thedailyexpress--2020-12-15--French fishermen PROMISE Channel blockades as no deal Brexit could spark 'warlike' scenes

Trawlermen warned they would disrupt the flow of ferries carrying vital goods in response to being shut out of Britain ’ s fishing grounds .
A union baron said Britain ’ s threat to send gunboats to police the UK ’ s coastal waters “ would mean that we are negotiating things that relate to war ” .
Downing Street is still claiming a no deal Brexit is the “ most likely ” outcome for the trade talks .
Dimitri Rogoff , president of Normandy 's regional fisheries committee , claimed the move would see Dutch , Belgian and German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ If we are deprived of our fishing grounds , we will not watch the British supply the French market .
`` There will therefore be blockages to ferries , since this mainly happens by ferries .
And on that , we are quite clear and determined . ''
The influential fishing chief said it was “ inappropriate ” for the UK to “ flex its muscles ” in the post-Brexit trade talks by threatening to use the Navy to deter foreign boats from entering its fishing grounds .
Mr Rogoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a long time ago and we hoped never to see it again in this Europe , which is one of sharing resources .
`` Now the UK has decided to leave but from there to sending warships , it 's unimaginable . ''
His threat came as Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , warned colleagues he was preparing for a big battle over fish as the trade talks enter their final stage .
The Brussels diplomat also hit out at the British threat to use gunboats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with MEPs .
He accused British officials of using the media to “ destabilise ” over four years of Brexit talks .
The Frenchman also claimed Downing Street has taken a harder position on fishing rights during the last few days of the wrangling over a trade agreement .
Mr Barnier said No10 was pushing for a shorter transition period , during which the EU ’ s generous fishing opportunities in British waters , than it previously promised .
Paris also ramped up its war of words with Boris Johnson ’ s Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left weaker ” after Brexit .
MUST READ : EU demands rejected as no deal looms - UK warns Barnier Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said : “ The big losers from Brexit are the Brits .
The nation which will be left weaker after Brexit is Great Britain .
Brexit is a political , economic , and historic folly and I regret that my British friends are paying the price .
`` They 're paying the price for populism , for lies , for the claims of the campaign .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That they would be able to leave the UK but continue to keep access to the Single Market , which is one of the most rich on the planet .
No .
`` The French President is right to be firm .
The EU Commission President , Ursula von der Leyen , is right to be firm .
You ca n't have your cake and eat it .
DO N'T MISS Barnier wants 'punishment clause ' if UK locks EU boats out of waters [ REVEALED ] Do n't you dare !
EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters [ INSIGHT ] Starmers squirms as he 's grilled on 'how many years ' EU can use waters [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Habib claims talks with EU have been 'choreographed'
Trawlermen warned they would disrupt the flow of ferries carrying vital goods in response to being shut out of Britain’s fishing grounds. A union baron said Britain’s threat to send gunboats to police the UK’s coastal waters “would mean that we are negotiating things that relate to war”. Downing Street is still claiming a no deal Brexit is the “most likely” outcome for the trade talks.
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Dimitri Rogoff, president of Normandy's regional fisheries committee, claimed the move would see Dutch, Belgian and German ships flocking into French waters. He said: “If we are deprived of our fishing grounds, we will not watch the British supply the French market. "There will therefore be blockages to ferries, since this mainly happens by ferries. And on that, we are quite clear and determined." The influential fishing chief said it was “inappropriate” for the UK to “flex its muscles” in the post-Brexit trade talks by threatening to use the Navy to deter foreign boats from entering its fishing grounds.
French fishermen threaten no-deal Brexit blockade of English ports
French President Emmanuel Macron wants near-parity access to UK waters for his fishermen
Mr Rogoff added: "We've seen this before a long time ago and we hoped never to see it again in this Europe, which is one of sharing resources. "Now the UK has decided to leave but from there to sending warships, it's unimaginable." His threat came as Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, warned colleagues he was preparing for a big battle over fish as the trade talks enter their final stage. The Brussels diplomat also hit out at the British threat to use gunboats to police the Channel in a private briefing with MEPs.
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Boris Johnson has promised a good Brexit deal for the British fishing industry
He accused British officials of using the media to “destabilise” over four years of Brexit talks. The Frenchman also claimed Downing Street has taken a harder position on fishing rights during the last few days of the wrangling over a trade agreement. Mr Barnier said No10 was pushing for a shorter transition period, during which the EU’s generous fishing opportunities in British waters, than it previously promised. Paris also ramped up its war of words with Boris Johnson’s Government by insisting the UK will be “left weaker” after Brexit.
MUST READ: EU demands rejected as no deal looms - UK warns Barnier
What must be done to get a Brexit trade deal over the line before January 1
Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said: “The big losers from Brexit are the Brits. The nation which will be left weaker after Brexit is Great Britain. Brexit is a political, economic, and historic folly and I regret that my British friends are paying the price. "They're paying the price for populism, for lies, for the claims of the campaign. "What did they say in the UK? That they would be able to leave the UK but continue to keep access to the Single Market, which is one of the most rich on the planet. No. "The French President is right to be firm. The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, is right to be firm. You can't have your cake and eat it. DON'T MISS
Barnier wants 'punishment clause' if UK locks EU boats out of waters [REVEALED]
Don't you dare! EU ships warned against 'illegally' entering UK waters [INSIGHT]
Starmers squirms as he's grilled on 'how many years' EU can use waters [VIDEO]
Brexit: Alok Sharma calls on EU to respect UK's 'sovereignty'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Brexit fishing row: Tory MP issues ultimatum for EU - 'Best deal they'll get!'

The EU should accept the UK 's `` staged exit '' plan for reducing access to British fishing waters , @ @ @ @ @ The Conservative MP had been talking to former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage about what @ @ @ @ @ a Brexit deal .
Fishing has been a key sticking point throughout negotiations , and @ @ @ @ @ the outstanding issues for both sides .
Mr Bridgen told Mr Farage : `` I @ @ @ @ @ fish issue has been a red herring , if you 'll excuse the pun .
@ @ @ @ @ any legal right to maintain take of our fish after we 've left the European @ @ @ @ @ always concede on that , but they 'll want us to concede on the very @ @ @ @ @ field .
`` That 's anything but a level playing field , it 's a @ @ @ @ @ get ourselves out of . ''
READ MORE : 'Bang on ! '
Michael Gove @ @ @ @ @ down on fishing

Brexit: Andrew Bridgen suggests possible fishing compromise
The EU should accept the UK's "staged exit" plan for reducing access to British fishing waters, Andrew Bridgen has said. The Conservative MP had been talking to former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage about what compromises would be acceptable in a Brexit deal. Fishing has been a key sticking point throughout negotiations, and continues to be one of the outstanding issues for both sides.
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Mr Bridgen told Mr Farage: "I've always maintained that the fish issue has been a red herring, if you'll excuse the pun. "They haven't got any legal right to maintain take of our fish after we've left the European Union. "They will always concede on that, but they'll want us to concede on the very dangerous, innocuously-sounding level playing field. "That's anything but a level playing field, it's a spider web we'll never get ourselves out of." READ MORE: 'Bang on!' Michael Gove insists UK will not back down on fishing
Fishing row: Andrew Bridgen issues final ultimatum for EU 'The best deal they'll get!'
'They haven't got any legal right to maintain take of our fish after we've left.'
He continued: "On the basis of our fishing fleet being so depleted over the years, I would have a staged exit. "That would allow the EU fishermen to continue to take some fish on a yearly quota basis, reducing over a number of years to allow our fishing industry to grow and fill the gap over a number of years. "But not ten years by any stretch of the imagination. "That's the best deal the EU are going to get on fish."
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'On the basis of our fishing fleet being so depleted over the years, I would have a staged exit.'
Brexit: Negotiations are 'stretching wire to its limits' says Bridgen
EU COUNTRIES MOST RELIANT ON ACCESS TO UK WATERS


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--‘We NEED reform!’ House of Lords chaos exposed by members of upper chamber

Members of the House of Lords mocked procedures in the chamber after crucial parliamentary time was spent debating hereditary peers @ @ @ @ @ to the situation in a post on Twitter , he wrote : “ In this @ @ @ @ @ ’ s affairs the House of Lords is debating ... .
hereditary peers by-elections !
@ @ @ @ @ Rennard also took aim and insisted the process should be scrapped .
He responded by @ @ @ @ @ simply have ended these ridiculous by-elections to keep topping up the number of hereditary peers @ @ @ @ @ observers also condemned the move on social media , one user said : “ Oh @ @ @ @ @ from top to bottom .
Priorities eh ... .
” A second frustrated user added @ @ @ @ @ t make it up to be honest .
”

