thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Guy Verhofstadt blasted by Brexiteers over Royal Navy tweet - 'Respect our waters!'

Mr Verhofstadt took to Twitter after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels have been placed on standby to guard British waters from EU trawlers if there is no new agreement on fishing rights after December 31 when the transition period ends .
The Belgian MEP said : `` Gunboats to protect fish !
Is this really what people voted for ?
We are your allies and partners , not your enemies ! ''
But Brexiteers were quick to hit back at Mr Verhofstadt .
One blasted : `` Then negotiate like allies & partners ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing boat comes to steal our fish , yes it 's only right we protect our waters and fish stocks !
!
! ''
A third demanded : `` Respect our sovereign waters then . ''
Mr Verhofstadt took to Twitter after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels have been placed on standby to guard British waters from EU trawlers if there is no new agreement on fishing rights after December 31 when the transition period ends Another fumed : `` You don ’ t act like allies or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respects us as a sovereign country ! ''
A fifth said : `` Yes , Guy .
Our fish in our waters will be protected from EU illegal plundering . ''
One more added : `` You have never negotiated , you thought you could get it all your own way as you think is your right , you made a big mistake this time . ''
But others agreed with Mr Verhofstadt , with one commenting : `` Huge portions of the UK are with you on this ! ''
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitting major EU weakness The decision to ready the Royal Navy comes as the UK and the EU are yet to reach a post-Brexit trade deal , with the two sides deadlocked over the issues of fishing rights and the so-called level playing field .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab insisted people would expect the Royal Navy to play a part in policing the UK 's territorial fishing waters if there is a no-deal Brexit .
Speaking on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , he said : `` The Navy has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think if we leave the EU with no free trade deal - which we want , which we 're striving for - of course we 're going to exercise full control in the way I think people would expect over our fisheries . ''
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : Brexiteer fury as Boris extends EU talks [ LIVE BLOG ] Guy Verhofstadt 'optimistic ' for Brexit deal in desperate plea [ INSIGHT ] Verhofstadt fumes at 'ridiculous ' eurosceptics in Brexit rant [ VIDEO ] Asked if the Royal Navy would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Raab said he did not think there would be `` significant change '' to the `` granular operating rules '' of the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) and Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) .
Mr Raab added that the UK would enforce international rules in its waters in a `` proportionate way '' but argued it was `` crazy '' for France to be making `` aggressive demands '' when its fishermen would lose out if there was no agreement .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end up without a free trade deal when they 're making such aggressive demands on fisheries .
`` If we leave without a free trade deal , they will have zero assured access to our fisheries . ''

Brexit: Naval intervention over fishing backed by Lord West
Mr Verhofstadt took to Twitter after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels have been placed on standby to guard British waters from EU trawlers if there is no new agreement on fishing rights after December 31 when the transition period ends. The Belgian MEP said: "Gunboats to protect fish! Is this really what people voted for? We are your allies and partners, not your enemies!"
But Brexiteers were quick to hit back at Mr Verhofstadt. One blasted: "Then negotiate like allies & partners!" Another commented: "If any EU fishing boat comes to steal our fish, yes it's only right we protect our waters and fish stocks!!!" A third demanded: "Respect our sovereign waters then."
Guy Verhofstadt has sparked a backlash from Brexiteers
Mr Verhofstadt took to Twitter after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that four 80-metre armed vessels have been placed on standby to guard British waters from EU trawlers if there is no new agreement on fishing rights after December 31 when the transition period ends
Another fumed: "You don’t act like allies or partners. Give us an FTA that respects us as a sovereign country!" A fifth said: "Yes, Guy. Our fish in our waters will be protected from EU illegal plundering." One more added: "You have never negotiated, you thought you could get it all your own way as you think is your right, you made a big mistake this time." But others agreed with Mr Verhofstadt, with one commenting: "Huge portions of the UK are with you on this!" READ MORE: Guy Verhofstadt mocked by Brexiteers after admitting major EU weakness
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Brexiteers were quick to hit back at Mr Verhofstadt following his tweet
The decision to ready the Royal Navy comes as the UK and the EU are yet to reach a post-Brexit trade deal, with the two sides deadlocked over the issues of fishing rights and the so-called level playing field. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab insisted people would expect the Royal Navy to play a part in policing the UK's territorial fishing waters if there is a no-deal Brexit. Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, he said: "The Navy has always been involved in coastguard operations. "I think if we leave the EU with no free trade deal - which we want, which we're striving for - of course we're going to exercise full control in the way I think people would expect over our fisheries." DON'T MISS
Brexit LIVE: Brexiteer fury as Boris extends EU talks [LIVE BLOG]
Guy Verhofstadt 'optimistic' for Brexit deal in desperate plea [INSIGHT]
Verhofstadt fumes at 'ridiculous' eurosceptics in Brexit rant [VIDEO]
Gunboats to protect fish!
Is this really what people voted for? We are your allies and partners, not your enemies! https://t.co/ohv7cWi9gy — Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) December 12, 2020
The UK and the EU are yet to reach a post-Brexit trade deal, with the two sides deadlocked over the issues of fishing rights and the so-called level playing field
Asked if the Royal Navy would be given extra powers to board foreign trawlers, Mr Raab said he did not think there would be "significant change" to the "granular operating rules" of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Mr Raab added that the UK would enforce international rules in its waters in a "proportionate way" but argued it was "crazy" for France to be making "aggressive demands" when its fishermen would lose out if there was no agreement. He said: "With the French this is crazy to end up without a free trade deal when they're making such aggressive demands on fisheries. "If we leave without a free trade deal, they will have zero assured access to our fisheries."
Brexit endgame
Admiral Lord West, a former chief of naval staff, insisted the Royal Navy should protect British waters from foreign fishing vessels if asked to do so in a no-deal scenario. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord West said: "It is absolutely appropriate that the Royal Navy should protect our waters if the position is that we are a sovereign state and our Government has said we don't want other nations there. "It is absolutely appropriate for the navy to do as it is told by the Government.
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Brexit sabotage: 'Egregious mistakes' early on set Boris Johnson up for failure - expert

Director of UK in a Changing Europe , Professor Anand Menon , argued the UK initially made `` egregious mistakes '' in the Brexit talks .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , Professor Menon argued Theresa May calling Article 50 without a clear plan made things more difficult for Boris Johnson .
He added leaving the EU was always going to be difficult due to the longstanding relationship that was built .
Professor Menon said : `` I think the most egregious mistakes of these negotiations were made early on .
`` If Boris Johnson wants a minimal trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get one , so in that sense , he has got what he wanted .
`` I think triggering Article 50 without a clear plan as to what the country wanted was a big mistake .
`` There is also no escaping from the fact that if you are part of something like the European Union for 40 years , leaving is going to be difficult and messy however well you handle negotiations .
DO N'T MISS : EU in 'catastrophic ' period as its spite threatens future relationship '' This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asking companies to change their ways of operating in very profound ways .
`` There is no way of making that easy . ''
After a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday , Boris Johnson announced both sides would continue to talk up until Sunday .
Following a phone call with her on Sunday , Mr Johnson announced that more time was now going to be set aside to continue Brexit talks in hopes of agreeing on a trade deal .
Brexit news : During a speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister said the UK would not be walking away yet despite the two sides being very far apart on key issues .
The Prime Minister said the UK would not be walking away yet despite the two sides being very far apart on key issues .
He told Sky News : `` When we went out to Brussels on Wednesday , the hope was that we going to be able to finish things off today if there was a deal to be done .
`` As things stand , I 'm afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some key things .
`` But where there 's light , there 's hope .
We 're going to keep on talking to see what we can do .
Boris SHOULD deploy Royal Navy to protect UK fishing waters [ POLL ] EU CIVIL WAR !
No deal Brexit could spark French Vs Dutch fishing clash [ INSIGHT ] Brexit BOMBSHELL : Merkel branded ‘ root of the problem ’ [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: Anand Menon says ‘egregious mistakes made early on’
Director of UK in a Changing Europe, Professor Anand Menon, argued the UK initially made "egregious mistakes" in the Brexit talks. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Professor Menon argued Theresa May calling Article 50 without a clear plan made things more difficult for Boris Johnson. He added leaving the EU was always going to be difficult due to the longstanding relationship that was built.
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Professor Menon said: "I think the most egregious mistakes of these negotiations were made early on. "If Boris Johnson wants a minimal trade deal with the European Union he is going to get one, so in that sense, he has got what he wanted. "I think triggering Article 50 without a clear plan as to what the country wanted was a big mistake. "There is also no escaping from the fact that if you are part of something like the European Union for 40 years, leaving is going to be difficult and messy however well you handle negotiations. DON'T MISS: EU in 'catastrophic' period as its spite threatens future relationship
Brexit sabotage: 'Egregious mistakes' early on set Boris Johnson up for failure -Expert
Brexit news: was put in a difficult position to get Brexit done as early mistakes made it difficult for him to succeed, according to Anand Menon
"This is because it is incredibly complicated as you are asking companies to change their ways of operating in very profound ways. "There is no way of making that easy." After a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, Boris Johnson announced both sides would continue to talk up until Sunday. Following a phone call with her on Sunday, Mr Johnson announced that more time was now going to be set aside to continue Brexit talks in hopes of agreeing on a trade deal.
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Brexit news: During a speech he made on Sky News, the Prime Minister said the UK would not be walking away yet despite the two sides being very far apart on key issues.
Brexit: Ann Widdecombe claims EU has 'insulted' UK
The Prime Minister said the UK would not be walking away yet despite the two sides being very far apart on key issues. He told Sky News: "When we went out to Brussels on Wednesday, the hope was that we going to be able to finish things off today if there was a deal to be done. "As things stand, I'm afraid we're still very far apart on some key things. "But where there's light, there's hope. We're going to keep on talking to see what we can do. READ MORE: Boris SHOULD deploy Royal Navy to protect UK fishing waters [POLL]
EU CIVIL WAR! No deal Brexit could spark French Vs Dutch fishing clash [INSIGHT]
Brexit BOMBSHELL: Merkel branded ‘root of the problem’ [ANALYSIS]
Brexit news: Negotiations on EU-UK partnership explained


