thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--EU on brink: Dutch MEP hints at Nexit amid brutal dressing down of Michel Barnier

Brexit talks have dominated political conversation across Brussels , as the EU and UK seek a deal over their future trading relationship Yet another deadline passed on Sunday , with negotiators still unable to reach a consensus before the December 31 deadline .
The European Parliament argued that if such an agreement was to be reached , it had to be done by December 20 , in order to allow it to be ratified by both parties .
Both Michel Barnier , the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator , and his British counterpart , Lord David Frost , are continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A decision over whether this can be reached or not is expected to be confirmed before Christmas .
An insider on the UK 's team , however , said a `` substantial shift '' was needed if a deal was to make it over the line .
The main sticking points in any pact remains over the so-called level playing field , and also over future fishing rights for those inside the bloc .
The UK is adamant it will take back control of its waters , while Brussels - and nations such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply against such a move .
They claim the EU should maintain its current fishing quotas in British waters .
Fishing rights has become an arduous issue for both parties and even led Dutch MEP Derk Jan Eppink to demand Mr Barnier do more to protect the EU 's fishing industry - or face the consequences .
Mr Eppink warned that in the event of a no deal Brexit , a situation where both parties fail to agree a trade pact , the fishing industry across the bloc would be decimated .
JUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank account closures in just over a week He detailed that should a pact not be reached , Mr Barnier would have `` abandoned '' the EU 's fishermen , leaving countries like the Netherlands considering their own future - and how best to protect their own fishing industry .
Speaking directly to Mr Barnier , he warned that the Netherlands would `` support its fishermen at any price '' , hinting that the Netherlands could one day move away from the bloc to secure its own deal on fishing .
The MEP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likes of France could `` get their fishing resources from all over the place '' , the Netherlands was a `` smaller country '' that `` need to try and preserve our opportunities when it comes to fishing '' .
DO N'T MISS : Lewis Hamilton : Racing icon felt ‘ greatest ever was hard to justify ' [ ANALYSIS ] 'No more talking ! '
Boris Johnson told EU will soon come 'running back ' [ INSIGHT ] Macron refuses to budge on fishing leaving Barnier stranded in talks [ UPDATE ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will not abandon this national interest for us .
It 's heavily anchored in Dutch culture and we need to support Dutch fishermen at any price .
`` So bilateral negotiations , if there is a failure , need to remain possible .
`` It 's true that we 've had 400 years of conflict with the British , but we need to do better this time . ''
The Netherlands ' relationship with the EU has steadily grown more difficult , particularly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc of `` going against the principles of solidarity '' with states including Spain , after it refused to `` give gifts '' to other member states to support them through the pandemic .
In April , the Netherlands joined Austria , Denmark and Sweden in refusing support for Spain and Italy - two counties that were initially at the centre of mass Covid-19 outbreaks .
Those against the move included the Netherlands ' Prime Minister Mark Rutte , who was caught on camera telling Dutch workers the country would not give financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video sparked outrage among those inside the bloc , yet Caroline de Gruyter - a Dutch author - said the row was just another example of how the Netherlands was adopting a hardline stance against the EU .
She wrote in a report earlier this year : `` Nowadays , many who remember the Dutch as engaged , enthusiastic Europeans are puzzled by the harsh positions on eurozone reform or the Covid-19 package coming from The Hague .
But this is not new . ''
She added : `` Most Dutch love the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership , but many reject the political aspects of European integration .
European defence , a common foreign policy , or European taxes make them jittery .
`` Their first reflex is to oppose those things . ''
And it would appear Ms de Gruter is right - the appetite for the Netherlands ’ equivalent of Brexit - dubbed Nexit - is not a priority for the Dutch population .

Brexit: Ben Habib urges UK to 'pull the plug' on negotiations
Brexit talks have dominated political conversation across Brussels, as the EU and UK seek a deal over their future trading relationship Yet another deadline passed on Sunday, with negotiators still unable to reach a consensus before the December 31 deadline. The European Parliament argued that if such an agreement was to be reached, it had to be done by December 20, in order to allow it to be ratified by both parties.
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Both Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, and his British counterpart, Lord David Frost, are continuing to discuss a deal in Brussels. A decision over whether this can be reached or not is expected to be confirmed before Christmas. An insider on the UK's team, however, said a "substantial shift" was needed if a deal was to make it over the line. The main sticking points in any pact remains over the so-called level playing field, and also over future fishing rights for those inside the bloc.
EU on brink: Dutch MEP hints at Nexit amid brutal dressing down of Michel Barnier
EU news: Dutch MEP Derk Jan Eppink delivers his speech
The UK is adamant it will take back control of its waters, while Brussels - and nations such as France and the Netherlands - are deeply against such a move. They claim the EU should maintain its current fishing quotas in British waters. Fishing rights has become an arduous issue for both parties and even led Dutch MEP Derk Jan Eppink to demand Mr Barnier do more to protect the EU's fishing industry - or face the consequences. Mr Eppink warned that in the event of a no deal Brexit, a situation where both parties fail to agree a trade pact, the fishing industry across the bloc would be decimated. JUST IN: Brexit warning: Britons face bank account closures in just over a week
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Brexit news: Mr Eppink was furious with Michel Barnier
He detailed that should a pact not be reached, Mr Barnier would have "abandoned" the EU's fishermen, leaving countries like the Netherlands considering their own future - and how best to protect their own fishing industry. Speaking directly to Mr Barnier, he warned that the Netherlands would "support its fishermen at any price", hinting that the Netherlands could one day move away from the bloc to secure its own deal on fishing. The MEP told the European Parliament that while the likes of France could "get their fishing resources from all over the place", the Netherlands was a "smaller country" that "need to try and preserve our opportunities when it comes to fishing". DON'T MISS:
Lewis Hamilton: Racing icon felt ‘greatest ever was hard to justify' [ANALYSIS]
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Macron refuses to budge on fishing leaving Barnier stranded in talks [UPDATE]
EU news: Mr Barnier listens as Mr Eppink condemns the fishing row
The Dutchman added in October: "We will not abandon this national interest for us. It's heavily anchored in Dutch culture and we need to support Dutch fishermen at any price. "So bilateral negotiations, if there is a failure, need to remain possible. "It's true that we've had 400 years of conflict with the British, but we need to do better this time." The Netherlands' relationship with the EU has steadily grown more difficult, particularly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The nation was accused by some inside the bloc of "going against the principles of solidarity" with states including Spain, after it refused to "give gifts" to other member states to support them through the pandemic. In April, the Netherlands joined Austria, Denmark and Sweden in refusing support for Spain and Italy - two counties that were initially at the centre of mass Covid-19 outbreaks.
Brexit news: Dutch fishing boats
Those against the move included the Netherlands' Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who was caught on camera telling Dutch workers the country would not give financial support to Rome or Madrid. The video sparked outrage among those inside the bloc, yet Caroline de Gruyter - a Dutch author - said the row was just another example of how the Netherlands was adopting a hardline stance against the EU. She wrote in a report earlier this year: "Nowadays, many who remember the Dutch as engaged, enthusiastic Europeans are puzzled by the harsh positions on eurozone reform or the Covid-19 package coming from The Hague. But this is not new." She added: "Most Dutch love the internal market and are positive about EU membership, but many reject the political aspects of European integration. European defence, a common foreign policy, or European taxes make them jittery. "Their first reflex is to oppose those things." And it would appear Ms de Gruter is right - the appetite for the Netherlands’ equivalent of Brexit - dubbed Nexit - is not a priority for the Dutch population.
EU countries reliant on UK waters


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--'UK is out of control' Keir Starmer demands pandemic action TODAY from Boris Johnson

In a keynote speech on the Union on Monday , Keir Starmer said the COVID-19 pandemic has put `` rocket boosters '' under the case for renewed decentralisation of power from Westminster .
Sir Keir said : `` The news over the last 24 hours has been deeply disturbing .
The number of coronavirus cases has nearly doubled in the last week .
Over 67,000 people have now tragically died and hospital admissions are rising .
We can not be in any doubt - the virus is now out of control . ''
Citing international borders closing and `` severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` Make no mistake this is now a real emergency . ''
He called on the Government to step up , saying : `` We can have no more over-promising and false hope , confused messages and slow decision-making .
We need strong , clear and decisive leadership .
`` The Prime Minister needs to be straight with people about precisely what is going on and precisely what he is doing about it .
`` He must address the nation today after this morning 's Cobra meeting and hold daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He announced the formation of a constitutional commission - advised by former prime minister Gordon Brown - to consider how best power , wealth and opportunity can be devolved to the most local level throughout the UK .
READ MORE : Labour 's Keir Starmer accused of 'scaremongering ' after Boris attack The Labour leader said he intends to set out a `` fresh and tangible offer '' to the Scottish people in the face of rising support for independence .
`` It is Labour 's duty to offer a positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that you do n't have to choose between a broken status quo and the uncertainty and divisiveness of separatism , '' he said in his speech .
`` Boris Johnson is n't Britain just as Nicola Sturgeon is n't Scotland .
The United Kingdom is much more than that , more than any individual .
It has been before - and can be again - a great force for social justice , for security and for solidarity .
`` And under my leadership , we will do everything we can to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equally importantly , in the United Kingdom . ''
Sir Keir , however , stressed that the project is wider than Scotland and would address `` a yearning across the United Kingdom for politics and power to be much closer to people '' .
`` This wo n't be an exercise in shifting power from one Parliament to another , of moving a few jobs out of London or to 'devolve and to forget ' , '' he added .
`` This will be the boldest project Labour has embarked on for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radical as the programme of devolution that Labour delivered in the 1990s and 2000s . ''
He accused the Government of using the pandemic to pit different parts of the country against each other when they should be bringing them together .
`` The case for the next phase of devolution was urgent before Covid , but the pandemic has put rocket boosters under it , '' he said .
Nicola Sturgeon handed devastating blow over 2021 indy vote in poll [ DATA ] Keir Starmer CAVES to Sturgeon as he promises MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kate Hoey notes concerns over hidden costs of deal [ ANALYSIS ]

