thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Spain desperate holidays plea: Spanish NEED a Brexit deal we are dependent on British

Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya made plea to both sides after Brexit talks reached a stalemate this week .
She explained Spain `` needs a deal ” with the UK and that both nations are dependent on each other .
Spain is one of the EU nations with the closest relations with Britain , with more than 365,000 British expats currently registered living in Spain and extensive trade and economic ties .
Add to this the British territory of Gibraltar - the need for Spain to maintain good relations is high .
At the EU Summit in Brussels this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Der Leyen was quoted by an EU official as telling leaders of the bloc 's 27 member states prospects for a deal had worsened .
The official said : `` The probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal.
” Talks have been extended to Sunday , December 13 , with both sides agreeing a decision on the future of discussions needs to be made .
However , some EU member states would be impacted more than others in the event of a no deal .
Read More : Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travellers Ms González Laya said of Brexit : `` What it has shown at the heart of it is ... the illusion of independence and the need to manage interdependence — and this is why we need a deal because we need to manage our interdependence . ''
She added : `` From a very pragmatic Spain , we have always maintained that a deal was more desirable than breaking up without a deal . ''
Ms Johnson and Ms von der Leyen have given negotiators until Sunday evening to break the impasse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticking points are fishing rights and EU demands for Britain to face consequences if in the future it diverges from the bloc 's rules .
In the case of a no deal on trade , Britain would lose zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European single market of 450 million consumers overnight .
Ms González Laya this would be disastrous for Spain , both for people and businesses .
She told Politico : `` We looked at the consequences of what this no deal would mean .
`` In Spain , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a border — in Gibraltar ... this will become the external border of the European Union and this will have an impact for Gibraltarians as well as for Spaniards in the region.
” In terms of trade , the Spanish Foreign Minister explained : ” We know what it will mean for shipments of fruits and vegetables .
“ We know what it will mean for the activities of banks and automobile factories .
“ And because we know all of this — it 's called interdependence — our obligation is to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal at any cost.
” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed this sentiment in October , saying a deal is `` essential '' for his country 's economic stability at a moment of deep crisis .
He said : `` For Spain , a Brexit agreement is essential , not only because of the historical relations we have with the United Kingdom but also because of the social and economic interests that we share.
” Preparations have been ramped up in the case of a no deal , following a deadlock in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to agree to arrangements to cover nearly $ 1 trillion in annual trade , however , both sides have said a no deal is the likeliest option .
Mr Johnson said : “ It 's looking very , very likely we 'll have to go for a solution that I think will be wonderful for the UK .
We 'll be able to do exactly what we want from Jan. 1 .
“ It will obviously be different from what we set out to achieve .
If there 's a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're saying then I must say that I 'm yet to see it .
”

Brexit: Malcolm Turnbull warns ‘be careful what you wish for’
Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya made plea to both sides after Brexit talks reached a stalemate this week. She explained Spain "needs a deal” with the UK and that both nations are dependent on each other. Spain is one of the EU nations with the closest relations with Britain, with more than 365,000 British expats currently registered living in Spain and extensive trade and economic ties.
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Add to this the British territory of Gibraltar - the need for Spain to maintain good relations is high. At the EU Summit in Brussels this week, European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen was quoted by an EU official as telling leaders of the bloc's 27 member states prospects for a deal had worsened. The official said: "The probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal.” Read More: Spain holidays: FCDO issues new warning for travellers
Spain desperate holidays plea: Spanish NEED a Brexit deal we are dependent on British
READ MORE No deal Brexit chances SURGE to 80 percent as negotiations stall Talks have been extended to Sunday, December 13, with both sides agreeing a decision on the future of discussions needs to be made. However, some EU member states would be impacted more than others in the event of a no deal. In 2019, more than 18 million Britons visited Spain, which is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. The UK leaving the EU without a deal would have consequences for businesses, trade, and set up the likelihood of a border in the British territory of Gibraltar.
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Spain desperate holidays plea: Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was 'very, very likely' trade talks with the European Union would fail
Ms González Laya said of Brexit: "What it has shown at the heart of it is ... the illusion of independence and the need to manage interdependence — and this is why we need a deal because we need to manage our interdependence." She added: "From a very pragmatic Spain, we have always maintained that a deal was more desirable than breaking up without a deal." Ms Johnson and Ms von der Leyen have given negotiators until Sunday evening to break the impasse at talks which are deadlocked. The sticking points are fishing rights and EU demands for Britain to face consequences if in the future it diverges from the bloc's rules.
READ MORE Nigel Farage laughs off desperate EU's last-ditch fishing offer In the case of a no deal on trade, Britain would lose zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European single market of 450 million consumers overnight. Ms González Laya this would be disastrous for Spain, both for people and businesses. She told Politico: "We looked at the consequences of what this no deal would mean. "In Spain, it’s pretty clear: there will be a border — in Gibraltar ... this will become the external border of the European Union and this will have an impact for Gibraltarians as well as for Spaniards in the region.”
Spain desperate holidays plea: Talks have been extended to Sunday, December 13
Spain desperate holidays plea: A no deal is looking likely - but this is the process a deal would go through to be approved
In terms of trade, the Spanish Foreign Minister explained: ”We know what it will mean for shipments of fruits and vegetables. “We know what it will mean for the activities of banks and automobile factories. “And because we know all of this — it's called interdependence — our obligation is to find a deal. Now that's not a deal at any cost.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed this sentiment in October, saying a deal is "essential" for his country's economic stability at a moment of deep crisis.


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--How Von Der Leyen has taken command of Barnier's Brexit team - EU No Deal fear is rampant

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a no deal Brexit would be wonderful for the UK on Friday as he gave his assessment of the prospect of a trade deal with the European Union ( EU ) .
Mr Johnson said : “ Unfortunately , there are two key things where we just can ’ t seem to make progress .
I ’ ve got to tell you that from where I stand now 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly what we want from January.
” Mrs Von der Leyen has taken over Mr Barnier ’ s EU negotiation team in recent weeks .
She said : “ Positions remain apart on fundamental issues .
Our negotiators are working .
One way or another in less than three weeks it will be new beginnings for old friends.
” The EU Commission President said it would be understood by Sunday whether or not a deal would be possible before the transition period ends .
Negotiations between the two sides will continue throughout this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mr Johnson expected to speak on the matter tomorrow .
READ MORE : 'Having a laugh ! '
Verhofstadt mocked after saying EU is 'global power' One EU source said they expected talks to extend into next week .
But one senior Government official said no decision had been taken regarding a deal in the UK ’ s camp .
The source said : “ We will have to see where we are on Sunday and make a decision then.
” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said : “ In the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days more are needed .
“ We believe that an agreement is difficult but still possible .
We will keep negotiating… .
as long as a crack of the window is open.
” Mrs Von der Leyen told EU leaders on Friday a no deal Brexit was more probable than the two sides coming to an agreement on fishing and business competition rules .
During a short discussion with the leaders , the Commission President said : “ I will not give percentage odds but there is higher probability for no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ der Leyen and Mr Johnson met on Wednesday for dinner in Brussels , where they were joined by Mr Barnier and Brexit negotiator on the UK ’ s side , Lord David Frost .
The EU president said she had “ repeatedly made clear ” to the Prime Minister on Wednesday that “ the principle of fair competition ” requiring Britain to maintain equivalent trading standards , was a deal-breaker for the EU side .
DO N'T MISS EU no deal Brexit planning exposed as Brussels [ INSIGHT ] EU punishment plot : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ ANALYSIS ] Boris Johnson SNUBBED as Merkel and Macron refuse to talk three times [ REPORT ] • Global Britain ALREADY attracting skilled workers from around world She said : “ It is only fair that competitors to our own enterprises face the same conditions in our own market .
“ But this is not to say that we would require the UK to follow us every time we decide to raise our level of ambition , for example in the environmental field .
“ They would remain free sovereigns .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our market according to the decision of the UK and this would apply vice versa.
” On discussions over access to British waters for EU fisheries , she said : “ We haven ’ t yet found the solution to bridge our differences .