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Macron demands EU 'keep pushing' the UK to cave on Brexit deal – 'British will fold'

The French President has been among the more vocal supporters of the EU 's hardline approach and has vowed to veto any Brexit deal if the terms fail to meet the demands of his country 's fishing industry .
His demands come despite Boris Johnson insisting the UK will thrive with or without a deal from January after the transition period ends on December 31 .
Mr Macron is also understood to have rejected Mr Johnson 's calls for face-to-face talks in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock .
According to diplomats , Mr Macron told his EU counterparts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will fold.
” But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the French were `` crazy '' to make `` aggressive demands '' when a no deal scenario would leave their boats with `` zero assured access '' to UK fishing grounds .
Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are continuing after Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed to push back today 's deadline .
In a joint statement they agreed to `` go the extra mile '' in an effort to find a solution after almost a year of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had a useful phone call this morning .
We discussed the major unresolved topics .
`` Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days .
`` And , despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations , despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over , we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile .
`` We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on talking came despite pessimistic briefings from both sides of the negotiations in the run-up to the deadline set for Sunday on the future of the process .
Mr Raab suggested there could be room for manoeuvre on the end point of the negotiations over a free trade agreement .
He said there is `` a long way to go '' to find a resolution on the two outstanding issues of fisheries and so-called level playing field `` ratchet '' clause which would tie the UK to future EU standards .
Mr Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bar that would need to be crossed to continue talking is `` quite high '' , suggesting that some movement must have been achieved for Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen to reach that conclusion .
He said : `` We would need at a political level a commitment to move on those two key issues . ''
He continued : `` When you look at what I said at the start of the week , it is pretty similar to what I 'm saying now , which is never say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drift .
`` But , actually , we do need finality and therefore we need at the political level of Ursula von der Leyen , the president of the European Commission , that there is clarity the EU will move on those two key issues .
`` If we get that then there are still talks to be processed . ''
DO N'T MISS No Deal Brexit IMMINENT : PM tells Brits to prepare for WTO rules [ BREAKING ] Nigel Farage insits Brexit disruption will be 'tiny ' [ SPOTLIGHT ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal will hurt Europe [ COMMENT ]

Brexit: Macron has 'toned down' fishing demands says Xafa
The French President has been among the more vocal supporters of the EU's hardline approach and has vowed to veto any Brexit deal if the terms fail to meet the demands of his country's fishing industry. His demands come despite Boris Johnson insisting the UK will thrive with or without a deal from January after the transition period ends on December 31.
Keep pushing and the British will fold Emmanuel Macron
Mr Macron is also understood to have rejected Mr Johnson's calls for face-to-face talks in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock. According to diplomats, Mr Macron told his EU counterparts: “Keep pushing and the British will fold.” But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the French were "crazy" to make "aggressive demands" when a no deal scenario would leave their boats with "zero assured access" to UK fishing grounds.
Emmanuel Macron has urged fellow EU leaders to 'keep pushing' Britain
Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are continuing after Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed to push back today's deadline. In a joint statement they agreed to "go the extra mile" in an effort to find a solution after almost a year of negotiations. The statement said: "We had a useful phone call this morning. We discussed the major unresolved topics. "Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days. "And, despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations, despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over, we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile. "We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Brexiteer fury as Boris extends EU talks
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Emmanuel Macron has threatened to veto any trade deal which fails to meet French fishing demands
Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed Brexit talks will go beyond this weekend
Boris Johnson has warned the UK to prepare for a no deal Brexit
The agreement to carry on talking came despite pessimistic briefings from both sides of the negotiations in the run-up to the deadline set for Sunday on the future of the process. Mr Raab suggested there could be room for manoeuvre on the end point of the negotiations over a free trade agreement. He said there is "a long way to go" to find a resolution on the two outstanding issues of fisheries and so-called level playing field "ratchet" clause which would tie the UK to future EU standards. Mr Raab told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show the bar that would need to be crossed to continue talking is "quite high", suggesting that some movement must have been achieved for Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen to reach that conclusion. He said: "We would need at a political level a commitment to move on those two key issues."
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He continued: "When you look at what I said at the start of the week, it is pretty similar to what I'm saying now, which is never say never because EU negotiations can often drag and drift. "But, actually, we do need finality and therefore we need at the political level of Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, that there is clarity the EU will move on those two key issues. "If we get that then there are still talks to be processed." DON'T MISS
No Deal Brexit IMMINENT: PM tells Brits to prepare for WTO rules[BREAKING]
Nigel Farage insits Brexit disruption will be 'tiny'[SPOTLIGHT]
Brussels wilfully self-harming to bully UK no deal will hurt Europe[COMMENT]
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Ireland panic: Irish PM speaks on 'ruinous' no deal Brexit impact – ‘An appalling failure’

Taoiseach Michael Martin has warned reverting to World Trade Organisation terms and trade tariffs under such a scenario would be “ ruinous ” for both the UK and Ireland .
Mr Martin said : `` It is vital that we do not have an acrimonious break-up because that would be very damaging .
I think it would be an appalling failure of statecraft if we were not in a position to get a deal over the line . ''
It is vital that we do not have an acrimonious break-up because that would be very damaging The Taoiseach said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue beyond today if no breakthrough was achieved .
He said : `` Where the dialogue continues , that gives me hope . ''
Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said Dublin was already working on a financial support scheme to help food exporters maintain their share in the British market in the event of no deal .
He said : `` In my view , the focus of that support should be on maintaining market share .
`` At some point in the future we will hopefully be trading again in Britain , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing market share for a really important market . ''

Brexit: Micheal Martin says deal ‘in best interest’ of everyone
Taoiseach Michael Martin has warned reverting to World Trade Organisation terms and trade tariffs under such a scenario would be “ruinous” for both the UK and Ireland. Mr Martin said: "It is vital that we do not have an acrimonious break-up because that would be very damaging. I think it would be an appalling failure of statecraft if we were not in a position to get a deal over the line."
It is vital that we do not have an acrimonious break-up because that would be very damaging Micheal Martin
The Taoiseach said he hoped talks on a post-transition accord would continue beyond today if no breakthrough was achieved. He said: "Where the dialogue continues, that gives me hope." Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said Dublin was already working on a financial support scheme to help food exporters maintain their share in the British market in the event of no deal. He said: "In my view, the focus of that support should be on maintaining market share. "At some point in the future we will hopefully be trading again in Britain, and we certainly don't want to be losing market share for a really important market."
Taoiseach Michael Martin has warned a no deal Brexit would be 'ruinous'
While Irish firms have diversified into new markets since the 2016 Brexit referendum, cutting trade to Britain to 9 percent of total Irish goods exports last year, its near neighbour still accounts for around one-third of agri-food exports. That sector would be hit with some of the heaviest tariffs if Britain departs the EU on WTO terms. Ireland's large beef industry, which sells almost half of what it produces into Britain, would be subject to tariffs of 72 percent. EU officials confirmed talks to try to reach a last-ditch agreement resumed in Brussels this morning with fishing and the "level playing field" the remaining sticking points. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Brexiteer fury as Boris extends EU talks
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Taoiseach Michael Martin and Boris Johnson
Taoiseach Michael Martin with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
The level playing field means common rules that prevent businesses in one country from gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in others. It is designed to ensure fair competition and is integral to the EU's Single Market in goods, services and capital. Britain is concerned about being tied to the bloc's decisions in future and wants to assert its freedom as a sovereign country to set its own rules. But Ireland has argued that in reality Britain is unlikely to significantly diverge from EU standards in many areas and Mr Martin again noted that the UK was a "first-world country".
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No deal Brexit impact


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Von der Leyen's snub during Boris call sparks Brexit outrage 'An insult to every Briton!'