Labour MPs ‘rarer than pandas’ in Scotland says Paterson
In a keynote speech on the Union on Monday, Keir Starmer said the COVID-19 pandemic has put "rocket boosters" under the case for renewed decentralisation of power from Westminster. Sir Keir said: "The news over the last 24 hours has been deeply disturbing. The number of coronavirus cases has nearly doubled in the last week. Over 67,000 people have now tragically died and hospital admissions are rising. We cannot be in any doubt - the virus is now out of control."
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Citing international borders closing and "severe disruption" at Britain's ports, he said: "Make no mistake this is now a real emergency." He called on the Government to step up, saying: "We can have no more over-promising and false hope, confused messages and slow decision-making. We need strong, clear and decisive leadership. "The Prime Minister needs to be straight with people about precisely what is going on and precisely what he is doing about it. "He must address the nation today after this morning's Cobra meeting and hold daily press conferences until the disruption has eased." He announced the formation of a constitutional commission - advised by former prime minister Gordon Brown - to consider how best power, wealth and opportunity can be devolved to the most local level throughout the UK. READ MORE: Labour's Keir Starmer accused of 'scaremongering' after Boris attack
Keir Starmer said Labour's is the 'boldest devolution project'
Keir Starmer called on Boris to address the nation on coronavirus, saying it is 'out of control'
The Labour leader said he intends to set out a "fresh and tangible offer" to the Scottish people in the face of rising support for independence. "It is Labour's duty to offer a positive alternative to the Scottish people. To show that you don't have to choose between a broken status quo and the uncertainty and divisiveness of separatism," he said in his speech. "Boris Johnson isn't Britain just as Nicola Sturgeon isn't Scotland. The United Kingdom is much more than that, more than any individual. It has been before - and can be again - a great force for social justice, for security and for solidarity. "And under my leadership, we will do everything we can to win back your trust in Labour, but equally importantly, in the United Kingdom." Sir Keir, however, stressed that the project is wider than Scotland and would address "a yearning across the United Kingdom for politics and power to be much closer to people".
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Brexit: Labour criticism labelled ‘misleading’ by Kuenssberg
"This won't be an exercise in shifting power from one Parliament to another, of moving a few jobs out of London or to 'devolve and to forget'," he added. "This will be the boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation and every bit as bold and radical as the programme of devolution that Labour delivered in the 1990s and 2000s." He accused the Government of using the pandemic to pit different parts of the country against each other when they should be bringing them together. "The case for the next phase of devolution was urgent before Covid, but the pandemic has put rocket boosters under it," he said. DON'T MISS: Nicola Sturgeon handed devastating blow over 2021 indy vote in poll [DATA]
Keir Starmer CAVES to Sturgeon as he promises MORE devolution [INSIGHT]
Brexit warning as Kate Hoey notes concerns over hidden costs of deal [ANALYSIS]


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--Sadiq Khan uses Dover crossing chaos to demand Brexit extension 'No deal is reckless!'

The Mayor of London has called on Boris Johnson to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the December 31 deadline in the wake of the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus and border closures between the UK and Europe .
The French Government has suspended all travel between the UK and France for the next 48 hours after a more infectious strain of COVID-19 was identified in the South East of England .
The ban has blocked all major transport routes between the UK and mainland Europe via France – including Channel ports at Dover .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of key supply chains required the “ full and undivided efforts of ministers ” .
Mr Khan added the threat of a no deal Brexit was “ reckless even before the latest surge in COVID cases ” .
He released his statement ahead of a COBRA meeting chaired by the Prime Minister this afternoon and received a furious backlash on Twitter .
One user wrote : “ Brexit negotiations have nothing to do with you.
” A second added : “ Regardless of the rights or wrongs of Brexit , I do wonder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to urge this.
” A third commented : “ Never !
Crawl back under your rock.
” Meanwhile , a fourth simply said : “ Change the record.
” In his argument Mr Khan – who has been a fierce opponent of the UK leaving the EU - stressed the sole focus of the Government should be on coronavirus , and in particular , the chaos at the border between the UK and mainland Europe and not Brexit .
He said : “ Under the new tier 4 restrictions Londoners should stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes not travelling abroad .
“ The current closure of the border at Dover however will cause significant disruption , particularly for our hauliers who now can not cross over to mainland Europe .
“ At Cobra today Ministers need to agree an immediate plan for the continued flow of freight and safeguarding supply chains , working collaboratively with French and other European partners .
“ With major disruption in Kent now inevitable , I ’ m urging the Government to officially seek an extension to the Brexit transition period .
“ Securing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers more than ever before .
READ MORE : Farage warns EU 'bullies ' have blockaded border to force UK hand “ Risking the chaos and uncertainty of a no deal Brexit was reckless even before the latest surge in COVID cases and the worrying news about this latest strain .
“ With the virus spreading rapidly and our hospitals increasingly stretched , the only thing the country should be concentrating on is fighting the virus.
” The Prime Minister has already outlined his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus by cancelling the scheduled five days of Christmas celebrations across the country .
Those living in Tiers 1-3 will now only be able to meet up with two other households on December 25 , while those living in London and the South East can not – with all non-essential stores closed .
The Department for Transport has played down the threat of disruption at the border – with French officials set to re-open transport links later today .
Boris Johnson playing into Starmer 's hands with Brexit rhetoric [ INSIGHT ] Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce ‘ stuff of nightmares ' [ ANALYSIS ] BBC Weather : Carol Kirkwood forecasts UK to be battered by heavy rain [ FORECAST ]

Sadiq Khan says UK's Christmas will be 'the worst since WW2'
The Mayor of London has called on Boris Johnson to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the December 31 deadline in the wake of the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus and border closures between the UK and Europe. The French Government has suspended all travel between the UK and France for the next 48 hours after a more infectious strain of COVID-19 was identified in the South East of England.
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The ban has blocked all major transport routes between the UK and mainland Europe via France – including Channel ports at Dover. In a statement, the Labour Mayor insists the closure of key supply chains required the “full and undivided efforts of ministers”. Mr Khan added the threat of a no deal Brexit was “reckless even before the latest surge in COVID cases”. He released his statement ahead of a COBRA meeting chaired by the Prime Minister this afternoon and received a furious backlash on Twitter.
Sadiq Khan has sparked a backlash over demands for a Brexit extension
Sadiq Khan has urged Boris Johnson to focus on coronavirus not Brexit
One user wrote: “Brexit negotiations have nothing to do with you.” A second added: “Regardless of the rights or wrongs of Brexit, I do wonder what mandate the Mayor of London has to urge this.” A third commented: “Never! Crawl back under your rock.” Meanwhile, a fourth simply said: “Change the record.” In his argument Mr Khan – who has been a fierce opponent of the UK leaving the EU - stressed the sole focus of the Government should be on coronavirus, and in particular, the chaos at the border between the UK and mainland Europe and not Brexit.
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Lorries are queuing on the m20 following the closure of the port at Dover
He said: “Under the new tier 4 restrictions Londoners should stay at home and not travel, and this includes not travelling abroad. “The current closure of the border at Dover however will cause significant disruption, particularly for our hauliers who now cannot cross over to mainland Europe. “At Cobra today Ministers need to agree an immediate plan for the continued flow of freight and safeguarding supply chains, working collaboratively with French and other European partners. “With major disruption in Kent now inevitable, I’m urging the Government to officially seek an extension to the Brexit transition period. “Securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers more than ever before. READ MORE: Farage warns EU 'bullies' have blockaded border to force UK hand
France has banned transport from the UK
“Risking the chaos and uncertainty of a no deal Brexit was reckless even before the latest surge in COVID cases and the worrying news about this latest strain. “With the virus spreading rapidly and our hospitals increasingly stretched, the only thing the country should be concentrating on is fighting the virus.” The Prime Minister has already outlined his plans for tackling the new strain of coronavirus by cancelling the scheduled five days of Christmas celebrations across the country. Those living in Tiers 1-3 will now only be able to meet up with two other households on December 25, while those living in London and the South East cannot – with all non-essential stores closed. The Department for Transport has played down the threat of disruption at the border – with French officials set to re-open transport links later today. DON'T MISS Boris Johnson playing into Starmer's hands with Brexit rhetoric [INSIGHT]
Meghan and Harry’s Netflix deal could produce ‘stuff of nightmares' [ANALYSIS]
BBC Weather: Carol Kirkwood forecasts UK to be battered by heavy rain [FORECAST]
The Brexit transition period ends on December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--Macron CAVES: France backs down and launches ‘emergency protocol’ to open borders in hours