Brexit: No deal ‘more beneficial’ claims Calvin Robinson
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a no deal Brexit would be wonderful for the UK on Friday as he gave his assessment of the prospect of a trade deal with the European Union (EU). Mr Johnson said: “Unfortunately, there are two key things where we just can’t seem to make progress. I’ve got to tell you that from where I stand now 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 January.”
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Mrs Von der Leyen has taken over Mr Barnier’s EU negotiation team in recent weeks. She said: “Positions remain apart on fundamental issues. Our negotiators are working. One way or another in less than three weeks it will be new beginnings for old friends.” The EU Commission President said it would be understood by Sunday whether or not a deal would be possible before the transition period ends. Negotiations between the two sides will continue throughout this weekend, with Mrs Von der Leyen and Mr Johnson expected to speak on the matter tomorrow. READ MORE: 'Having a laugh!' Verhofstadt mocked after saying EU is 'global power'
How Von Der Leyen has taken command of Barnier's Brexit team as No Deal fear rampant
Boris Johnson said no deal would be wonderful for the UK
READ MORE Brexit: UK to be ‘junior partner’ to US as it ‘competes with EU' One EU source said they expected talks to extend into next week. But one senior Government official said no decision had been taken regarding a deal in the UK’s camp. The source said: “We will have to see where we are on Sunday and make a decision then.” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: “In the end, the talks will not fail because a few days more are needed.
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Ursula von der Leyen said no deal Brexit was a more probably outcome
Brexit timeline
“We believe that an agreement is difficult but still possible. We will keep negotiating…. as long as a crack of the window is open.” Mrs Von der Leyen told EU leaders on Friday a no deal Brexit was more probable than the two sides coming to an agreement on fishing and business competition rules. During a short discussion with the leaders, the Commission President said: “I will not give percentage odds but there is higher probability for no deal than a deal.” Mrs Von der Leyen and Mr Johnson met on Wednesday for dinner in Brussels, where they were joined by Mr Barnier and Brexit negotiator on the UK’s side, Lord David Frost. The EU president said she had “repeatedly made clear” to the Prime Minister on Wednesday that “the principle of fair competition” requiring Britain to maintain equivalent trading standards, was a deal-breaker for the EU side. DON'T MISS
EU no deal Brexit planning exposed as Brussels [INSIGHT]
EU punishment plot: 'Envious' member states furious at Boris [ANALYSIS]
Boris Johnson SNUBBED as Merkel and Macron refuse to talk three times [REPORT]
Von der Leyen took over Barnier's negotiation team in recent weeks
READ MORE No Deal Brexit to see UK bow down to China She said: “It is only fair that competitors to our own enterprises face the same conditions in our own market. “But this is not to say that we would require the UK to follow us every time we decide to raise our level of ambition, for example in the environmental field. “They would remain free sovereigns. We would simply adapt the conditions for access to our market according to the decision of the UK and this would apply vice versa.” On discussions over access to British waters for EU fisheries, she said: “We haven’t yet found the solution to bridge our differences.
Disagreements remain over fisheries and fishing rights


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Respect us! French MEP slams UK over Brexit -'You can't take advantage of common market'

Bruno Bonnell insisted Britain can not `` take advantage of the common market '' as it is leaving the European Union .
He dismissed claims that Brussels could be making the UK 's departure `` as hard as possible '' before claiming trade talks are likely to end in a no deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was `` hopeful '' that progress could be made in talks but stressed that the two sides remained stuck on fisheries and the so-called level-playing field .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr Bonnell said : `` Europe is a common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair enough .
`` But they ca n't both be advantageous on one side being free to decide on their own future and take advantage of the common market in Europe .
`` It 's not a question of Europe willing to make it as hard as possible .
`` It 's a question on the logic of Europe and logic of a single country out of Europe . ''
Asked what concessions the EU has made during negotiations , the MEP added : `` I think they are significant .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of saying , 'fine if the UK goes farther than Europe in the way they conduct business , Europe should do the same thing .
`` I think this idea of being symmetrical is a very big concession because originally you had to follow the European standard which was hard to swallow from the UK side .
`` But still Mr Johnson wants to go further to be totally free to decide what he wants to do and when he wants to do it . ''
Mr Johnson has chaired a meeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other senior officials , to `` take stock '' of Government plans for a no deal exit , Number 10 confirmed .
His comments came after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the negotiating teams ' positions remained apart on `` fundamental issues '' .
The two leaders have agreed to make a decision on the future of the negotiations by the end of the weekend .
Speaking to reporters on a visit to Blyth in Northumberland , Mr Johnson said : `` Unfortunately at the moment , as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we just ca n't seem to make progress .
Brexit LIVE : 48 hours until Boris and VDL deadline [ LIVE ] EU no deal Brexit planning exposed as Brussels [ ANALYSIS ] EU punishment plot : 'Envious ' member states furious at Boris [ INSIGHT ] '' And that 's this kind of ratchet clause they 've got in to keep the UK locked in to whatever they want to do in terms of legislation , which obviously does n't work .
`` And then there is the whole issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to take back control of our waters .
So there is a way to go - we 're hopeful that progress can be made .
`` But I 've got to tell that from where I stand now , here in Blyth , 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 January .
`` It obviously would be different from what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no doubt this country can get ready and , as I say , come out on World Trade terms . ''

Brexit: Bonnell warns UK 'can't take advantage' of EU
Bruno Bonnell insisted Britain cannot "take advantage of the common market" as it is leaving the European Union. He dismissed claims that Brussels could be making the UK's departure "as hard as possible" before claiming trade talks are likely to end in a no deal. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "hopeful" that progress could be made in talks but stressed that the two sides remained stuck on fisheries and the so-called level-playing field.
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Speaking to Sky News, Mr Bonnell said: "Europe is a common project if people want to leave Europe fair enough. "But they can't both be advantageous on one side being free to decide on their own future and take advantage of the common market in Europe. "It's not a question of Europe willing to make it as hard as possible. "It's a question on the logic of Europe and logic of a single country out of Europe." READ MORE: Nigel Farage laughs off desperate EU's last-ditch fishing offer
Bruno Bonnell insisted Britain cannot "take advantage of the common market" as it is leaving the EU
He dismissed claims that Brussels could be making the UK's departure "as hard as possible"
Asked what concessions the EU has made during negotiations, the MEP added: "I think they are significant. "The most important one if the symmetrical issue of saying, 'fine if the UK goes farther than Europe in the way they conduct business, Europe should do the same thing. "I think this idea of being symmetrical is a very big concession because originally you had to follow the European standard which was hard to swallow from the UK side. "But still Mr Johnson wants to go further to be totally free to decide what he wants to do and when he wants to do it."
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Boris Johnson said he was "hopeful" that progress could be made in talks
Brexit: EU states want to 'punish' UK warns Lord Digby Jones
Mr Johnson has chaired a meeting, attended by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and other senior officials, to "take stock" of Government plans for a no deal exit, Number 10 confirmed. His comments came after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the negotiating teams' positions remained apart on "fundamental issues". The two leaders have agreed to make a decision on the future of the negotiations by the end of the weekend. Speaking to reporters on a visit to Blyth in Northumberland, Mr Johnson said: "Unfortunately at the moment, as you know, there are two key things where we just can't seem to make progress. DON'T MISS Brexit LIVE: 48 hours until Boris and VDL deadline [LIVE]
EU no deal Brexit planning exposed as Brussels [ANALYSIS]
EU punishment plot: 'Envious' member states furious at Boris [INSIGHT]
Hardest hit by Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Brexit LIVE: Boris to offer EU fishermen PAYOUTS in desperate bid for deal - staggering!