Brexiteers exploded in outrage amid news that European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen again refused to let Boris Johnson speak privately Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron .
Earlier this week , the Prime Minister said he would go to Paris and Berlin as well as Brussels `` to try and get this home and get a deal '' .
He reiterated this today following his highly-anticipated call with the European Commission president , in which they agreed to go the `` extra mile '' to find a deal .
Following the call , Mr Johnson told the press : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be walking away from the talks .
I think people will expect us to go the extra mile .
`` I repeated my offer , which is if it ’ s necessary to talk to other capitals , then I ’ m very happy to do that .
`` The Commission is very determined to keep the negotiations on the way that they be done between us and the commission and that ’ s fine . ''
However , on Friday Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan called the initial snub an insult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit IMMINENT : PM tells Brits to prepare for WTO rules He tweeted : `` I stand with millions of Britons that are deeply insulted at the shocking news that the German Chancellor has refused the British Prime Minister ’ s request for a telephone call .
`` This is an insult to every Briton , whether they support our PM or not .
Have our EU 'friends ' no regard or respect for the UK and our nations ’ sacrifices that permit them to live in freedom and prosperity today , safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The EU ’ s contemptuous treatment of the UK makes it clear there can not be a deal until it accepts the UK as a sovereign equal and awards us the respect and regard we merit . ''
Reacting to this tweet , former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe told Unlocked : `` Why should we be surprised ?
`` The EU has been insulting us for a very , very long time .
It has refused to take our departure seriously and refused to recognise our sovereignty .
`` The EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way through negotiations .
The EU has insulted us right for the start . ''
Reports in today 's Sunday Times have suggested that if the deadlock in talks continues , both Mr Macron and Mrs Merkel will come under increasing pressure to intervene .
Sturgeon 'to exploit no deal ' as SNP plots to defy No10 with vote [ VIDEO ] IDS brilliantly lectures EU bullies after sovereignty attack [ INTERVIEW ] Brexit POLL : With Sunday deadline , do you think there will be a deal ?
[ POLL ]

Brexit: Ann Widdecombe claims EU has 'insulted' UK
Brexiteers exploded in outrage amid news that European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen again refused to let Boris Johnson speak privately Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister said he would go to Paris and Berlin as well as Brussels "to try and get this home and get a deal". He reiterated this today following his highly-anticipated call with the European Commission president, in which they agreed to go the "extra mile" to find a deal.
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Following the call, Mr Johnson told the press: "The UK certainly won’t be walking away from the talks. I think people will expect us to go the extra mile. "I repeated my offer, which is if it’s necessary to talk to other capitals, then I’m very happy to do that. "The Commission is very determined to keep the negotiations on the way that they be done between us and the commission and that’s fine." However, on Friday Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan called the initial snub an insult to Britain. JUST IN: No Deal Brexit IMMINENT: PM tells Brits to prepare for WTO rules
Ursula von der Leyen again refused to let Boris Johnson speak privately Merkel and Macron
Ann Widdecombe said the EU's latest snub was 'hugely insulting'
He tweeted: "I stand with millions of Britons that are deeply insulted at the shocking news that the German Chancellor has refused the British Prime Minister’s request for a telephone call. "This is an insult to every Briton, whether they support our PM or not. Have our EU 'friends' no regard or respect for the UK and our nations’ sacrifices that permit them to live in freedom and prosperity today, safely away from the shadow of totalitarianism? "The EU’s contemptuous treatment of the UK makes it clear there cannot be a deal until it accepts the UK as a sovereign equal and awards us the respect and regard we merit." Reacting to this tweet, former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe told Unlocked: "Why should we be surprised?
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Brexit: Johnson urges UK to prepare for ‘likely’ no deal scenario
Chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier, and their teams, will continue the talks immediately
Boris and the European Commission President agreed to go the


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Barnier wants 'punishment clause' hitting UK with huge sanctions if Boris blocks EU boats

The Brussels diplomat set out plans to restrict access to the EU ’ s market for British firms if European fishermen are largely locked out of British waters in the future .
In a series of private Brussels briefings , the Frenchman accused Downing Street of “ backtracking ” on its own proposals for a three-year transition period for fishing rights .
Under the original plan , the extremely generous catch shares European trawlermen enjoy would be gradually phased down .
Mr Barnier told MEPs that Britain would have to face “ consequences ” for any future decisions to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Frenchman raised the prospect of economic sanctions – such as trade tariffs – being introduced to counter any such moves by Downing Street .
An EU source said : “ The EU will maintain the link between fish and access to the internal market .
Should access to fishing grounds be phased out significantly over time so may access to relevant parts of the agreement.
” Despite the row over fisheries , Mr Barnier told a meeting of EU27 ambassadors a Brexit trade agreement could emerge this week if both sides can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three scenarios ” for how the talks could pan out , he said a deal could be finalised in the “ next few days ” if a fudge can be found to solve the row over access to Britain ’ s coastal waters .
But the Frenchman told colleagues he was prepared for the talks to run right up to the December 31 deadline and warned European capitals to brace for a “ short no deal period ” if both sides need to complete the ratification process in the New Year .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier revealed the legal text for the Brexit deal has been “ largely ” completed while they thrash out agreements over the main sticking points .
He said there had been “ good progress ” in a number of areas of the agreement , including on the final arrangements for policing the pact , according to a diplomatic note seen by Express.co.uk .
Mr Barnier told MEPs the so-called “ level playing field ” remains the most difficult hurdle to overcome and could take negotiations right up to the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain was asking for Brussels to offer more concessions on fishing rights to “ compensate ” for Downing Street ’ s recent moves on the level playing field .
Speaking today at an OECD event in Paris , she said : “ First of all there is movement .
That is good ... We are talking about a new beginning with old friends .
“ We are on the very last mile to go .
But it is an essential one .
We want a level playing field , not only at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is the architecture we are building .
We are fine about the architecture itself , but the details in it – do they really fit ?
These are crucial points because it is a matter of fairness , fair competition and we want to ensure that . ''
Brussels insiders were buoyed by the progress after a spate of recent gloom-ridden briefings by Mr Barnier left them fearing a no-deal Brexit .
MUST READ : Fishermen mock EU demands of extending Bloc rules for UK fisheries A diplomatic source said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal and that was informed by the tone of Mr Barnier 's briefing .
He was a little less gloomy than I was expecting .
`` If both sides can come out of their trenches on fish , Barnier said there could be a deal this week . ''
An EU diplomat added : “ There might now be a narrow path to an agreement visible - if negotiators can clear the remaining hurdles in the next few days .
`` There has been some progress in the negotiations over the last few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaps still need to be bridged in important areas like fisheries , governance and level playing field .
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[ VIDEO ] Alok Sharma rages at EU for failing to respect Britain 's sovereignty [ INSIGHT ] Tory civil war : Boris told to RESIGN if he fails to reach trade deal [ REVEALED ]

Brexit: Nick Ferrari grills Keir Starmer on fishing rights
The Brussels diplomat set out plans to restrict access to the EU’s market for British firms if European fishermen are largely locked out of British waters in the future. In a series of private Brussels briefings, the Frenchman accused Downing Street of “backtracking” on its own proposals for a three-year transition period for fishing rights. Under the original plan, the extremely generous catch shares European trawlermen enjoy would be gradually phased down.
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Mr Barnier told MEPs that Britain would have to face “consequences” for any future decisions to close its fishing grounds to European vessels. The Frenchman raised the prospect of economic sanctions – such as trade tariffs – being introduced to counter any such moves by Downing Street. An EU source said: “The EU will maintain the link between fish and access to the internal market. Should access to fishing grounds be phased out significantly over time so may access to relevant parts of the agreement.” Despite the row over fisheries, Mr Barnier told a meeting of EU27 ambassadors a Brexit trade agreement could emerge this week if both sides can overcome their differences. Setting out “three scenarios” for how the talks could pan out, he said a deal could be finalised in the “next few days” if a fudge can be found to solve the row over access to Britain’s coastal waters. But the Frenchman told colleagues he was prepared for the talks to run right up to the December 31 deadline and warned European capitals to brace for a “short no deal period” if both sides need to complete the ratification process in the New Year.
Michel Barnier has drawn up plans to retaliate to EU fishermen being locked out of UK waters
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
In a meeting with EU27 ambassadors, Mr Barnier revealed the legal text for the Brexit deal has been “largely” completed while they thrash out agreements over the main sticking points. He said there had been “good progress” in a number of areas of the agreement, including on the final arrangements for policing the pact, according to a diplomatic note seen by Express.co.uk. Mr Barnier told MEPs the so-called “level playing field” remains the most difficult hurdle to overcome and could take negotiations right up to the end of the year to finalise a compromise. He claimed Britain was asking for Brussels to offer more concessions on fishing rights to “compensate” for Downing Street’s recent moves on the level playing field.
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Michel Barnier has today briefed EU27 ambassadors and MEPs on the Brexit talks
Speaking today at an OECD event in Paris, she said: “First of all there is movement. That is good... We are talking about a new beginning with old friends. “We are on the very last mile to go. But it is an essential one. We want a level playing field, not only at the start, but also over time. “This is the architecture we are building. We are fine about the architecture itself, but the details in it – do they really fit? These are crucial points because it is a matter of fairness, fair competition and we want to ensure that." Brussels insiders were buoyed by the progress after a spate of recent gloom-ridden briefings by Mr Barnier left them fearing a no-deal Brexit. MUST READ: Fishermen mock EU demands of extending Bloc rules for UK fisheries
What needs to be done to have a Brexit trade deal in place by January 1
A diplomatic source said: “No one asked anything about no deal and that was informed by the tone of Mr Barnier's briefing. He was a little less gloomy than I was expecting. "If both sides can come out of their trenches on fish, Barnier said there could be a deal this week." An EU diplomat added: “There might now be a narrow path to an agreement visible - 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 in important areas like fisheries, governance and level playing field. DON'T MISS
Remoaner Alastair Campbell SILENCED in TV row: 'Brexit is DONE!' [VIDEO]
Alok Sharma rages at EU for failing to respect Britain's sovereignty [INSIGHT]
Tory civil war: Boris told to RESIGN if he fails to reach trade deal [REVEALED]
Brexit: Alastair Campbell clashes with Parry over UK leaving EU


