skynewspolitics--2020-12-10--Plan to test schoolchildren in COVID-19 hotspots as GPs give vaccine next week

Mass testing will be rolled out for secondary school children in coronavirus hotspots across London , Essex and Kent , the health secretary has announced .
Matt Hancock said he was `` concerned '' the number of COVID-19 cases in those places was `` rising and in many areas already high '' , adding that `` by far the fastest rise '' is among 11 to 18-years-olds .
While infection rates in adults living there are `` broadly flat '' , he said `` we know from experience '' that a sharp rise in cases among young people `` can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elderly and vulnerable population .
`` We must not wait until the review '' next Wednesday when the tier restrictions system is looked at again , Mr Hancock said .
`` We need to take targeted action immediately . ''
There are fears London could be placed in the highest Tier 3 restrictions in the run up to Christmas , something which the city 's mayor Sadiq Khan said would be `` catastrophic '' for hospitality .
Mr Hancock explained mass testing will be available to all secondary school-age children in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as parts of Essex that border London and areas of Kent .
He did not specify the London boroughs or the areas of Essex and Kent where the mass testing would be rolled out .
But , according to London Assembly statistics for the week ending 5 December , the seven boroughs with the highest COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population were : '' We want to keep schools open , because that 's both right for education and public health , '' the health secretary added .
`` I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the testing .
It 's important that 11 to 18-year-olds get tested in these boroughs . ''
The government 's decision to keep England 's schools fully open in the final week of term has been questioned by education unions following a rise in infection rates among children in secondaries .
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said : `` We have to question why the plan is to mass test children and there is apparently no consideration of moving to remote learning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The number of infections in these areas is very similar to the situation in parts of Wales , where the government there has decided to move to remote learning in secondary schools and colleges from Monday . ''
Mr Khan welcomed COVID-19 testing for London schools , saying he had repeatedly asked for such a move .
He said : `` We have seen before how the virus moves from younger age groups to older groups and with the change in restrictions for Christmas approaching , it is vitally important that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they can self-isolate .
`` Nobody wants the capital to face Tier 3 restrictions , but with cases rising we face a tipping point .
That 's why it 's important that the government is providing this much-needed testing support and it is essential that Londoners continue to follow the rules to reduce the spread of the virus . ''
Mr Hancock also revealed that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is being administered in 73 hospitals .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The jab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgeries from next week and in care homes before Christmas , he promised .
It comes after another 20,964 coronavirus cases were recorded on Thursday - a rise of 4,386 compared with Wednesday 's figure .
It is the highest daily increase since mid-November - and brings the total number of infections during the pandemic to 1,787,783 .
Another 516 coronavirus-related deaths were also reported in the latest 24-hour period - a slight fall of 17 compared with the previous day .
A simple wake up call from the health secretary in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shifted attention from the actual virus .
Cases appear to be rising again , with a focus now on London and parts of the South East .
Mass testing for teenagers will be the immediate response .
An eventual move to Tier 3 now also seems inevitable .
That will be a blow for bars and restaurants keen to cash in on pre-Christmas trade .
But combine the increasing case rate with the Christmas amnesty on restrictions , and you have a potentially catastrophic cocktail .
The risk is that Londoners travelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reprieve take the virus with them , exporting it around the country .
Or as the Chief Medical Officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said : `` If people go too far in the Christmas period , then it 's going to be a period of risk everywhere . ''
Put that alongside the seasonal nature of coronaviruses , the usual NHS winter pressures and a possible no-deal Brexit , and January starts to look increasingly daunting .
Our gaze may have shifted from COVID-19 this week .
It still has its sights @ @ @ @ @

Mass testing will be rolled out for secondary school children in coronavirus hotspots across London, Essex and Kent, the health secretary has announced.
Matt Hancock said he was "concerned" the number of COVID-19 cases in those places was "rising and in many areas already high", adding that "by far the fastest rise" is among 11 to 18-years-olds.
While infection rates in adults living there are "broadly flat", he said "we know from experience" that a sharp rise in cases among young people "can lead to" the virus spreading into the elderly and vulnerable population.
Image: Many children are set to be tested for coronavirus in London, Kent and Essex
"We must not wait until the review" next Wednesday when the tier restrictions system is looked at again, Mr Hancock said.
"We need to take targeted action immediately."
There are fears London could be placed in the highest Tier 3 restrictions in the run up to Christmas, something which the city's mayor Sadiq Khan said would be "catastrophic" for hospitality.
Mr Hancock explained mass testing will be available to all secondary school-age children in the seven worst-affected boroughs in the capital, as well as parts of Essex that border London and areas of Kent.
He did not specify the London boroughs or the areas of Essex and Kent where the mass testing would be rolled out.
But, according to London Assembly statistics for the week ending 5 December, the seven boroughs with the highest COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population were:
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Havering - 380
Waltham Forest - 322
Barking and Dagenham - 315
Redbridge - 300
Newham - 266
Bexley - 261
Tower Hamlets - 242
"We want to keep schools open, because that's both right for education and public health," the health secretary added.
"I want to urge all those involved to step forward for the testing. It's important that 11 to 18-year-olds get tested in these boroughs."
The government's decision to keep England's schools fully open in the final week of term has been questioned by education unions following a rise in infection rates among children in secondaries.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "We have to question why the plan is to mass test children and there is apparently no consideration of moving to remote learning for the last week of term.
"The number of infections in these areas is very similar to the situation in parts of Wales, where the government there has decided to move to remote learning in secondary schools and colleges from Monday."
Mr Khan welcomed COVID-19 testing for London schools, saying he had repeatedly asked for such a move.
He said: "We have seen before how the virus moves from younger age groups to older groups and with the change in restrictions for Christmas approaching, it is vitally important that we are able to identify who has the virus so they can self-isolate.
"Nobody wants the capital to face Tier 3 restrictions, but with cases rising we face a tipping point. That's why it's important that the government is providing this much-needed testing support and it is essential that Londoners continue to follow the rules to reduce the spread of the virus."
Mr Hancock also revealed that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is being administered in 73 hospitals.
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
The jab will be available in some GPs' surgeries from next week and in care homes before Christmas, he promised.
It comes after another 20,964 coronavirus cases were recorded on Thursday - a rise of 4,386 compared with Wednesday's figure.
It is the highest daily increase since mid-November - and brings the total number of infections during the pandemic to 1,787,783.
Another 516 coronavirus-related deaths were also reported in the latest 24-hour period - a slight fall of 17 compared with the previous day.
ANALYSIS: 'Don't blow it'
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
A simple wake up call from the health secretary in a week where Brexit and the vaccination rollout has shifted attention from the actual virus.
Cases appear to be rising again, with a focus now on London and parts of the South East. Mass testing for teenagers will be the immediate response.
An eventual move to Tier 3 now also seems inevitable.
That will be a blow for bars and restaurants keen to cash in on pre-Christmas trade.
But combine the increasing case rate with the Christmas amnesty on restrictions, and you have a potentially catastrophic cocktail.
The risk is that Londoners travelling out of the capital for the festive reprieve take the virus with them, exporting it around the country.
Or as the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "If people go too far in the Christmas period, then it's going to be a period of risk everywhere."
Put that alongside the seasonal nature of coronaviruses, the usual NHS winter pressures and a possible no-deal Brexit, and January starts to look increasingly daunting.
Our gaze may have shifted from COVID-19 this week.
It still has its sights set firmly on us.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-10--Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson 'stepping away' from role following arrest