Mr Macron insists he does not want France to have its `` cake and eat it '' but he is also not going to give up `` his share of cake '' – which he believes is giving EU fishermen the same rights in UK waters as they had when Britain was part of the bloc .
In a bid to break the deadlock and meet his and the European Commission president ’ s Sunday deadline Mr Johnson is said to considering options to entice Mr Macron to accept the UK ’ s proposals .
Government sources have signalled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered to EU fishermen by Mr Johnson in a bid to secure a deal in the final days of talks .
It comes after reports last month suggested fishing quotas could be delayed until a later date , permitting EU fishermen to continue operating in UK fishing waters from January 1 , 2021 as part of a transition period for fisheries .
With less than 48 hours to the Sunday deadline , contingency plans have been escalated on both sides as a no deal Brexit has become increasingly likely with the transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite this Mr Johnson has remained confident the UK with thrive with or without a deal , although he has stressed the former is more preferable .
The Prime Minister argued while leaving the transition period without a deal was not what he had “ set out to achieve ” it would allow the UK to “ do exactly what we want from January ” .
He told The Times : “ Unfortunately there are two key things where we just can ’ t seem to make progress.
” “ I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I stand now 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 January.
” DO N'T MISS Macron does n't believe Boris will quit without deal [ REVEAL ] EU will attack own workers just to HURT UK , says CAROLE MALONE [ COMMENT ] Brexit POLL : Should Boris deploy the Royal Navy to protect UK waters ?
[ POLL ] The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday morning a no deal Brexit was more now probable .
Ms von der Leyen said : “ I will not give percentage odds but there is higher probability for no deal than a deal.
” She has also made “ repeatedly made clear ” to Mr Johnson “ the principle of fair competition ” which would requiring the UK to remain tied to EU equivalent trading standards was a deal-breaker for the Brussels side .
Admiral Lord West , a former chief of naval staff , said he agreed the Royal Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessels if asked to do so in a no deal Brexit scenario .
Lord West told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : “ 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 do n't want other nations there .
`` 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get on them .
`` There is no doubt if you are a fisherman who has fished for years there - they are , as our fishermen are , quite stormy people - and you get a bit of a punch-up and you might need some Marines and things . ''
1pm update : Senior Tories react angrily to Boris Johnson 's handling of the Brexit talks and threat to deploy Royal Navy gunboats Tobias Ellwood , Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee , called the threat `` irresponsible '' while former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister of behaving like an `` English nationalist '' .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a retrograde step , a failure of statecraft . ''
Lord Patten 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 . ''
12.37pm update : Global Britain already attracting skilled workers from around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the rest of the world are now applying for jobs in the UK than those from the EU , according to new research .
One expert said the data was an eloquent illustration of the nation 's appeal as a workplace with Brexit looming .
During the last year , the share of clicks on UK vacancies by candidates based outside the EU increased by 19.7 percent according to research by job site Indeed .
Jack Kennedy , economist at the global job site , said : “ Now - for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average UK role is attracting more interest from outside the EU than from Europe . ''
11.30am update : Sir Keir Starmer sparks furious backlash after accusing Boris Johnson of breaking his promise to secure a Brexit trade deal Sir Keir criticised the Prime Minister for attempting to `` dress up '' no deal as an Australian-style arrangement But his comments prompted a swift backlash on social media .
One critic said : `` I do n't think delivering what the country voted for can be described as a failure to be honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted to leave !
The ballot paper did not say leave with a deal or leave without a deal .
`` It was Leave the EU or Remain in the EU . ''
9.20am update : French Bruno Bonnell hits out at the UK over EU ’ s common market Mr Bonnell claimed the UK was trying to take “ take advantage of the common market in Europe ” in Brexit trade talks .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr Bonnell said : `` Europe is a common project if people want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ca n't both be advantageous on one side being free to decide on their own future and take advantage of the common market in Europe .
`` It 's not a question of Europe willing to make it as hard as possible .
`` It 's a question on the logic of Europe and logic of a single country out of Europe . ''
8.30am update : 'Envious ' EU member states furious at Boris 'for standing up to Brussels ' Lord Digby Jones told talkRADIO there is “ a degree of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envy ” among EU states .
He told radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer : `` Boris told his cabinet colleagues that the EU want to punish Britain .
He is absolutely right .
`` I 've talked to people in Europe about this , there is a degree of wanting to punish us , there is a degree of envy that they ca n't believe that Britain is standing up to them . ''
7am update : A no deal Brexit could cost Scotland 's food and drink industry £2billion , an industry leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink , said the ongoing uncertainty over the UK 's future relationship with the EU means some businesses are already stopping selling products there .
Coronavirus has also caused `` huge losses for businesses who are way more fragile going into 2021 than they otherwise would have been '' , he said .
He warned Boris Johnson walk away without a deal on top of that could push some firms out of business .
Scotland normally exports about £1.2billion worth of food to the EU every year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort to World Trade Organisation terms will be a `` living nightmare for a lot of food and drink businesses '' .
Mr Withers said : `` The impact of tariffs could effectively end most of our red meat exports to Europe .
`` Scotch lamb would face tariffs of between 40 percent and 50 percent , beef over 80 percent .
”