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Boris risks infuriating Brexiteers by sidestepping MPs vote - no power to reject sell-out

The Prime Minister 's spokesman repeatedly refused to confirm any deal agreed between the UK and EU would be voted on in the House of Commons .
Such a move would mean MPs would be unable to scrutinise the agreement with Brussels and could not ensure the Prime Minister had not shifted on his red lines in negotiations .
He said this afternoon : `` We would set out the business of the House in the usual way in due course . ''
Asked if the Government could use the royal prerogative to pass the necessary legislation without a vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently negotiating just now , to try and reach a free trade agreement with the EU .
`` We believe there is time to do what we need to do in Parliament . ''
READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG Last month the eurosceptic European Research Group - which brought Theresa May 's Government to its knees last year by refusing to support her Withdrawal Agreement - warned the Prime Minister it would vote against any deal agreed with Brussels which failed to protect British interests .
One member said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is UK sovereignty .
`` If that is not preserved in the final agreement , I have no doubt we will vote against the treaty in whatever vote is called . ''
Another told The Telegraph : `` Our side has made it clear we trust the PM on his red lines like sovereignty etc .
`` Nevertheless , as a research group , we will read the deal before deciding .
`` In the unlikely event it does not respect sovereignty MPs would vote against . ''
READ MORE : Fishermen mock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK fisheries The timeframe for any deal to be voted on in Parliament is tight with MPs due to break up for the Christmas holidays on Thursday .
Previously the Government had refused to rule out recalling the House of Commons to ask for a deal to be ratified between Christmas and the New Year .
But No10 has now indicated a vote on the deal could be scrapped altogether .
Brexit negotiations have been deadlocked for months over the issues of fishing , state aid and fair competition .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he fails to secure a good Brexit [ VOTE ] Starmers squirms as he 's grilled on 'how many years ' EU can use waters [ VIDEO ] May ’ s adviser pinpoints three times EU has tried to RUIN Brexit talks [ EXPLAINED ] In a sign that progress has been made in the trade talks with the EU , Mr Johnson 's official spokesman also appeared to downgrade the livelihood of a no deal exit from the transition period at the end of the year .
Yesterday the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a no deal scenario was `` most likely '' .
However , speaking today his spokesman said the chance of leaving without a trade pact remained a `` potential outcome '' .
A statement from Mr Johnson and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also suggested progress , saying the pair had also had a `` useful '' phone call on Sunday .
Express.co.uk understands progress has been made in negotiations on the so-called level playing field between the UK 's David Frost and the EU 's Michel Barnier in the @ @ @ @

Brexit: Michel Barnier gives update on state of negotiations
The Prime Minister's spokesman repeatedly refused to confirm any deal agreed between the UK and EU would be voted on in the House of Commons. Such a move would mean MPs would be unable to scrutinise the agreement with Brussels and could not ensure the Prime Minister had not shifted on his red lines in negotiations.
He said this afternoon: "We would set out the business of the House in the usual way in due course." Asked if the Government could use the royal prerogative to pass the necessary legislation without a vote in the Commons, he said: "We are currently negotiating just now, to try and reach a free trade agreement with the EU. "We believe there is time to do what we need to do in Parliament." Last month the eurosceptic European Research Group - which brought Theresa May's Government to its knees last year by refusing to support her Withdrawal Agreement - warned the Prime Minister it would vote against any deal agreed with Brussels which failed to protect British interests. READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
Boris Johnson has refused to confirm MPs will get a vote on a Brexit deal
One member said: "For Brexiteers, the overwhelmingly important issue is UK sovereignty. "If that is not preserved in the final agreement, I have no doubt we will vote against the treaty in whatever vote is called." Another told The Telegraph: "Our side has made it clear we trust the PM on his red lines like sovereignty etc. "Nevertheless, as a research group, we will read the deal before deciding. "In the unlikely event it does not respect sovereignty MPs would vote against." The timeframe for any deal to be voted on in Parliament is tight with MPs due to break up for the Christmas holidays on Thursday. READ MORE: Fishermen mock EU demands of extending Bloc rules for UK fisheries
Boris Johnson has also indicated a Brexit trade deal is now more likely
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The Prime Minister's spokesman said a no deal was a 'potential outcome' rather than 'most likely' scenario
Previously the Government had refused to rule out recalling the House of Commons to ask for a deal to be ratified between Christmas and the New Year. After sparking confusion earlier today, the Prime Minister's spokesman later confirmed MPs would get a vote on any deal. He said: "If a deal is agreed, it will require legislation to come into force. MPs will therefore, of course, get a vote on any deal before this legislation receives Royal Assent and becomes law." Brexit negotiations have been deadlocked for months over the issues of fishing, state aid and fair competition. DON'T MISS:
POLL: Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit [VOTE]
Starmers squirms as he's grilled on 'how many years' EU can use waters [VIDEO]
May’s adviser pinpoints three times EU has tried to RUIN Brexit talks [EXPLAINED]
The Government had previously indicated MPs could sit over Christmas to ratify a deal
David Frost and Michel Barnier have been negotiating in Brussels in a bid to find a breakthrough
In a sign that progress has been made in the trade talks with the EU, Mr Johnson's official spokesman also appeared to downgrade the livelihood of a no deal exit from the transition period at the end of the year. Yesterday the Prime Minister said that while negotiations would continue, a no deal scenario was "most likely". However, speaking today his spokesman said the chance of leaving without a trade pact remained a "potential outcome". A statement from Mr Johnson and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also suggested progress, saying the pair had also had a "useful" phone call on Sunday. Express.co.uk understands progress has been made in negotiations on the so-called level playing field between the UK's David Frost and the EU's Michel Barnier in the last 24 hours.
Brexit end game: The steps needed for a trade deal to be secured
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--MPs' pay MUST be cut! Voters demand politicians' £81,932 a year salary be slashed

MPs earn almost three times the average UK salary receiving a pay pack of £81,932 a year , with expenses on top .
The figure means MPs are among the top five percent of earners in Britain .
Voters want to see the eye-watering sum cut , with as many as one in six believing their income should be halved .
The Opinium poll found 61 percent of voters believe the politicians should be paid less than £80,000 a year , and 16 percent feel their wage should be less than £40,000 .
Five percent even said the figure should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the UK , the average salary is £30,353 a year .
READ MORE : Rishi Sunak told he 'must ' extend furlough scheme into the summer The new Opinium poll , carried out on behalf of Times Radio , also found voters think MPs get paid far more than they actually do .
On average , it found the public think an MP is paid almost £100,000 a year .
The new research has emerged just days after the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( Ipsa ) , which sets MPs pay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commons representatives .
Ipsa was understood to be planning a four percent rise for MPs , an extra £3,360 a year , for 2021-22 , but scrapped the plan after severe anger and outrage at the proposal .
READ MORE : Furlough warning as Job Retention Scheme is putting staff in debt Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer spoke out against any proposed raise before Ipsa 's decision was announced .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said `` the PM doesn ’ t believe MPs should be receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir said : `` This year of all years we shouldn ’ t have it.
” In a letter to MPs last week explaining why the decision to freeze MPs ' pay , Ipsa said : `` The unprecedented impact of the Covid pandemic has had an unexpected , but different , effect on public and private sector earnings .
DO N'T MISS : Inheritance Tax : Britons may face charges if they fail to pay on time [ WARNING ] Pension gender inequality gap reaches £186k – full details [ INSIGHT ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to charity amid MPs £3k salary row [ VIDEO ] '' 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 salaries for Members of Parliament will remain unchanged for the financial year 2021-22.
” Last week the TaxPayers ' Alliance said the decision not to increase MPs ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense '' and `` an early Christmas present for taxpayers '' .
However , they called for reform to the system that determines the MPs ' salaries .