Brexit: House of Lords 'out to thwart' process says Redwood
Members of the House of Lords mocked procedures in the chamber after crucial parliamentary time was spent debating hereditary peers. Lord Adonis drew attention to the situation in a post on Twitter, he wrote: “In this great crisis of the nation’s affairs the House of Lords is debating.... hereditary peers by-elections!”
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Liberal Democrat peer Chris Rennard also took aim and insisted the process should be scrapped. He responded by saying: “We should simply have ended these ridiculous by-elections to keep topping up the number of hereditary peers years ago.” Several other observers also condemned the move on social media, one user said: “Oh dear. Westminster needs reform from top to bottom. Priorities eh....” A second frustrated user added: “You couldn’t make it up to be honest.”
The House of Lords sit for a session in January
Andrew Adonis has criticised the session in the Lords
Another Lib Dem peer, Sarah Ludford, branded the hereditary peer system “absurd” and explained it had also delayed a debate on Brexit legislation. In a post on Twitter, she wrote: “Our ‘Urgent Question’ on Brexit talks is being held up by Tory peers objecting to a decision of the Lords powers-that-be to postpone a hereditary peers’ ‘byelection’, which are of course absurd anyway.” A by-election is held to replace hereditary peers who have either died or retired. The coronavirus pandemic has delayed the process and four vacancies have since emerged in the upper chamber.
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The House of Lords has come under pressure in recent months
House of Lords Act in 1999 removed the automatic right of hereditary peers to take a seat in the Lords but allowed a total of 92 to remain in place. The process for electing hereditary peers has come under fire in recent years as only those who are affiliated to a party can put themselves forward and the electorate is made up of the hereditary peers who are already sitting. The process was exposed in 2016 when there was a by-election for a Liberal Democrat vacancy. As there were only three Lib Dem hereditary peers, the electorate was three, while the number of candidates was seven. READ MORE: SNP unveils plot to vote down Brexit deal and push to rejoin EU in Jan
Sarah Ludford said the by-election had delayed a debate on Brexit
The House of Lords renewed its rift with Number 10 this afternoon after peers inflicted fresh defeats on the Government’s controversial Brexit Bill. The Internal Market Bill returned to the Lords this afternoon after MPs rejected recommendations put forward by peers. The Government has since removed controversial parts of the legislation - which threatened to break international law - after reaching an agreement with the EU in relation to goods travelling from Northern Ireland to the UK. But, peers renewed demands for the devolved administrations to have greater powers. DON'T MISS Brexit row erupts as Ben Habib claims EU deal has been 'choreographed' [VIDEO]
Meghan Markle announces major investment in eco-friendly start-up [INSIGHT]
Met Office weather warnings: Strong 60mph winds and rain to smash UK [FORECAST]
A timeline of Brexit talks between the UK and EU


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Whitty admits new Covid variants could beat vaccine - but calms fears over this one

Today it emerged a new strain of the coronavirus has emerged which is quickly spreading in London and South West of England .
The capital and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire have been placed into emergency Tier 3 restrictions due to the rapid spread of coronavirus .
The official fortnightly tier review was not due to take place until later this week , but an early decision was made on London due to the speed at which the virus was spreading .
This evening Professor Whitty calmed fears the mutant variant could cause the coronavirus vaccine to be ineffective - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new strains of COVID-19 further down the line .
He said : `` There has been a lot of analysis done over the last few days to work out what it means in terms of vaccines .
`` There 's nothing to suggest that the symptoms are different , that the testing is different or the clinical outcome is different for this variant .
READ MORE : London Tier 3 backlash : Boris attacked as businesses 'on the brink' '' The main reason we are raising this to people 's attention is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more quickly .
It may be 'cause and effect ' , or it may not . ''
However , speaking of potential future mutations , he added : `` As time goes by , as with any infections , when a very high proportion of the population has been vaccinated , at that point the new variants that emerge , and new variants emerge all the time , are more likely to be able partially to escape from a vaccine .
`` But there 's no reason to think that would happen at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK became the first Western country in the world to start the roll-out of a Covid vaccine .
READ MORE : Covid lockdown warning as restrictions fuelling ‘ epidemic ’ of depression The Pfizer/BioNTech jab has already been given to tens of thousands of Brits across the country and millions will be immunised across the country in the months to come .
The Government has drawn up a priority list of who should receive the vaccine first , with over 80s and those in care homes among the first due to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has infected at least 1,000 people in the UK so far and its discovery was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the House of Commons earlier today .
He said : `` We have identified a new variant of coronavirus , which may be associated with the faster spread in the southeast of England .
DO N'T MISS : When does London go into Tier 3 ?
[ EXPLAINED ] What Churchill would have done to beat Coronavirus [ COMMENT ] London schools to close – Sadiq Khan calls for all schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants .
`` I must stress at this point that there is currently nothing to suggest that the variant is more likely to cause serious disease , and the latest clinical advice is that it 's highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine . ''
Mr Hancock said the World Health Organisation has been informed of the mutation and scientists at the Government 's Porton Down defence lab were looking into its impact .
The WHO 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news briefing in Geneva they were aware of the new strain .

Matt Hancock reveals discovery of new coronavirus variant
Today it emerged a new strain of the coronavirus has emerged which is quickly spreading in London and South West of England. The capital and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire have been placed into emergency Tier 3 restrictions due to the rapid spread of coronavirus.
The official fortnightly tier review was not due to take place until later this week, but an early decision was made on London due to the speed at which the virus was spreading. This evening Professor Whitty calmed fears the mutant variant could cause the coronavirus vaccine to be ineffective - but warned it was a potential risk of new strains of COVID-19 further down the line. He said: "There has been a lot of analysis done over the last few days to work out what it means in terms of vaccines. "There's nothing to suggest that the symptoms are different, that the testing is different or the clinical outcome is different for this variant. READ MORE: London Tier 3 backlash: Boris attacked as businesses 'on the brink'
Chris Whitty has warned a mutant strain could lead to a vaccine being ineffective in future
"The main reason we are raising this to people's attention is the question about whether this is spreading more quickly. It may be 'cause and effect', or it may not." However, speaking of potential future mutations, he added: "As time goes by, as with any infections, when a very high proportion of the population has been vaccinated, at that point the new variants that emerge, and new variants emerge all the time, are more likely to be able partially to escape from a vaccine. "But there's no reason to think that would happen at the moment." Last week the UK became the first Western country in the world to start the roll-out of a Covid vaccine. READ MORE: Covid lockdown warning as restrictions fuelling ‘epidemic’ of depression
Chris Whitty said the current mutation would be unlikely to cause a problem for vaccination
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New areas being moved into Tier 3
The Pfizer/BioNTech jab has already been given to tens of thousands of Brits across the country and millions will be immunised across the country in the months to come. The Government has drawn up a priority list of who should receive the vaccine first, with over 80s and those in care homes among the first due to get the jab. The latest strain of coronavirus has infected at least 1,000 people in the UK so far and its discovery was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the House of Commons earlier today. He said: "We have identified a new variant of coronavirus, which may be associated with the faster spread in the southeast of England. DON'T MISS:
When does London go into Tier 3? [EXPLAINED]
What Churchill would have done to beat Coronavirus [COMMENT]
London schools to close – Sadiq Khan calls for all schools to shut [UPDATE]
Matt Hancock told MPs a new coronavirus strain had been found this afternoon
"Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants. "I must stress at this point that there is currently nothing to suggest that the variant is more likely to cause serious disease, and the latest clinical advice is that it's highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine." Mr Hancock said the World Health Organisation has been informed of the mutation and scientists at the Government's Porton Down defence lab were looking into its impact. The WHO's top emergencies expert Mike Ryan confirmed in a news briefing in Geneva they were aware of the new strain.
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--EU demands rejected as no deal looms - UK warns Barnier 'we will NOT sign up for this'

They said : `` Talks remain difficult and we have not made significant progress in recent days , despite efforts by the UK side to bring energy and ideas to the process . ''
The UK and EU have remained at loggerheads on the issues of fishing , state aid and fair competition .
Brussels had been accused of trying to force the UK to sign up to its rules .
The EU wanted the power to unilaterally apply tariffs on UK goods if they felt British firms had an unfair advantage over those on the continent due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG Boris Johnson described such terms as unacceptable and said no deal could be agreed if the EU did not waiver on its demand .
There was hope of progress this morning when the EU appeared to accept the UK 's proposal of a dispute mechanism that would mean tariffs could only be applied if an independent arbitration body agreed one side had gained an unfair advantage .
However , this evening a UK source appeared to indicate the EU had not fully signed up to the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereign country we must have the right to take our own decisions and to choose regulations that suit the UK .
`` We can not sign up to dynamic alignment through the back door , the UK can not be locked into the EU ’ s regulatory orbit . ''
There were also suggestions of a breakthrough on fishing earlier when EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier briefed EU ambassadors .
An EU diplomat said there had been `` backtracking '' by the British in the row over future access to coastal waters for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source has denied such claims , saying : `` We have always been absolutely clear that the UK will have control over access to our waters and a better deal for UK fishing communities .
DO N'T MISS : Furious Peter Bone shuts down Labour MP in fiery Brexit row [ VIDEO ] POLL : Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit [ VOTE ] Von der Leyen breaks silence to admit trade deal very close [ UPDATE ] '' There is simply no truth to the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree a deal is quickly running out , with negotiation already taking place well into extra time .
There are just 17 days until the end of the transition period , with any deal agreed between the two partners needing to be ratified by MPs and MEPs before it comes into place .
Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had set a `` firm '' deadline of yesterday for talks but agreed to keep negotiating after a `` useful '' phone call .