It comes as trade was disrupted after France banned hauliers travelling from the UK due to fears over the spread of the more infectious strain of coronavirus .
The ban caused lorry queues in Kent forcing police to put emergency measures in place .
Kent Police implemented Operation Stack on the coastbound carriageway of the M20 between Junctions 8 and 11 , saying it was a `` contingency measure following the French government 's announcement it will not accept any passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48 hours '' .
Operation Stack is where parts of the M20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continent , to avoid causing gridlock across Kent 's road network .
France is among a number of European countries to implement travel restrictions in the wake of a new mutant strain of coronavirus sweeping through South East England .
The country announced on Sunday it was suspending all traffic , including freight and passenger transport , from the UK for 48 hours , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to chair a meeting of the Government 's Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday in an attempt to address the situation .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next few hours , at European level , we 're going to establish a solid health protocol to ensure that movement from the UK can resume .
`` Our priority : to protect our nationals and our fellow citizens . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stressed emergency measures were being put in place to cope with a backlog of lorries heading for the Channel ports .
But he sought to play down the potential impact making clear container freight was not hit by the ban on people crossing the border .
Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haulage Association ( RHA ) , said the disruption could cause problems with `` fresh food supply '' in the run-up to Christmas .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` With it being so close to Christmas we 're looking at 48 hours at this point in time in terms of the restrictions , we 're likely to see Operation Stack building in terms of numbers of vehicles on the UK side and that might be a deterrent for EU hauliers to want to come so close to Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's part of the challenge that we 're facing today . ''
Following the announcement , Portsmouth International Port advised all passengers and hauliers heading to France not to travel to the port apart from for unaccompanied freight .
A spokeswoman for the Hampshire port said sailings have not been disrupted and they are not experiencing any queues of lorries .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit no deal ultimatum : Barnier demands Boris gives in to red lines [ LATEST ] Verhofstadt cheers EU for blocking 'coup ' by Poland and Hungary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Brexit to plead with Michel Barnier [ REVEAL ] The port said in a statement : `` Due to current travel restrictions in France , only unaccompanied freight has permission to sail .
`` Passengers and accompanied freight vehicles are advised not to travel to Portsmouth as they will be unable to sail as planned . ''
Meanwhile , Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister has called on the UK and French governments to allow lorry drivers to resume travel across the Channel as soon as possible .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around this new variant that 's in the UK now , clearly what that meant is that a whole lot of people around Europe had to start thinking carefully about this .
`` But the one thing that we did see is , certainly during the first lockdown back in March and April , we did see that lorry drivers had been exempt . ''
At the same time , Supermarket chain Sainsbury 's warned salad leaves and citrus fruits could be missing from supermarket shelves as a result of restrictions on UK-France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on freight hauliers from the UK could affect food supplies but assured customers that crucial Christmas dinner supplies are available and already in the country .

Brexit: Ben Habib urges UK to 'pull the plug' on negotiations
It comes as trade was disrupted after France banned hauliers travelling from the UK due to fears over the spread of the more infectious strain of coronavirus. The ban caused lorry queues in Kent forcing police to put emergency measures in place.
Trending
Kent Police implemented Operation Stack on the coastbound carriageway of the M20 between Junctions 8 and 11, saying it was a "contingency measure following the French government's announcement it will not accept any passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48 hours". Operation Stack is where parts of the M20 are used to queue lorries travelling towards the continent, to avoid causing gridlock across Kent's road network. France is among a number of European countries to implement travel restrictions in the wake of a new mutant strain of coronavirus sweeping through South East England. The country announced on Sunday it was suspending all traffic, including freight and passenger transport, from the UK for 48 hours, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to chair a meeting of the Government's Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday in an attempt to address the situation.
French Government made the announcement this morning
The Port of Dover remains closed
Mr Djebbari said this morning: "In the next few hours, at European level, we're going to establish a solid health protocol to ensure that movement from the UK can resume. "Our priority: to protect our nationals and our fellow citizens." Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stressed emergency measures were being put in place to cope with a backlog of lorries heading for the Channel ports. But he sought to play down the potential impact making clear container freight was not hit by the ban on people crossing the border. READ MORE: Meddling Nicola Sturgeon demands Brexit extension
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Emergency talks are taking place this morning
Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said the disruption could cause problems with "fresh food supply" in the run-up to Christmas. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "With it being so close to Christmas we're looking at 48 hours at this point in time in terms of the restrictions, we're likely to see Operation Stack building in terms of numbers of vehicles on the UK side and that might be a deterrent for EU hauliers to want to come so close to Christmas and end up being stranded here, that's part of the challenge that we're facing today." Following the announcement, Portsmouth International Port advised all passengers and hauliers heading to France not to travel to the port apart from for unaccompanied freight. A spokeswoman for the Hampshire port said sailings have not been disrupted and they are not experiencing any queues of lorries. DON'T MISS:
Brexit no deal ultimatum: Barnier demands Boris gives in to red lines [LATEST]
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Angela Merkel breaks silence on Brexit to plead with Michel Barnier [REVEAL]
Border closures were implemented for 48 hours


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--Macron leaves Barnier stranded in Brexit talks as he blocks any further fishing compromise

The French President was said to be in no mood to compromise because he feels that the European Union has already given too much ground in the battle over the totemic issue .
Paris ’ stance has left EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier with little room to manoeuvre as his efforts to broker a trade and security treaty with Britain enter the endgame .
Mr Barnier was said to have made a final offer to guarantee Britain 25 per cent of the £590million worth of fish caught by European boats in our coastal waters this year .
The new arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the ability to slap Britain with punitive tariffs if EU fishermen are locked out of UK waters in the future .
An EU diplomat said Emmanuel Macron would block any future concessions because he feels too much ground on fisheries has already been given .
The insider said : “ That ’ s exactly why I don ’ t think Macron will budge substantially after already moving around 40 percent on fish already.
” With Britain rejecting the current EU offer , the diplomat added : “ My guess is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks after Christmas depending on public opinion in the UK.
” British officials have confirmed the wrangling over the UK-EU trade and security deal will be extended after missing yesterday ’ s deadline , set by MEPs , to conclude an agreement .
They are said to be reviewing a new fisheries offer by Brussels but fear it raises too many questions .
A senior Government source last night said : `` Teams have been negotiating throughout the day and expect to continue tomorrow .
“ Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations . ''
There are also fears the row over state subsidies for industry could also still scuppers chances of a deal because of the EU ’ s “ unbalanced ” position .
The bloc is understood to be insisting on an exemption for state aid handouts from the European Commission and other EU institutions .
MUST READ : Pound euro exchange rate : Sterling down as travel chaos mounts Under the plan , Britain would still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the treaty .
The delay has infuriated MEPs who insisted they wouldn ’ t vote to ratify the deal this year unless an agreement was reached yesterday by midnight .
German MEP Bernd Lange , trade committee chair , fumed : “ Make preparations now for a no-deal period and agree emergency measures with the UK.
” DO N'T MISS Farage warns EU 'bullies ' have blockaded border to force UK hand [ UPDATES ] Britain will reach the bright sunlit uplands as soon as we are free [ COMMENT ] Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal being agreed ?
[ POLL ]

Brexit: Ben Habib urges UK to 'pull the plug' on negotiations
The French President was said to be in no mood to compromise because he feels that the European Union has already given too much ground in the battle over the totemic issue. Paris’ stance has left EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier with little room to manoeuvre as his efforts to broker a trade and security treaty with Britain enter the endgame. Mr Barnier was said to have made a final offer to guarantee Britain 25 per cent of the £590million worth of fish caught by European boats in our coastal waters this year.
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The new arrangements would be phased in over seven years, with the ability to slap Britain with punitive tariffs if EU fishermen are locked out of UK waters in the future. An EU diplomat said Emmanuel Macron would block any future concessions because he feels too much ground on fisheries has already been given. The insider said: “That’s exactly why I don’t think Macron will budge substantially after already moving around 40 percent on fish already.” With Britain rejecting the current EU offer, the diplomat added: “My guess is no deal with the potential of returning for talks after Christmas depending on public opinion in the UK.”
Emmanuel Macron is refusing to give ground in battle over post-Brexit fishing rights
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
British officials have confirmed the wrangling over the UK-EU trade and security deal will be extended after missing yesterday’s deadline, set by MEPs, to conclude an agreement. They are said to be reviewing a new fisheries offer by Brussels but fear it raises too many questions. A senior Government source last night said: "Teams have been negotiating throughout the day and expect to continue tomorrow.
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UK Brexit envoy Lord Frost has been negotiating with the EU in Brussels for two weeks
“Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain. We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations." There are also fears the row over state subsidies for industry could also still scuppers chances of a deal because of the EU’s “unbalanced” position. The bloc is understood to be insisting on an exemption for state aid handouts from the European Commission and other EU institutions. MUST READ: Pound euro exchange rate: Sterling down as travel chaos mounts
What needs to be done to secure a Brexit deal?
Brexit: Heidi Hautala says talk of sovereignty is 'pathetic'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--France warns ‘situation becoming catastrophic’ as UK told freight supply could ‘DRY UP’