The mayor of Liverpool has announced he will be `` stepping away '' after he was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation and bribery .
Joe Anderson said in a statement he would be `` stepping away from decision-making within the council through a period of unpaid leave until the police make clear their intentions with the investigation '' later this month .
Mr Anderson , 62 , was arrested on 4 December alongside four other men as part of an investigation into planning developments in the city .
All five have been released pending further inquiries , with Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on co-operating with the police '' as he believes `` time will make clear I have no case to answer '' .
His statement said : `` I have always done what I believe is best for the city , and I am taking the following action with those best intentions in mind .
`` It is important that everyone in Liverpool knows that our leaders are focused on what is most important to the people ; their livelihoods and , with a pandemic still in force , their lives .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important that the city , and government , are reassured that our city is indeed operating in the correct way . ''
Deputy mayor Wendy Simon will replace him , he added .
Mr Anderson described his arrest as a `` painful shock for me and my family , following a difficult few months '' .
The directly-elected mayor had already been temporarily suspended from the Labour Party .
He said he would ensure the city 's approach to the coronavirus pandemic is consistent in his absence after it successfully managed to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
It was the first part of England to be placed under the toughest COVID-19 restrictions , but after getting infection rates down , was used as a trial location for mass testing .
Mr Anderson 's brother Bill died of the virus aged 70 in October .

The mayor of Liverpool has announced he will be "stepping away" after he was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation and bribery.
Joe Anderson said in a statement he would be "stepping away from decision-making within the council through a period of unpaid leave until the police make clear their intentions with the investigation" later this month.
Mr Anderson, 62, was arrested on 4 December alongside four other men as part of an investigation into planning developments in the city.
All five have been released pending further inquiries, with Mr Anderson saying he wants to "focus on co-operating with the police" as he believes "time will make clear I have no case to answer".
His statement said: "I have always done what I believe is best for the city, and I am taking the following action with those best intentions in mind.
Image: Liverpool was the first part of the UK to be put into Tier 3, but managed to get infection rates down
"It is important that everyone in Liverpool knows that our leaders are focused on what is most important to the people; their livelihoods and, with a pandemic still in force, their lives.
"For this reason, I believe it is important that the city, and government, are reassured that our city is indeed operating in the correct way."
Deputy mayor Wendy Simon will replace him, he added.
Mr Anderson described his arrest as a "painful shock for me and my family, following a difficult few months".
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The directly-elected mayor had already been temporarily suspended from the Labour Party.
He said he would ensure the city's approach to the coronavirus pandemic is consistent in his absence after it successfully managed to move down from Tier 3 to Tier 2 last month.
It was the first part of England to be placed under the toughest COVID-19 restrictions, but after getting infection rates down, was used as a trial location for mass testing.
Mr Anderson's brother Bill died of the virus aged 70 in October.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-10--Expired PPE stock covered with new dates and insects, MPs told

Some Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) supplied to hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic had expired , a committee of MPs has heard .
Speaking at a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee , medical representatives from the Royal College of Nursing and the British Medical Association described how some stock had been rebranded with new use-by date stickers that gave a different expiry date to the one they saw underneath .
Dr Emily McWhirter , a retired nurse from the RCN , told the committee that expiry dates on stock she received at her hospital had lapsed and new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
`` We did receive some supplies that came from some early stock and the expiry dates were covered over with new dates , even though they had already expired .
They put the new date on and said it was still safe . ''
Dr McWhirter described the danger it posed to her profession : `` As a leader in an organisation giving and using expired equipment is tantamount to a significant risk .
`` It is an error for nurses .
It really undermined the safety we try to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr McWhirter said some early stock was also of poor quality : `` We received some stock where the elastics on the masks were just rotten , they just broke , you could n't use them , they did n't create any sort of seal . ''
She added that in one instance , she opened a box of gowns and a `` load of insects came out '' .
It led to her feeling as though she could not promise to her staff that the equipment was safe .
With some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` created another layer of complexity for staff to try and understand why they should be using out of date products '' .
Gasps could be heard from those present at the committee meeting .
There was no guidance to reassure staff , Dr McWhirter said .
The hospital she worked at said they tried not to use that stock where possible .
The committee has launched an inquiry into the government procurement and the contracts for PPE .
Public Health England has been approached for comment .

Some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplied to hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic had expired, a committee of MPs has heard.
Speaking at a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee, medical representatives from the Royal College of Nursing and the British Medical Association described how some stock had been rebranded with new use-by date stickers that gave a different expiry date to the one they saw underneath.
Dr Emily McWhirter, a retired nurse from the RCN, told the committee that expiry dates on stock she received at her hospital had lapsed and new dates were stuck over them to replace them.
Image: The committee heard expiry dates on stock had new dates stuck over the old ones
"We did receive some supplies that came from some early stock and the expiry dates were covered over with new dates, even though they had already expired. They put the new date on and said it was still safe."
Dr McWhirter described the danger it posed to her profession: "As a leader in an organisation giving and using expired equipment is tantamount to a significant risk.
"It is an error for nurses. It really undermined the safety we try to promote."
As well as expired stock, Dr McWhirter said some early stock was also of poor quality: "We received some stock where the elastics on the masks were just rotten, they just broke, you couldn't use them, they didn't create any sort of seal."
She added that in one instance, she opened a box of gowns and a "load of insects came out".
It led to her feeling as though she could not promise to her staff that the equipment was safe.
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Image: Some of the PPE received was 'rotten', 'broke' and covered in insects
With some of the stock being poor quality it "created another layer of complexity for staff to try and understand why they should be using out of date products".
Gasps could be heard from those present at the committee meeting.
There was no guidance to reassure staff, Dr McWhirter said.
Image: An inquiry into government procurement and the PPE contracts is under way
The hospital she worked at said they tried not to use that stock where possible.
The committee has launched an inquiry into the government procurement and the contracts for PPE.
Public Health England has been approached for comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--PM: No-deal outcome from Brexit trade talks 'looking very, very likely'