Brexit: Alok Sharma calls on EU to respect UK's 'sovereignty'
Earlier today there was hope a breakthrough in talks had been reached. But this evening a UK source offered a pessimistic opinion on how negotiations were progressing.
They said: "Talks remain difficult and we have not made significant progress in recent days, despite efforts by the UK side to bring energy and ideas to the process." The UK and EU have remained at loggerheads on the issues of fishing, state aid and fair competition. Brussels had been accused of trying to force the UK to sign up to its rules. The EU wanted the power to unilaterally apply tariffs on UK goods if they felt British firms had an unfair advantage over those on the continent due to a divergence in laws and regulations. READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
A UK source has offered a pessimistic view of negotiations
Boris Johnson described such terms as unacceptable and said no deal could be agreed if the EU did not waiver on its demand. There was hope of progress this morning when the EU appeared to accept the UK's proposal of a dispute mechanism that would mean tariffs could only be applied if an independent arbitration body agreed one side had gained an unfair advantage. However, this evening a UK source appeared to indicate the EU had not fully signed up to the plan. They added: "Like any sovereign country we must have the right to take our own decisions and to choose regulations that suit the UK. READ MORE: European Parliament's 'unprecedented' fishing demand exposed
Michel Barnier briefed EU ambassadors this morning
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Brexit: Michel Barnier gives update on state of negotiations
"We cannot sign up to dynamic alignment through the back door, the UK cannot be locked into the EU’s regulatory orbit." There were also suggestions of a breakthrough on fishing earlier when EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier briefed EU ambassadors. An EU diplomat said there had been "backtracking" by the British in the row over future access to coastal waters for European boats. However, the UK source has denied such claims, saying: "We have always been absolutely clear that the UK will have control over access to our waters and a better deal for UK fishing communities. DON'T MISS:
Furious Peter Bone shuts down Labour MP in fiery Brexit row [VIDEO]
POLL: Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit [VOTE]
Von der Leyen breaks silence to admit trade deal very close [UPDATE]
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue negotiations in a phone call yesterday
"There is simply no truth to the idea we have backtracked." Time to agree a deal is quickly running out, with negotiation already taking place well into extra time. There are just 17 days until the end of the transition period, with any deal agreed between the two partners needing to be ratified by MPs and MEPs before it comes into place. Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had set a "firm" deadline of yesterday for talks but agreed to keep negotiating after a "useful" phone call.
Brexit end game: The steps needed for a trade deal to be secured
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Farage outlines Boris' 'fundamental Brexit mistake' - 'EU had us where they wanted us!'

The EU `` had [ the UK ] where they wanted us '' when Boris Johnson signed the withdrawal agreement @ @ @ @ @ has claimed .
The former Brexit Party leader gave a brutal analysis of the latest @ @ @ @ @ talks .
With less than three weeks before the transition period deadline , Mr Farage @ @ @ @ @ would likely be struck would not give Britain back `` complete control '' .
During @ @ @ @ @ viewers : `` From the absolute beginning the European Union were determined that we would @ @ @ @ @ They wanted it to be a very different new kind of deal .
`` Indeed @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen tweeted ahead of Boris Johnson going over to Brussels that he was @ @ @ @ @ agreement ' .
This is not an FTA .
`` If Boris Johnson says we @ @ @ @ @ well why did he make the absolutely fundamental mistake of signing the withdrawal agreement ?
@ @ @ @ @ using 'ridiculous fears ' about Brexit trade as 'excuse ' for control

Brexit: Nigel Farage outlines Johnson's 'fundamental mistake'
The EU "had [the UK] where they wanted us" when Boris Johnson signed the withdrawal agreement in 2019, Nigel Farage has claimed. The former Brexit Party leader gave a brutal analysis of the latest developments in the Brexit trade talks. With less than three weeks before the transition period deadline, Mr Farage warned that the deal that would likely be struck would not give Britain back "complete control".
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During a livestream, he told viewers: "From the absolute beginning the European Union were determined that we would not simply leave. "They wanted it to be a very different new kind of deal. "Indeed just last week, Ursula von der Leyen tweeted ahead of Boris Johnson going over to Brussels that he was coming to discuss 'the partnership agreement'. This is not an FTA. "If Boris Johnson says we want a Canada-style deal, well why did he make the absolutely fundamental mistake of signing the withdrawal agreement?" READ MORE: EU using 'ridiculous fears' about Brexit trade as 'excuse' for control
Farage outlines Boris' 'fundamental mistake' in Brexit - 'EU had us where they wanted us!'
'They wanted it to be a very different new kind of deal.'
Mr Farage continued: "Remember that? Last October, he came back from Brussels with an oven-ready deal. "Well it wasn't an oven-ready deal, it was a new EU treaty. "Within days, Barnier had it leather-bound and was carrying it under his arm through the European Parliament. "By us signing up to a new treaty, we made a whole series of commitments that didn't get us out of the level playing field."
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'Remember that? Last October, he came back from Brussels with an oven-ready deal.'
Brexit: Nigel Farage insists disruption will be ‘short term’
EU TRADE NEGOTIATIONS


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Britons FURIOUS at ‘Barnier’s sabotage mission’ as EU’s fishing demands ripped apart

Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and the EU remain at an impasse with outstanding issues of fisheries and the so-called level playing field on competition .
Ahead of the resumption of talks on Monday , Mr Barnier issued an update to diplomats of the EU27 member states and insisted the “ two conditions are not met yet '' but maintained `` this deal , it is still possible '' .
A huge row erupted after an EU diplomat claimed there had been `` backtracking '' by the UK negotiating side over access to British coastal waters for EU fishermen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period on December 31 .
A UK source immediately knocked back any suggestions of the UK caving into fishing demands at the 11th hour .
They said : “ Just not true.
” The reports coming out of Brussels of EU negotiators gaining the upper hand on fishing in trade talks has promoted a severe backlash from a number of Express.co.uk readers .
Reacting to an earlier story , one reader commented : “ The EU keep pushing their lies about the negotiation in the hope the government will accept their ridiculous demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bound by the EU fishing quotas and their laws and regulations .
“ We voted to return all sovereignty back to the UK no more outsourced government.
” Another user said : “ Barnier 's mission has always been to sabotage Brexit rather than look for sensible options.
” A third wrote : “ Time to stop useless talks now !
Britain get ready for no deal !
” Meanwhile , a fourth added : “ No deal Brexit will leave the EU in shreds – Not Britain.
” The UK has vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and take back control of its 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone .
EU negotiators , under the pressure of fishing nations such as France , have vowed to block a wider trade deal if there is no agreement on access to UK waters READ MORE : SNP unveils plot to vote down Brexit deal and push to rejoin EU in Jan Britain will become an independent coastal state from January and the Government has confirmed four Royal Navy gunboats have been placed on standby to guard UK waters in the event of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Rabb doubled down on the Government ’ s commitment and insisted the UK is `` going to exercise full control in the way I think people would expect over our fisheries '' .
Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to `` go the extra mile '' following crunch talks on Sunday evening , prompting suggestions of a short extension to the talks in January .
Brexit row erupts as Ben Habib claims EU deal has been 'choreographed ' [ VIDEO ] Meghan Markle announces major investment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather warnings : Strong 60mph winds and rain to smash UK [ FORECAST ]

Brexit: Raab addresses ‘outlandish’ EU fishing proposals
Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and the EU remain at an impasse with outstanding issues of fisheries and the so-called level playing field on competition. Ahead of the resumption of talks on Monday, Mr Barnier issued an update to diplomats of the EU27 member states and insisted the “two conditions are not met yet" but maintained "this deal, it is still possible".
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A huge row erupted after an EU diplomat claimed there had been "backtracking" by the UK negotiating side over access to British coastal waters for EU fishermen beyond the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. A UK source immediately knocked back any suggestions of the UK caving into fishing demands at the 11th hour. They said: “Just not true.” The reports coming out of Brussels of EU negotiators gaining the upper hand on fishing in trade talks has promoted a severe backlash from a number of Express.co.uk readers.
Britons have hit out at the EU over fishing demands
Boris Johnson held talks with Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday
Reacting to an earlier story, one reader commented: “The EU keep pushing their lies about the negotiation in the hope the government will accept their ridiculous demands. “No way can we be bound by the EU fishing quotas and their laws and regulations. “We voted to return all sovereignty back to the UK no more outsourced government.” Another user said: “Barnier's mission has always been to sabotage Brexit rather than look for sensible options.”
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David Frost, Boris Johnson, Ms von der Leyen and Michel Barnier in Brussles last week
A third wrote: “Time to stop useless talks now! Britain get ready for no deal!” Meanwhile, a fourth added: “No deal Brexit will leave the EU in shreds – Not Britain.” The UK has vowed to leave the EU Common Fisheries Policy and take back control of its 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone. EU negotiators, under the pressure of fishing nations such as France, have vowed to block a wider trade deal if there is no agreement on access to UK waters READ MORE: SNP unveils plot to vote down Brexit deal and push to rejoin EU in Jan
The UK has vowed to the leave the Common Fisheries Policy
Britain will become an independent coastal state from January and the Government has confirmed four Royal Navy gunboats have been placed on standby to guard UK waters in the event of a no deal exit. Foreign Secretary Dominic Rabb doubled down on the Government’s commitment and insisted the UK is "going to exercise full control in the way I think people would expect over our fisheries". Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to "go the extra mile" following crunch talks on Sunday evening, prompting suggestions of a short extension to the talks in January. DON'T MISS Brexit row erupts as Ben Habib claims EU deal has been 'choreographed' [VIDEO]
Meghan Markle announces major investment in eco-friendly start-up [INSIGHT]
Met Office weather warnings: Strong 60mph winds and rain to smash UK [FORECAST]
A map of EU nations most reliant on UK waters


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Brexit LIVE: SNP unveils plot to vote down Brexit deal and push to rejoin EU on January 1

