrey Popma loads pallets of produce on to his vehicle for one of his regular forays across the Channel. He's been part of a slick operation for years, but fears things will change come January.
He predicts chaos.
Image: Family-run Scherpenhuizen company processes blueberries to be sent to the UK
From the cab of his vehicle, he tells me: "The long waiting times, the queues that would be at the ports.
"They are the main worries for the drivers. The time that the crossing will take is the real concern."
They've been planning for Brexit here for months, trying to anticipate what's coming.
But manager Marcel van Bruggen says they're working in the dark.
There's only one certainty he says, deal or no deal, and that is that the cost of produce will rise and will have to be picked up by the UK consumer.
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"Ultimately the UK citizen will pay the price," he says.
"For example, I always like to give the example of the English breakfast. You have about six to eight products on the plate - the tomato, the bacon, the sausage, and even the beans often come from Europe.
"So they have to import it from other countries. It will be more expensive. The people are not aware of what will happen when there is a lot of congestion of products and they are not going to get to the UK."
Image: Driver Jeffrey Popma from ABC Logistics in Poeldijk near The Hague
We drive for a little over an hour to the base of what is the Netherlands' largest exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables to the UK.
At the family-run Scherpenhuizen company, we are shown the production line where blueberries are being sorted and packed for transit to Britain.
In the huge loading area, forklift trucks whizz around with pallets laden with vegetables, all destined for UK homes and restaurants.
The company supplies to the UK's leading supermarkets.
Image: Dutch producers say there will be delays at the ports after Brexit
Chief operations officer Dick de Brouwer tells me delays at the ports are inevitable, whatever Brexit scenario emerges.
He worries two drivers may be needed for cross-Channel journeys, given limits on how long they can stay behind the wheel.
Even with a trade deal between the UK and the EU, he says extra paperwork and checks will be required.
But a no-deal would hit the shopper hardest.
He says: "If there are going to be tariffs then the prices will increase. That's for one thing. And that's going to increase the cost for the consumer and the customer.
"On top of that is the documentation that needs to be done."
Image: Scherpenhuize chief operations officer Dick de Brouwer
Brexit will have consequences, trade deal or not.
And the warning from the Netherlands is that many in the UK will feel it first in their shopping baskets.