Brexit: No deal ‘more beneficial’ claims Calvin Robinson
Huge sticking points on fishing, state aid and governance still remain with the Ms von der Leyen concluding earlier this week the UK and EU were still "far apart" on those issues. French President Emmanuel Macron has retained his hardline stance on fishing in a move which threatens to scupper a trade deal between the EU and the UK. [THIS BLOG IS NOW FINISHED - FOR THE LATEST UPDATES CLICK HERE]
Trending
Mr Macron insists he does not want France to have its "cake and eat it" but he is also not going to give up "his share of cake" – which he believes is giving EU fishermen the same rights in UK waters as they had when Britain was part of the bloc. In a bid to break the deadlock and meet his and the European Commission president’s Sunday deadline Mr Johnson is said to considering options to entice Mr Macron to accept the UK’s proposals. Government sources have signalled to the Daily Telegraph financial support could be offered to EU fishermen by Mr Johnson in a bid to secure a deal in the final days of talks. It comes after reports last month suggested fishing quotas could be delayed until a later date, permitting EU fishermen to continue operating in UK fishing waters from January 1, 2021 as part of a transition period for fisheries. With less than 48 hours to the Sunday deadline, contingency plans have been escalated on both sides as a no deal Brexit has become increasingly likely with the transition period due to end on December 31.
Brexit latest: 48 hours until Boris and VDL deadline - Prime Minister says no deal 'wonderful'
Despite this Mr Johnson has remained confident the UK with thrive with or without a deal, although he has stressed the former is more preferable. The Prime Minister argued while leaving the transition period without a deal was not what he had “set out to achieve” it would allow the UK to “do exactly what we want from January”. He told The Times: “Unfortunately there are two key things where we just can’t seem to make progress.” “I’ve got to tell you that from where I stand now 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 January.” DON'T MISS
Macron doesn't believe Boris will quit without deal [REVEAL]
EU will attack own workers just to HURT UK, says CAROLE MALONE [COMMENT]
Brexit POLL: Should Boris deploy the Royal Navy to protect UK waters? [POLL]
Boris Johnson and the EU are racing agains the clock to secure a trade deal before December 31
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The European Commission president also told EU leaders yesterday morning a no deal Brexit was more now probable. Ms von der Leyen said: “I will not give percentage odds but there is higher probability for no deal than a deal.” She has also made “repeatedly made clear” to Mr Johnson “the principle of fair competition” which would require the UK to remain tied to EU equivalent trading standards was a deal-breaker for the Brussels side. FOLLOW BELOW FOR EXPRESS.CO.UK'S LIVE UPDATES:
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen has set a deadline of Sunday to reach a 'firm decision'
8.13am: This blog is closed. Click here for the latest updates. 10.45pm update: Brexit POLL: With Boris and VDL’s Sunday deadline, do you think there will be a deal? Boris Johnwson and Ursula von der Leyen are set to decide on the future of post-Brexit trade talks on Sunday - but do you think the UK and the EU will reach a deal? Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether they think a deal will be in sight by Sunday when the Prime Minister and the European Commission President are due to speak. It comes as talks between chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are continuing late into the night in Brussels. 9.30pm update: UK unveils final no-deal plans as EU offer remains 'unacceptable' Britain has unveiled its final preparations for a No-deal Brexit as sources said the current offer from the EU was "unacceptable". Talks continued overnight and the Prime Minister pledged to leave “no stone unturned” in seeking a deal. But detailed plans have now been drawn up to cope with potential disruption on January 1 in the event of No-deal. Government sources insisted: “The UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks’ time.” The news came as it emerged that the country has already secured trade deals worth almost £200billion with the rest of the world. Boris Johnson and the EU Commission have agreed that “a final decision should be taken about the future” of Brexit talks this evening. A government source said: “As things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable.” Although discussions will continue today, they were described as “very difficult”. The Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, are due to speak on Sunday. 7.30pm update: EU orders member states not to do side deals with UK if trade talks fail The European Union has told member states not to break ranks or do side deals with the UK if Brexit trade talks fail, according to reports. Brussels reportedly ordered member states in a meeting of diplomats on Thursday to remain united to force Britain back into negotiations after January 1. With just three weeks to go until the transition period ends, the UK and the EU are yet to strike a post-Brexit trade deal. According to a diplomatic note seen by the Financial Times, EU member states were told not to do anything that would reduce the impact of no deal. A Brussels official told the diplomats that an “incentive must be maintained” for the UK to return to the negotiating table “as soon as possible” if talks fail this year.
Brexit latest: The EU has reportedly told member states not to break ranks or do side deals with the UK
6.15pm update: 'Four years putting up with EU threats is national disgrace' Brits furious at Brexit farce Britons have launched a furious attack against the European Union as tensions around any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK become increasingly bitter. Boris Johnson has warned Britain is likely to leave the European Union on December 31 without a trade deal in place. Both sides insist they want an agreement to cover around £700billion in annual trade but negotiations continue to be at a standstill. The Prime Minister and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have given their negotiating teams until Sunday to break the deadlock over fishing rights and EU demands for Britain to face consequences if in the future it diverges from the bloc's rules. On Friday evening, EU leaders had also rejected a proposal from Mr Johnson for a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, EU officials said. Mr Macron has been particularly vocal on the periphery of negotiations, with his French government threatening to veto any deal that doesn't meet the red lines they have set out - particularly around fishing right's in UK waters for his country's fishermen. Britons have exploded with fury over what they say have been constant threats from the EU and various leaders during the tense and often bitter post-Brexit trade deal negotiations. 5.30pm update: Universities furious over being ‘in the dark’ about future after transition period ends Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), said: "We are a central player in EU research programmes and both the UK and the EU will be poorer without our involvement, meaning global research will also be diminished. "The Treasury has recently promised funding for a domestic alternative to Erasmus+, but that will presumably exclude the 'exchange' element of Erasmus+ so is likely to be inferior." University and College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady also told PA: "Students and staff from across the globe play a vital role within our universities and colleges, and the UK Government should be doing everything it can to make it easier for them to work and study here. "Instead, the Government has moved to extend the hostile environment while leaving us on the precipice of no deal with our closest neighbours, and in the dark about potential future involvement in valuable programmes like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. "Not only does this leave the future plans of many staff and students hanging in the balance, it undermines the outward-looking, collaborative approach upon which the success of our institutions is built."
Paul Withers taking over live reporting from Nicole Stinson. 5pm update: Former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern urges Brexit transition period be extended He told Times Radio: "One of the huge mistakes of this year, in my view, particularly when the pandemic hit, was to insist that the transition period ended on the 31st of the 12th. "It is a known fact in the history of trade deals that trade deals are prolonged. "They create division and difficulty and the idea of trying to push a trade deal into a calendar year in the middle of a world pandemic was - to put it at its mildest - not a good idea, and it still isn't." Mr Ahern argued British and EU negotiators could still decide on Sunday that they needed more time. He said: “I think people should be big enough to say: 'Listen, we've had a pandemic all year, let's have extra time on this.' "The third thing is they square the circles and they say: 'Listen, there's not a lot of difference here,' and they both compromise." 4pm update: Hauliers fear chaos of transporting goods from Europe as guidelines unclear Large retailers could cut back on shipping to Ireland if checks created by Brexit cause delays, hauliers have warned. Martin Reid, the Road Haulage Association's (RHA) director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said it is "crazy" that industries are still in the dark about the nature of customs checks. Mr Reid said Scottish producers may struggle to get time-sensitive goods to mainland Europe quickly enough. Shellfish caught in the Highlands may even have to be dumped if it cannot get to a crucial market in France on time, he said. Discussing Cairnryan, Mr Reid said: "Although we got some announcements on the Northern Ireland protocol last night, the minutia and the detail are still to be decided, there's still more to come. "On one hand we've heard that some major retailers will scale back movements to Ireland. "We've heard of one in particular who may not go near it for the first three months of the year. "We've also heard contrary stories that it could increase the volume." He welcomed a recent announcement there will be a six-month grace period before hauliers are required to have an international travel permit to move goods across countries. But regardless of whether there is a deal or a no deal Brexit, Mr Reid said the nature of the customs process is still unclear. He said: "We don't know whether certain systems speak to other systems, we don't know whether the government has the right levels of expertise in those areas. "We don't know any of these things and quite frankly it's crazy that at a time when all the fine-tuning should be taking place some of the fundamentals are still not ready." 3pm update: New study finds financial jobs have stayed in London – Project fear dismantled The majority of top banks have actually been increasing staff numbers since the EU referendum in 2016, a study has found. A Financial Times survey of 24 large international banks and asset managers found the majority had actually increased their London headcount over the past five years. The FT said nine of the world’s largest asset managers had stepped up London recruitment since the Brexit vote and increased employee numbers by 35 per cent to more than 10,000. Nicolas Mackel, chief executive of public-private partnership Luxembourg for Finance, told the paper: “The mistake that many people in London made was thinking about jobs moves as Dunkirk in reverse, where French fishermen would be picking up British bankers and taking them back to France.”
Fishing rights in UK waters has been a major sticking in trade talks with the EU
1.30pm update: Former Navy chief backs Royal Navy plans to protect UK waters Admiral Lord West, a former chief of naval staff, said he agreed the Royal Navy should protect UK waters from foreign fishing vessels if asked to do so in a no deal Brexit scenario. Lord West told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “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. "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. "There is no doubt if you are a fisherman who has fished for years there - they are, as our fishermen are, quite stormy people - and you get a bit of a punch-up and you might need some Marines and things." 1pm update: Senior Tories react angrily to Boris Johnson's handling of the Brexit talks and threat to deploy Royal Navy gunboats Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, called the threat "irresponsible" while former European commissioner Lord Patten accused the Prime Minister of behaving like an "English nationalist". 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 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."
Emmanuel Macron insists EU fishermen should have the same access to UK waters as before Brexit
12.37pm update: Global Britain already attracting skilled workers from around the world - new research More candidates from the rest of the world are now applying for jobs in the UK than those from the EU, according to new research. One expert said the data was an eloquent illustration of the nation's appeal as a workplace with Brexit looming. During the last year, the share of clicks on UK vacancies by candidates based outside the EU increased by 19.7 percent according to research by job site Indeed. Jack Kennedy, economist at the global job site, said: “Now - for the first time in seven years - the average UK role is attracting more interest from outside the EU than from Europe." 11.30am update: Sir Keir Starmer sparks furious backlash after accusing Boris Johnson of breaking his promise to secure a Brexit trade deal Sir Keir criticised the Prime Minister for attempting to "dress up" no deal as an Australian-style arrangement But his comments prompted a swift backlash on social media. One critic said: "I don't think delivering what the country voted for can be described as a failure to be honest." Another said: "We voted to leave! The ballot paper did not say leave with a deal or leave without a deal. "It was Leave the EU or Remain in the EU." 9.20am update: French Bruno Bonnell hits out at the UK over EU’s common market Mr Bonnell claimed the UK was trying to take “ take advantage of the common market in Europe” in Brexit trade talks. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Bonnell said: "Europe is a common project if people want to leave Europe fair enough. "But they can't both be advantageous on one side being free to decide on their own future and take advantage of the common market in Europe. "It's not a question of Europe willing to make it as hard as possible. "It's a question on the logic of Europe and logic of a single country out of Europe." 8.30am update: 'Envious' EU member states furious at Boris 'for standing up to Brussels' Lord Digby Jones told talkRADIO there is “a degree of wanting to punish us” and “envy” among EU states. He told radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer: "Boris told his cabinet colleagues that the EU want to punish Britain. He is absolutely right. "I've talked to people in Europe about this, there is a degree of wanting to punish us, there is a degree of envy that they can't believe that Britain is standing up to them."
Brexit: Wires ‘running hot’ between Macron and Merkel says Davis
8am update: Tory MP demands assurance from Boris Johnson Reacting to the news the Royal Navy could intervene in a no deal Brexit, Daniel Kawczynski has urged the Prime Minister to give an “absolute guarantee” they will be deployed should talks fall through on Sunday. Mr Kawczynski tweeted: “In the event of no deal with EU on Sunday we must receive absolute guarantee from Boris Johnson that British naval forces will be deployed from January 1st to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters.” 7.30am update: Former Australian prime minister tells Boris Johnson "be careful what you wish for" with EU trade deal Malcolm Turnbull, who was Australian prime minister between 2015 and 2018, warned Boris Johnson there was no trade deal between his country and the EU which meant "large barriers". Speaking on BBC Question Time, Mr Turnbull said: "Australia has a deal with the EU on WTO terms and there are really some very large barriers to Australian trade with Europe, which we are seeking to address as we negotiate a free trade agreement with Europe "But Australians would not regard our trade relationship with Europe as being a satisfactory one. "There are very big barriers to Australian exports of agriculture products in particular and a lot of friction in the system in terms of services."
Brexit latest: Countdown is on as the Brexit transition period ends on December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--EU punishment plot: 'Envious' member states furious at Boris 'for standing up to Brussels'

Brussels has been stunned by the UK 's defiance of EU pressure , according to Lord Digby Jones .
The former CBI director general and Brexiteer told talkRADIO there is “ a degree of wanting to punish us ” and “ envy ” among EU states in Brexit trade talks .
This comes as both B oris Johnson and the EU have warned they are unlikely to reach a post-Brexit trade deal by Sunday .
Lord Digby told Julia Hartley-Brewer : `` I do n't think a no deal Brexit is inevitable .
There is a degree of ennui about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the umpteenth deadline .
The only rationale for this being the final deadline is that if it is going to be a no deal , we need time for businesses to prepare .
`` Boris told his cabinet colleagues that the EU want to punish Britain .
He is absolutely right .
`` I 've talked to people in Europe about this , there is a degree of wanting to punish us , there is a degree of envy that they ca n't believe that Britain is standing up to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Merkel and Macron refuse to talk three times

Brexit: EU states want to 'punish' UK warns Lord Digby Jones
Brussels has been stunned by the UK's defiance of EU pressure, according to Lord Digby Jones. The former CBI director general and Brexiteer told talkRADIO there is “a degree of wanting to punish us” and “envy” among EU states in Brexit trade talks. This comes as both Boris Johnson and the EU have warned they are unlikely to reach a post-Brexit trade deal by Sunday.
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Lord Digby told Julia Hartley-Brewer: "I don't think a no deal Brexit is inevitable. There is a degree of ennui about deadlines in the EU. "It is the umpteenth deadline. The only rationale for this being the final deadline is that if it is going to be a no deal, we need time for businesses to prepare. "Boris told his cabinet colleagues that the EU want to punish Britain. He is absolutely right. "I've talked to people in Europe about this, there is a degree of wanting to punish us, there is a degree of envy that they can't believe that Britain is standing up to them." JUST IN: Boris Johnson SNUBBED as Merkel and Macron refuse to talk three times
Both Boris Johnson and the EU have warned they are unlikely to reach a post-Brexit trade deal
Lord Jones questioned the economic sense of the EU's tactics
He questioned the economic sense of the EU's tactics, adding: "They have just woken up in Europe that this is a two-way street. "Where do Germany sell most cars that they make? Britain. More than China, more than the US. "What is at risk on the 1st January? All of that." Trade talks between the UK and European Union are due to resume in Brussels today with just one day to go until a deadline imposed by the two sides.
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Brexit: No deal ‘more beneficial’ claims Calvin Robinson
Trade talks between the UK and European Union are due to resume in Brussels today
The EU earlier rejected Mr Johnson's last-ditch request to bypass the European Commission and speak directly to French President Emmanuel Macron


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Ireland in despair over Brexit deal collapse as anger at Macron grows 'France says no!'