Mr Russell was asked on BBC Good Morning Scotland on Monday whether SNP MPs would vote for a deal if one is agreed .
He said : `` There will be two things ; one is what is in the deal - but I find it difficult to imagine that any deal will be one which will be sufficient for Scotland .
We voted against this but we wo n't make any difference to this in terms of it , unfortunately .
`` What we should be doing is saying this is utter folly even at this moment , look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistake you are making , which actually we now know is the view supported by the majority of people throughout the UK . ''
Asked whether the way forward is to let SNP MPs decide to vote for it but to make clear that they are not happy with it , he said : `` Why on Earth would we vote for the first time ever for a Brexit solution which is utterly the wrong thing for Scotland ?
The real alternative is to say stop this folly , and if Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee what we would vote for . ''
Express.co.uk understands UK officials are keen to get a deal secured before Christmas but the UK and EU refused to set a new fixed deadline .
A Whitehall source close to the negotiations told Express.co.uk a deal would be ideal before Christmas Eve as discussions remain deadlocked on state aid , the level playing field and fisheries .
They added : “ Extra work is needed but we are hoping they [ Michel Barnier and the EU ] will deliver us a happy Christmas present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the tunnel , before Christmas would be an ideal time to secure a deal.
” Brussels ' chief negotiator Michel Barnier also insisted a trade deal between the UK and European Union was still possible after he briefed the Bloc ’ s ambassadors this morning .
Talks were extended on Sunday after Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue the process despite major differences still remaining .
The pair spoke for 20 minutes on the phone yesterday lunchtime and was described as `` perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Boris should NOT resign if he fails to strike good Brexit deal - 'EU moved the goalposts ! '
Boris Johnson should not resign as Prime Minister if he fails to strike a good post-Brexit trade deal with the EU , according to a poll of Express.co.uk readers .
Post-Brexit trade negotiations between the UK and the EU continue to hang in the balance with just 17 days ’ to go until the end of the transition period .
Veteran Tory MP Sir Roger Gale broke ranks and claimed Mr Johnson would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he did not reach an “ acceptable ” trade deal with Brussels .
The backbench MP for North Thanet claimed such an outcome would mean Mr Johnson ’ s position inside Number 10 would become “ untenable ” .
A subsequent poll of Express.co.uk readers has found the majority believe Mr Johnson should remain inside Downing Street even if he does not strike a good trade deal with the EU .
The survey conducted on Monday , December 14 from 12pm to 9pm asked Expresss.co.uk readers , should Boris Johnson resign if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal for the UK ?
The results revealed 58 percent believe the Prime Minister should not trigger his resignation and voted “ no ” .
A sizeable 41 percent thought Mr Johnson should leave his position and voted “ yes ” .
9.42pm update : Queen ’ s Christmas speech recording ‘ delayed by Brexit ’ as Palace await outcome of EU talks Brexit trade talks with the EU continue to go down to the wire , as both sides scramble to reach an agreement before the end of the month .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal will be struck has delayed the recording of the Queen ’ s annual Christmas speech , it has been claimed .
The Queen ’ s Christmas speech is usually filmed at the beginning of December , but an insider claims it has yet to be recorded .
The delay is believed to be surrounding uncertainty in the post-Brexit trade talks , with the monarch wanting to know what sort of relationship the country will have with the EU before recording the speech .
The source told The Sun : “ Normally she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the middle of the month , but this time it ’ s later than usual .
“ There ’ s talk it could happen on Wednesday or Thursday .
The country could be a very different place by then with us possibly leaving the EU without a deal.
” Buckingham Palace has not denied the report but said it would not comment on speculation about the broadcast .
8.12pm update : Airbus urges for Brexit compromises to be made The head of European planemaker Airbus called for an end to separate diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU and a transatlantic aircraft subsidy dispute that collectively overshadow its business .
Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said Airbus , whose manufacturing plants straddle Britain and the EU , was preparing itself for disruption if Britain completes its exit from the bloc without a deal , but downplayed warnings of severe upheaval .
He said : `` It would really be a pity that after so many years of preparation there is no deal at the end .
I think it would be much better for the EU and the UK to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if there is no deal we will have to live with it .
There will be a more difficult transition on December 31 and we are preparing ourselves for some logistical issues , but we do n't think this is going to be unmanageable.
” 7pm update : POLL : Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit deal ?
BORIS JOHNSON has come under severe pressure from within his own party over how he has handled Brexit negotiations .
Within the Tory party , some MPs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not walking away from talks without a deal .
Others are warning to PM not to cave in and agree to a deal that limits Britain 's sovereignty after exiting .
Today , Tory MP North Thanet , Sir Roger Gale has broken ranks to warn the Prime Minister must resign if fails to reach an acceptable deal with the EU .
In light of Sir Roger ’ s conclusion , Express.co.uk is asking readers in today ’ s exclusive poll : “ Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” VOTE HERE .
5.29pm update : Peers continue to vote down parts of UK Internal Market Bill The House of Lords maintained their legislative tussle with the executive in continuing to demand changes to legislation , which critics have branded a `` power grab '' by Westminster .
The UK Internal Market Bill is required for when the nation finally departs the EU 's single market and customs union , at the end of the transition period .
But concerns persist over what is seen as as the centralisation of power at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland .
In the latest round of parliamentary ping-pong with the Commons , the upper chamber renewed its demand that the devolved administrations have future flexibility in the UK internal market .
The House of Lords backed by 332 votes to 229 , majority 103 , a move that would allow agreed divergence from the rules through so-called common frameworks .
In a further setback for the Government , peers supported a Labour move by 302 to 254 , majority 48 , that aimed to ensure market access principles do not apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of areas , including environmental standards and animal welfare .
4.35pm update : Brexit stitch-up exposed as Habib claims 'last minute ' EU deal has been 'choreographed ' Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib launched into a furious rant about the Brexit deal talks as he slammed both the UK Government and European Union for `` choreographing '' the stalling of trade agreement talks so they could both `` get what they want '' .
Brexit trade talks are underway between the UK and EU in Brussels after Boris Johnson and Commission President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations .
However the `` last minute '' nature of the process has been accused of being `` choreographed '' .
Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib told Sky News that he would `` put money '' on the close to the wire nature of talks being deliberate in order to avoid scrutiny of the agreement .
He said : `` I 'd put money on this being choreographed .
We 've had complete opacity on precisely what 's being negotiated .
For many weeks now , they 've been in this kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` None of us who normally comment on this sort of thing are going to have time to call it out .
No one in Parliament 's going to call it out because of his majority and Labour being unprepared to be seen voting against it . ''
3.51pm update : No10 confirms vote will go ahead on post-Brexit trade deal Having initially refused to confirm that MPs would be given a vote if a post-Brexit trade deal is agreed , Downing Street later confirmed that would happen .
Boris Johnson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal is agreed , it will require legislation to come into force .
`` MPs will therefore of course get a vote on any deal before this legislation receives royal assent and becomes law . ''
3.36pm update : The pound responses to last-minute extension to Brexit talks News that London and Brussels had agreed to `` go the extra mile '' to try to salvage a Brexit trade agreement set an optimistic tone , boosting Europe 's main share index and lifting the euro against the struggling dollar today .
Sterling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaining on both the euro and the dollar as what last week had appeared to be evaporating prospects of a Brexit agreement came back to life .
Sterling was last trading at $ 1.3335 , up 0.85 percent on the day after earlier climbing 1.2 percent to $ 1.3423 .
3.09pm update : Barnier wants 'punishment clause ' hitting UK with huge sanctions if Boris blocks EU boats Michel Barnier has introduced a punishment clause that could see Britain slapped with trade sanctions if European fishermen are locked out of UK coastal waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed .
The Brussels diplomat set out plans to restrict access to the EU ’ s market for British firms if European fishermen are largely locked out of British waters in the future .
In a series of private Brussels briefings , the Frenchman accused Downing Street of “ backtracking ” on its own proposals for a three-year transition period for fishing rights .
Under the original plan , the extremely generous catch shares European trawlermen enjoy would be gradually phased down .
Mr Barnier told MEPs that Britain would have to face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close its fishing grounds to European vessels .
Emily Ferguson has taken over live reporting from Richard Percival Arlene Foster said Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's 80-seat House of Commons majority meant the DUP could not thwart agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol .
She added : `` This First Minister will not be found wanting when there is work to do to try and mitigate against the worst excesses of the EU and the Protocol . ''
1:15pm update : Germany pleads for UK to have `` nice divorce '' with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce , said it was necessary that the EU and UK underwent `` a nice divorce '' .
`` There will be an edge on January 1 in any case but it should n't be a cliff-edge because it is important also for the future , because we need to iron out so many other differences which have n't been dealt with yet , '' he said .
`` We need to have , in inverted commas , ' a nice divorce ' so that we can move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future as well . ''
Speaking on the Today programme Dr Hoppe added that it was now `` probably 50/50 '' whether a deal would be reached between the two sides .
Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy has criticised a lack of information from the UK Government around Brexit , saying it is very difficult to plan for the end of the transition period just weeks away .
`` We have a weekly meeting in relation to Brexit and it is always characterised by a lack of information and a lack of certainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministerial visit in Dunmurray .
The European Union is `` fully dedicated '' to clinching a post-Brexit trade deal before Britain 's transition out of the bloc ends on Dec. 31 , the European Commission said this morning .
`` We 're of course aware that time is short .
The more time that goes by the less likely it is that we will have a deal in place on the first of January , that 's just a statement of fact , '' Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie told a news briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or may not happen over these days .
But what I can say , though , is that we are fully dedicated to trying to reach a deal with the UK . ''
11:30am update : Tory Veteran says Boris Johnson should resign if `` no-deal '' is secured Veteran Tory MP Sir Roger Gale said Boris Johnson should quit as Prime Minister if he fails to secure a trade deal with the European Union .
`` If Mr Johnson fails to reach an acceptable trade agreement with the EU the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom , '' the North Thanet MP said .
`` As a lifelong member of the Conservative Party , I believe that Mr Johnson 's position as Prime Minister would be untenable .
`` As an honourable man , he would have to make way for somebody more able to pick up the pieces , to reunite the whole country and to show the leadership that Great Britain and Northern Ireland deserves . ''
Democratic Unionist peer Lord Nigel Dodds said he hoped the extension of talks could lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The DUP has always believed that barriers and tariffs between North/South or East/West were neither necessary nor sensible .
`` If we find ourselves in a no-deal outcome between the UK and EU , as far as Northern Ireland is concerned then Northern Ireland-EU trade will continue .
`` Trade between Northern Ireland to Great Britain will be unfettered , with no extra paperwork .
`` We must ensure that Great Britain to Northern Ireland trade is tariff-free and with the minimum checks . ''
Michel Barnier told EU member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level playing field , and on dispute resolution , but that fisheries talks remain `` very difficult '' , it has emerged .
10am update : Sterling up against Dollar as hopes for a trade deal increases The British Pound is up 1.4 percent against the US Dollar after a trade deal between the UK and European Union was still possible , Brussels ' chief negotiator Michel Barnier has insisted .
European Union negotiator Michel Barnier said the `` next few days '' were important if a deal is to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success .
`` Never before has such a comprehensive agreement ( trade , energy , fisheries , transport , police and judicial cooperation , etc ) been negotiated so transparently and in such little time . ''
He said that `` fair competition , and a sustainable solution for our fishermen and women , are key to reaching a deal '' .
Irish premier Micheal Martin said it will be difficult for the EU and UK negotiating teams to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-Brexit trade deal .
The Taoiseach said both sides are aware of the `` enormity and severity '' of a no-deal Brexit on their respective economies .
He added : `` They have really sought to crack the level playing field issue along with fisheries and , crucially , this dispute mechanism that would underpin any level playing field framework . ''
`` The fact that they have continued to engage ... without understating the enormous challenges that face both sets of negotiators in trying to square the circle around this level playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen on loosening relations with Brussels as a Eurosceptic party leads the polls in the upcoming 2021 elections .
The Centre Party , who are currently leading in opinion polls wants a “ looser deal ” with Brussels after it threatened to Block EU vessels from Norwegian waters if a UK Brexit trade deal wasn ’ t secured .
8am update : Sharma pleads with Brits not to panic buy Business Secretary Alok Sharma urged people not to engage in panic buying ahead of a possible failure to reach a trade deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of January 1 , Mr Sharma told Sky News : `` I 'm very confident that actually , the supply chains will still be in place .
`` I would say to everyone just do your normal shopping as you would do and I think we will find we are going to be absolutely fine . ''