Boris Johnson has said a no-deal outcome from Brexit trade talks is `` looking very , very likely '' ahead of Sunday 's deadline for a decision on the negotiations .
The prime minister , speaking on a visit to Blyth in Northumberland on Friday , suggested a breakthrough in the deadlocked talks would need a `` big offer , a big change '' from the EU , but that he had `` yet to see it '' .
Mr Johnson outlined a Brussels demand for a `` kind of ratchet clause '' on so-called level playing field provisions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights , as the two roadblocks to a post-Brexit trade deal being agreed .
`` It is looking very , very likely that we will have to go for a solution that I think would be wonderful for the UK , and we 'd be able to do exactly what we want from 1 January , '' the prime minister said .
`` It obviously would be different from what we 'd set out to achieve but I have no doubt this country can get ready and , as I say , come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Falling back on World Trade Organisation terms for the UK 's future relationship with the EU would likely mean the imposition of trade tariffs in both directions .
Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have set Sunday as a deadline for deciding whether a post-Brexit free trade agreement - aimed at eliminating tariffs - will be possible .
Earlier on Friday , Ms von der Leyen said the UK and EU `` remain apart on fundamental issues '' following a two-day summit of EU leaders in Brussels .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken for less than 10 minutes about the deadlocked negotiations as she addressed EU leaders at their gathering in the Belgian capital , with the summit 's focus mainly on other matters .
One EU official revealed she had told the bloc 's 27 leaders that `` the probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal '' , it was reported by the Reuters news agency .
The pound came under pressure and UK banking stocks sold off in volatile trading on Friday as fears of a no-deal outcome intensified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just above $ 1.31 against the US dollar - a four-week low .
And it was down by more than a cent versus the euro at a little above €1.08 , its lowest level for nearly three months .
Speaking at a post-summit news conference , Ms von der Leyen said that `` positions remain apart on fundamental issues '' .
On level playing field commitments , the EU chief said the bloc 's negotiators had `` repeatedly made clear to our UK partners that the principle of fair competition is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market '' .
Mr Johnson has accused the EU - under the terms of a trade deal - of wanting the `` automatic right '' to punish the UK in the future , perhaps with tariffs , if it does not comply with new EU laws .
Ms von der Leyen said the UK would `` remain free , sovereign if you wish , to decide what they want to do '' .
But she added the EU would `` simply adapt the conditions for access to our market accordingly to the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply vice versa '' .
The European Commission president said the EU and UK had also not yet `` found the solutions to bridge our differences '' on post-Brexit fishing rights .
`` We understand that the UK aspires to control its waters , '' she added .
`` The UK must , on the other hand , understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets - built on decades and sometimes centuries of access . ''
Reiterating that there are now just two days for UK and EU officials to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these and other points , our negotiators are working .
`` We will decide on Sunday whether we have the conditions for an agreement or not . ''
With the Brexit transition period due to end on 31 December , Ms von der Leyen told the news conference : `` One way or the other , in less than three weeks , it will be new beginnings for old friends . ''
Downing Street did not deny that Mr Johnson was rebuffed in his request for calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade talks .
But Number 10 rejected suggestions that Ms von der Leyen 's comments on the UK remaining `` sovereign '' on level-playing field matters represented a new approach from the EU .
`` I would say there is n't anything new here , '' a Downing Street spokesman said .
`` Because they still say they would adapt the conditions they place on us for access .
And our position on sovereignty remains unchanged . ''
Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered a series of short-term mini-deals in the event of a no-deal outcome from trade negotiations , with the aim to keep planes flying , lorries moving and allow fishing boats to carry on working .
However , this risked provoking a fresh fishing row with Britain over the proposal for a year-long period for EU fishing boats to continue working in UK waters , on a reciprocal basis .
Asked in Brussels on Friday whether this was akin to `` having your cake and eating it '' , Mr Macron replied : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my cake and eat it , no .
`` All I want is a cake that 's worth its weight .
Because I wo n't give up my share of it either . ''

Boris Johnson has chaired a meeting of senior officials to discuss post-December 31 readiness, after warning that a no-deal Brexit is "looking very, very likely".
Downing Street confirmed the meeting was held to take stock of no-deal plans, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove present.
It followed the prime minister's visit to Blyth in Northumberland where he warned a breakthrough in the deadlocked talks would need to be a "big offer, a big change" before Sunday's deadline for a decision.
He added that he had "yet to see it".
Image: The PM and Ursula von der Leyen have set a Sunday deadline. Pic: Andrew Parsons/10 Downing Street
Mr Johnson outlined a Brussels demand for a "kind of ratchet clause" on so-called level playing field provisions, as well as the issue of fishing rights, as the two roadblocks to a post-Brexit trade deal being agreed.
"It is looking very, very likely that we will have to go for a solution that I think would be wonderful for the UK, and we'd be able to do exactly what we want from 1 January," the prime minister said.
"It obviously would be different from what we'd set out to achieve but I have no doubt this country can get ready and, as I say, come out on World Trade terms."
Falling back on World Trade Organisation terms for the UK's future relationship with the EU would likely mean the imposition of trade tariffs in both directions.
Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have set Sunday as a deadline for deciding whether a post-Brexit free trade agreement - aimed at eliminating tariffs - will be possible.
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Earlier on Friday, Ms von der Leyen said the UK and EU "remain apart on fundamental issues" following a two-day summit of EU leaders in Brussels.
Image: Ms von der Leyen spoke for less than 10 minutes about Brexit as she addressed EU leaders
Ms von der Leyen was said to have spoken for less than 10 minutes about the deadlocked negotiations as she addressed EU leaders at their gathering in the Belgian capital, with the summit's focus mainly on other matters.
One EU official revealed she had told the bloc's 27 leaders that "the probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal", it was reported by the Reuters news agency.
The pound came under pressure and UK banking stocks sold off in volatile trading on Friday as fears of a no-deal outcome intensified.
Sterling dipped by nearly two cents to just above $1.31 against the US dollar - a four-week low.
And it was down by more than a cent versus the euro at a little above €1.08, its lowest level for nearly three months.
Speaking at a post-summit news conference, Ms von der Leyen said that "positions remain apart on fundamental issues".
On level playing field commitments, the EU chief said the bloc's negotiators had "repeatedly made clear to our UK partners that the principle of fair competition is a pre-condition to privileged access to the EU market".
Mr Johnson has accused the EU - under the terms of a trade deal - of wanting the "automatic right" to punish the UK in the future, perhaps with tariffs, if it does not comply with new EU laws.
Ms von der Leyen said the UK would "remain free, sovereign if you wish, to decide what they want to do".
But she added the EU would "simply adapt the conditions for access to our market accordingly to the decision of the UK, and this would apply vice versa".
The European Commission president said the EU and UK had also not yet "found the solutions to bridge our differences" on post-Brexit fishing rights.
"We understand that the UK aspires to control its waters," she added.
"The UK must, on the other hand, understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets - built on decades and sometimes centuries of access."
Reiterating that there are now just two days for UK and EU officials to make a breakthrough, she added: "On these and other points, our negotiators are working.
"We will decide on Sunday whether we have the conditions for an agreement or not."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Minister: UK '90% of the way there' on Brexit deal
With the Brexit transition period due to end on 31 December, Ms von der Leyen told the news conference: "One way or the other, in less than three weeks, it will be new beginnings for old friends."
Downing Street did not deny that Mr Johnson was rebuffed in his request for calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the deadlocked trade talks.
But Number 10 rejected suggestions that Ms von der Leyen's comments on the UK remaining "sovereign" on level-playing field matters represented a new approach from the EU.
"I would say there isn't anything new here," a Downing Street spokesman said.
"Because they still say they would adapt the conditions they place on us for access. And our position on sovereignty remains unchanged."
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Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The European Commission on Thursday offered a series of short-term mini-deals in the event of a no-deal outcome from trade negotiations, with the aim to keep planes flying, lorries moving and allow fishing boats to carry on working.
However, this risked provoking a fresh fishing row with Britain over the proposal for a year-long period for EU fishing boats to continue working in UK waters, on a reciprocal basis.
Asked in Brussels on Friday whether this was akin to "having your cake and eating it", Mr Macron replied: "I'm not asking to have my cake and eat it, no.
"All I want is a cake that's worth its weight. Because I won't give up my share of it either."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-10--Supermarkets - and their customers - 'face a £3.1bn bombshell' if UK leaves EU without a trade