Boris Johnson quizzed on MP pay rise by Davison
MPs earn almost three times the average UK salary receiving a pay pack of £81,932 a year, with expenses on top. The figure means MPs are among the top five percent of earners in Britain.
Voters want to see the eye-watering sum cut, with as many as one in six believing their income should be halved. The Opinium poll found 61 percent of voters believe the politicians should be paid less than £80,000 a year, and 16 percent feel their wage should be less than £40,000. Five percent even said the figure should be less than £20,000 a year. In the UK, the average salary is £30,353 a year. READ MORE: Rishi Sunak told he 'must' extend furlough scheme into the summer
Voters want MPs' pay to be slashed with one in six demanding it's halved
The new Opinium poll, carried out on behalf of Times Radio, also found voters think MPs get paid far more than they actually do. On average, it found the public think an MP is paid almost £100,000 a year. The new research has emerged just days after the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), which sets MPs pay, decided to scrap a par rise for the Commons representatives. Ipsa was understood to be planning a four percent rise for MPs, an extra £3,360 a year, for 2021-22, but scrapped the plan after severe anger and outrage at the proposal. READ MORE: Furlough warning as Job Retention Scheme is putting staff in debt
Boris Johnson's spokesman spoke out against MPs getting a pay rise
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Keir Starmer said MPs shouldn't get a rise 'this year of all years'
Ipsa said it would be 'inconsistent with the wider economic data' to give a rise to MPs
"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 salaries for Members of Parliament will remain unchanged for the financial year 2021-22.” Last week the TaxPayers' Alliance said the decision not to increase MPs' pay was a "victory for common sense" and "an early Christmas present for taxpayers". However, they called for reform to the system that determines the MPs' salaries.
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Brexit deal: Why EU's No Deal talk shouldn't necessarily be believed

A deadline for the talks to conclude had originally been set for Sunday , but Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to an extension .
During a “ constructive ” phone call last week , the pair discussed “ major unresolved topics ” between the two sides , which comprises mainly of fishing and fair competition in business .
Mr Johnson and Ms Von der Leyen agreed to tell negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost to continue talks in a bid “ to see whether an agreement can even at this late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two sides strive to strike a deal beneficial to all parties , people have largely been gearing up for a no-deal exit from the Bloc .
Brussels officials have reported Ms Von der Leyen as saying the “ probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal ” .
In a statement following the Prime Minister ’ s visit to Brussels , the EU Commission President said : “ We gained a clear understanding of each other ’ s positions .
They remain far apart.
” But while hopes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dooming predictions could just be a dupe from the EU and UK in an effort to successfully conclude the negotiations .
READ MORE : Von der Leyen breaks silence to admit trade deal very close

Brexit: Alok Sharma calls on EU to respect UK's 'sovereignty'
A deadline for the talks to conclude had originally been set for Sunday, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to an extension. During a “constructive” phone call last week, the pair discussed “major unresolved topics” between the two sides, which comprises mainly of fishing and fair competition in business. Mr Johnson and Ms Von der Leyen agreed to tell negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost to continue talks in a bid “to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached”.
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And while the two sides strive to strike a deal beneficial to all parties, people have largely been gearing up for a no-deal exit from the Bloc. Brussels officials have reported Ms Von der Leyen as saying the “probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal”. In a statement following the Prime Minister’s visit to Brussels, the EU Commission President said: “We gained a clear understanding of each other’s positions. They remain far apart.” But while hopes of a deal appear to have fizzled, the dooming predictions could just be a dupe from the EU and UK in an effort to successfully conclude the negotiations. READ MORE: Von der Leyen breaks silence to admit trade deal very close
Brexit deal talks: Why EU No Deal talk shouldn't necessarily be believed
Brexit deal talks: Boris Johnson warned no deal is a likely outcome
READ MORE Remoaner Alastair Campbell SILENCED in TV row: 'Brexit is DONE!' Managing Director of Eurasia Group, Mujtaba Rahman, tweeted: “Everyone should ignore everything that has been said by both the UK and EU sides over the last 24 to 48hrs. “It’s exactly what they would be saying if they were planning a deal. “It’s exactly what they would be saying if they were planning no deal, It tells us absolutely nothing. Zero. Nada.” Quoting the tweet with her own response, BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg said: “No 10 is adamant they are not trying to send messages to the EU about seriousness, but trying to prepare the country for what is very likely on Sunday… but there may well also be something in this!”
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Brexit deal talks: Alok Sharma said the UK wouldn't be walking away from the talks
Brexit deal talks: Brexit timeline
Brexit deal talks: Striking a deal is in the interest of both parties
READ MORE What is an Australia style Brexit trade deal? German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he was confident that, in the end, “the talks will not fail”. Mr Haas added: “We believe an agreement is difficult but still possible. We will keep negotiating… as long as a crack of the window is open.” Writing for the Telegraph, Oliver Wright said: “[No-Deal] will be more likely but people on both sides believe that would be a self-inflicted economic wound at a time when the pandemic is already causing huge disruption. “The worry could move the red lines on both sides.”


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Von der Leyen breaks silence to admit trade deal very close but EU has one final demand

Talks were extended yesterday after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Commission President agreed to continue negotiations .
Talks have struggled to reach a breakthrough over the last few months as neither side has been willing to back down on the issues of fishing rights and the `` level playing field '' , to ensure that neither side can unfairly compete with the other on environmental standards , workers ' rights or state subsidies .
Mr Barnier confirmed that those remain the main issues as he said that `` two conditions are not met yet '' but `` this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms von der Leyen added this morning that EU and British negotiators are on the `` very last mile '' in negotiations for a trade deal and the architecture in place is `` fine '' but some details remain over the level playing field .
She said : `` We are on the very last mile .
`` We want a level playing field , not only at the start but also over time ... this is the architecture that we are building .
`` We 're fine about the architecture itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit ? ''
The UK 's transition period with the EU expires at the end of the month , meaning any new deal would have to be in place by January 1 .
Another issue which has plagued the negotiations has been the legal mechanisms to govern any deal .
However , Mr Barnier did not mention this in his latest update , suggesting those difficulties may have been resolved .
Mr Barnier said the `` next few days '' are important if a deal is to be in place for January 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Why EU No Deal should n't necessarily be believed He said : `` It is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success .
`` Never before has such a comprehensive agreement ( trade , energy , fisheries , transport , police and judicial co-operation etc ) been negotiated so transparently and in such little time . ''
Downing Street has repeatedly said Mr Johnson will rule out negotiations continuing in 2021 .
Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen agree to `` go the extra mile '' in search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mock EU demands of extending Bloc rules for UK fisheries [ REVEALED ] Remoaner Alastair Campbell SILENCED in TV row : 'Brexit is DONE ! '
[ DO N'T MISS ] Tory civil war : Boris told to RESIGN if he fails to reach trade deal [ INSIGHT ] Speaking after the call , Mr Johnson said the UK would not be walking away from the negotiating table and that `` where there is life , there is hope '' .
But he added a no-deal Brexit is still the most likely scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for the end of talks , which would then result in tariffs under World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms from January 1 .
He said : `` The most likely thing now is , of course , that we have to get ready for WTO terms , Australia terms . ''
She told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` If there is any chance to reach a deal we will not let it go .
`` There will be a deal one day between the United Kingdom and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it .
`` If mindsets are ready for a deal in London , well , let 's celebrate .
If they are not , then we 'll talk again next year . ''
These new talks are expected to focus on how closely the UK should follow to EU economic rules in the future .

Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen announces extension to talks
Talks were extended yesterday after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Commission President agreed to continue negotiations. Talks have struggled to reach a breakthrough over the last few months as neither side has been willing to back down on the issues of fishing rights and the "level playing field", to ensure that neither side can unfairly compete with the other on environmental standards, workers' rights or state subsidies. Mr Barnier confirmed that those remain the main issues as he said that "two conditions are not met yet" but "this deal, it is still possible".
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Ms von der Leyen added this morning that EU and British negotiators are on the "very last mile" in negotiations for a trade deal and the architecture in place is "fine" but some details remain over the level playing field. She said: "We are on the very last mile. "We want a level playing field, not only at the start but also over time ... this is the architecture that we are building. "We're fine about the architecture itself but the details, do they really fit?"
Brexit von der leyen speech EU UK trade deal level playing field latest news
The UK's transition period with the EU expires at the end of the month, meaning any new deal would have to be in place by January 1. Another issue which has plagued the negotiations has been the legal mechanisms to govern any deal. However, Mr Barnier did not mention this in his latest update, suggesting those difficulties may have been resolved. Mr Barnier said the "next few days" are important if a deal is to be in place for January 1. READ MORE: Brexit deal talks: Why EU No Deal shouldn't necessarily be believed
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue talks
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Brexit news: The EU has refused to back down over its fishing demands
Speaking after the call, Mr Johnson said the UK would not be walking away from the negotiating table and that "where there is life, there is hope". But he added a no-deal Brexit is still the most likely scenario. He said the country should get ready for the end of talks, which would then result in tariffs under World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms from January 1. He said: "The most likely thing now is, of course, that we have to get ready for WTO terms, Australia terms."
Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen calls for ‘fairness’ from UK
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If there is any chance to reach a deal we will not let it go. "There will be a deal one day between the United Kingdom and the European Union, there is no doubt about it. "If mindsets are ready for a deal in London, well, let's celebrate. If they are not, then we'll talk again next year." These new talks are expected to focus on how closely the UK should follow to EU economic rules in the future.
Boris Johnson has made it clear the UK will not extend the transition period
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--'Annihilation!' French fishermen fear war with Belgium and Netherlands if UK walks away

Without a Brexit deal , French fishermen now fear an upcoming battle with their European counterparts in the North-eastern Atlantic .
With the UK and EU struggling to break the deadlock over Brexit , EU fleets are now gearing up of the threat clashes in France ’ s waters due to the lack of access to Britain 's waters .
Such is the need for access to the UK ’ s waters , officials are now concerned Dutch and Belgian fishermen will now descend on France ’ s waters and ravage the fish stocks .
With EU fleets competing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head of the Hauts-de-France fishing council , stated stocks will be annihilated within months .
He also claimed Dutch fishermen have been at fault of fishing to excess as internal pressure begins to take its toll on the EU .
He told The Daily Telegraph : “ If it was only French fishermen in French waters , then no-deal might be ok but we have the Belgians , the Dutch to contend with .
“ If they all end up in French waters , there is a risk of overfishing and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annihilate stocks .
“ This is a nation that is exterminating fish .
“ They have bought up the European fleet , they fish to excess .
“ We all know full well that if we exterminate the fish they won ’ t come back ever again.
” Although the Netherlands does not have the largest number of vessels , the country does have some of the largest ships in the bloc .
JUST IN : Boris to agree deal within 10 days as Parliament ready to ratify deal Holland has 7.8 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU fleet , only Spain , France and Italy have a higher number - France has the third largest with 11.4 percent .
According to figures from 2018 , Netherlands recorded the fifth-highest number of catches per thousand tonnes across the bloc .
France caught the fourth-highest number of catches with 10.7 percent of the 2018 number .
Like many other EU states , the majority of their catch was resigned to the North-east Atlantic region .
DO N'T MISS Barnier moans he does n't have enough time after FIVE YEARS of talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poised to pass sovereignty to EU [ Update ] BBC BIAS : Broadcaster accused of running 'unopposed Project Fear ' [ Insight ] Dimitri Rogoff , president of the regional Normandy fishing committee added : “ They practice what I would call a scorched-earth policy : when there is nothing left , they look elsewhere .
“ We saw it with electric fishing .
“ That can not sit with our fishermen who fish locally and don ’ t look elsewhere when nothing ’ s left .
“ At the moment they fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and English waters .

Brexit: Dominic Raab addresses plans to defend UK fisheries
Without a Brexit deal, French fishermen now fear an upcoming battle with their European counterparts in the North-eastern Atlantic. With the UK and EU struggling to break the deadlock over Brexit, EU fleets are now gearing up of the threat clashes in France’s waters due to the lack of access to Britain's waters. Such is the need for access to the UK’s waters, officials are now concerned Dutch and Belgian fishermen will now descend on France’s waters and ravage the fish stocks.
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With EU fleets competing in the same area, Olivier Le Prêtre, head of the Hauts-de-France fishing council, stated stocks will be annihilated within months. He also claimed Dutch fishermen have been at fault of fishing to excess as internal pressure begins to take its toll on the EU. He told The Daily Telegraph: “If it was only French fishermen in French waters, then no-deal might be ok but we have the Belgians, the Dutch to contend with. “If they all end up in French waters, there is a risk of overfishing and in a few months, we’ll annihilate stocks.
Brexit news: French fishermen under threat
Brexit news: EU fishermen could clash over France's waters
“This is a nation that is exterminating fish. “They have bought up the European fleet, they fish to excess. “We all know full well that if we exterminate the fish they won’t come back ever again.” Although the Netherlands does not have the largest number of vessels, the country does have some of the largest ships in the bloc. JUST IN: Boris to agree deal within 10 days as Parliament ready to ratify deal
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Brexit news: French fishermen fear clashes with Dutch and Belgians
Holland has 7.8 percent of the total gross tonnage of the EU fleet, only Spain, France and Italy have a higher number - France has the third largest with 11.4 percent. According to figures from 2018, Netherlands recorded the fifth-highest number of catches per thousand tonnes across the bloc. France caught the fourth-highest number of catches with 10.7 percent of the 2018 number. Like many other EU states, the majority of their catch was resigned to the North-east Atlantic region. DON'T MISS
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Brexit news: Michel Barnier
Dimitri Rogoff, president of the regional Normandy fishing committee added: “They practice what I would call a scorched-earth policy: when there is nothing left, they look elsewhere. “We saw it with electric fishing. “That cannot sit with our fishermen who fish locally and don’t look elsewhere when nothing’s left. “At the moment they fish all over the Channel, in French and English waters.
EU fishing zones
“It will be explosive. It’ll end in a punch-up between Europeans and that’s unbearable. "A political choice has to be made and it’s urgent.” Like the level playing field, fisheries has remained one of the key issues stopping a deal from being agreed.
Brexit news: Talks will resume this week


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Tory civil war: Boris Johnson told to RESIGN if he fails to secure Brexit trade deal

Sir Roger Gale , North Thanet MP , has broken ranks with his party to call on Mr Johnson to stand down if he can not deliver on a deal .
The veteran MP wrote on Twitter : `` If Mr Johnson fails to reach an acceptable trade agreement with the EU the Prime Minister will also have failed the people of the United Kingdom .
`` As a lifelong member of the Conservative Party , I believe that Mr Johnson 's position as Prime Minister would be untenable .
`` As an honourable man , he would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick up the pieces , to re-unite the whole country and to show the leadership that Great Britain and Northern Ireland deserves . ''
Up to now , Conservative MPs have remained a united front , supporting the Prime Minister in his assertion the UK will leave the EU transition period on World Trade Organisation terms unless Brussels shifts in its demands .
Mr Johnson has said the UK will `` prosper mightily '' if no deal is agreed between the two sides and Britain ends up trading with the EU27 on terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG Talks have been deadlocked for months over the issues of fishing , governance and state aid .
Mr Johnson and European Commission President set a `` firm '' deadline of yesterday to decide on the future negotiations .
However , the two sides agreed to continue trade talks after the pair held a `` useful '' phone call on Sunday .
Express.co.uk understands the decision was made after progress in some areas since Mr Johnsn and Ms von der Leyen 's last conversation over dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson urged caution over the weekend , saying the two sides remained `` very far apart '' and a no deal exit was still the most likely outcome .
Sir Robert 's warning to the Prime Minister to avoid such a scenario comes in contrast to many of his colleagues .
Bracknell MP James Sunderland has suggested the best outcome for the UK would be to leave the transition period under WTO terms before returning to the negotiating table in January .
He told Express.co.uk : `` Everything at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union .
`` What we are doing is seeking a free trade agreement with the EU , our closest neighbour , in exactly the same way as Canada and other countries have done .
`` At the moment there 's part of EU that thinks we 're still part of the EU . ''
DO N'T MISS : Merkel and Macron warned against attempts to influence Barnier [ VIDEO ] Barnier excitedly tells EU Boris has 'backtracked ' on fishing demands [ UPDATE ] Alok Sharma rages at EU for failing to respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` I suspect that a clean break might be necessary because we would then have to go back to the negotiating table next year , but we 'd go back as an equal negotiating partner as a sovereign nation .
`` It may be the UK is in a much better place to insist on its demands . ''
Meanwhile , Conservative MP Desmond Swayne told this website : `` In the longer run , rather than make some dreadful concession at the last minute to avoid a measure of chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the medium to longer-term it would be much more healthy if we leave without a deal .
`` It 's going to be a bumpy ride but it might help reset the relationship and it might be the best way of achieving a deal . ''
Mr Johnson 's Cabinet is also said to be united in backing the Prime Minister 's position .