Brexit: Richard Tice reveals no deal ‘opportunities’
Scotland's Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said a deal would be better than the "complete disruption" of no deal but described Brexit as "utter folly". Time is tight with only two weeks left in order for a deal to be secured but it is hoped to be secured as soon as possible with signs the EU may be giving into the UK position on “respecting sovereignty”. This blog is now longer live, follow here for the latest updates.
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Mr Russell was asked on BBC Good Morning Scotland on Monday whether SNP MPs would vote for a deal if one is agreed. He said: "There will be two things; one is what is in the deal - but I find it difficult to imagine that any deal will be one which will be sufficient for Scotland. We voted against this but we won't make any difference to this in terms of it, unfortunately. "What we should be doing is saying this is utter folly even at this moment, look at this and imagine what a huge mistake you are making, which actually we now know is the view supported by the majority of people throughout the UK." Asked whether the way forward is to let SNP MPs decide to vote for it but to make clear that they are not happy with it, he said: "Why on Earth would we vote for the first time ever for a Brexit solution which is utterly the wrong thing for Scotland? The real alternative is to say stop this folly, and if Boris Johnson were to give that choice I can guarantee what we would vote for." Express.co.uk understands UK officials are keen to get a deal secured before Christmas but the UK and EU refused to set a new fixed deadline.
A new deal could be expected within 10 days
A Whitehall source close to the negotiations told Express.co.uk a deal would be ideal before Christmas Eve as discussions remain deadlocked on state aid, the level playing field and fisheries. They added: “Extra work is needed but we are hoping they [Michel Barnier and the EU] will deliver us a happy Christmas present. There certainly is some light at the end of the tunnel, before Christmas would be an ideal time to secure a deal.” Brussels' chief negotiator Michel Barnier also insisted a trade deal between the UK and European Union was still possible after he briefed the Bloc’s ambassadors this morning. Talks were extended on Sunday after Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue the process despite major differences still remaining. The pair spoke for 20 minutes on the phone yesterday lunchtime and was described as "perfectly cordial" by officials. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR THE LATEST BREXIT NEWS:
The EU is remaining firm on access to fishing waters.
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10.30pm update: Boris should NOT resign if he fails to strike good Brexit deal - 'EU moved the goalposts!' Boris Johnson should not resign as Prime Minister if he fails to strike a good post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, according to a poll of Express.co.uk readers. Post-Brexit trade negotiations between the UK and the EU continue to hang in the balance with just 17 days’ to go until the end of the transition period. Veteran Tory MP Sir Roger Gale broke ranks and claimed Mr Johnson would have “failed” the British people if he did not reach an “acceptable” trade deal with Brussels. The backbench MP for North Thanet claimed such an outcome would mean Mr Johnson’s position inside Number 10 would become “untenable”. A subsequent poll of Express.co.uk readers has found the majority believe Mr Johnson should remain inside Downing Street even if he does not strike a good trade deal with the EU. The survey conducted on Monday, December 14 from 12pm to 9pm asked Expresss.co.uk readers, should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit deal for the UK? The results revealed 58 percent believe the Prime Minister should not trigger his resignation and voted “no”. A sizeable 41 percent thought Mr Johnson should leave his position and voted “yes”. 9.42pm update: Queen’s Christmas speech recording ‘delayed by Brexit’ as Palace await outcome of EU talks Brexit trade talks with the EU continue to go down to the wire, as both sides scramble to reach an agreement before the end of the month. The ongoing impasse and uncertainty over whether a deal will be struck has delayed the recording of the Queen’s annual Christmas speech, it has been claimed. The Queen’s Christmas speech is usually filmed at the beginning of December, but an insider claims it has yet to be recorded. The delay is believed to be surrounding uncertainty in the post-Brexit trade talks, with the monarch wanting to know what sort of relationship the country will have with the EU before recording the speech. The source told The Sun: “Normally she films it in early December, certainly by the middle of the month, but this time it’s later than usual. “There’s talk it could happen on Wednesday or Thursday. The country could be a very different place by then with us possibly leaving the EU without a deal.” Buckingham Palace has not denied the report but said it would not comment on speculation about the broadcast.
Brexit activist Steve Bray standing outside the Houses of Parliament today
8.12pm update: Airbus urges for Brexit compromises to be made The head of European planemaker Airbus called for an end to separate diplomatic squabbles over Britain's exit from the EU and a transatlantic aircraft subsidy dispute that collectively overshadow its business. Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said Airbus, whose manufacturing plants straddle Britain and the EU, was preparing itself for disruption if Britain completes its exit from the bloc without a deal, but downplayed warnings of severe upheaval. He said: "It would really be a pity that after so many years of preparation there is no deal at the end. I think it would be much better for the EU and the UK to have an orderly Brexit/ "This being said, if there is no deal we will have to live with it. There will be a more difficult transition on December 31 and we are preparing ourselves for some logistical issues, but we don't think this is going to be unmanageable.” 7pm update: POLL: Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit deal? BORIS JOHNSON has come under severe pressure from within his own party over how he has handled Brexit negotiations. Within the Tory party, some MPs have hit out at the Prime Minister for not walking away from talks without a deal. Others are warning to PM not to cave in and agree to a deal that limits Britain's sovereignty after exiting. Today, Tory MP North Thanet, Sir Roger Gale has broken ranks to warn the Prime Minister must resign if fails to reach an acceptable deal with the EU. In light of Sir Roger’s conclusion, Express.co.uk is asking readers in today’s exclusive poll: “Should Boris Johnson resign if he fails to secure a good Brexit deal for the UK?” VOTE HERE. 5.29pm update: Peers continue to vote down parts of UK Internal Market Bill The House of Lords maintained their legislative tussle with the executive in continuing to demand changes to legislation, which critics have branded a "power grab" by Westminster. The UK Internal Market Bill is required for when the nation finally departs the EU's single market and customs union, at the end of the transition period. But concerns persist over what is seen as as the centralisation of power at the expense of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the latest round of parliamentary ping-pong with the Commons, the upper chamber renewed its demand that the devolved administrations have future flexibility in the UK internal market. The House of Lords backed by 332 votes to 229, majority 103, a move that would allow agreed divergence from the rules through so-called common frameworks. In a further setback for the Government, peers supported a Labour move by 302 to 254, majority 48, that aimed to ensure market access principles do not apply to measures that contribute to a range of areas, including environmental standards and animal welfare.
Lord Frost will have talks with Michel Barnier this week
4.35pm update: Brexit stitch-up exposed as Habib claims 'last minute' EU deal has been 'choreographed' Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib launched into a furious rant about the Brexit deal talks as he slammed both the UK Government and European Union for "choreographing" the stalling of trade agreement talks so they could both "get what they want". Brexit trade talks are underway between the UK and EU in Brussels after Boris Johnson and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue negotiations. However the "last minute" nature of the process has been accused of being "choreographed". Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib told Sky News that he would "put money" on the close to the wire nature of talks being deliberate in order to avoid scrutiny of the agreement. He said: "I'd put money on this being choreographed. We've had complete opacity on precisely what's being negotiated. For many weeks now, they've been in this kind of tunnel, as they call it. "None of us who normally comment on this sort of thing are going to have time to call it out. No one in Parliament's going to call it out because of his majority and Labour being unprepared to be seen voting against it." 3.51pm update: No10 confirms vote will go ahead on post-Brexit trade deal Having initially refused to confirm that MPs would be given a vote if a post-Brexit trade deal is agreed, Downing Street later confirmed that would happen. Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: ”If a deal is agreed, it will require legislation to come into force. "MPs will therefore of course get a vote on any deal before this legislation receives royal assent and becomes law." 3.36pm update: The pound responses to last-minute extension to Brexit talks News that London and Brussels had agreed to "go the extra mile" to try to salvage a Brexit trade agreement set an optimistic tone, boosting Europe's main share index and lifting the euro against the struggling dollar today. Sterling was the day's big mover, gaining on both the euro and the dollar as what last week had appeared to be evaporating prospects of a Brexit agreement came back to life. Sterling was last trading at $1.3335, up 0.85 percent on the day after earlier climbing 1.2 percent to $1.3423.
Brexit latest: Boris Johnson met with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels last week
3.09pm update: Barnier wants 'punishment clause' hitting UK with huge sanctions if Boris blocks EU boats Michel Barnier has introduced a punishment clause that could see Britain slapped with trade sanctions if European fishermen are locked out of UK coastal waters in the future, EU sources have revealed. The Brussels diplomat set out plans to restrict access to the EU’s market for British firms if European fishermen are largely locked out of British waters in the future. In a series of private Brussels briefings, the Frenchman accused Downing Street of “backtracking” on its own proposals for a three-year transition period for fishing rights. Under the original plan, the extremely generous catch shares European trawlermen enjoy would be gradually phased down. Mr Barnier told MEPs that Britain would have to face “consequences” for any future decisions to close its fishing grounds to European vessels. Emily Ferguson has taken over live reporting from Richard Percival 2pm update: Arlene Foster admits defeat to Boris Johnson Arlene Foster said Prime Minister Boris Johnson's 80-seat House of Commons majority meant the DUP could not thwart agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol. She added: "This First Minister will not be found wanting when there is work to do to try and mitigate against the worst excesses of the EU and the Protocol." 1:15pm update: Germany pleads for UK to have "nice divorce" with EU Dr Ulrich Hoppe, director-general at German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said it was necessary that the EU and UK underwent "a nice divorce". "There will be an edge on January 1 in any case but it shouldn't be a cliff-edge because it is important also for the future, because we need to iron out so many other differences which haven't been dealt with yet," he said. "We need to have, in inverted commas, 'a nice divorce' so that we can move on and have closer links in the future as well." Speaking on the Today programme Dr Hoppe added that it was now "probably 50/50" whether a deal would be reached between the two sides.
Brexit latest: How will a trade deal be reached?
12:30pm update: Lack of information on Brexit deal slammed Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy has criticised a lack of information from the UK Government around Brexit, saying it is very difficult to plan for the end of the transition period just weeks away. "We have a weekly meeting in relation to Brexit and it is always characterised by a lack of information and a lack of certainty," he told media during a ministerial visit in Dunmurray. 12pm update: EU Commission issues update on talks The European Union is "fully dedicated" to clinching a post-Brexit trade deal before Britain's transition out of the bloc ends on Dec. 31, the European Commission said this morning. "We're of course aware that time is short. The more time that goes by the less likely it is that we will have a deal in place on the first of January, that's just a statement of fact," Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie told a news briefing. "I cannot say what may or may not happen over these days. But what I can say, though, is that we are fully dedicated to trying to reach a deal with the UK." 11:30am update: Tory Veteran says Boris Johnson should resign if "no-deal" is secured Veteran Tory MP Sir Roger Gale said Boris Johnson should quit as Prime Minister if he fails to secure a trade deal with the European Union. "If Mr Johnson fails to reach an acceptable trade agreement with the EU the Prime Minister will also have failed the people of the United Kingdom," the North Thanet MP said. "As a lifelong member of the Conservative Party, I believe that Mr Johnson's position as Prime Minister would be untenable. "As an honourable man, he would have to make way for somebody more able to pick up the pieces, to reunite the whole country and to show the leadership that Great Britain and Northern Ireland deserves."
Brexit: Nigel Farage outlines Johnson's 'fundamental mistake'
11am update: NI politician hopes a tariff free deal can be secured Democratic Unionist peer Lord Nigel Dodds said he hoped the extension of talks could lead to a tariff and quota-free trade deal. He said: "The DUP has always believed that barriers and tariffs between North/South or East/West were neither necessary nor sensible. "If we find ourselves in a no-deal outcome between the UK and EU, as far as Northern Ireland is concerned then Northern Ireland-EU trade will continue. "Trade between Northern Ireland to Great Britain will be unfettered, with no extra paperwork. "We must ensure that Great Britain to Northern Ireland trade is tariff-free and with the minimum checks." 10:30am update: Fisheries talks remain difficult Michel Barnier told EU member states there has been some movement on the level playing field, and on dispute resolution, but that fisheries talks remain "very difficult", it has emerged. 10am update: Sterling up against Dollar as hopes for a trade deal increases The British Pound is up 1.4 percent against the US Dollar after a trade deal between the UK and European Union was still possible, Brussels' chief negotiator Michel Barnier has insisted.
Boris Johnson speaking to Mrs Von der Leyen