Supermarkets - and their customers - 'face a £3.1bn bombshell' if UK leaves EU without a trade deal

Supermarkets and their shoppers could be hit with a £3.1bn annual bill on food and drink if there is no post-Brexit trade deal with the EU .
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) said that , if there is no breakthrough in negotiations , 85 % of food imported from the EU is expected to face tariffs of more than 5 % .
John Allan , chairman of Tesco , also warned that food bills could climb by 5 % on average in such a scenario .
This is because supermarket chains will face import taxes on goods imported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact fresh food such as fruit and vegetables .
While retailers may swallow some of the impact , grocers are likely to increase some prices on everyday staples to mitigate the tax increase if there is no trade deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Thursday evening that there is a `` strong possibility '' of talks with the EU failing .
The effect would be felt from 1 January , when the transition period ends and the UK formally cuts most of its ties with Brussels .
The BRC said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 20 % on food imported from the EU , including 48 % on beef mince , 16 % on cucumbers , 10 % on lettuce and 9 % on tomatoes .
Andrew Opie , the group 's director of food and sustainability , said : `` With just weeks to go , it is alarming that there has still been no deal agreed with the EU , putting customers in line for a £3bn tariff bombshell .
`` Currently , four-fifths of UK food imports come from the EU and without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers face over £3bn in tariffs from 2021 .
`` Retailers are doing everything they can in time for 1 January but no amount of preparation for retailers can entirely prevent disruption to food and other essential goods that come from or through the EU .
`` With negotiations entering the eleventh hour , protecting UK and EU consumers from billions in tariffs must be the top priority . ''
A survey by the Association for Convenience Stores ( ACS ) revealed that retailers ' biggest concern regarding impact was the potential effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers surveyed said they were most concerned about increased prices of products when the UK exits the EU next month .
Drinks are also expected to be particularly impacted by the tariff rules , with beverages making up 43 % of all groceries imported from the EU .
And the Food Foundation found that , if tariff increases are passed directly on to UK consumers , the average British family would pay 4 % more for their fruit and vegetables from the start of next year .
Supermarkets have tried to mitigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of British produce over the past year , so that more than half of all food consumed is currently produced in the UK .
But they will be reliant on imports of certain fruit and vegetables during the winter period .
For example , the UK sources 85 % of its tomatoes from the EU in January , falling to 30 % by June .
Checks and delays at the border could also result in some of these products reaching UK customers with a shorter shelf life .
Other items such as toys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by price increases and disruption in the distribution process .
The British Toy and Hobby Association said toy manufacturers are facing a `` drastic price increase '' on freight due to a shortage of capacity and containers due to Brexit .
A government spokesperson said : `` As we have seen this year , the UK has a large , diverse and highly resilient food supply chain - which has coped well in responding to unprecedented challenges .
`` We are in regular contact with the food industry to support its preparations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work closely with them to ensure people across the country have the food and supplies they need . ''

Supermarkets and their shoppers could be hit with a £3.1bn annual bill on food and drink if there is no post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said that, if there is no breakthrough in negotiations, 85% of food imported from the EU is expected to face tariffs of more than 5%.
John Allan, chairman of Tesco, also warned that food bills could climb by 5% on average in such a scenario.
Image: Tesco's chairman warned food bills could rise by 5% under no-deal
This is because supermarket chains will face import taxes on goods imported from the EU, which would particularly impact fresh food such as fruit and vegetables.
While retailers may swallow some of the impact, grocers are likely to increase some prices on everyday staples to mitigate the tax increase if there is no trade deal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'No need to stockpile before Brexit'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Thursday evening that there is a "strong possibility" of talks with the EU failing.
The effect would be felt from 1 January, when the transition period ends and the UK formally cuts most of its ties with Brussels.
Image: Boris Johnson said there was a 'strong possibility' of no-deal
The BRC said this would result in an average tariff of more than 20% on food imported from the EU, including 48% on beef mince, 16% on cucumbers, 10% on lettuce and 9% on tomatoes.
Andrew Opie, the group's director of food and sustainability, said: "With just weeks to go, it is alarming that there has still been no deal agreed with the EU, putting customers in line for a £3bn tariff bombshell.
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"Currently, four-fifths of UK food imports come from the EU and without a tariff-free deal, supermarkets and their customers face over £3bn in tariffs from 2021.
"Retailers are doing everything they can in time for 1 January but no amount of preparation for retailers can entirely prevent disruption to food and other essential goods that come from or through the EU.
"With negotiations entering the eleventh hour, protecting UK and EU consumers from billions in tariffs must be the top priority."
Image: The UK gets 85% of its tomatoes from the EU in January
A survey by the Association for Convenience Stores (ACS) revealed that retailers' biggest concern regarding impact was the potential effect on pricing.
Around 41% of retailers surveyed said they were most concerned about increased prices of products when the UK exits the EU next month.
Drinks are also expected to be particularly impacted by the tariff rules, with beverages making up 43% of all groceries imported from the EU.
And the Food Foundation found that, if tariff increases are passed directly on to UK consumers, the average British family would pay 4% more for their fruit and vegetables from the start of next year.
Image: Clothes and toy sales could also be hit by disruptions in the supply chain
Supermarkets have tried to mitigate the effects of no-deal by increasing their sourcing of British produce over the past year, so that more than half of all food consumed is currently produced in the UK.
But they will be reliant on imports of certain fruit and vegetables during the winter period. For example, the UK sources 85% of its tomatoes from the EU in January, falling to 30% by June.
Checks and delays at the border could also result in some of these products reaching UK customers with a shorter shelf life.
Other items such as toys and clothes could also be particularly impacted by price increases and disruption in the distribution process.
The British Toy and Hobby Association said toy manufacturers are facing a "drastic price increase" on freight due to a shortage of capacity and containers due to Brexit.
A government spokesperson said: "As we have seen this year, the UK has a large, diverse and highly resilient food supply chain - which has coped well in responding to unprecedented challenges.
"We are in regular contact with the food industry to support its preparations for a range of scenarios, and will continue to work closely with them to ensure people across the country have the food and supplies they need."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--Boris Johnson's stark warning on Brexit wasn't aimed at a UK audience