Vanessa Ibarlucea , a spokeswoman for the French national road haulage federation , FNTR , said : `` They are stuck in lorry parks with no toilets - it 's becoming a catastrophe .
`` No driver wants to deliver to the UK now , so the UK is going to see its freight supply dry up . ''
The United Kingdom on Monday became shut off from the rest of Europe after its closest allies cut transport ties due to fears about a new , highly infectious coronavirus strain , sowing chaos for families and companies just days before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her concerns echoed those of Road Haulage Association ( RHA ) chief executive Richard Burnett during an interview with BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme earlier .
He said : `` The concern that we do have though is that with it being so close to Christmas we ’ re looking at 48 hours at this point in time in terms of the restrictions , we ’ re likely to see Operation Stack building in terms of numbers of vehicles on the UK side and that might be a deterrent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to Christmas and end up being stranded here , that ’ s part of the challenge that we ’ re facing today .
`` I think what Government are looking at , at this point in time , is actually bringing forward their contingency plans that they ’ d got laid out for the New Year in terms of ( post-Brexit ) transition and potentially if we start to see a significant number of vehicles parked on the M20 then we may well actually open up some of the truck parks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take high levels of vehicles .
`` I did have a conversation with Grant Shapps last night and he has assured me that he ’ s working hard with his French counterparts to ensure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible . ''
David Sagnard , President FNTR Pas-de-Calais , tweeted : `` If the borders are closed in both directions , then we risk the complete paralysis of the network with trucks from all over Europe stranded in ports . ''
Sebastien Rivera , secretary general of the Pas-de-Calais branch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is the flow from Great Britain to France that is concerned , but the question that arises is 'what will happen after the 48 hours ? '
and that , nobody knows it .
`` Some French drivers ( who are already across the Channel ) will try to return to France , but some are too far from the border to pass before midnight . ''
JUST IN : Boris Johnson to hold emergency talks to prevent food shortages The movement of freight from France has been halted as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain to try to curb a new faster spreading strain of COVID-19 .
The French government has closed its border to arrivals from the UK for 48 hours which means no lorries can leave the English port of Dover , the main gateway to Europe .
British supermarket group Sainsbury 's warned on Monday that gaps will start to appear on shelves within days if transport ties are not quickly restored with mainland Europe .
A Sainsbury 's spokesman said : `` If nothing changes , we will start to see gaps over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salad leaves , cauliflowers , broccoli and citrus fruit - all of which are imported from the continent at this time of year . ''
DO N'T MISS 'Do n't ignore this ! '
Britons warned Tier 4 lockdown to be extended [ REACTION ] Christmas CANCELLED : Boris stops 5-day rule break across UK- south-east [ REVEALED ] COVID-19 lockdown rules are KILLING PM , says JUDY FINNIGAN [ OPINION ] Meanwhile French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has said he was hoping to unveil a `` Europe-wide mechanism '' to allow traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a post shared on Twitter by the French Embassy in the UK , Mr Djebbari said : `` In the next few hours , at European level , we 're going to establish a solid health protocol to ensure that movement from the UK can resume .
`` Our priority : to protect our nationals and our fellow citizens . ''
Minutes later he added : `` Every time France closes its borders , we are accused of destroying liberty .
`` Every time that a country does a little more than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being lax . ''
Speaking to Sky News , UK Transport Secretary Mr Shapps , who described the French decision as `` slightly surprising '' , added : `` We 're doing everything we can to get that restarted .
`` They 've said to us they want to restart the hauliers as quickly as possible . ''

Dover: Lorries queue at port amidst French travel ban
It's becoming a catastrophe Vanessa Ibarlucea
Vanessa Ibarlucea, a spokeswoman for the French national road haulage federation, FNTR, said: "They are stuck in lorry parks with no toilets - it's becoming a catastrophe. "No driver wants to deliver to the UK now, so the UK is going to see its freight supply dry up." The United Kingdom on Monday became shut off from the rest of Europe after its closest allies cut transport ties due to fears about a new, highly infectious coronavirus strain, sowing chaos for families and companies just days before it exits the European Union's orbit.
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Her concerns echoed those of Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive Richard Burnett during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme earlier. He said: "The concern that we do have though is that with it being so close to Christmas we’re looking at 48 hours at this point in time in terms of the restrictions, we’re likely to see Operation Stack building in terms of numbers of vehicles on the UK side and that might be a deterrent for EU hauliers to want to come so close to Christmas and end up being stranded here, that’s part of the challenge that we’re facing today. "I think what Government are looking at, at this point in time, is actually bringing forward their contingency plans that they’d got laid out for the New Year in terms of (post-Brexit) transition and potentially if we start to see a significant number of vehicles parked on the M20 then we may well actually open up some of the truck parks in Kent, possibly Manston in order to take high levels of vehicles.
The situation with lorry drivers stuck in the UK is becoming
Signs at Dover, where lorries are being prevented from crossing the English Channel
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"I did have a conversation with Grant Shapps last night and he has assured me that he’s working hard with his French counterparts to ensure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible." David Sagnard, President FNTR Pas-de-Calais, tweeted: "If the borders are closed in both directions, then we risk the complete paralysis of the network with trucks from all over Europe stranded in ports." Sebastien Rivera, secretary general of the Pas-de-Calais branch of the FTNR, added: "“It is the flow from Great Britain to France that is concerned, but the question that arises is 'what will happen after the 48 hours?' and that, nobody knows it. "Some French drivers (who are already across the Channel) will try to return to France, but some are too far from the border to pass before midnight." JUST IN: Boris Johnson to hold emergency talks to prevent food shortages
UK travel ban: French MP defends coronavirus restrictions
The movement of freight from France has been halted as part of a wider suspension of travel links with Britain to try to curb a new faster spreading strain of COVID-19. The French government has closed its border to arrivals from the UK for 48 hours which means no lorries can leave the English port of Dover, the main gateway to Europe. British supermarket group Sainsbury's warned on Monday that gaps will start to appear on shelves within days if transport ties are not quickly restored with mainland Europe. A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "If nothing changes, we will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce, some salad leaves, cauliflowers, broccoli and citrus fruit - all of which are imported from the continent at this time of year." DON'T MISS
'Don't ignore this!' Britons warned Tier 4 lockdown to be extended [REACTION]
Christmas CANCELLED: Boris stops 5-day rule break across UK- south-east [REVEALED]
COVID-19 lockdown rules are KILLING PM, says JUDY FINNIGAN [OPINION]
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
Jean-Baptiste Djebbari's tweet
Meanwhile French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has said he was hoping to unveil a "Europe-wide mechanism" to allow traffic with the UK to resume. In a post shared on Twitter by the French Embassy in the UK, Mr Djebbari said: "In the next few hours, at European level, we're going to establish a solid health protocol to ensure that movement from the UK can resume. "Our priority: to protect our nationals and our fellow citizens." Minutes later he added: "Every time France closes its borders, we are accused of destroying liberty.
Countries where flights from the UK have been banned
"Every time that a country does a little more than we do, we are told we are being lax." Speaking to Sky News, UK Transport Secretary Mr Shapps, who described the French decision as "slightly surprising", added: "We're doing everything we can to get that restarted. "They've said to us they want to restart the hauliers as quickly as possible."
David Sagnard's tweet


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--BBC host erupts at French MP for 'damage and disruption' caused by banning British cargo

Following the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 in the south of England , many European countries have taken the decision to place restrictions on the UK in order to stop the spread across the continent .
However , during an interview with French MEP Pierre-Henri Dumont on the BBC 's Today Programme , Mr Robinson bemoaned France 's decision to place a 48-hour ban on British cargo .
The BBC host asked : `` There is going to be major disruption at Dover , do you fear you will get the same at your end ? ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few weeks , we have had huge queues of lorry drivers on the highway because the UK is having more and more goods that they want to enter before Brexit .
`` So , there will be no change in the France to UK way , but it is not possible for UK goods to come from the UK to France . ''
Mr Robinson said : `` You will know that it will not be long before it disrupts transport in the other direction .
READ MORE : German mayor shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'failure' '' Transport is often a two-way business , the carry goods on the way and they fill up with other goods coming the other way .
`` Is it worth this disruption and damage to northern France ?
After all the Dutch have taken the decision not to ban lorry traffic . ''
Mr Dumont responded : `` I think we need to have our priorities , my priority is to ensure the health of the people working at the French exit of the shuttle is safe . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented to make sure we find a common European response to this new strain so that we can find ways to fight it . ''
On Monday morning , images surfaced of stacks of lorries being held at Dover following the French Governments decision to ban cargo from the UK .
Speaking from Dover , Sky News correspondent Milena Veselinovic said : `` If you just take a look over here there are stacks of lorries parked one next to each other .
`` The city is absolutely full .
They are absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby where people have spent the night because they did n't manage to catch the last ferry into France .
DO N'T MISS France 'considering ban ' on flights & trains from UK amid covid fears [ Latest ] UK scientific chief issues terrifying warning of lengthy lockdown [ Update ] New ‘ worrying ’ Covid strain found in South Africa - 'more severe ' [ Insight ]