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--‘NEW variant’ of Covid has assisted rapid spread across UK, says Hancock - WHO notified

The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has been informed that the UK is experiencing a `` new variant '' @ @ @ @ @ Hancock confirmed this was the case as he updated the House of Commons on the @ @ @ @ @ the moving of areas like London into Tier 3 restrictions .
The Health Secretary assured @ @ @ @ @ not proved to be more likely to cause serious illness .
He told the Commons @ @ @ @ @ few days , thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK , we have @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the southeast of England .
@ @ @ @ @ this variant is growing faster than the existing variant .
`` We 've currently identified @ @ @ @ @ variant , predominantly in the south of England .
`` Although cases have been identified @ @ @ @ @ authority areas . ''
READ MORE : Sturgeon 'playing politics ' with Covid after squandering @

Matt Hancock reveals discovery of new coronavirus variant
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been informed that the UK is experiencing a "new variant" of the coronavirus. Matt Hancock confirmed this was the case as he updated the House of Commons on the country's COVID-19 outbreak and the moving of areas like London into Tier 3 restrictions. The Health Secretary assured that the new strain has not proved to be more likely to cause serious illness.
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He told the Commons: "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the southeast of England. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variant. "We've currently identified over 1000 cases with this variant, predominantly in the south of England. "Although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority areas." READ MORE: Sturgeon 'playing politics' with Covid after squandering £8.2BN
Matt Hancock updates the House of Commons on the UK coronavirus outbreak
'We've currently identified over 1000 cases with this variant, predominantly in south of England.'
Mr Hancock continued: "Similar variants have been identified in other countries over the last few months. "We've notified the World Health Organisation about this new variant. "Public Health England is working hard to continue its expert analysis. "I must stress at this point that there is nothing to suggest that this variant is more likely to cause serious disease."
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'Similar variants have been identified in other countries over the last few months.'
Matt Hancock announces Tier 3 restrictions for London
THREE TIER LOCKDOWN


thedailyexpress--2020-12-15--Raab blasts UK's 'myopic' obsession with Europe after post-Brexit trade talks with India

The Foreign Secretary made the remarks during a trip to New Delhi as India and the UK seek to restart economies battered by the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Raab also took a veiled swipe at the EU as he praised the UK 's newfound ability to strike Free Trade Agreements ( FTAs ) across the world once free from Brussels rules post- Brexit .
The Conservative MP went on to outline the `` powerful , strategic case '' for an FTA between India and the UK .
He said : `` I think we have been too myopically focused just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advantages of leaving the transition period is we gain control over our ability to strike trade deals with India and the rest of the word . ''
Speaking after four hours of talks with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar , who said there was `` a serious intent '' to deepen trade between the Anglophone nations , Mr Raab said the two foreign ministers `` would like to nudge our trade negotiators along and see what we can achieve . ''
READ MORE : Dominic Raab refuses to close door on Brexit @