Speaking at the EU summit this week , Irish Taoiseach , Micheal Martin claimed both sides would feel the impacts if a deal was not agreed .
Although Boris Johnson claimed the UK is ready to leave without a deal , the Irish Prime Minister said he believed an agreement was within reach .
Despite his comments , France has led a small pack of hard-line states pushing for the EU to keep to its red lines .
Due to the potential economic damage to France ’ s fishing industry , Emmanuel Macron has pressured EU officials against giving away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is thought Mr Macron exerted this pressure on Michel Barnier last week during talks , thus causing them to be suspended .
At the EU summit , Commission President , Ursula von der Leyen , claimed a no deal is becoming more likely .
Amid this alleged pressure from France , Sunday Times columnist , Robert Colvile claimed the EU has now shifted its rhetoric .
He said : “ Interesting how the EU has shifted from 'where Ireland leads , we will follow ' to 'sorry , lads , but France says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to strike a compromise between the EU and the UK due to the economic ramifications it could suffer .
As such , Mr Martin told reporters at the EU summit the two sides can not proceed with a no deal Brexit when almost all of the deal has been agreed .
Mr Martin said : “ Dialogue is key and both teams have given themselves a deadline of this Sunday , and I think the key to unlocking this is to stand back and look at the overall picture here .
JUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remainers after furious outburst “ Ninety-seven percent of this is agreed .
“ Are we saying we are going to lose out on a deal because of 3 percent ?
“ Notwithstanding the significance of the issues , the bottom line is a lot of work has been done , a lot of agreement has been reached , so one final effort is required.
” As it stands , national leaders have so far refused to involve themselves in negotiations .
'There will be WAR ' Terrified French fishermen issue warning [ Update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Merkel is an 'insult ' [ Latest ] EU PANIC : Startled leaders left fearing worst after no deal warning [ Insight ] It is thought , however , both Mr Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have held conversations with the EU Commission President over Brexit .
Due to the impact the coronavirus , Mrs Merkel is looking to avoid a hard Brexit but not at the expense of European unity .
While national leaders have so far refused to enter talks , governments across the bloc will need to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is thought the EU may ask national governments to do this at a later date in order to implement a deal as soon as possible .

Brexit: 'Remain' politicians should 'take the blame' says Redwood
Speaking at the EU summit this week, Irish Taoiseach, Micheal Martin claimed both sides would feel the impacts if a deal was not agreed. Although Boris Johnson claimed the UK is ready to leave without a deal, the Irish Prime Minister said he believed an agreement was within reach. Despite his comments, France has led a small pack of hard-line states pushing for the EU to keep to its red lines.
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Due to the potential economic damage to France’s fishing industry, Emmanuel Macron has pressured EU officials against giving away too much to the UK. It is thought Mr Macron exerted this pressure on Michel Barnier last week during talks, thus causing them to be suspended. At the EU summit, Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, claimed a no deal is becoming more likely. Amid this alleged pressure from France, Sunday Times columnist, Robert Colvile claimed the EU has now shifted its rhetoric.
Brexit news: Emmanuel Macron and Ms von der Leyen
Brexit news: He encouraged the two sides to reach a deal
He said: “Interesting how the EU has shifted from 'where Ireland leads, we will follow' to 'sorry, lads, but France says no’.” Ireland has long sought to strike a compromise between the EU and the UK due to the economic ramifications it could suffer. As such, Mr Martin told reporters at the EU summit the two sides cannot proceed with a no deal Brexit when almost all of the deal has been agreed. Mr Martin said: “Dialogue is key and both teams have given themselves a deadline of this Sunday, and I think the key to unlocking this is to stand back and look at the overall picture here. JUST IN: Andrew Neil hits back against Remainers after furious outburst
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EU news: Mr Macron and the Irish Prime Minister
Brexit news: Ms Merkel is in favour of compromise
Brexit news: Micheal Martin
It is thought, however, both Mr Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have held conversations with the EU Commission President over Brexit. Due to the impact the coronavirus, Mrs Merkel is looking to avoid a hard Brexit but not at the expense of European unity. While national leaders have so far refused to enter talks, governments across the bloc will need to vote on any deal due to its nature. It is thought the EU may ask national governments to do this at a later date in order to implement a deal as soon as possible.
Brexit endgame
MEPs will, however, need to ratify any agreement before it is then implemented and may be forced to do so at late notice due to the shortening timeline. German MEP and chairman of the UK co-ordination group, David McAllister said: “We are ready to organise an additional extraordinary plenary session between Christmas and new year if this would be necessary.
Brexit news: Boris Johnson


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--'Pull your finger out!' Boris issued desperate Royal Navy warning as enemies strengthen

The Prime Minister made his bold pledge last month as he confirmed a ten percent hike in defence over the next four years , amounting to an extra £16.5billion .
Specifically , he declared his ambition to make the Royal Navy Europe 's premier maritime force - but Iain Ballantyne , editor of Warships International Fleet Review magazine , warned it would not be an easy or a simple task .
And he said the country was now paying the price - as well as playing catch-up - for decades of neglect .
He told Express.co.uk : `` Boris does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there must not be terrible delays and cost over-runs , not least due to Government inefficiency and dithering .
`` Britain 's likely foes are turning out highly capable warships swiftly - even in the pandemic - and the UK is falling behind regardless , having not commissioned a frigate into the Royal Navy in 20 years .
`` That is a disgrace and the fault of all governments since 2000 who have been warned repeatedly about how this could damage UK defences due to a lack of warship building capacity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic UK-wide activity - not least the skills of the workers who built the warships - and let it shrink to just one corner of the British Isles , which is why there are doubts today about the broader UK 's ability to handle building even a small number . ''
From the late 1980s to the early 2000s , the UK had a very efficient , speedy frigate construction programme , building and commissioning several Type 22 frigates and also 16 Type 23s , built at yards in Scotland and England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They got cheaper to build and fit with equipment as the programmes progressed .
`` There was no post-WW2 pause in frigate construction in the UK until the Labour government of Tony Blair and subsequently neither Gordon Brown , David Cameron or Theresa May , showed urgency in sorting that out .
READ MORE : EU is terrified of 'economic powerhouse ' Britain , says Ann Widdecombe '' Previous UK governments have made grand announcements about naval construction and then either cut ships on order - namely the Type 45 destroyers , originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eight and finally to just six - or showed no real desire to get things moving swiftly after making promises .
`` The Type 26 programme is very slow and there have already been delays with the Type 31 down to the Government pausing the process . ''
Mr Ballantyne said : `` Let 's hope Boris can pull his finger out .
`` He also needs to order more warships - if you only build a few there is always the danger that the price per unit becomes prohibitive and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your navy actually needs , which in the Royal Navy 's case is 30 destroyers and frigates , not 24 .
READ MORE Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU [ SHOCK ] Boris warned 'do n't sell out Britain ' as Brexit deal looms [ INSIGHT ] Brexiteer savages EU shackling Britain and Boris Johnson in talks [ ANGER ] '' It should be remembered that in the late 1990s 30 frigates and destroyers was the number stated to protect the new carriers and do all the many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world . ''
Nor did the total number of boats in the fleet equate to the number available , Mr Ballantyne stressed .
He said : `` People should also understand that a total of 30 frigates and destroyers will at most deliver a dozen , or 15 ships at a push , available for operations at any one time .
`` You have to take into account refits in dry dock , the need to carry out crew training and weapons tests plus also rest the sailors and maintain the ship 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in refit .
`` In a time of war more ships could be got to sea , but then you might also have some sunk or damaged and need to deploy replacements .
Even in peacetime the fewer ships you have the harder they must work , the more worn out they become and the more expensive they are to keep in service . ''
It was likewise important to consider manpower , he said , adding : `` You also need the people of course to operate them and they too can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small pool of them with the right training and experience , so boosted naval recruitment is a must , just like preserving the dockyard infrastructure to refit and maintain them is , along with the ability to build warships .
`` That 's the scale of the challenge ahead for the UK - building the ships is just one part of it .