UK travel ban: French MP defends coronavirus restrictions
Following the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 in the south of England, many European countries have taken the decision to place restrictions on the UK in order to stop the spread across the continent. However, during an interview with French MEP Pierre-Henri Dumont on the BBC's Today Programme, Mr Robinson bemoaned France's decision to place a 48-hour ban on British cargo.
Trending
The BBC host asked: "There is going to be major disruption at Dover, do you fear you will get the same at your end?" The French MP replied: "For the last few weeks, we have had huge queues of lorry drivers on the highway because the UK is having more and more goods that they want to enter before Brexit. "So, there will be no change in the France to UK way, but it is not possible for UK goods to come from the UK to France." Mr Robinson said: "You will know that it will not be long before it disrupts transport in the other direction. READ MORE: German mayor shows Merkel how to tackle Covid crisis after 'failure'
The BBC's Nick Robinson erupted at the French MEP
Coronavirus: The countries that have banned flights from the UK
"Transport is often a two-way business, the carry goods on the way and they fill up with other goods coming the other way. "Is it worth this disruption and damage to northern France? After all the Dutch have taken the decision not to ban lorry traffic." Mr Dumont responded: "I think we need to have our priorities, my priority is to ensure the health of the people working at the French exit of the shuttle is safe." He added: "This 48-hour ban is something we implemented to make sure we find a common European response to this new strain so that we can find ways to fight it."
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Brexit: Lorry driver shares concerns over no deal 'waiting times'
On Monday morning, images surfaced of stacks of lorries being held at Dover following the French Governments decision to ban cargo from the UK. Speaking from Dover, Sky News correspondent Milena Veselinovic said: "If you just take a look over here there are stacks of lorries parked one next to each other. "The city is absolutely full. They are absolutely everywhere. "There's a garage nearby where people have spent the night because they didn't manage to catch the last ferry into France. DON'T MISS
France 'considering ban' on flights & trains from UK amid covid fears [Latest]
UK scientific chief issues terrifying warning of lengthy lockdown [Update]
New ‘worrying’ Covid strain found in South Africa - 'more severe' [Insight]
Coronavirus: The level of COVID19 across different regions in the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--Boris Johnson to hold emergency press conference TODAY as panic about food shortages grows

France , Germany , Italy , the Netherlands , Belgium , Poland , Austria , Denmark , Ireland , and Bulgaria have all confirmed restrictions on UK travel after the highly infectious new strain began spreading across south-east England .
Italian authorities also said the mutant strain had been detected in a traveller who recently returned to the country from the UK .
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours , it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted , with passengers across Europe potentially stranded in the final run-up to Christmas .
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cobra meeting gets underway at 1.30pm .
Speaking yesterday , a No 10 spokesman said : `` The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel , in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK .
`` Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in place . ''
Meanwhile , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps ordered people - including hauliers - to stay away from the area around the Channel ports .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area .
My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area . ''
Nevertheless , asked on BBC Breakfast whether the situation would prompt a request for a extension to the transition period , he said : `` I think the one thing which could actually add fuel to the fire would be ending something that everyone 's known is ending for a very long time , which is the end of the transition period which completes on the 31st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
More than £33 billion has been wiped off the FTSE 100 within minutes of opening , dropping more than two percent over fears of a no-deal Brexit and new coronavirus restrictions .
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) predicted the closure of France to UK traffic would cause `` difficulties '' for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson under pressure over new Covid mutation spreading Andrew Opie , the BRC 's director of food and sustainability , said any `` prolonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
`` While goods can enter from France , few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner , '' he said .
`` This is a key supply route for fresh produce at this time of year .
`` We urge the UK Government and the EU to find a pragmatic solution to this as soon as possible , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MISS 'Do n't ignore this ! '
Britons warned Tier 4 lockdown to be extended [ REACTION ] Christmas CANCELLED : Boris stops 5-day rule break across UK- south-east [ REVEALED ] COVID-19 lockdown rules are KILLING PM , says JUDY FINNIGAN [ OPINION ] '' Retailers have stocked up on goods ahead of Christmas which should prevent immediate problems .
`` However , any prolonged closure of the French border would be a problem as the UK enters the final weeks before the transition ends on December 31 . ''
Scotland 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` imperative '' the UK Government sought an extension to the Brexit transition period .
She said : `` The new Covid strain - and the various implications of it - means we face a profoundly serious situation , and it demands our 100 percent attention .
`` It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit . ''
Germany , which holds the rotating EU presidency , announced it was calling emergency talks on Monday to coordinate the response of the bloc 's 27 member states .
Ireland has also announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ferries would be restricted to freight only .
The Netherlands said it will stop flights from the UK until the end of the year at the least , while Belgium has imposed a 24-hour ban on flights and rail links while it assesses the situation .
Italy is prohibiting entry to the country by anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days and flights are banned until January 6 while Austria , the Czech Republic , El Salvador , Turkey and Canada also imposed new restrictions .
Countries opted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new strain was up to 70 percent more transmissible than the original strain , putting London and parts of the South East and East of England into a two-week Christmas lockdown , with nearly 18 million people place in a new Tier 4 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the new variant coronavirus was `` out of control '' and said the new restrictions may have to remain in place for months .
Concerns about the rapid spread of the disease were underlined with the publication of the latest official figures showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Sunday .
Leader of Kent County Council Roger Gough insisted contingency plans were already in place to cope with potential traffic disruption after the end of the Brexit transition period .
Speaking to Times Radio , he said : `` We 've been doing an enormous amount of preparation for January 1 and that involves what is called Operation Brock , however , what we are using is called Operation Stack , which is the method used in previous years where in effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 11 .
`` National government has urged vehicles not to come to Kent because we are anticipating some 17,000 vehicles coming into Kent to make the crossing over the next couple of days .
`` The previous plans aimed at dealing with the impact of the end of transition were for holding vehicles - up to 7,000 - and so clearly there is a need for other measures .
`` And that 's what we 've now done with Operation Stack , not least because some of the other plans that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activated in the days just before January 1 . ''
The closure has triggered worries about food shortages .
A Sainsburys spokesman said : `` All products for the Great British Christmas lunch are already in the country and we have plenty of these .
`` We are also sourcing everything we can from the UK and looking into alternative transport for product sourced from Europe .
`` We will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce , salad leaves , cauliflowers , broccoli , citrus fruit – all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of year .
`` We hope UK and French govts can come to a solution that prioritises immediate passage of produce and food . ''
Speakin to BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Road Haulage Association ( RHA ) chief executive Richard Burnett said : `` The concern that we do have though is that with it being so close to Christmas we ’ re looking at 48 hours at this point in time in terms of the restrictions , we ’ re likely to see Operation Stack building in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side and that might be a deterrent for EU hauliers to want to come so close to Christmas and end up being stranded here , that ’ s part of the challenge that we ’ re facing today .
`` I think what Government are looking at , at this point in time , is actually bringing forward their contingency plans that they ’ d got laid out for the New Year in terms of ( post-Brexit ) transition and potentially if we start to see a significant number of vehicles parked on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open up some of the truck parks in Kent , possibly Manston in order to take high levels of vehicles .
`` I did have a conversation with Grant Shapps ( Transport Secretary ) last night and he has assured me that he ’ s working hard with his French counterparts to ensure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible . ''
`` Unfortunately it is going to take a long time to vaccinate even just the vulnerable sections of society , let alone everyone , so we need to double down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was deeply critical of Mr Johnson after his announcement on Saturday , suggesting it had come too late .
Speaking yesterday , he said : `` It was blatantly obvious last week that the Prime Minister ’ s plan for a free-for-all over Christmas was a risk too far .
`` And yet , rather listening to concerns and taking them seriously the Prime Minister did what he always does .
`` Dismissed the challenge , ruffled his hair and made a flippant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at law firm Gordons and an expert in the food and drink supply chain , said : `` The position is worrying .
Whilst about 85 percent of our food imports come by sea , around 15 percent come through Dover and around 50 percent come from or through the EU .
`` This ban coupled with Brexit , deal or no deal , inevitably means some businesses in the supply chain wo n't be able to keep up with demand .
`` There was already a crisis in freight with supplier unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now the position is becoming worse , with Brexit looming large .
Short term pain is inevitable .
”