Brexit: Raab says UK are 'myopically focused on Europe' in talks
The Foreign Secretary made the remarks during a trip to New Delhi as India and the UK seek to restart economies battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Raab also took a veiled swipe at the EU as he praised the UK's newfound ability to strike Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) across the world once free from Brussels rules post-Brexit.
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The Conservative MP went on to outline the "powerful, strategic case" for an FTA between India and the UK. He said: "I think we have been too myopically focused just on Europe. "But one of the advantages of leaving the transition period is we gain control over our ability to strike trade deals with India and the rest of the word. "And certainly if you look at India and the Indo-Pacific and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunity of the future will be." READ MORE: Dominic Raab refuses to close door on Brexit talks
The Foreign Secretary made the remarks during trip to New Delhi
Mr Raab took a veiled swipe at the EU as he praised the UK's newfound ability to strike FTAs
Speaking after four hours of talks with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who said there was "a serious intent" to deepen trade between the Anglophone nations, Mr Raab said the two foreign ministers "would like to nudge our trade negotiators along and see what we can achieve." He said: "What I think we recognise is the possibilities of a deeper trading relationship. "The contours of our economies would allow that and we, certainly, as foreign ministers see a very powerful strategic case." Trade and investment will be high on the agenda of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will travel to New Delhi in January, his first bilateral visit since taking office.
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Brexit: Raab says UK 'can't close the door' on continued talks
UK trade deals


thedailyexpress--2020-12-15--'National disgrace!' Sturgeon shamed over indie obsession as Scotland's drug deaths spiral

Harrowing figures released by National Records of Scotland has revealed 1,264 people died in 2019 with causes linked to substances , three times higher than any EU country .
The new statistics , a 6 percent increase on 2018 , have been condemned by opposition figures as a “ national disgrace ” with the SNP now in the spotlight over the controversial decision .
Scottish Tory MSP Donald Cameron said : `` These statistics are both dreadful and heartbreaking in equal measure .
`` Every one of these deaths is a tragic loss of life that could have been avoided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer of the Scottish Drugs Forum , said : `` None of us should regard these preventable deaths as acceptable or as anything other than a national tragedy and disgrace .
`` The need for change is obvious and that change is long overdue .
`` Broadly , the challenge in terms of treatment is to ensure that people with a drug problem are treated with dignity and respect.
” Mr Liddell said the Scottish Government needed to increase the range of services which includes “ drug consumption rooms , heroin-assisted treatment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoed calls for the issue to be moved higher up the political agenda .
Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon MSP said : `` We ca n't sweep this public health and human rights emergency under the carpet a moment longer .
READ MORE : Scottish fishing chief says UK in control even if EU forces through no deal '' Safe consumption facilities and increased rapid access to residential rehabilitation are vital and could happen today . ''
Miles Briggs MSP , the Scottish Conservative Chief Whip , however , blamed the problem on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional related issues .
Mr Briggs said : “ Just awful news .
My thoughts are with the families and friends of all these people .
“ If you look at this situation in Scotland and just want to talk about the constitution then I ’ m sorry but you are part of the problem.
” DO N'T MISS : Prince Charles ' festive trip 'cancelled ' as Nicola Sturgeon hits out [ REVEAL ] Westminster PLOT to 'modernise ' constitution in bid to HALT IndyRef2 [ INSIGHT ] Boris fights back SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Edinburgh [ LATEST ] Linda Holt , Fife Councillor and a candidate for George Galloway ’ s Alliance4Unity party said the drug problem was “ embarrassing ” in Scotland .
She said the SNP led Scottish Government were playing “ constitutional games to ignore Scotland 's embarrassing drugs problem.
” She branded it a “ massive healthy policy failure during 13 years of SNP rule ” .
Concluding , Ms Holt questioned : “ Are 1264 drug deaths last year the cost of the nationalists ' continued agitation for independence ?
”

Nicola Sturgeon quizzed on Scotland’s drug death rates
Harrowing figures released by National Records of Scotland has revealed 1,264 people died in 2019 with causes linked to substances, three times higher than any EU country. The new statistics, a 6 percent increase on 2018, have been condemned by opposition figures as a “national disgrace” with the SNP now in the spotlight over the controversial decision.
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Scottish Tory MSP Donald Cameron said: "These statistics are both dreadful and heartbreaking in equal measure. "Every one of these deaths is a tragic loss of life that could have been avoided." David Liddell, chief executive officer of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said: "None of us should regard these preventable deaths as acceptable or as anything other than a national tragedy and disgrace. "The need for change is obvious and that change is long overdue.
The Scottish Government has been questioned over drug deaths
Scotland has the highest drug death rate in the EU
"Broadly, the challenge in terms of treatment is to ensure that people with a drug problem are treated with dignity and respect.” Mr Liddell said the Scottish Government needed to increase the range of services which includes “drug consumption rooms, heroin-assisted treatment and assertive outreach.” Fellow opposition parties have echoed calls for the issue to be moved higher up the political agenda. Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon MSP said: "We can't sweep this public health and human rights emergency under the carpet a moment longer. READ MORE: Scottish fishing chief says UK in control even if EU forces through no deal
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Figures from the National Records of Scotland
"Safe consumption facilities and increased rapid access to residential rehabilitation are vital and could happen today." Miles Briggs MSP, the Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, however, blamed the problem on the SNP constantly talking about independence and constitutional related issues. Mr Briggs said: “Just awful news. My thoughts are with the families and friends of all these people. “If you look at this situation in Scotland and just want to talk about the constitution then I’m sorry but you are part of the problem.” DON'T MISS:
Prince Charles' festive trip 'cancelled' as Nicola Sturgeon hits out [REVEAL]
Westminster PLOT to 'modernise' constitution in bid to HALT IndyRef2 [INSIGHT]
Boris fights back SNP's grip on power as Whitehall moves to Edinburgh [LATEST]
Opposition parties have urged the issue to be shifted up the Government agenda
Linda Holt, Fife Councillor and a candidate for George Galloway’s Alliance4Unity party said the drug problem was “embarrassing” in Scotland. She said the SNP led Scottish Government were playing “constitutional games to ignore Scotland's embarrassing drugs problem.” She branded it a “massive healthy policy failure during 13 years of SNP rule”. Concluding, Ms Holt questioned: “Are 1264 drug deaths last year the cost of the nationalists' continued agitation for independence?”
Scotland’s public health minister Joe FitzPatrick


thedailyexpress--2020-12-15--Christmas chaos: Keir Starmer demands COBRA meeting as Gove discusses scrapping rules

Cabinet Minister Michael Gove will hold a call with the leaders of Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland at 5pm to discuss the Christmas easing .
Pressure is growing on the Prime Minister to consider scrapping the easing of restrictions to allow three households to gather indoors between December 23 and 27 after a surge in coronavirus cases .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has demanded the Prime Minister hold an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the planned relaxation of the coronavirus rules of the festive period .
In a letter to Boris Johnson , he said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their families after this awful year , but the situation has clearly taken a turn for the worse since the decision about Christmas was taken .
It serves no-one for politicians to ignore this fact .
“ It is my view that you should now convene COBRA in the next 24 hours to review whether the current relaxation is appropriate given the rising number of cases.
” Sir Keir 's intervention comes after London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire were placed under emergency Tier 3 restrictions yesterday .
The capital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strictest tier from midnight tonight after a surge in cases due to a new strain of the coronavirus .
The first official review of the tier system was not due until Wednesday , but the virus was spreading so fast in London , the Government felt the need to act early .
There are fears the relaxed measures will mean thousands of people leaving London and spreading Covid to areas will a lower rate of the virus .
Writing to Mr Johnson , Sir Keir said while any change to the plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , he believed it was needed to ensure the Covid crisis did not spiral out of control .
He wrote : “ Any further tightening of restrictions will obviously be deeply disappointing to many across the country .
“ But the public do not want false reassurance , warm words or ducked challenges from their Prime Minister .
They want leadership.
” His demand for an emergency COBRA meeting to be called comes after similar demands were made by former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and London Mayor Sadiq Khan .
Mr Hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons Health Select Committee , said it was `` inevitable '' the restrictions would be kept under review .
Meanwhile , Mr Khan said this morning : “ My concern is many people may have the virus , not realise it , they could pass the virus on to an older relation and we are so close now to the end of this - the vaccine is being rolled out and families will kick themselves if they pass the virus on during Christmas .
“ The experts are saying the relaxation in rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The experts are saying we could well be seeing in January a surge in the virus for the simple reason that more and more people are mixing and mingling.
” Two of Britain 's most influential health journals have also called for called for the easing to be restricted .
In only their second joint editorial in more than 100 years , they said to allow three households to mix next week would be to `` to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives '' .
Coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections recorded yesterday .
The figure represents more than a 20 percent rise in the past seven days .
In a sign the Prime Minister could be set to u-turn on the five day relaxation period , his spokesman this afternoon said the measures would be kept under constant review .
He said : `` We have set out the Christmas guidance and we have been clear around the need for people to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period .
`` As we have done throughout the pandemic we keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He refused to give a date at which point Brits could be confident the Christmas arrangements were no longer likely to change .
The No10 spokesman added members of the public should remain `` vigilant '' over the festive period .
He said : `` We have been clear that whilst we have published guidance that will allow families and friends to meet up it is imperative that people remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period .
`` And remember that these guidelines set out what people can do , but what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what people should do so it is up to people to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the period . ''