Brexit: Boris Johnson criticises ‘ratchet clause’ from EU
Sir Roger Gale, North Thanet MP, has broken ranks with his party to call on Mr Johnson to stand down if he cannot deliver on a deal. The veteran MP wrote on Twitter: "If Mr Johnson fails to reach an acceptable trade agreement with the EU the Prime Minister will also have failed the people of the United Kingdom.
"As a lifelong member of the Conservative Party, I believe that Mr Johnson's position as Prime Minister would be untenable. "As an honourable man, he would have to make way for somebody more able to pick up the pieces, to re-unite the whole country and to show the leadership that Great Britain and Northern Ireland deserves." Up to now, Conservative MPs have remained a united front, supporting the Prime Minister in his assertion the UK will leave the EU transition period on World Trade Organisation terms unless Brussels shifts in its demands. Mr Johnson has said the UK will "prosper mightily" if no deal is agreed between the two sides and Britain ends up trading with the EU27 on terms similar to trade between Brussels and Australia. READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
Boris Johnson has been told he must resign if he fails to reach a trade deal
Talks have been deadlocked for months over the issues of fishing, governance and state aid. Mr Johnson and European Commission President set a "firm" deadline of yesterday to decide on the future negotiations. However, the two sides agreed to continue trade talks after the pair held a "useful" phone call on Sunday. Express.co.uk understands the decision was made after progress in some areas since Mr Johnsn and Ms von der Leyen's last conversation over dinner in Brussels last Wednesday evening. However, Mr Johnson urged caution over the weekend, saying the two sides remained "very far apart" and a no deal exit was still the most likely outcome. Sir Robert's warning to the Prime Minister to avoid such a scenario comes in contrast to many of his colleagues. READ MORE: BBC BIAS: Broadcaster accused of running 'unopposed Project Fear'
Sir Roger Gale said Boris Johnson's position would be 'untenable' if he failed to secure a deal
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Sir Roger Gale said a no deal Brexit would require someone new to 'pick up the pieces and re-unite' the country
Bracknell MP James Sunderland has suggested the best outcome for the UK would be to leave the transition period under WTO terms before returning to the negotiating table in January. He told Express.co.uk: "Everything at the moment is in the gift of the European Union. "What we are doing is seeking a free trade agreement with the EU, our closest neighbour, in exactly the same way as Canada and other countries have done. "At the moment there's part of EU that thinks we're still part of the EU." DON'T MISS:
Merkel and Macron warned against attempts to influence Barnier [VIDEO]
Barnier excitedly tells EU Boris has 'backtracked' on fishing demands [UPDATE]
Alok Sharma rages at EU for failing to respect Britain's sovereignty [WATCH]
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen spoke on the phone yesterday
The Prime Minister and European Commission President agreed to continue trade talks
He added: "I suspect that a clean break might be necessary because we would then have to go back to the negotiating table next year, but we'd go back as an equal negotiating partner as a sovereign nation. "It may be the UK is in a much better place to insist on its demands." Meanwhile, Conservative MP Desmond Swayne told this website: "In the longer run, rather than make some dreadful concession at the last minute to avoid a measure of chaos on January 1 lasting some weeks, in the medium to longer-term it would be much more healthy if we leave without a deal. "It's going to be a bumpy ride but it might help reset the relationship and it might be the best way of achieving a deal." Mr Johnson's Cabinet is also said to be united in backing the Prime Minister's position.
Brexit end game: The steps needed for a trade deal to be secured
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Norway wants to get OUT of ‘bad deal’ with EU– Brussels hit by huge new blow ahead of vote

The Centre Party , who are currently leading in opinion polls wants a “ looser deal ” with Brussels .
@ @ @ @ @ Conservative Party threatened to block EU vessels from Norwegian waters if a UK Brexit trade @ @ @ @ @ .
The Nordic Nation is not part of the EU but is part of the @ @ @ @ @ is forced to follow certain Brussels policies through the European Economic Area Agreement which it @ @ @ @ @ a non-member .
But the deal allows Oslo to retain more control over key parts @ @ @ @ @ fishing grounds .
It previously negotiated annually with the bloc about the management of common @ @ @ @ @ each other ’ s waters and exchange of fish quotas until the UK left the @ @ @ @ @ a trilateral deal in place between the UK and EU but these negotiations have not @ @ @ @ @ ongoing scramble between London and Brussels .

Brexit: Alok Sharma discusses the 'basis' of any deal with the EU
The Centre Party, which is currently leading in opinion polls wants a “looser deal” with Brussels. It comes as the ruling Conservative Party threatened to block EU vessels from Norwegian waters if a UK Brexit trade deal isn’t secured.
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The Nordic nation is not part of the EU but is part of the European single market meaning it is forced to follow certain Brussels policies through the European Economic Area Agreement which it has no say over as a non-member. But the deal allows Oslo to retain more control over key parts of its economy particularly its fishing grounds. It previously negotiated annually with the bloc about the management of common fish stocks, access to each other’s waters and exchange of fish quotas until the UK left the EU. Now Oslo wants a trilateral deal in place between the UK and EU but these negotiations have not yet started because of the ongoing scramble between London and Brussels.
Norway could loosen relations with the EU. Pictured: Erna Solberg
Fishing is an important part of Norway's economy
Norway’s fisheries minister Roger Ingebrigtsen said: “If we do not get a deal by January 1st, we will not open Norway’s economic fishing zones to vessels from the EU and Britain.” But the Centre Party, led by Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, said alternatives needed to be looked at hinting at a cutting of the cord with the EU. The Centre Party is also pushing hard to cut the amount Norway pays in grants to Brussels from the €2.7billion it paid in 2014-2021. Sigbjørn Gjelsvik, the party’s spokesman on EU relations, said: “The deal we have now is a bad one. READ MORE: Boris to agree deal within 10 days as Parliament ready to ratify deal
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Oslo is closely aligned with Brussels
“We need to discuss the alternatives." The Norwegian MP said the Party wanted something closer to a “traditional trade deal like Canada has”. In opinion polls undertaken by Kantar, Centre registered 22.1 percent support whilst the ruling Conservatives led by Prime Minister Erna Solberg were backed by 20.2 percent of voters surveyed. It was the first time the Centre Party had led such a survey since Kantar began measuring voter habits in 1964. DON'T MISS:
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Barnier excitedly tells EU Boris has 'backtracked' on fishing demands [LATEST]
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The Norway approach could change with Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Macron's MEP brutally exposed over France's tough Brexit stance 'You will be badly hit!'

France 's former Europe Minister said her Government has remained firm on its red lines because of Emmanuel Macron 's insistence on avoiding a `` bad deal '' with the UK .
President Macron has emerged as one of the toughest obstacles for London to overcome before striking a Brexit agreement on the future relationship Britain will have with the European Union .
France 's unwillingness to budge was challenged as BBC host Nick Robinson questioned : `` We will try , you say .
We know that France will be badly hit by no deal .
Your Finance Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a £2billion trade surplus on food , you sell more of it than you buy from the UK .
Why would you risk that ? ''
He continued : `` I want to understand why in Paris you , the Government , might think that a bad deal was worse than a no deal .
`` If you would , let 's put aside the rhetoric , the talks of a level-playing field , the talk of the sanctity of the single market and so on .
`` What is it that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fearful of , and you think might be worse than having no deal at all ? ''
JUST IN : Barnier caught on video ahead of urgent Brexit briefing 'the end depends on two things' Ms Loiseau insisted the concerns France has expressed are `` not rhetorical '' and insisted the EU is right to seek to safeguard the single market from potentially unfair competition from the UK .
The French MEP said : `` We want to have a clear system where British companies have similar standards they have today with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a sovereign manner , it decides to diverge as is it 's utmost right , there have to be consequences in terms of access to the single market . ''
She added : `` A bad deal would be even worse than no deal .
READ MORE : Barnier excitedly tells EU ambassadors Boris Johnson has 'backtracked on fishing demands' '' A no deal is a moment where you acknowledge you are not able to make an agreement but it is not forever .
`` There will be a deal one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union , there is no doubt about it .
`` We are very close partners , we are very much at stake to do things together .
If mindsets are set for a deal in London , well let 's celebrate .
If they 're not , let 's talk again next year . ''
Despite warnings about the impact of no deal Brexit on France , Mr Macron 's Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has insisted the UK had more to lose if no agreement is reached .
Richard Tice reveals the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit UK [ VIDEO ] Guy Verhofstadt blasted by Brexiteers over Royal Navy tweet [ COMMENT ] EU savaged for 'intransigents ' and plot to 'bleed UK dry ' over Brexit [ OPINION ]