Shapps says UK is ‘ready for a degree of disruption’
The Prime Minister is chairing a meeting of the Government's Cobra civil contingencies committee today amid warnings of "significant disruption" around the Channel ports in Kent. Hauliers have been told to avoid the area as the end of the Brexit transition period looms on December 31. Meanwhile, Kent Police said they were implementing Operation Stack in a bid to ease potential congestion, while the Department for Transport said Manston Airport was also being prepared as another contingency measure.
Trending
The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation Number 10 spokesman
France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Bulgaria have all confirmed restrictions on UK travel after the highly infectious new strain began spreading across south-east England. Italian authorities also said the mutant strain had been detected in a traveller who recently returned to the country from the UK. With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours, it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted, with passengers across Europe potentially stranded in the final run-up to Christmas. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the Cobra meeting gets underway at 1.30pm. Speaking yesterday, a No 10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel, in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK.
France has banned UK lorries from crossing the Channel for 48 hours
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
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"Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in place." Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps ordered people - including hauliers - to stay away from the area around the Channel ports. He said: "We expect significant disruption in the area. My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area." Nevertheless, asked on BBC Breakfast whether the situation would prompt a request for a extension to the transition period, he said: "I think the one thing which could actually add fuel to the fire would be ending something that everyone's known is ending for a very long time, which is the end of the transition period which completes on the 31st December, so absolutely not, no." More than £33 billion has been wiped off the FTSE 100 within minutes of opening, dropping more than two percent over fears of a no-deal Brexit and new coronavirus restrictions. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) predicted the closure of France to UK traffic would cause "difficulties" for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period. READ MORE: Boris Johnson under pressure over new Covid mutation spreading
Police and port staff turn away vehicles from the Port of Dover in Kent
Andrew Opie, the BRC's director of food and sustainability, said any "prolonged" disruption would be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. "While goods can enter from France, few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner," he said. "This is a key supply route for fresh produce at this time of year. "We urge the UK Government and the EU to find a pragmatic solution to this as soon as possible, to prevent disruption for consumers. DON'T MISS
'Don't ignore this!' Britons warned Tier 4 lockdown to be extended [REACTION]
Christmas CANCELLED: Boris stops 5-day rule break across UK- south-east [REVEALED]
COVID-19 lockdown rules are KILLING PM, says JUDY FINNIGAN [OPINION]
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
"Retailers have stocked up on goods ahead of Christmas which should prevent immediate problems. "However, any prolonged closure of the French border would be a problem as the UK enters the final weeks before the transition ends on December 31." Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was "imperative" the UK Government sought an extension to the Brexit transition period. She said: "The new Covid strain - and the various implications of it - means we face a profoundly serious situation, and it demands our 100 percent attention.
Lorries were queuing on the A120 near Dover - even before the decision was announced
"It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit." Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, announced it was calling emergency talks on Monday to coordinate the response of the bloc's 27 member states. Ireland has also announced a 48-hour ban on flights from Britain while ferries would be restricted to freight only. The Netherlands said it will stop flights from the UK until the end of the year at the least, while Belgium has imposed a 24-hour ban on flights and rail links while it assesses the situation.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted the new strain is out of control
Italy is prohibiting entry to the country by anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days and flights are banned until January 6 while Austria, the Czech Republic, El Salvador, Turkey and Canada also imposed new restrictions. Countries opted to take action after Mr Johnson said the new strain was up to 70 percent more transmissible than the original strain, putting London and parts of the South East and East of England into a two-week Christmas lockdown, with nearly 18 million people place in a new Tier 4. Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the new variant coronavirus was "out of control" and said the new restrictions may have to remain in place for months. Concerns about the rapid spread of the disease were underlined with the publication of the latest official figures showing there had been a further 35,928 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Sunday.
Brexit: Expert says there will be ‘degree of chaos’ at border
Leader of Kent County Council Roger Gough insisted contingency plans were already in place to cope with potential traffic disruption after the end of the Brexit transition period. Speaking to Times Radio, he said: "We've been doing an enormous amount of preparation for January 1 and that involves what is called Operation Brock, however, what we are using is called Operation Stack, which is the method used in previous years where in effect you shut the M20 between junctions eight and 11. "National government has urged vehicles not to come to Kent because we are anticipating some 17,000 vehicles coming into Kent to make the crossing over the next couple of days. "The previous plans aimed at dealing with the impact of the end of transition were for holding vehicles - up to 7,000 - and so clearly there is a need for other measures. "And that's what we've now done with Operation Stack, not least because some of the other plans that we had quite deliberately were due to be activated in the days just before January 1."
The closure has triggered worries about food shortages. A Sainsburys spokesman said: "All products for the Great British Christmas lunch are already in the country and we have plenty of these. "We are also sourcing everything we can from the UK and looking into alternative transport for product sourced from Europe. "We will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce, salad leaves, cauliflowers, broccoli, citrus fruit – all of which are imported from EU at this time of year. "We hope UK and French govts can come to a solution that prioritises immediate passage of produce and food."
Chief Scientific Officer Sir Patrick Vallance
Speakin to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive Richard Burnett said: "The concern that we do have though is that with it being so close to Christmas we’re looking at 48 hours at this point in time in terms of the restrictions, we’re likely to see Operation Stack building in terms of numbers of vehicles on the UK side and that might be a deterrent for EU hauliers to want to come so close to Christmas and end up being stranded here, that’s part of the challenge that we’re facing today. "I think what Government are looking at, at this point in time, is actually bringing forward their contingency plans that they’d got laid out for the New Year in terms of (post-Brexit) transition and potentially if we start to see a significant number of vehicles parked on the M20 then we may well actually open up some of the truck parks in Kent, possibly Manston in order to take high levels of vehicles. "I did have a conversation with Grant Shapps (Transport Secretary) last night and he has assured me that he’s working hard with his French counterparts to ensure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible."
The new variant has prompted the creation of a new Tier 4 category
Health experts are closely monitoring the new variant, which Professor Nick Loman, from the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham, has admitted has "come out of nowhere". There is no evidence that it is more deadly - but its increased contagiousness is a cause for concern. Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance said on Saturday he thought the new variant may be in other countries but also might have started in the United Kingdom. Speaking last week, Dr Kit Yates, a member of the Independent SAGE group of scientists, said the new strain was not necessarily the only reason for the sharp increase in cases. He told Express.co.uk: "It's possible that the good news about the vaccine has meant that many people have relaxed with the thought that salvation is just around the corner."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer
"Unfortunately it is going to take a long time to vaccinate even just the vulnerable sections of society, let alone everyone, so we need to double down on our efforts to slow the spread of the virus." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was deeply critical of Mr Johnson after his announcement on Saturday, suggesting it had come too late. Speaking yesterday, he said: "It was blatantly obvious last week that the Prime Minister’s plan for a free-for-all over Christmas was a risk too far. "And yet, rather listening to concerns and taking them seriously the Prime Minister did what he always does. "Dismissed the challenge, ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment."


thedailyexpress--2020-12-22--Brexit just the beginning! Brits told talks with EU to go on for YEARS even if deal done

Deal or no deal , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed the UK will be no longer be tied to the bloc 's rules from January 1 .
But Baroness Gisela Stuart of Edgbaston , one of the most prominent eurosceptics during the Brexit campaign has warned the end of the transition period will not spell the end of talks with the EU , even if a deal is signed .
The Chair of the official Vote Leave campaign , who rallied voters alongside Mr Johnson , has levelled with people there will be plenty of negotiations with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who joined the House of Lords earlier this year , said after 40 years of being within the Brussels bloc , once Britain is freed the two sides will spend years forging a new partnership together .
READ MORE : Frost set to BACK DOWN on fishing demands - UK on brink of Brexit deal She told Express.co.uk : `` This is just the beginning of a long period of the UK and the rest of the EU defining the future of their relationship . ''
The former Labour MP , who represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , said while she remained hopeful a trade deal would be agreed by the end of the year , it would likely be revisited in future .
She added : `` I can see why for Boris Johnson he may argue , look there are some things that are just more important to get right now than other we can look at in the future .
`` The biggest stumbling block for the EU is not what 's on the table now , it 's how they think it will play out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now a totally political decision .
READ MORE : EU at odds over how to rubber-stamp Brexit deal – MEPs to be ignored '' Practically there is nothing that stands in their way . ''
Despite the current deadlock plaguing negotiations in Brussels , Baroness Stuart remained optimistic a trade deal would be agreed between the UK and EU .
She said : `` I still hold high hopes we will get a deal , I think it 's in the interest of both sides to get a deal . ''
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with voters , warning a trade deal was not the end of the Brexit process .
DO N'T MISS : Bring on Jan 1 !
Grant Shapps declares UK ready for no deal Brexit [ UPDATE ] Brexit has arrived in the nick of time !
Britain will boom post-Covid [ COMMENT ] Brexit warning : Boris told to 'pull the plug ' on EU trade talks [ VIDEO ] He told a Parliamentary select committee regardless of whether or not a trade deal is struck , bilateral negotiations will continue .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case there will be , as there would be between any set of neighbours , conversations '' .
The warning from Baroness Stuart comes despite the Prime Minister promising 2021 will be the year the country will finally be able to move on from the EU referendum .
He has said he wants to focus on his levelling up agenda from 2021 .