Christmas: Sadiq Khan criticises coronavirus restrictions
Cabinet Minister Michael Gove will hold a call with the leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at 5pm to discuss the Christmas easing. Pressure is growing on the Prime Minister to consider scrapping the relaxed restrictions which would allow three households to gather indoors between December 23 and 27 after a surge in coronavirus cases.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has demanded the Prime Minister hold an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the planned relaxation of the coronavirus rules over the festive period. In a letter to Boris Johnson, he said: "I understand that people want to spend time with their families after this awful year, but the situation has clearly taken a turn for the worse since the decision about Christmas was taken. It serves no-one for politicians to ignore this fact. “It is my view that you should now convene COBRA in the next 24 hours to review whether the current relaxation is appropriate given the rising number of cases.” Sir Keir's intervention comes after London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire were placed under emergency Tier 3 restrictions yesterday. Lockdown POLL: As cases erupt, should Boris cancel Christmas plans?
Keir Starmer has demanded the Prime Minister consider scrapping the relaxed coronavirus measures
The capital and surrounding areas will be thrown into the strictest tier from midnight tonight after a surge in cases due to a new strain of the coronavirus. The first official review of the tier system was not due until Wednesday, but the virus was spreading so fast in London, the Government felt the need to act early. There are fears the relaxed measures will mean thousands of people leaving London and spreading Covid to areas with a lower rate of the virus over Christmas. Writing to Mr Johnson, Sir Keir said while any change to the plans to save Christmas would be "deeply disappointing", he believed it was needed to ensure the Covid crisis did not spiral out of control. He wrote: “Any further tightening of restrictions will obviously be deeply disappointing to many across the country. “But the public do not want false reassurance, warm words or ducked challenges from their Prime Minister. They want leadership.” READ MORE: Mutated Covid strain that is 'spreading fast' - does vaccine stop it?
Keir Starmer is demanding Boris Johnson hold an emergency COBRA meeting
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Matt Hancock announced London will move to Tier 3 from Wednesday last night
His demand for an emergency COBRA meeting to be called comes after similar demands were made by former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Mr Hunt, who is now chair of the Commons Health Select Committee, said it was "inevitable" the restrictions would be kept under review. Meanwhile, Mr Khan said this morning: “My concern is many people may have the virus, not realise it, they could pass the virus on to an older relation and we are so close now to the end of this - the vaccine is being rolled out and families will kick themselves if they pass the virus on during Christmas. “The experts are saying the relaxation in rules will lead to increase in the virus. "The experts are saying we could well be seeing in January a surge in the virus for the simple reason that more and more people are mixing and mingling.” DON'T MISS:
Matt Hancock savaged for 'scaring Britons' with 'nightmare' mutation [VIDEO]
First patients given COVID jab as GPs join mass vaccination efforts [PICTURED]
Sadiq Khan demands Boris to 'change' Christmas coronavirus plans [REACTION]
UK coronavirus tiers: London, as parts of Essex and Hertfordshire have been moved into Tier 3
Three tier lockdown: What you can and can't do in each tier
Two of Britain's most influential health journals have also called for called for the easing to be restricted. In only their second joint editorial in more than 100 years, they said to allow three households to mix next week would be to "to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives". Coronavirus cases are surging across the UK with 20,263 new infections recorded yesterday. The figure represents more than a 20 percent rise in the past seven days. In a sign the Prime Minister could be set to u-turn on the five day relaxation period, his spokesman this afternoon said the measures would be kept under constant review. He said: "We have set out the Christmas guidance and we have been clear around the need for people to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period.
UK coronavirus map: The latest infections across the country
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-15--Chris Bryant gives grovelling apology after heckling during PMQs 'I'm utterly mortified'

Chris Bryant said he is `` mortified '' by his behaviour and labelled it `` unacceptable '' .
The Speaker @ @ @ @ @ forced to interrupt Boris Johnson during PMQs to tell off Mr Bryant .
Sir Lindsay @ @ @ @ @ having that disgraceful behaviour . ''
Minutes later Mr Bryant returned to Parliament and walked @ @ @ @ @ chair .
Speaking to Parliament , Mr Bryant said : `` I am utterly mortified @ @ @ @ @ week when my heckling interrupted proceedings during Prime Minister 's Questions and when I challenged @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I entered into an altercation with the Chair and I did not treat @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That is unacceptable and I apologise unreservedly to the House and to you @ @ @ @ @ I really wish none of this had ever occurred and I fully accept that my @ @ @ @ @ READ MORE : What did Chris Bryant shout during PMQs ?

Chris Bryant issues apology after ‘altercation’ with Lindsay Hoyle
Chris Bryant said he is "mortified" by his behaviour and labelled it "unacceptable". The Speaker of the House had been forced to interrupt Boris Johnson during PMQs to tell off Mr Bryant. Sir Lindsay said "we are not having that disgraceful behaviour." Minutes later Mr Bryant returned to Parliament and walked up to the Speaker's chair.
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Speaking to Parliament, Mr Bryant said: "I am utterly mortified by the events of last week when my heckling interrupted proceedings during Prime Minister's Questions and when I challenged the authority of the Chair. "I entered into an altercation with the Chair and I did not treat the Chair with due respect. "That is unacceptable and I apologise unreservedly to the House and to you personally Mr Speaker. "I really wish none of this had ever occurred and I fully accept that my conduct was unacceptable." READ MORE: What did Chris Bryant shout during PMQs?
Chris Bryant has apologised to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle following his outburst during PMQs
Sir Lindsay accepted his apology
Sir Lindsay replied: "I accept the honourable member's apology and I am content that that draws a line under the matter." Political Editor of Politics Home Kate Proctor wrote on Twitter: "Chris Bryant apparently was told to move from the doorway which is left open for ventilation in the Commons chamber and he didn't. "If that's what the row was about, how pathetic!" An MP told Politics Home: "The speaker told him to move and he wouldn't. They then had a face pulling and finger pointing contest."
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Mr Bryant returned to Parliament and walked up to the Speakers chair during PMQs
PMQs: Speaker stops Boris Johnson as Chris Bryant interrupts
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-15--Brexit row: German MEP warned Merkel and EU 'won't have their way' with UK over talks

Crunch talks over the UK 's future trading relationship with the EU will go down to the wire , after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ms von der Leyen confirmed they will continue discussions .
It was widely believed that the most likely outcome of the talks would see the UK walk away from the bloc without a deal .
But in a last minute statement , the pair confirmed their desire to continue discussions in the hope a breakthrough can be reached .
Ms von der Leyen said they `` think it is responsible at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Mr Johnson adding that the UK `` certainly wo n't be walking away from the talks '' .
Numerous challenges have faced both sides during the negotiations , but reports emerged that one of the main obstacles to a deal being secured was from Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel .
A source close to Britain 's negotiating team claimed Mrs Merkel wanted the UK to `` walk across broken glass '' , amid speculation that the talks would end in stalemate .
But the German leader , and Ms von der @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should n't expect to get the exact deal they wanted , and they needed to find a compromise .
German MEP Gunnar Beck launched his scathing attack on both leaders during a European Parliament session earlier this year , claiming the bloc had held back the negotiations .
The EU lawyer said `` Britain wanted a Canada-style deal and signalled some flexibility '' , while `` the EU in contrast barely moved '' .
He continued : `` Negotiations are discussions between parties with diverging views but a shared interest in finding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials warn Brexit trade talks still 'difficult' A pact must be reached by December 31 , otherwise the UK will continue its trading relationship with the EU on World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms .
Mr Johnson explained a deal is there `` if our partners want to do it - but we remain very apart on these key issues '' .
He said : `` The UK can ’ t be locked into the EU ’ s regulatory orbit and we ’ ve obviously got to take back control of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - I think it ’ s very clear what the UK is talking about . ''

Brexit: Gunnar Beck says UK has saved €80bn from exit
Crunch talks over the UK's future trading relationship with the EU will go down to the wire, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ms von der Leyen confirmed they will continue discussions. It was widely believed that the most likely outcome of the talks would see the UK walk away from the bloc without a deal. But in a last minute statement, the pair confirmed their desire to continue discussions in the hope a breakthrough can be reached.
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Ms von der Leyen said they "think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile", with Mr Johnson adding that the UK "certainly won't be walking away from the talks". Numerous challenges have faced both sides during the negotiations, but reports emerged that one of the main obstacles to a deal being secured was from Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel. A source close to Britain's negotiating team claimed Mrs Merkel wanted the UK to "walk across broken glass", amid speculation that the talks would end in stalemate. But the German leader, and Ms von der Leyen, were both warned that they shouldn't expect to get the exact deal they wanted, and they needed to find a compromise.
Brexit row: German MEP warned Merkel and EU 'won't have their way' with UK over talks
Brexit: Angela Merkel was reportedly behind some of the stalemates in talks
German MEP Gunnar Beck launched his scathing attack on both leaders during a European Parliament session earlier this year, claiming the bloc had held back the negotiations. The EU lawyer said "Britain wanted a Canada-style deal and signalled some flexibility", while "the EU in contrast barely moved". He continued: "Negotiations are discussions between parties with diverging views but a shared interest in finding a compromise. JUST IN: PM's officials warn Brexit trade talks still 'difficult'
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EU news: MEP Gunnar Beck unleashed a brutal attack on the bloc
How the Daily Express covered Brexit
A pact must be reached by December 31, otherwise the UK will continue its trading relationship with the EU on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms. Mr Johnson explained a deal is there "if our partners want to do it - but we remain very apart on these key issues". He said: "The UK can’t be locked into the EU’s regulatory orbit and we’ve obviously got to take back control of our fisheries, so those are the points - I think it’s very clear what the UK is talking about."
Brexit trade talks: Ursula von der Leyen gives an update on discussions