Boris Johnson did not have a UK audience in mind when he made his stark warning that an exit from the European Union without a trade deal is almost upon us .
Despite securing almost a clean sweep of Friday newspaper front pages , the intended recipients of the message were the 27 EU leaders sitting down for dinner in Brussels not long after the short interview was released .
So for good measure , British diplomats made sure the EU 27 were aware it was coming - and alert to its contents in good time for the European Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe side .
The intent of issuing that message ahead of the EU dinner was not just a battle cry to underline his seriousness about no deal if necessary , despite the EU 's resolute belief the outcome will hurt Britain more than them .
It was also because the prime minister wanted to make crystal clear to all EU leaders directly the single biggest sticking point in the negotiation , which has frozen the talks for the last week .
The biggest obstacle is the EU 's demand the UK match future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does not , it will face automatic punishment in the form of tariffs .
This , Mr Johnson told MPs on Wednesday , would represent an unacceptable infringement on newfound UK sovereignty , tying us forever to as yet unconceived - possibly deliberately damaging - EU rules on workers ' rights , the environment , subsidies and even taxation .
This , he declared , was a demand no prime minister could sign up to and has evolved into representing Mr Johnson 's definition of sovereignty .
Even the most pro-Remain Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptable red line they will support .
So if not that , what could the prime minister sign up to ?
One of the key problems for Britain is simply the concept that punishment might follow automatically from a failure to follow EU rule .
However , if it were not up to the EU but an independent review body to determine whether the UK has diverged too much , then would this be enough of a concession ?
Downing Street will not comment but critically does not reject this .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Another key question for Britain is how to work out which rules matter and which do n't , given the sheer volume of EU legislation passed every year .
Does an independent body measure the significance of the rule change by this scope ?
Or its impact ?
Number 10 is reluctant to be drawn on the specifics of what the problem looks like .
These issues once might have felt like classic territory for possible negotiation and time is incredibly tight .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps one of Boris Johnson 's last major remaining cards to try and shift the EU 27 , will move far enough or quickly enough .

Boris Johnson did not have a UK audience in mind when he made his stark warning that an exit from the European Union without a trade deal is almost upon us.
Despite securing almost a clean sweep of Friday newspaper front pages, the intended recipients of the message were the 27 EU leaders sitting down for dinner in Brussels not long after the short interview was released.
So for good measure, British diplomats made sure the EU 27 were aware it was coming - and alert to its contents in good time for the European Council dinner - just to be on the safe side.
The intent of issuing that message ahead of the EU dinner was not just a battle cry to underline his seriousness about no deal if necessary, despite the EU's resolute belief the outcome will hurt Britain more than them.
It was also because the prime minister wanted to make crystal clear to all EU leaders directly the single biggest sticking point in the negotiation, which has frozen the talks for the last week.
The biggest obstacle is the EU's demand the UK match future rules to ensure fair competition.
If it does not, it will face automatic punishment in the form of tariffs.
This, Mr Johnson told MPs on Wednesday, would represent an unacceptable infringement on newfound UK sovereignty, tying us forever to as yet unconceived - possibly deliberately damaging - EU rules on workers' rights, the environment, subsidies and even taxation.
This, he declared, was a demand no prime minister could sign up to and has evolved into representing Mr Johnson's definition of sovereignty.
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Even the most pro-Remain Tory MPs in parliament see this as an acceptable red line they will support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Brexit Explained: What are the sticking points?
So if not that, what could the prime minister sign up to?
One of the key problems for Britain is simply the concept that punishment might follow automatically from a failure to follow EU rule.
However, if it were not up to the EU but an independent review body to determine whether the UK has diverged too much, then would this be enough of a concession?
Downing Street will not comment but critically does not reject this.
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Another key question for Britain is how to work out which rules matter and which don't, given the sheer volume of EU legislation passed every year.
Does an independent body measure the significance of the rule change by this scope? Or its impact?
Number 10 is reluctant to be drawn on the specifics of what the problem looks like.
These issues once might have felt like classic territory for possible negotiation and time is incredibly tight.
It is not clear that the TV interview, perhaps one of Boris Johnson's last major remaining cards to try and shift the EU 27, will move far enough or quickly enough.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--70% of Test and Trace contracts were awarded without any competition

Seven out of ten contracts signed by Test and Trace were awarded without any competition , the UK 's public spending watchdog has found , raising further concerns about government spending during the pandemic .
An interim study by the National Audit Office ( NAO ) found that Test and Trace spent a total of £5bn on 121 contracts that were awarded directly , without competitive tender , using emergency regulations which allowed the government to bypass normal procurement rules .
A further £1.4bn was spent on contracts awarded under `` framework agreements '' , which allows the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes the sum spent on testing and tracing contracts with limited competition to £6.4bn - about half the amount spent on policing by the government every year .
The news follows the revelation that some PPE suppliers were directed to a `` high-priority '' channel for government contracts , leading to companies with political connections being awarded major contracts despite little apparent experience .
The government defended its award of contracts for Test and Trace , saying that it had used the private sector to scale up operations at speed , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused `` specific risks '' including `` lack of central oversight '' and `` conflicts of interest not being comprehensively managed '' .
It also found that , in some instances , contracts were only drawn up after the companies had started the work .
The watchdog uncovered problems with the deals made with outsourcing giants Serco and Sitel , who were awarded contracts for contact tracing in England worth up to £720m .
These contracts were so inflexible , the NAO found , that the Department for Health and Social Care could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in call centres for three months after the service was established .
Media reports at the time found examples of contact tracers spending all day watching Netflix .
According to the NAO , the proportion of time that call handlers worked their paid hours was just 1 % , something it said indicated that `` they had little work to do '' .
Yet although the government `` quickly became aware of the possibility of excess capacity '' , it could only vary staff numbers after new clauses were introduced from 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced paid-for staff from 18,000 to 12,000 .
The NAO said Test and Trace had recognised that it had `` insufficient commercial control and understanding '' and that it `` needed to improve '' , but experts questioned why these changes were required after figures from the commercial sector such as Baroness Dido Harding were brought in to lead the programme .
`` This is a very large proportion of a huge amount of money and the government has almost certainly not received as much value as it could have done , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Institute for Government .
`` It 's not clear why those from outside government were brought into oversee this given that they do n't appear to have improved commercial oversight of this project . ''
The NAO also criticised the performance of Test and Trace , saying it missed targets and failed to plan for rises in demand for testing .
It found that not enough test results were delivered within 24 hours , and too few contacts of infected people were being reached and told to self-isolate .
Responding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Accounts Committee Meg Hillier said the government had `` tried to reinvent the wheel '' by centralising Test and Trace , leaving local public health teams `` out in the cold '' .
Ms Hillier said : `` Speed is of the essence but only two-fifths of tests were turned around within 24 hours .
And Test and Trace has only contacted two-thirds of the people it knows were in close contact with someone who tested positive .
`` The government needs to urgently work out what 's going wrong at every step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money at the problem clearly is n't the answer .
`` Testing capacity has risen and it 's easier to get a test locally but Test and Trace 's performance still is n't good enough . ''
The report did not consider the impact of the mass testing programme , which has been extended in recent days , but it noted that Test and Trace 's spending was only going to get bigger , with an estimated 154 contracts worth £16.2bn set to fall between November 2020 and March 2021 .