Brexit: UK 'absolutely ready' for no deal scenario says Hancock
There are just 10 days now until the UK leaves the transition period with the EU. Four and a half years after the 2016 referendum, Britain will finally break free from Brussels.
Deal or no deal, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed the UK will be no longer be tied to the bloc's rules from January 1. But Baroness Gisela Stuart of Edgbaston, one of the most prominent eurosceptics during the Brexit campaign has warned the end of the transition period will not spell the end of talks with the EU, even if a deal is signed. The Chair of the official Vote Leave campaign, who rallied voters alongside Mr Johnson, has levelled with people there will be plenty of negotiations with the EU to come. The veteran parliamentarian, who joined the House of Lords earlier this year, said after 40 years of being within the Brussels bloc, once Britain is freed the two sides will spend years forging a new partnership together. READ MORE: Frost set to BACK DOWN on fishing demands - UK on brink of Brexit deal
Brexit talks will continue even if a trade agreement is done by the end of the year
She told Express.co.uk: "This is just the beginning of a long period of the UK and the rest of the EU defining the future of their relationship." The former Labour MP, who represented the constituency of Edgbaston from 1997 until 2017, said while she remained hopeful a trade deal would be agreed by the end of the year, it would likely be revisited in future. She added: "I can see why for Boris Johnson he may argue, look there are some things that are just more important to get right now than other we can look at in the future. "I agree with him there. "The biggest stumbling block for the EU is not what's on the table now, it's how they think it will play out in the future, so it's now a totally political decision. READ MORE: EU at odds over how to rubber-stamp Brexit deal – MEPs to be ignored
Boris Johnson has said Brexit talks will end by January 1, come what may
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David Frost is in Brussels trying to clinch a trade deal
Michel Barnier and David Frost are talking every day
He told a Parliamentary select committee regardless of whether or not a trade deal is struck, bilateral negotiations will continue. He said: "Of course it's the case there will be, as there would be between any set of neighbours, conversations". The warning from Baroness Stuart comes despite the Prime Minister promising 2021 will be the year the country will finally be able to move on from the EU referendum. He has said he wants to focus on his levelling up agenda from 2021.
Brexit end game: The steps needed for a trade deal to be secured
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-22--Frost set to BACK DOWN on fishing demands - Britain on brink of Brexit deal with EU

UK Brexit envoy Lord Frost was said to be prepared to lower his demands for future fishing quotas if Brussels agrees to back down in other areas of the agreement .
Sources close to the talks say the UK is now willing to accept between 30-35 percent of the £590million worth of fish caught by European boats in our coastal waters this year .
Downing Street was previously insisting on reclaiming as much as 60 percent for British fishermen with the EU setting its price for a deal at 25 percent .
EU officials have been floating the compromise across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denmark , to establish whether Michel Barnier has further room to manoeuvre .
But it is feared the wrangling could still collapse over the EU ’ s demands to slap Britain with punitive tariffs if the Government decides to restrict access for European vessels to UK waters .
The two sides still need to reach an agreement for the length of a transition period , during which generous catch shares European trawlermen enjoy would be gradually phased down .
Britain has said it would accept a three-year period while the EU was asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in over seven years .
But the two sides could meet in the middle ground with a five-year transition period .
Government sources rejected claims the UK has offered concessions on fishing quotas to secure a deal .
The claim was dismissed by UK sources , who said they “ don ’ t recognise those reports at all ” .
Chances of the compromise offer ending in a deal hinge on Emmanuel Macron , according to EU diplomats .
One said the French President would block any future concessions because he feels too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been given .
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said : “ There have been successive proposals from the UK , sometimes on fishing , that don ’ t respond to European priorities and demands .
“ Difficulties remain , in the fishing sector – but not only , so it would be a error of judgment and unacceptable stigmatisation to say that a few countries or a few sectors are blocking.
” Boris Johnson warned Brussels last night Britain will walk away without a deal if it refuses to compromise in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister said the negotiations are stuck and told the EU it must accept the UK will take control of its laws and borders .
Speaking from No 10 , he insisted the country can “ certainly cope ” with any difficulties caused by moving on to world trade organisation rules from January 1 .
MUST READ : EU companies 'do n't trust courts ' in Europe and may move to UK He said : “ The position is unchanged .
There are problems .
It is vital everybody understands that the UK has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own laws completely and also that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries .
“ And it remains the case that WTO terms would be more than satisfactory for the UK and we can certainly cope with any difficulties that are thrown our way.
” Mr Johnson said he still believes the country will “ prosper mightily ” whether a deal is struck or not .
DO N'T MISS Bring on Jan 1 !
Grant Shapps declares UK ready for no deal Brexit [ VIDEO ] Pension : Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends [ INSIGHT ] Brexit has arrived in the nick of time !
Britain will boom post-Covid [ COMMENT ]

Brexit: Ben Habib urges UK to 'pull the plug' on negotiations
UK Brexit envoy Lord Frost was said to be prepared to lower his demands for future fishing quotas if Brussels agrees to back down in other areas of the agreement. Sources close to the talks say the UK is now willing to accept between 30-35 percent of the £590million worth of fish caught by European boats in our coastal waters this year. Downing Street was previously insisting on reclaiming as much as 60 percent for British fishermen with the EU setting its price for a deal at 25 percent.
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EU officials have been floating the compromise across hardline states, such as France and Denmark, to establish whether Michel Barnier has further room to manoeuvre. But it is feared the wrangling could still collapse over the EU’s demands to slap Britain with punitive tariffs if the Government decides to restrict access for European vessels to UK waters. The two sides still need to reach an agreement for the length of a transition period, during which generous catch shares European trawlermen enjoy would be gradually phased down.
Lord Frost has tabled a new fisheries proposal in hope of brokering a trade deal with the EU
Britain has said it would accept a three-year period while the EU was asking for the new arrangements to be phased in over seven years. But the two sides could meet in the middle ground with a five-year transition period. Government sources rejected claims the UK has offered concessions on fishing quotas to secure a deal. The claim was dismissed by UK sources, who said they “don’t recognise those reports at all”. Chances of the compromise offer ending in a deal hinge on Emmanuel Macron, according to EU diplomats. One said the French President would block any future concessions because he feels too much ground on the totemic issue has already been given.
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Lord Frost has been in Brussels negotiating for nearly two weeks
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said: “There have been successive proposals from the UK, sometimes on fishing, that don’t respond to European priorities and demands. “Difficulties remain, in the fishing sector – but not only, so it would be a error of judgment and unacceptable stigmatisation to say that a few countries or a few sectors are blocking.” Boris Johnson warned Brussels last night Britain will walk away without a deal if it refuses to compromise in the final days of talks. The Prime Minister said the negotiations are stuck and told the EU it must accept the UK will take control of its laws and borders. Speaking from No 10, he insisted the country can “certainly cope” with any difficulties caused by moving on to world trade organisation rules from January 1. MUST READ: EU companies 'don't trust courts' in Europe and may move to UK
What needs to be in done before a Brexit deal can enter into force on January 1
He said: “The position is unchanged. There are problems. It is vital everybody understands that the UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely and also that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries. “And it remains the case that WTO terms would be more than satisfactory for the UK and we can certainly cope with any difficulties that are thrown our way.” Mr Johnson said he still believes the country will “prosper mightily” whether a deal is struck or not. DON'T MISS
Bring on Jan 1! Grant Shapps declares UK ready for no deal Brexit [VIDEO]
Pension: Britons told focus on contributions as Brexit transition ends [INSIGHT]
Brexit has arrived in the nick of time! Britain will boom post-Covid [COMMENT]
Brexit: Tim Martin expresses concerns on EU 'tying up' the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-12-22--Boris Johnson issues brutal no deal Brexit ultimatum to Michel Barnier - UK will walk away