Brexit: Nick Robinson grills French MEP on negotiation ‘fears’
France's former Europe Minister said her Government has remained firm on its red lines because of Emmanuel Macron's insistence on avoiding a "bad deal" with the UK. President Macron has emerged as one of the toughest obstacles for London to overcome before striking a Brexit agreement on the future relationship Britain will have with the European Union. France's unwillingness to budge was challenged as BBC host Nick Robinson questioned: "We will try, you say. We know that France will be badly hit by no deal. Your Finance Minister has just confirmed that.
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"You have a £2billion trade surplus on food, you sell more of it than you buy from the UK. Why would you risk that?" He continued: "I want to understand why in Paris you, the Government, might think that a bad deal was worse than a no deal. "If you would, let's put aside the rhetoric, the talks of a level-playing field, the talk of the sanctity of the single market and so on. "What is it that the British Government might do that you are fearful of, and you think might be worse than having no deal at all?" JUST IN: Barnier caught on video ahead of urgent Brexit briefing 'the end depends on two things'
Brexit news: Loiseau was challenged to justify Macron's tough stance
Brexit news: Loiseau told BBC host Nick Robinson a "bad deal is worse than no deal"
Ms Loiseau insisted the concerns France has expressed are "not rhetorical" and insisted the EU is right to seek to safeguard the single market from potentially unfair competition from the UK. The French MEP said: "We want to have a clear system where British companies have similar standards they have today with the European Union. "If, in a sovereign manner, it decides to diverge as is it's utmost right, there have to be consequences in terms of access to the single market." She added: "A bad deal would be even worse than no deal. READ MORE: Barnier excitedly tells EU ambassadors Boris Johnson has 'backtracked on fishing demands'
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Brexit: Alok Sharma discusses the 'basis' of any deal with the EU
Brexit news: Michel Barnier and Lord Frost have been mandated to keep talking
"A no deal is a moment where you acknowledge you are not able to make an agreement but it is not forever. "There will be a deal one day between the United Kingdom and the European Union, there is no doubt about it. "We are very close partners, we are very much at stake to do things together. If mindsets are set for a deal in London, well let's celebrate. If they're not, let's talk again next year." Despite warnings about the impact of no deal Brexit on France, Mr Macron's Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has insisted the UK had more to lose if no agreement is reached. DON'T MISS Richard Tice reveals the 'load of opportunities' for no deal Brexit UK [VIDEO]
Guy Verhofstadt blasted by Brexiteers over Royal Navy tweet [COMMENT]
EU savaged for 'intransigents' and plot to 'bleed UK dry' over Brexit [OPINION]
Brexit news: A trade deal can be struck until December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Barnier THE LIAR! UK rages as Brexit negotiator tells EU Boris has backtracked on fishing

Raising hopes of a future relationship pact , the Brussels diplomat told EU27 ambassadors that progress had been made by both sides over the weekend on the so-called level playing field .
The Frenchman said they had moved closer to a deal on enforcing the rules to ensure free and fair competition if Britain decides to not follow the EU ’ s regulations in the future .
After a weekend of wrangling , Mr Barnier added that EU and UK officials are still yet to find an agreement over future controls over state subsidies for industry .
An EU diplomat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the British in the row over future access to our coastal waters for European boats .
The insider said Mr Barnier had described `` some limited progress '' in the discussions between the EU and UK over the weekend .
A UK source hit back at claims the country ’ s negotiators were “ backtracking ” in the discussions over fishing quotas .
“ Just not true , ” they said .
It is understood that British officials have dug their heels in on fish after offering minor concessions on the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters news agency reported one EU diplomat as saying Mr Barnier was “ guarded ” in his debrief to EU envoys on the state of play in the Brexit talks .
The source added : `` Patient still alive ... but keep the undertaker on speed dial . ''
Ahead of the meeting , Mr Barnier told journalists a trade deal remains possible in the coming days .
He said : “ We 've only been negotiating for nine months , we 've needed at least five years for all the previous agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to this agreement ... which is still possible .
“ A good , balanced agreement .
That means two conditions which are n't met yet .
Free and fair competition ... and an agreement which guarantees reciprocal access to markets and waters .
And it 's on these points that we have n't found the right balance with the British .
So we keep working.
” After the meeting , Mr Barnier tweeted : “ It is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success .
“ Never before has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy , fisheries , transport , police & judicial cooperation , etc ) been negotiated so transparently and in such little time .
“ The next few days are important , if a EU-UK deal is to be in place on January 1 , 2021 .
“ Fair competition , and a sustainable solution for our fishermen and women , are key to reaching a deal.
” UK Brexit envoy Lord Frost and Mr Barnier are due to meet again later this morning .
British officials spent more than 100 hours last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and future common standards .
A deal could emerge later this week if both sides are able to overcome their differences .
UK officials believe they have a better chance of a breakthrough as Brexit talks continue this week .
MUST READ : Barnier moans he does n't have enough time after FIVE YEARS of talks They think that Brussels is now showing a `` greater appreciation '' of Britain 's position in negotiations .
The change came as Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen , European Commission president , agreed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested that yesterday would be the absolute deadline for progress .
Sources close to the talks said each side had made progress on the `` level playing field '' issue - a trade policy that prevents businesses in one country gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in other countries .
It is one of the key differences between the sides after the EU dropped its `` ratchet clause '' demand for Britain to be permanently tied to its regulations .
The two teams are now exploring how the UK can be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU 's rulebook , so Eurocrats will not have free rein to slap Britain with punitive trade tariffs at short notice .
DO N'T MISS Barnier excitedly tells EU Boris has 'backtracked ' on fishing demands [ INSIGHT ] EU live video : Barnier 's urgent Brexit briefing to EU [ VIDEO ] Piers Morgan slapped down by Sharma over No Deal Brexit scaremongering [ REVEALED ]

Brexit: Michel Barnier gives update on state of negotiations
Raising hopes of a future relationship pact, the Brussels diplomat told EU27 ambassadors that progress had been made by both sides over the weekend on the so-called level playing field. The Frenchman said they had moved closer to a deal on enforcing the rules to ensure free and fair competition if Britain decides to not follow the EU’s regulations in the future. After a weekend of wrangling, Mr Barnier added that EU and UK officials are still yet to find an agreement over future controls over state subsidies for industry.
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An EU diplomat said there had been "backtracking" by the British in the row over future access to our coastal waters for European boats. The insider said Mr Barnier had described "some limited progress" in the discussions between the EU and UK over the weekend. A UK source hit back at claims the country’s negotiators were “backtracking” in the discussions over fishing quotas. “Just not true,” they said. It is understood that British officials have dug their heels in on fish after offering minor concessions on the so-called "level playing field". The Reuters news agency reported one EU diplomat as saying Mr Barnier was “guarded” in his debrief to EU envoys on the state of play in the Brexit talks. The source added: "Patient still alive ... but keep the undertaker on speed dial."
Michel Barnier today briefed EU27 ambassadors on the Brexit trade talks
Michel Barnier arrives to brief EU 27 ambassadors
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Barnier told journalists a trade deal remains possible in the coming days. He said: “We've only been negotiating for nine months, we've needed at least five years for all the previous agreements, we are going to give every chance to this agreement... which is still possible. “A good, balanced agreement. That means two conditions which aren't met yet. Free and fair competition... and an agreement which guarantees reciprocal access to markets and waters. And it's on these points that we haven't found the right balance with the British. So we keep working.” After the meeting, Mr Barnier tweeted: “It is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success. “Never before has such a comprehensive agreement (trade, energy, fisheries, transport, police & judicial cooperation, etc) been negotiated so transparently and in such little time. “The next few days are important, if a EU-UK deal is to be in place on January 1, 2021. “Fair competition, and a sustainable solution for our fishermen and women, are key to reaching a deal.”
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Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
UK Brexit envoy Lord Frost and Mr Barnier are due to meet again later this morning. British officials spent more than 100 hours last week attempting to unpick the deadlock over fisheries and future common standards. A deal could emerge later this week if both sides are able to overcome their differences. UK officials believe they have a better chance of a breakthrough as Brexit talks continue this week. MUST READ: Barnier moans he doesn't have enough time after FIVE YEARS of talks
What needs to be done in the race to have a Brexit trade deal in place by January 1
They think that Brussels is now showing a "greater appreciation" of Britain's position in negotiations. The change came as Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, agreed that talks would go on, having previously suggested that yesterday would be the absolute deadline for progress. Sources close to the talks said each side had made progress on the "level playing field" issue - a trade policy that prevents businesses in one country gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in other countries. It is one of the key differences between the sides after the EU dropped its "ratchet clause" demand for Britain to be permanently tied to its regulations. The two teams are now exploring how the UK can be allowed a "managed divergence" from the EU's rulebook, so Eurocrats will not have free rein to slap Britain with punitive trade tariffs at short notice. DON'T MISS
Barnier excitedly tells EU Boris has 'backtracked' on fishing demands [INSIGHT]
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Brexit 'further down the agenda' in Germany says expert