Seven out of ten contracts signed by Test and Trace were awarded without any competition, the UK's public spending watchdog has found, raising further concerns about government spending during the pandemic.
An interim study by the National Audit Office (NAO) found that Test and Trace spent a total of £5bn on 121 contracts that were awarded directly, without competitive tender, using emergency regulations which allowed the government to bypass normal procurement rules.
A further £1.4bn was spent on contracts awarded under "framework agreements", which allows the government to make deals with pre-selected suppliers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 November: Leaks reveal failures of Test and Trace
This takes the sum spent on testing and tracing contracts with limited competition to £6.4bn - about half the amount spent on policing by the government every year.
The news follows the revelation that some PPE suppliers were directed to a "high-priority" channel for government contracts, leading to companies with political connections being awarded major contracts despite little apparent experience.
The government defended its award of contracts for Test and Trace, saying that it had used the private sector to scale up operations at speed, but the NAO found that the spending spree had caused "specific risks" including "lack of central oversight" and "conflicts of interest not being comprehensively managed".
It also found that, in some instances, contracts were only drawn up after the companies had started the work.
The watchdog uncovered problems with the deals made with outsourcing giants Serco and Sitel, who were awarded contracts for contact tracing in England worth up to £720m.
Image: The NAO also criticised the performance of Test and Trace
These contracts were so inflexible, the NAO found, that the Department for Health and Social Care could not change the number of contact tracers working in call centres for three months after the service was established.
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Media reports at the time found examples of contact tracers spending all day watching Netflix. According to the NAO, the proportion of time that call handlers worked their paid hours was just 1%, something it said indicated that "they had little work to do".
Yet although the government "quickly became aware of the possibility of excess capacity", it could only vary staff numbers after new clauses were introduced from 17 August. At this point it immediately reduced paid-for staff from 18,000 to 12,000.
The NAO said Test and Trace had recognised that it had "insufficient commercial control and understanding" and that it "needed to improve", but experts questioned why these changes were required after figures from the commercial sector such as Baroness Dido Harding were brought in to lead the programme.
Image: Baroness Dido Harding
"This is a very large proportion of a huge amount of money and the government has almost certainly not received as much value as it could have done," said Nick Davies, programme director at the Institute for Government.
"It's not clear why those from outside government were brought into oversee this given that they don't appear to have improved commercial oversight of this project."
The NAO also criticised the performance of Test and Trace, saying it missed targets and failed to plan for rises in demand for testing.
It found that not enough test results were delivered within 24 hours, and too few contacts of infected people were being reached and told to self-isolate.
Responding to the study, chairwoman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee Meg Hillier said the government had "tried to reinvent the wheel" by centralising Test and Trace, leaving local public health teams "out in the cold".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 First patient receives coronavirus vaccine
Ms Hillier said: "Speed is of the essence but only two-fifths of tests were turned around within 24 hours. And Test and Trace has only contacted two-thirds of the people it knows were in close contact with someone who tested positive.
"The government needs to urgently work out what's going wrong at every step of the process.
"Throwing more money at the problem clearly isn't the answer.
"Testing capacity has risen and it's easier to get a test locally but Test and Trace's performance still isn't good enough."
The report did not consider the impact of the mass testing programme, which has been extended in recent days, but it noted that Test and Trace's spending was only going to get bigger, with an estimated 154 contracts worth £16.2bn set to fall between November 2020 and March 2021.
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
"As the NAO's interim report notes, because the Government rapidly scaled up the UK's coronavirus testing capacity and launched NHS Test and Trace, millions of people have discovered whether they have COVID-19 and whether they should self-isolate.
"Since NHS Test and Trace launched, 20 percent of people in the UK have been tested at least once, more than 41 million tests have been carried out and more than two million people in England have been contacted and notified to self-isolate. Turnaround times have been steadily improving over recent weeks, and the latest performance figures show that tracing has dramatically improved, now reaching 85.7% of contacts.
"We know there is more to do, and yesterday we published the NHS Business Plan, setting out the next phase of improvement for the service, and how we will increase the speed and reach of testing and tracing even further. Our aim, as part of the Government's Winter Plan, is to maximise the impact of testing, contact tracing and self-isolation, hand-in-hand with targeted local restrictions and preventative behaviour like 'hands, face, space'. As the COVID-19 vaccination programme is rolled out, we are determined to ensure that NHS Test and Trace plays an even more effective role in stopping the spread of the virus."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--Calls for clarity on post-Brexit travel after fears non-essential EU trips could be banned

Travel agents and holidaymakers are calling for more clarity from the government after Brexit amid fears non-essential EU travel could be banned .
A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents ( ABTA ) , Emma Brennan , said people `` are n't thinking about travel in the same way '' because of the pandemic - and Brexit threatens to `` create more uncertainty '' .
After a year `` like no other '' , travel agents believe the industry has not received the same support as other sectors during the pandemic - and that is without the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK will no longer be part of the European Union 's free movement rules after 1 January , and there have been fears non-essential travel to EU destinations could be stopped when we leave the bloc .
But Ms Brennan described this as a `` red herring '' , saying : `` This year will have shown EU destinations just how important UK travellers are particularly to places like Spain and France in terms of holidaymakers bringing in some very important revenue . ''
Just a small number of countries with low COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential visitors from outside the EU and European Economic Area ( EEA ) , but ultimately it will be down to individual countries to decide their own rules .
Travel expert Simon Calder told Sky News : `` Places like the Canary Islands are desperate for British travellers to come back through the winter so you can be fairly sure they will make life easy .
`` Whereas somewhere like Finland , they 've already lost the Santa trade , they 're not in any hurry to welcome Brits back . ''
Travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by what the rules will be after 1 January and are avoiding booking trips because of Brexit .
One person said : `` I have a British passport and I 'm wondering do I need stamps to get into each country , what are the barriers , how much is the cost , I do n't really know , I 'm frustrated . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Another traveller who was trying to book a holiday at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confused '' , adding : `` Wake me up when COVID and Brexit are over and we know what we can do . ''
The Department for Transport said it is reviewing the details of the EU 's travel regulations and that both sides have a `` mutual interest '' in maintaining connectivity .
A spokesperson said : `` We have always been clear that we want to ensure customers can continue to fly regardless of the outcome of negotiations . ''