NATO: Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group assemble in North Sea
The Prime Minister made his bold pledge last month as he confirmed a ten percent hike in defence over the next four years, amounting to an extra £16.5billion. Specifically, he declared his ambition to make the Royal Navy Europe's premier maritime force - but Iain Ballantyne, editor of Warships International Fleet Review magazine, warned it would not be an easy or a simple task.
Trending
Boris does need to crack on with building frigates and there must not be terrible delays and cost over-runs Iain Ballantyne
And he said the country was now paying the price - as well as playing catch-up - for decades of neglect. He told Express.co.uk: "Boris does need to crack on with building frigates and there must not be terrible delays and cost over-runs, not least due to Government inefficiency and dithering. "Britain's likely foes are turning out highly capable warships swiftly - even in the pandemic - and the UK is falling behind regardless, having not commissioned a frigate into the Royal Navy in 20 years. "That is a disgrace and the fault of all governments since 2000 who have been warned repeatedly about how this could damage UK defences due to a lack of warship building capacity.
Boris Johnson must live up to his pledge, said Mr Ballantyne
A Type 31 frigate
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"Successive governments have neglected a key strategic UK-wide activity - not least the skills of the workers who built the warships - and let it shrink to just one corner of the British Isles, which is why there are doubts today about the broader UK's ability to handle building even a small number." From the late 1980s to the early 2000s, the UK had a very efficient, speedy frigate construction programme, building and commissioning several Type 22 frigates and also 16 Type 23s, built at yards in Scotland and England, he explained. He added: "They got cheaper to build and fit with equipment as the programmes progressed. "There was no post-WW2 pause in frigate construction in the UK until the Labour government of Tony Blair and subsequently neither Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Theresa May, showed urgency in sorting that out. READ MORE: EU is terrified of 'economic powerhouse' Britain, says Ann Widdecombe
France's investment in its navy was a contrast to the UK's, said Mr Ballantyne
"Previous UK governments have made grand announcements about naval construction and then either cut ships on order - namely the Type 45 destroyers, originally meant to be 12, then cut to eight and finally to just six - or showed no real desire to get things moving swiftly after making promises. "The Type 26 programme is very slow and there have already been delays with the Type 31 down to the Government pausing the process." Mr Ballantyne said: "Let's hope Boris can pull his finger out. "He also needs to order more warships - if you only build a few there is always the danger that the price per unit becomes prohibitive and you fail to construct the number of vessels your navy actually needs, which in the Royal Navy's case is 30 destroyers and frigates, not 24. READ MORE
Ann Widdecombe warns Boris about to betray Brexit Britain for EU [SHOCK]
Boris warned 'don't sell out Britain' as Brexit deal looms [INSIGHT]
Brexiteer savages EU shackling Britain and Boris Johnson in talks [ANGER]
Mr Ballantyne said former Prime Minister Tony Blair had consistently underfunded the navy
The process continued under David Cameron, said Mr Ballantyne
"It should be remembered that in the late 1990s 30 frigates and destroyers was the number stated to protect the new carriers and do all the many other tasks the Navy pursues around the world." Nor did the total number of boats in the fleet equate to the number available, Mr Ballantyne stressed. He said: "People should also understand that a total of 30 frigates and destroyers will at most deliver a dozen, or 15 ships at a push, available for operations at any one time. "You have to take into account refits in dry dock, the need to carry out crew training and weapons tests plus also rest the sailors and maintain the ship's equipment even when the vessel is not in refit.
UK military power
"In a time of war more ships could be got to sea, but then you might also have some sunk or damaged and need to deploy replacements. Even in peacetime the fewer ships you have the harder they must work, the more worn out they become and the more expensive they are to keep in service." It was likewise important to consider manpower, he said, adding: "You also need the people of course to operate them and they too can become worn out if there is only a small pool of them with the right training and experience, so boosted naval recruitment is a must, just like preserving the dockyard infrastructure to refit and maintain them is, along with the ability to build warships. "That's the scale of the challenge ahead for the UK - building the ships is just one part of it.
An Arrowhead 140 frigate


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Brexit BOMBSHELL: Merkel branded ‘root of the problem’ as she ‘doesn’t trust Boris’

British negotiators tried to make gains by proposing a “ tariffs for freedom ” arrangement .
The proposed plan meant the UK would not have to follow EU rules after the transition period is over but accept duties on British exports to the bloc .
Ms Merkel is thought to have played a discreetly influential part in the EU ’ s rejection of the proposed arrangement .
A source close to the British negotiating team told the Mail on Sunday : “ We thought this would be the moment .
“ But they just were n't interested .
They wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own rules .
“ We could set up all sorts of dispute recognition systems to make sure the new plan was fair , but the root of the problem seems to be Merkel herself : she does n't trust Boris .
“ They are very different people.
” Ms Merkel and France ’ s President Emmanuel Macron reportedly teamed up to block the progress of Britain ’ s talks with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen .
The two European leaders refused to let Mr Johnson enter direct trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reportedly admitted to being shocked by Brussels ’ inflexibility .
READ MORE : Brexit POLL : With Sunday deadline , do you think there will be a deal ?
In response to the news , an Elysee official told Reuters on Saturday “ Keep calm and carry on ” referencing the British wartime slogan .
French MEP Pierre Karleskind , chairman of the European Parliament 's Committee on Fisheries , reiterated the “ keep calm ” message .
He told Times Radio : `` Let 's keep cool .
Let 's keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Brexit: EU states want to 'punish' UK warns Lord Digby Jones
British negotiators tried to make gains by proposing a “tariffs for freedom” arrangement. The proposed plan meant the UK would not have to follow EU rules after the transition period is over but accept duties on British exports to the bloc.
Trending
Ms Merkel is thought to have played a discreetly influential part in the EU’s rejection of the proposed arrangement. A source close to the British negotiating team told the Mail on Sunday: “We thought this would be the moment. “But they just weren't interested. They won't accept that Brexit means setting our own rules. “We could set up all sorts of dispute recognition systems to make sure the new plan was fair, but the root of the problem seems to be Merkel herself: she doesn't trust Boris.
Angela Merkel is thought to have played an influential part in the EU’s rejection of the arrangement
British negotiators tried to make gains by proposing a “tariffs for freedom” arrangement
“They are very different people.” Ms Merkel and France’s President Emmanuel Macron reportedly teamed up to block the progress of Britain’s talks with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The two European leaders refused to let Mr Johnson enter direct trade talks with them. Downing Street officials have reportedly admitted to being shocked by Brussels’ inflexibility. READ MORE: Brexit POLL: With Sunday deadline, do you think there will be a deal?
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Boris Johnson with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron reportedly teamed up to block Britain’s progress
In response to the news, an Elysee official told Reuters on Saturday “Keep calm and carry on” referencing the British wartime slogan. French MEP Pierre Karleskind, chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, reiterated the “keep calm” message. 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.
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--EU CIVIL WAR! No deal Brexit could spark French Vs Dutch fishing clashes

France has already threatened to reject Brexit negotiations over fishing rights this week .
Fishing remains one of the main sticking points as the trade talks between the EU and UK are continuing to go down to the wire .
Olivier Le Prêtre , head of the Hauts-de-France fishing council , worries that the French would be swamped by European rivals if the UK rejects them .
He told the Sunday 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in French waters , there is a risk of overfishing and in a few months we ’ ll annihilate stocks.
” He went on to claim that the Dutch were the ‘ villains ’ of the story .
He added : “ 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.
” The Ministry of Defence confirmed this week that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to guard British waters from European fishing boats if there is no new post-Brexit deal on fishing rights .
In response to the news , an Elysee official told Reuters on Saturday “ Keep calm and carry on ” referencing the British wartime slogan .
READ MORE : Brexit POLL : With Sunday deadline , do you think there will be a deal ?
He added : “ At the moment they fish all over the Channel , in French and English waters.
” But he warned that as the Brexit transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a fishing agreement there could be “ a build-up of these giants on the French side because the English won ’ t let them in anymore ” .
It comes after fishermen in Fécamp , France , protested with NGOs over eight massive mainly Dutch-owned vessels which are fishing 26 miles off the coast .
Mr Rogoff told the Telegraph : “ There is strong lobbying by the Dutch towards France , which doesn ’ t want to fall out with their ‘ allies ’ over Brexit.
” Representatives from the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter into a situation similar to the UK where a large portion of their quota is in the hands of other countries .