The Prime Minister said the negotiations are stuck and told the EU it must accept the UK will take control of its laws and borders .
Speaking from No 10 , he insisted the country can “ certainly cope ” with any difficulties caused by moving on to World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) rules from January 1 .
He said : “ The position is unchanged .
There are problems .
It is vital everybody understands that the UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely and also that we have got to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it remains the case that WTO terms would be more than satisfactory for the UK and we can certainly cope with any difficulties that are thrown our way.
” Mr Johnson said he still believes the country will “ prosper mightily ” whether a deal is struck or not .
Lord Frost will continue talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier today in Brussels with just nine days left until transition arrangements expire .
But sources close to the negotiations said discussions remained `` difficult '' with fishing and state subsidies still holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected claims the UK has offered concessions on fishing quotas to secure a deal .
EU insiders said Lord Frost was prepared to lower his demands for future fishing quotas if Brussels agrees to back down in other areas of the agreement .
But the claim was dismissed by UK sources , who said they “ don ’ t recognise those reports at all ” .
Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for the transition period to be extended .
But the PM and Labour leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said “ time is obviously in very short supply ” to get a deal done .
“ We will need to ratify any agreement ahead of January 1 .
The Leader of the House made clear that we would recall Parliament in order to give MPs a vote on the necessary legislation , ” he added .
“ We have been clear on this point that we will either leave the transition period on December 31 with a free-trade agreement or we will leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case.
” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said extending the transition period would “ add fuel to the fire ” by creating extra uncertainty .
The European Parliament is now unable to ratify a deal by the end of the year after the Sunday deadline for a deal to be struck was missed .
But EU leaders could provisionally sign off an agreement struck before the end of the year with ratification delayed until 2021 .
Eurocrats have been drawing up plans to extend Britain ’ s transition out of the bloc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new treaty to create a legal basis for “ extending the transition period ” .
The Parliament ’ s Brexit committee proposed keeping Britain inside the EU ’ s single market and customs union for up to three months while MEPs ratified any trade pact .
One insider said : “ Any new arrangement would need unanimity from EU member states and officials are groping at various ideas for a legal basis.
” One insider said an extension is “ possible ” but “ you would just end in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fail to reach an agreement , the European Parliament has promised to meet before the end of the year to vote on contingency plans that would cushion the blow of Britain ’ s departure from the bloc on world trade terms .
Security arrangements will also change once the transition period ends .
Law enforcement agencies will lose access to a number of systems and databases , with fears investigations will take longer and serious criminals will not be brought to justice as quickly .
Security Minister James Brokenshire insisted the UK “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event of a no-deal Brexit despite a “ mutual loss ” of crime-fighting capability .
“ Obviously , there is a change in arrangement , there is a mutual loss in capability , ” he told the Home Affairs Committee .
“ But does that fundamentally alter the UK being a safe place for its citizens ?
I would contend that it does not.
” He added : “ I believe that we will remain as safe because of the incredible work of our policing , and indeed the different steps that we @ @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson reveals Macron 'understands' UK position
The Prime Minister said the negotiations are stuck and told the EU it must accept the UK will take control of its laws and borders. Speaking from No 10, he insisted the country can “certainly cope” with any difficulties caused by moving on to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules from January 1. He said: “The position is unchanged. There are problems. It is vital everybody understands that the UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely and also that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries.
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“And it remains the case that WTO terms would be more than satisfactory for the UK and we can certainly cope with any difficulties that are thrown our way.” Mr Johnson said he still believes the country will “prosper mightily” whether a deal is struck or not. Lord Frost will continue talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier today in Brussels with just nine days left until transition arrangements expire. But sources close to the negotiations said discussions remained "difficult" with fishing and state subsidies still holding up a deal. Government sources also rejected claims the UK has offered concessions on fishing quotas to secure a deal. EU insiders said Lord Frost was prepared to lower his demands for future fishing quotas if Brussels agrees to back down in other areas of the agreement. But the claim was dismissed by UK sources, who said they “don’t recognise those reports at all”.
Boris Johnson warned Brussels last night Britain will walk away without a deal
The Prime Minister said the negotiations are stuck
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for the transition period to be extended. But the PM and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer both opposed extending the deadline. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said “time is obviously in very short supply” to get a deal done. “We will need to ratify any agreement ahead of January 1. The Leader of the House made clear that we would recall Parliament in order to give MPs a vote on the necessary legislation,” he added. READ MORE: Robert Peston warns 'trust destroyed' in Brexit trade talks
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Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Monday
“We have been clear on this point that we will either leave the transition period on December 31 with a free-trade agreement or we will leave with Australia-style WTO terms. That remains the case.” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said extending the transition period would “add fuel to the fire” by creating extra uncertainty. The European Parliament is now unable to ratify a deal by the end of the year after the Sunday deadline for a deal to be struck was missed. But EU leaders could provisionally sign off an agreement struck before the end of the year with ratification delayed until 2021.
Boris Johnson announces Tier 4 restrictions for parts of UK
Eurocrats have been drawing up plans to extend Britain’s transition out of the bloc. MEPs told officials to explore the possibility of a new treaty to create a legal basis for “extending the transition period”. The Parliament’s Brexit committee proposed keeping Britain inside the EU’s single market and customs union for up to three months while MEPs ratified any trade pact. One insider said: “Any new arrangement would need unanimity from EU member states and officials are groping at various ideas for a legal basis.”
Brexit in Daily Express front pages
Brexit end game timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-22--Macron CAVES: France backs down and launches ‘emergency protocol’ to open borders in hours


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--Brexiteers' fury over Frost's last-minute quota offer to EU 'Fishermen will be finished!'

Chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost has reportedly said the UK would be willing to accept a cut of around 33 percent on EU fishing quota if the bloc backed down in other areas , sources close to the talks told Bloomberg .
The offer is much more generous than the 60 percent cut Britain last week demanded the EU take to secure a trade deal .
On Friday the EU said that a reduction of 25 percent was the most it would agree to .
The offer is being floated with hardline member states , such as France and Denmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Brexit envoy Michel Barnier should respond .
Hitting out at the offer , former Brexit Party MEP Jake Pugh said such conditions would be “ totally unacceptable ” for Britain ’ s long-suffering fishermen .
And fellow ex-MEP June Mummery warned coastal communities across the UK would be “ finished ” if fishermen were forced to watch their European counterparts keep such a huge proportion of catch after December 31 .
Ms Mummery also rejected the idea of a transition period for post-Brexit fishing , insisting that the British industry needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would accept a three-year transition period on fisheries , while the EU is pushing for seven years .
Both sides could strike a deal by meeting half-way .
Mr Pugh also said the EU ’ s call for Britain to sign up to the so-called level playing field on competition rules is a “ trap ” .
READ MORE : Brexit : Emmanuel Macron sent 'veiled threat ' to Michel Barnier He said : `` Talk is five-year transition and UK gets only 35 percent of fish .
Totally unacceptable after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , EU wants option to impose cross retaliation tariffs when they rejected notion of a tariff-based deal months ago .
“ This is total cakeism and UK must reject this proposed deal and see the level playing field for the trap that it is .
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson ’ s plan for 22-mile bridge across Channel [ ANALYSIS ] Frost set to BACK DOWN on fishing demands - UK on brink of Brexit deal [ EXPLAINED ] EU companies 'do n't trust courts ' in Europe and may move to UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Frost has sold us out , the coastal and fishing communities will be finished , we need to completely rebuild now if we are to save British fishing .
“ A transition period will be the death of us.
” Martin Daubney , former Brexit Party MEP and editor of media channel Unlocked UK , said if the EU accepted the UK ’ s latest offer the Conservative Party would suffer significantly because Boris Johnson vowed to protect fishermen .
Mr Daubney warned Mr Johnson would be seen as another former Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the livelihoods of trawlermen under a deal .
He said : “ In 1973 Ted Heath sunk our fishing industry by selling it out to the European Economic Community ( EEC ) .
“ If Boris Johnson – after all his bluster – does the same again , then this Tory government deserves to be torpedoed not only by the 186 coastal communities but by all those Leavers in the Red Wall who put their faith in the Tories for the first time .

Brexit: French MEP says fishing ‘must remain priority’
Chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost has reportedly said the UK would be willing to accept a cut of around 33 percent on EU fishing quota if the bloc backed down in other areas, sources close to the talks told Bloomberg. The offer is much more generous than the 60 percent cut Britain last week demanded the EU take to secure a trade deal.
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On Friday the EU said that a reduction of 25 percent was the most it would agree to. The offer is being floated with hardline member states, such as France and Denmark, to determine how the bloc’s Brexit envoy Michel Barnier should respond. Hitting out at the offer, former Brexit Party MEP Jake Pugh said such conditions would be “totally unacceptable” for Britain’s long-suffering fishermen. And fellow ex-MEP June Mummery warned coastal communities across the UK would be “finished” if fishermen were forced to watch their European counterparts keep such a huge proportion of catch after December 31.
Brexiteers have reacted with outrage to Lord Frost's last-ditch effort to secure a deal
The UK's chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost
Ms Mummery also rejected the idea of a transition period for post-Brexit fishing, insisting that the British industry needs to rebuild itself immediately. The UK has said it would accept a three-year transition period on fisheries, while the EU is pushing for seven years. Both sides could strike a deal by meeting half-way. Mr Pugh also said the EU’s call for Britain to sign up to the so-called level playing field on competition rules is a “trap”. READ MORE: Brexit: Emmanuel Macron sent 'veiled threat' to Michel Barnier
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Michel Barnier is considering the offer
Brexiteers criticised Lord Frost's quota offer
Emmanuel Macron has a huge stake in post-Brexit fishing in UK seas
Ms Mummery echoed his concerns over Lord Frost’s offer. She said: “If Frost has sold us out, the coastal and fishing communities will be finished, we need to completely rebuild now if we are to save British fishing. “A transition period will be the death of us.” Martin Daubney, former Brexit Party MEP and editor of media channel Unlocked UK, said if the EU accepted the UK’s latest offer the Conservative Party would suffer significantly because Boris Johnson vowed to protect fishermen.
Brexit: ‘Arrangements have been made’ on fishing says Gove
Mr Daubney warned Mr Johnson would be seen as another former Prime Minister Ted Heath if he did not protect the livelihoods of trawlermen under a deal. He said: “In 1973 Ted Heath sunk our fishing industry by selling it out to the European Economic Community (EEC). “If Boris Johnson – after all his bluster – does the same again, then this Tory Government deserves to be torpedoed not only by the 186 coastal communities but by all those Leavers in the Red Wall who put their faith in the Tories for the first time.
Boris Johnson has said the UK needs to control its waters
“This would be seen as the ultimate Brexit betrayal by the 17.4 million who voted to take back control.” And Ann Widdecombe was equally critical of the fishing offer. The former Brexit Party MEP said: “Nothing short of full control of our own seas should even be contemplated.” Meanwhile, former Brexit Party MEP and businessman Ben Habib was equally scathing in his reaction.