Travel agents and holidaymakers are calling for more clarity from the government after Brexit amid fears non-essential EU travel could be banned.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Emma Brennan, said people "aren't thinking about travel in the same way" because of the pandemic - and Brexit threatens to "create more uncertainty".
After a year "like no other", travel agents believe the industry has not received the same support as other sectors during the pandemic - and that is without the impact of a potential no-deal Brexit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 'Vital' to prepare for Australian option
The UK will no longer be part of the European Union's free movement rules after 1 January, and there have been fears non-essential travel to EU destinations could be stopped when we leave the bloc.
But Ms Brennan described this as a "red herring", saying: "This year will have shown EU destinations just how important UK travellers are particularly to places like Spain and France in terms of holidaymakers bringing in some very important revenue."
Just a small number of countries with low COVID-19 rates are exempt from rules that bar non-essential visitors from outside the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), but ultimately it will be down to individual countries to decide their own rules.
Travel expert Simon Calder told Sky News: "Places like the Canary Islands are desperate for British travellers to come back through the winter so you can be fairly sure they will make life easy.
"Whereas somewhere like Finland, they've already lost the Santa trade, they're not in any hurry to welcome Brits back."
Travellers have told Sky News they are confused by what the rules will be after 1 January and are avoiding booking trips because of Brexit.
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One person said: "I have a British passport and I'm wondering do I need stamps to get into each country, what are the barriers, how much is the cost, I don't really know, I'm frustrated."
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Another traveller who was trying to book a holiday at a travel agent said he left "more confused", adding: "Wake me up when COVID and Brexit are over and we know what we can do."
The Department for Transport said it is reviewing the details of the EU's travel regulations and that both sides have a "mutual interest" in maintaining connectivity.
A spokesperson said: "We have always been clear that we want to ensure customers can continue to fly regardless of the outcome of negotiations."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--PM chairs meeting on no-deal readiness after warning it is 'very, very likely'

Boris Johnson has chaired a meeting of senior officials to discuss post-December 31 readiness , after warning that a no-deal Brexit is `` looking very , very likely '' .
Downing Street confirmed the meeting was held to take stock of no-deal plans , with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove present .
It followed the prime minister 's visit to Blyth in Northumberland where he warned a breakthrough in the deadlocked talks would need to be a `` big offer , a big change '' before Sunday 's deadline for a decision .
He added that he had `` yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined a Brussels demand for a `` kind of ratchet clause '' on so-called level playing field provisions , as well as the issue of fishing rights , as the two roadblocks to a post-Brexit trade deal being agreed .
`` It is looking very , very likely that we will have to go for a solution that I think would be wonderful for the UK , and we 'd be able to do exactly what we want from 1 January , '' the prime minister said .
`` It obviously would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve but I have no doubt this country can get ready and , as I say , come out on World Trade terms . ''
Falling back on World Trade Organisation terms for the UK 's future relationship with the EU would likely mean the imposition of trade tariffs in both directions .
Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have set Sunday as a deadline for deciding whether a post-Brexit free trade agreement - aimed at eliminating tariffs - will be possible .
Earlier on Friday , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU `` remain apart on fundamental issues '' following a two-day summit of EU leaders in Brussels .
Ms von der Leyen was said to have spoken for less than 10 minutes about the deadlocked negotiations as she addressed EU leaders at their gathering in the Belgian capital , with the summit 's focus mainly on other matters .
One EU official revealed she had told the bloc 's 27 leaders that `` the probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal '' , it was reported by the Reuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure and UK banking stocks sold off in volatile trading on Friday as fears of a no-deal outcome intensified .
Sterling dipped by nearly two cents to just above $ 1.31 against the US dollar - a four-week low .
And it was down by more than a cent versus the euro at a little above €1.08 , its lowest level for nearly three months .
Speaking at a post-summit news conference , Ms von der Leyen said that `` positions remain apart on fundamental issues '' .
On level playing field commitments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's negotiators had `` repeatedly made clear to our UK partners that the principle of fair competition is a pre-condition to privileged access to the EU market '' .
Mr Johnson has accused the EU - under the terms of a trade deal - of wanting the `` automatic right '' to punish the UK in the future , perhaps with tariffs , if it does not comply with new EU laws .
Ms von der Leyen said the UK would `` remain free , sovereign if you wish , to decide what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added the EU would `` simply adapt the conditions for access to our market accordingly to the decision of the UK , and this would apply vice versa '' .
The European Commission president said the EU and UK had also not yet `` found the solutions to bridge our differences '' on post-Brexit fishing rights .
`` We understand that the UK aspires to control its waters , '' she added .
`` The UK must , on the other hand , understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access . ''
Reiterating that there are now just two days for UK and EU officials to make a breakthrough , she added : `` On these and other points , our negotiators are working .
`` We will decide on Sunday whether we have the conditions for an agreement or not . ''
With the Brexit transition period due to end on 31 December , Ms von der Leyen told the news conference : `` One way or the other , in less than three weeks , it will be new beginnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not deny that Mr Johnson was rebuffed in his request for calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the deadlocked trade talks .
But Number 10 rejected suggestions that Ms von der Leyen 's comments on the UK remaining `` sovereign '' on level-playing field matters represented a new approach from the EU .
`` I would say there is n't anything new here , '' a Downing Street spokesman said .
`` Because they still say they would adapt the conditions they place on us for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains unchanged . ''
Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The European Commission on Thursday offered a series of short-term mini-deals in the event of a no-deal outcome from trade negotiations , with the aim to keep planes flying , lorries moving and allow fishing boats to carry on working .
However , this risked provoking a fresh fishing row with Britain over the proposal for a year-long period for EU fishing boats to continue working in UK waters , on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday whether this was akin to `` having your cake and eating it '' , Mr Macron replied : `` I 'm not asking to have my cake and eat it , no .
`` All I want is a cake that 's worth its weight .
Because I wo n't give up my share of it either . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--'All I want is a cake that's worth its weight': Macron serves slice of analogy in fish row