Brexit: Naval intervention over fishing backed by Lord West
France has already threatened to reject Brexit negotiations over fishing rights this week. Fishing remains one of the main sticking points as the trade talks between the EU and UK are continuing to go down to the wire.
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Olivier Le Prêtre, head of the Hauts-de-France fishing council, worries that the French would be swamped by European rivals if the UK rejects them. He told the Sunday 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.” He went on to claim that the Dutch were the ‘villains’ of the story.
Fishing remains one of the main sticking points in Brexit trade talks
France has already threatened to reject Brexit negotiations over fishing rights
He added: “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.” The Ministry of Defence confirmed this week that four 80-metre armed vessels are on standby to guard British waters from European fishing boats if there is no new post-Brexit deal on fishing rights. In response to the news, an Elysee official told Reuters on Saturday “Keep calm and carry on” referencing the British wartime slogan. READ MORE: Brexit POLL: With Sunday deadline, do you think there will be a deal?
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Negotiations over the trade deal are expected to end on Sunday
France worries that the country would be swamped by European rivals if the UK rejects them
He added: “At the moment they fish all over the Channel, in French and English waters.” But he warned that as the Brexit transition period comes to an end with no certainty of a fishing agreement there could be “a build-up of these giants on the French side because the English won’t let them in anymore”. It comes after fishermen in Fécamp, France, protested with NGOs over eight massive mainly Dutch-owned vessels which are fishing 26 miles off the coast. Mr Rogoff told the Telegraph: “There is strong lobbying by the Dutch towards France, which doesn’t want to fall out with their ‘allies’ over Brexit.” Representatives from the French fishing industry reportedly do not want to enter into a situation similar to the UK where a large portion of their quota is in the hands of other countries.
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Brexit POLL: With Boris and VDL’s Sunday deadline, do you think there will be a deal?

Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether they think a deal will be in sight by Sunday when the Prime Minister and the European Commission President are due to speak .
It comes as talks between chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are continuing late into the night in Brussels .
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen both agreed following a dinner meeting in Brussels on Wednesday that a firm decision on the future of negotiations was needed by the end of the weekend .
But a Government source tonight said the terms offered by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` unacceptable '' to the UK .
The source said : `` Talks are continuing overnight , but as things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable .
`` The Prime Minister will leave no stone unturned in this process , but he is absolutely clear : any agreement must be fair and respect the fundamental position that the UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks ' time . ''
Fishing rights and the so-called level playing field remain the major sticking points in trade talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leyen have both warned that a no-deal outcome looks more likely than an agreement .
Speaking during a visit to Blyth in Northumberland on Friday , the Prime Minister said : `` Unfortunately at the moment , as you know , there are two key things where we just ca n't seem to make progress .
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen both agreed following a dinner meeting in Brussels on Wednesday that a firm decision on the future of negotiations was needed by the end of the weekend '' And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got in to keep the UK locked in to whatever they want to do in terms of legislation , which obviously does n't work .
`` And then there is the whole issue of fish where we 've got to be able to take back control of our waters .
`` So there is a way to go - we 're hopeful that progress can be made .
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘ financial support ’ for deal [ LIVE BLOG ] Boris Johnson ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field [ INSIGHT ] Widdecombe savages Boris ' 'Brexit theatrics ' ahead of 'fudged ' deal [ VIDEO ] '' But I 've got to tell that from where I stand now , here in Blyth , 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 January .
`` It obviously would be different from what we 'd set out to achieve but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready and , as I say , come out on World Trade terms . ''
The Government has stepped up preparations for no deal when the transition period ends on December 31 .
Four Royal Navy boats are on standby to patrol UK fishing waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit .

Boris Johnson meets Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels
Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether they think a deal will be in sight by Sunday when the Prime Minister and the European Commission President are due to speak. It comes as talks between chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are continuing late into the night in Brussels.
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen both agreed following a dinner meeting in Brussels on Wednesday that a firm decision on the future of negotiations was needed by the end of the weekend. But a Government source tonight said the terms offered by the EU on a trade deal continue to be "unacceptable" to the UK. The source said: "Talks are continuing overnight, but as things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable. "The Prime Minister will leave no stone unturned in this process, but he is absolutely clear: any agreement must be fair and respect the fundamental position that the UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks' time."
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen are set to decide on the future of trade talks on Sunday
Fishing rights and the so-called level playing field remain the major sticking points in trade talks. Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen have both warned that a no-deal outcome looks more likely than an agreement. Speaking during a visit to Blyth in Northumberland on Friday, the Prime Minister said: "Unfortunately at the moment, as you know, there are two key things where we just can't seem to make progress. READ MORE: Brexit deadlock: UK unveils final no-deal plans
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen both agreed following a dinner meeting in Brussels on Wednesday that a firm decision on the future of negotiations was needed by the end of the weekend
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Boris Johnson on Friday warned that no deal is "very, very likely"
"But I've got to tell that from where I stand now, here in Blyth, 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 January. "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." The Government has stepped up preparations for no deal when the transition period ends on December 31. Four Royal Navy boats are on standby to patrol UK fishing waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Brexit endgame
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Boris SHOULD deploy Royal Navy to protect UK fishing waters in no-deal Brexit - poll

Readers voted in our poll on whether the Prime Minister should deploy the Royal Navy to patrol British fishing waters if there is no deal when the transition period ends on December 31 .
A huge 97 percent of readers said yes , with just three percent disagreeing .
Commenting on the poll , one reader fumed : `` Of course , what is the point of having a navy to defend our fishing grounds , if the French are going to ignore the fact that we have told them NO fishing in our water .
`` And them reckoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a no brainer , sorry . ''
Another insisted : `` Yes and show we will not give in to any demands by France or the EU . ''
A third commented : `` Yes !
Assert Britain ’ s ownership of its coastal waters especially to those who wants a share without obligations . ''
Another wrote : `` Of course we should , they are our territorial waters . ''
One more added : `` Most definitely because they ’ ll plunder our waters until there ’ s nothing left .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy boats are on standby to patrol UK fishing waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
The 80-metre vessels would guard British waters from EU trawlers if there is no new agreement on fishing rights by December 31 .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson ordered not to cave on Brexit level playing field A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the deployment of the boats had been agreed as part of planning for the end of the transition period .
The spokesman said : `` The MoD has conducted extensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ready for a range of scenarios at the end of the transition period .
`` This preparation includes a standby package of 14,000 personnel to ensure that we are ready to support other Government departments and authorities over the winter period , including with the EU transition , Covid-19 and potential severe weather events . ''
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘ financial support ’ for deal [ LIVE BLOG ] Widdecombe savages Boris ' 'Brexit theatrics ' ahead of 'fudged ' deal [ VIDEO ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brexit fact-check [ INSIGHT ] Fishing has been one of the most contentious issues in trade talks between Britain and Brussels - and it remains an outstanding sticking point .
French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a hard line over the issue .
Reciprocal access to each other 's waters will end next year but the two sides are at odds over what will replace the current terms , which UK fishermen say has decimated the industry .
As an independent coastal state from January , Britain will have the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone ( EEZ ) for fishing , which extends for up to 200 miles .

Brexit: Naval intervention over fishing backed by Lord West
Readers voted in our poll on whether the Prime Minister should deploy the Royal Navy to patrol British fishing waters if there is no deal when the transition period ends on December 31. A huge 97 percent of readers said yes, with just three percent disagreeing.
Commenting on the poll, one reader fumed: "Of course, what is the point of having a navy to defend our fishing grounds, if the French are going to ignore the fact that we have told them NO fishing in our water. "And them reckoning they will carry on. It is a no brainer, sorry." Another insisted: "Yes and show we will not give in to any demands by France or the EU." A third commented: "Yes! Assert Britain’s ownership of its coastal waters especially to those who wants a share without obligations."
Boris Johnson should deploy Royal Navy to protect UK fishing waters in no-deal Brexit - poll
Readers voted in our poll on whether the Prime Minister should deploy the Royal Navy to patrol British fishing waters if there is no deal when the transition period ends on December 31
Another wrote: "Of course we should, they are our territorial waters." One more added: "Most definitely because they’ll plunder our waters until there’s nothing left." Our poll comes as four Royal Navy boats are on standby to patrol UK fishing waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The 80-metre vessels would guard British waters from EU trawlers if there is no new agreement on fishing rights by December 31. READ MORE: Boris Johnson ordered not to cave on Brexit level playing field
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Four Royal Navy boats are on standby to patrol UK fishing waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the deployment of the boats had been agreed as part of planning for the end of the transition period. The spokesman said: "The MoD has conducted extensive planning and preparation to ensure that defence is ready for a range of scenarios at the end of the transition period. "This preparation includes a standby package of 14,000 personnel to ensure that we are ready to support other Government departments and authorities over the winter period, including with the EU transition, Covid-19 and potential severe weather events." DON'T MISS
Brexit LIVE: Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘financial support’ for deal [LIVE BLOG]
Widdecombe savages Boris' 'Brexit theatrics' ahead of 'fudged' deal [VIDEO]
BBC's Kuenssberg humiliates Labour's Starmer in Brexit fact-check [INSIGHT]
French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a hard line over the issue of fishing
Chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are continuing talks in Brussels in a bid to reach a breakthrough
Fishing has been one of the most contentious issues in trade talks between Britain and Brussels - and it remains an outstanding sticking point. French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a hard line over the issue. Reciprocal access to each other's waters will end next year but the two sides are at odds over what will replace the current terms, which UK fishermen say has decimated the industry. As an independent coastal state from January, Britain will have the right to decide who fishes within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for fishing, which extends for up to 200 miles.
Brexit endgame
But senior Conservatives have hit out at Mr Johnson's threat to deploy the Royal Navy. Tobias Ellwood, Tory chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, 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 percent 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." And former Tory chairman Lord Patten accused the Prime Minister of behaving like an "English nationalist".
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Brexit deadlock: UK unveils final no-deal plans as EU offer remains 'unacceptable'