UK and EU leaders might not yet be able to agree on a trade deal , but one Brexit issue they can agree on is their fondness for cake metaphors .
French President Emmanuel Macron became the latest leader to serve a slice of analogy on Friday when asked about the EU 's contingency planning .
In the event of a no-deal outcome from Brexit trade talks , Brussels has proposed a series of short-term mini-deals with the UK to keep planes flying , lorries moving and allow fishing boats to carry on working .
However , this has risked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over plans for EU boats to continue working in UK waters , on a reciprocal basis , for up to a year .
Some Brexiteers have viewed the fishing demand as an attempt at `` blackmail '' , with the EU - in return for continued access to UK waters - not grounding UK flights or stalling British hauliers from 1 January after a no-deal outcome .
Meanwhile , parts of the mini-deals offered by the EU to the UK contain the same demands for so-called level playing field provisions that have - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contentious aspect of post-Brexit trade negotiations .
Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked after an EU summit on Friday whether the bloc 's one-year fishing proposal was akin to `` having your cake and eating it '' , Mr Macron replied : `` I 'm not asking to have my cake and eat it , no .
`` All I want is a cake that 's worth its weight .
Because I wo n't give up my share of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under domestic pressure to preserve access to UK waters for his country 's fishing fleets during ongoing Brexit negotiations .
The use of cake metaphor over Brexit issues has been a regular occurrence over the last four years , with the UK often accused of wanting to `` have its cake '' - by leaving the EU - and `` eating it '' - by continuing to enjoy the same benefits of EU membership .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson once famously said his `` policy on cake is pro having it and pro @ @ @ @

UK and EU leaders might not yet be able to agree on a trade deal, but one Brexit issue they can agree on is their fondness for cake metaphors.
French President Emmanuel Macron became the latest leader to serve a slice of analogy on Friday when asked about the EU's contingency planning.
In the event of a no-deal outcome from Brexit trade talks, Brussels has proposed a series of short-term mini-deals with the UK to keep planes flying, lorries moving and allow fishing boats to carry on working.
Image: The EU is eyeing continued access to UK waters in the event of no trade deal
However, this has risked provoking a fresh fishing row with Britain over plans for EU boats to continue working in UK waters, on a reciprocal basis, for up to a year.
Some Brexiteers have viewed the fishing demand as an attempt at "blackmail", with the EU - in return for continued access to UK waters - not grounding UK flights or stalling British hauliers from 1 January after a no-deal outcome.
Meanwhile, parts of the mini-deals offered by the EU to the UK contain the same demands for so-called level playing field provisions that have - along with fishing rights - been such a contentious aspect of post-Brexit trade negotiations.
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Asked after an EU summit on Friday whether the bloc's one-year fishing proposal was akin to "having your cake and eating it", Mr Macron replied: "I'm not asking to have my cake and eat it, no.
"All I want is a cake that's worth its weight. Because I won't give up my share of it either."
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The French president is under domestic pressure to preserve access to UK waters for his country's fishing fleets during ongoing Brexit negotiations.
The use of cake metaphor over Brexit issues has been a regular occurrence over the last four years, with the UK often accused of wanting to "have its cake" - by leaving the EU - and "eating it" - by continuing to enjoy the same benefits of EU membership.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson once famously said his "policy on cake is pro having it and pro eating it."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-11--MPs to no longer receive pay rise after U-turn by parliamentary body

MPs will no longer receive a pay rise of more than £3,000 next year following a U-turn by the independent body that decides their salaries .
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( IPSA ) has written to all MPs to inform them that their pay will be frozen next year , due to the `` unprecedented impact '' of the COVID-19 pandemic .
In October , IPSA came under fire for recommending a pay hike for MPs in the middle of the coronavirus crisis .
The independent body had recommended keeping the existing method for calculating MPs ' pay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and could have seen MPs receive an inflation-busting £3,360 pay increase next April .
However , with the government braced for millions to be left unemployed due to the economic fall-out from COVID-19 , many MPs criticised IPSA 's decision and vowed to hand any extra pay to charities .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer were among those to speak out against a potential salary increase .
And some MPs even proposed changing legislation to take the pay decision out of IPSA 's hands , if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the letter to all MPs on Friday , IPSA 's interim chair Richard Lloyd announced the body would no longer be using its usual method for deciding next year 's salary level .
`` The unprecedented impact of the COVID pandemic has had an unexpected , but different , effect on public and private sector earnings , '' he wrote .
Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It is clear that applying the forthcoming official statistic for public sector earnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for MPs that would be inconsistent with the wider economic data and would not reflect the reality that many constituents are facing this year .
`` The IPSA board has therefore decided that the salary for Members of Parliament will remain unchanged for the financial year 2021-22 . ''
MPs are currently paid £81,932 per year and have enjoyed a pay rise in each of the last six years .
IPSA was set up in the wake of public outrage over the parliamentary expenses scandal in 2009 .
John O'Connell , chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This victory for common sense is an early Christmas present for taxpayers .
`` With the public finances in such a dire state , many public sector salaries have rightly been capped - so it 's only fair that politicians ' pay rises are also postponed .
`` But if IPSA really wants parliament to deliver for the British public , MPs ' pay should be linked to the country 's economic performance . ''

MPs will no longer receive a pay rise of more than £3,000 next year following a U-turn by the independent body that decides their salaries.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has written to all MPs to inform them that their pay will be frozen next year, due to the "unprecedented impact" of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In October, IPSA came under fire for recommending a pay hike for MPs in the middle of the coronavirus crisis.
The independent body had recommended keeping the existing method for calculating MPs' pay, which links it to public sector earnings, and could have seen MPs receive an inflation-busting £3,360 pay increase next April.
However, with the government braced for millions to be left unemployed due to the economic fall-out from COVID-19, many MPs criticised IPSA's decision and vowed to hand any extra pay to charities.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer were among those to speak out against a potential salary increase.
And some MPs even proposed changing legislation to take the pay decision out of IPSA's hands, if it pushed ahead with the planned hike.
In the letter to all MPs on Friday, IPSA's interim chair Richard Lloyd announced the body would no longer be using its usual method for deciding next year's salary level.
"The unprecedented impact of the COVID pandemic has had an unexpected, but different, effect on public and private sector earnings," he wrote.
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Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"It is clear that applying the forthcoming official statistic for public sector earnings growth would result in a salary increase for MPs that would be inconsistent with the wider economic data and would not reflect the reality that many constituents are facing this year.
"The IPSA board has therefore decided that the salary for Members of Parliament will remain unchanged for the financial year 2021-22."
MPs are currently paid £81,932 per year and have enjoyed a pay rise in each of the last six years.
IPSA was set up in the wake of public outrage over the parliamentary expenses scandal in 2009.
John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "This victory for common sense is an early Christmas present for taxpayers.
"With the public finances in such a dire state, many public sector salaries have rightly been capped - so it's only fair that politicians' pay rises are also postponed.
"But if IPSA really wants parliament to deliver for the British public, MPs' pay should be linked to the country's economic performance."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-12--EU trade deal standoff: 'Irresponsible' threat to deploy Navy ships criticised

Boris Johnson has been 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 .
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 .
It comes as negotiations over a UK-EU trade deal are set to end on Sunday , with both sides conceding that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '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 should be deployed in the New Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 get on them . ''
Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 carried out on the motorway as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
The UK is sending a message to Macron and Barnier Analysis 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
`` 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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".
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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.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"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.