The news came as it emerged that the country has already secured trade deals worth almost £200billion with the rest of the world .
Boris Johnson and the EU Commission have agreed that “ a final decision should be taken about the future ” of Brexit talks on Sunday .
A government source said : “ As things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable.
” Although discussions will continue today , they were described as “ very difficult ” .
The Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But sources say Mr Johnson will not shift from his demand that “ any deal must be fair and respect the principles of sovereignty and control ” .
The Government insists it is now ready for an “ Australia scenario ” .
A key sticking point to an agreement has been fishing rights , with the UK yesterday scrambling gunboats to protect British waters and vessels from French fleets .
Opening his speech at the start of the Climate Ambition Summit yesterday , the PM appeared to make a reference to the ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson offered his thanks “ to my co-host Emmanuel Macron who I know shares my keen interest in protecting the eco-systems of our seas and oceans ” .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘ financial support ’ for deal However , moves to use the Royal Navy were criticised last night , with Tobias Ellwood , Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee , calling it “ irresponsible ” .
The other major sticking point is the “ level playing field ” provision to ensure fair competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move tying Britain to the EU .
Senior Brexiteers believe the Prime Minister must end the talks today and walk away if necessary .
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said : “ Surrendering to the outlandish demands of Brussels is simply not an option.
” DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson ordered not to cave on Brexit level playing field [ INTERVIEW ] Widdecombe savages Boris ' 'Brexit theatrics ' ahead of 'fudged ' deal [ VIDEO ] No Deal Brexit to see UK bow down to China [ COMMENT ] Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centre for Brexit Policy , also urged the PM to walk away if a good deal is not possible .
And as preparations for No-deal are ramped up , the Sunday Express has been told that the Department for International Trade has secured 57 trade deals , worth £193billion a year .
A source close to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said : “ No matter the outcome of the EU talks , we ’ re showing Britain can deepen ties with nations beyond Europe and succeed as an independent trading nation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed details of domestic no-deal planning , with £4billion of measures already in place .
It means that a late appeal for an extension to the talks by the Irish government will fall on deaf ears .
A special No-deal Cabinet committee , called XO and chaired by Michael Gove , has now met more than 200 times and will continue to meet daily well into the new year , along with a higher level committee called Super XO , chaired by the Prime Minister .
The Government has hired 900 more officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,100 to be recruited by March .
There are also over 20 helplines for specific sectors .
An XO source said : “ We ’ ve developed a playbook which maps out every foreseeable scenario with Minister-approved courses of action , so we can implement them immediately if needed .
“ These plans work in real life – not just on paper .
We ’ ve run live exercises moving fresh produce and fish across the border , and scrambled naval vessels to respond to threats of illegal fishing in soon-to-be sovereign waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic management plans and are confident we have the tools to mitigate disruption and the queues at the border which will inevitably occur in the early weeks as traders adjust to the new requirements.
” There are seven new inland sites which will handle extra border checks away from ports and help to keep lorries moving .
Ministers have also safeguarded the flow of critical goods , such as vaccines and vital medicines .
On Friday Ms Truss closed her 57th deal , as foreign governments line up to work with the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many are “ continuity agreements ” , almost all have a clause which will see the UK and other countries work on an improved agreement .
Others , like Japan , are specifically tailored to the UK market and have opened up the possibility of the UK joining the world ’ s fastest growing trade bloc – the Trans-Pacific Partnership .
Since the transition period began Britain has expanded the ambition of its continuity programme , securing agreements with Japan , Vietnam and Singapore , which together accounted for £53billion of UK trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As the UK establishes itself as an independent trading nation , we must embrace new partnerships with dynamic countries such as Singapore .
“ This deal not only locks in billions of pounds worth of trade but provides new opportunities for UK businesses and paves the way for new digital partnerships .
“ Our ambition is to place the UK at the centre of a trading network across Asia-Pacific and the Americas , and as a global hub for services and technology trade .
”

Brexit: Naval intervention over fishing backed by Lord West
Talks continued overnight and the Prime Minister pledged to leave “no stone unturned” in seeking a deal. But detailed plans have now been drawn up to cope with potential disruption on January 1 in the event of No-deal. Government sources insisted: “The UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks’ time.”
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The news came as it emerged that the country has already secured trade deals worth almost £200billion with the rest of the world. Boris Johnson and the EU Commission have agreed that “a final decision should be taken about the future” of Brexit talks on Sunday. A government source said: “As things stand the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable.” Although discussions will continue today, they were described as “very difficult”. The Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, are due to speak on Sunday.
Brexit news: The trade deal offer from the EU 'remains unacceptable'
Brexit news: Boris Johnson is refusing to cave into demands from the EU
But sources say Mr Johnson will not shift from his demand that “any deal must be fair and respect the principles of sovereignty and control”. The Government insists it is now ready for an “Australia scenario”. A key sticking point to an agreement has been fishing rights, with the UK yesterday scrambling gunboats to protect British waters and vessels from French fleets. Opening his speech at the start of the Climate Ambition Summit yesterday, the PM appeared to make a reference to the ongoing row with the French president. Mr Johnson offered his thanks “to my co-host Emmanuel Macron who I know shares my keen interest in protecting the eco-systems of our seas and oceans”. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘financial support’ for deal
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Brexit news: Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen will speak on Sunday
However, moves to use the Royal Navy were criticised last night, with Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, calling it “irresponsible”. The other major sticking point is the “level playing field” provision to ensure fair competition and standards in the future – a move tying Britain to the EU. Senior Brexiteers believe the Prime Minister must end the talks today and walk away if necessary. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “Surrendering to the outlandish demands of Brussels is simply not an option.” DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson ordered not to cave on Brexit level playing field [INTERVIEW]
Widdecombe savages Boris' 'Brexit theatrics' ahead of 'fudged' deal [VIDEO]
No Deal Brexit to see UK bow down to China [COMMENT]
Brexit news: Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about access for French fishermen in British waters
Brexit news: Michael Gove is heading up no-deal preparations
Labour MP Graham Stringer, a director of the Centre for Brexit Policy, also urged the PM to walk away if a good deal is not possible. And as preparations for No-deal are ramped up, the Sunday Express has been told that the Department for International Trade has secured 57 trade deals, worth £193billion a year. A source close to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “No matter the outcome of the EU talks, we’re showing Britain can deepen ties with nations beyond Europe and succeed as an independent trading nation.” A Cabinet Office source has also revealed details of domestic no-deal planning, with £4billion of measures already in place. It means that a late appeal for an extension to the talks by the Irish government will fall on deaf ears. A special No-deal Cabinet committee, called XO and chaired by Michael Gove, has now met more than 200 times and will continue to meet daily well into the new year, along with a higher level committee called Super XO, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Government has hired 900 more officers to man our borders, with another 1,100 to be recruited by March. There are also over 20 helplines for specific sectors.
Brexit news: The UK is edging close to cutting full ties with the EU
An XO source said: “We’ve developed a playbook which maps out every foreseeable scenario with Minister-approved courses of action, so we can implement them immediately if needed. “These plans work in real life – not just on paper. We’ve run live exercises moving fresh produce and fish across the border, and scrambled naval vessels to respond to threats of illegal fishing in soon-to-be sovereign waters. “We’ve tested our traffic management plans and are confident we have the tools to mitigate disruption and the queues at the border which will inevitably occur in the early weeks as traders adjust to the new requirements.” There are seven new inland sites which will handle extra border checks away from ports and help to keep lorries moving. Ministers have also safeguarded the flow of critical goods, such as vaccines and vital medicines. On Friday Ms Truss closed her 57th deal, as foreign governments line up to work with the world’s fifth largest economy.