thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Keir Starmer says Labour WILL back Boris's deal but says 'consequences are yours!'

Keir Starmer said he will whip the Labour Party to back the deal despite the belief a better Brexit trade deal could be struck with the European Union .
Sir Keir insisted the party `` has to make it work '' because of the consequences a no deal scenario would have on the UK economy .
Speaking after the agreement with the EU was confirmed , the Labour leader said : `` A better deal could have been negotiated but I accept that that option is now gone .
`` The chance for renegotiation is over , there are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to move forward with a deal or without one .
`` Labour is against no deal , firmly and absolutely and the British people would never forgive us if we enabled a no deal outcome .
There are some that argue Labour should be neutral on this issue , to abstain - I do not agree .
`` Leadership is about taking the tough decisions in the national interest , it 's about being a serious and responsible Opposition .
A Government in waiting .
`` This is the deal that Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something we will build on compared to the chaos of no deal . ''
JUST IN : Brexit deal DONE : UK secures its freedom from EU in historic moment for Britain Sir Keir continued : `` The public would expect a Labour Government to make it work , and the EU would expect us to make it work and to use it to protect our shared interests .
At a moment of such national significance , it 's just not credible for Labour to be on the sidelines .
And that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this deal comes before Parliament , Labour will accept it and vote for it .
`` But let me be absolutely clear and say directly to the Government - up against no deal , we accept this deal but the consequences of it are yours and yours alone .
`` We will hold you to account for it every second you 're in power for the promises you made , for the promises you break .
No longer can you blame somebody else .
Responsibility for this deal lays squarely at the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Gloating Emmanuel Macron ca n't resist Brexit deal swipe at UK - 'Firmness has paid off ! '
The Labour Party leader claimed the Brexit trade deal Boris Johnson agreed to on Thursday is `` thin '' and fails to provide adequate protection to `` manufacturing , our financial services , creative industries or workplace rights . ''
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in the press conference confirming an agreement had been reached ensured the UK would `` `` take back control '' `` take back control '' as promised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny .
We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered .
`` From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market .
DO N'T MISS What does Brexit deal mean for the NHS ?
[ ANALYSIS ] Drivers will need these key documents when travelling after Brexit [ INSIGHT ] Brexit deal will tie UK fishermen to FIVE YEAR transition period [ @ @

Brexit: Keir Starmer confirms Labour will support deal
Sir Keir Starmer said that he will whip the Labour Party to back the deal despite the belief a better Brexit trade deal could be struck with the European Union. Sir Keir insisted the party "has to make it work" because of the consequences a no-deal scenario would have on the UK economy. Speaking after the agreement with the EU was confirmed, the Labour leader said: "A better deal could have been negotiated but I accept that that option is now gone.
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"The chance for renegotiation is over, there are just two paths now left for our country, to move forward with a deal or without one. "Labour is against no deal, firmly and absolutely and the British people would never forgive us if we enabled a no deal outcome. There are some that argue Labour should be neutral on this issue, to abstain - I do not agree. "Leadership is about taking the tough decisions in the national interest, it's about being a serious and responsible Opposition. A Government in waiting. "This is the deal that Labour will inherit in 2024, it's something we will build on compared to the chaos of no deal." JUST IN: Brexit deal DONE: UK secures its freedom from EU in historic moment for Britain
Keir Starmer said the Labour Party will support the Brexit trade deal Johnson secured
Keir Starmer said Labour will back the agreement to avoid a no deal Brexit
Sir Keir continued: "The public would expect a Labour Government to make it work, and the EU would expect us to make it work and to use it to protect our shared interests. At a moment of such national significance, it's just not credible for Labour to be on the sidelines. And that's why I can say today that when this deal comes before Parliament, Labour will accept it and vote for it. "But let me be absolutely clear and say directly to the Government - up against no deal, we accept this deal but the consequences of it are yours and yours alone. "We will hold you to account for it every second you're in power for the promises you made, for the promises you break. No longer can you blame somebody else. Responsibility for this deal lays squarely at the door of Number 10." READ MORE: Gloating Emmanuel Macron can't resist Brexit deal swipe at UK - 'Firmness has paid off!'
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Brexit: Johnson clashes with Peston on details of deal
Brexit news: Parliament will need to vote for the ratification of the deal next week
The Labour Party leader claimed the Brexit trade deal Boris Johnson agreed to on Thursday is "thin" and fails to provide adequate protection to "manufacturing, our financial services, creative industries or workplace rights." But Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in the press conference confirming an agreement had been reached ensured the UK would " "take back control" "take back control" as promised in the 2016 EU referendum. Mr Johnson said: "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny. We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered. "From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market. DON'T MISS
What does Brexit deal mean for the NHS? [ANALYSIS]
Drivers will need these key documents when travelling after Brexit [INSIGHT]
Brexit deal will tie UK fishermen to FIVE YEAR transition period [REVEALED]
Boris Johnson said the Brexit trade deal will allow the UK to "take back control"


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Nigel Farage hints at new campaign to END THE EU as he welcomes Boris' Brexit deal

Nigel Farage suggested he will still be taking an interest in the way the European Union conducts itself to monitor the bloc 's `` undemocratic '' tendencies .
The former British MEP and leader of the Brexit Party insisted conflict within the union could leave the UK facing disruption in the future .
Asked whether Brussels should be left to do `` what the EU is going to do , '' Mr Farage said : `` No , I do n't agree .
`` I spent 20 years over there and I saw the undemocratic nature of the way this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it benefits big , multinational businesses and damages all the small men and women trying to do their best .
`` As history teaches us , when Europe is happy and settles it makes our lives easier too .
`` All I can see is conflict building up north to south , east to west within a European Union that , frankly , just wants to build this modern-day empire with an absence of democracy .
So it does matter to us what happens . ''
JUST IN : Brexit deal DONE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in historic moment for Britain Despite his conflictual relationship with the bloc , Mr Farage appeared upbeat about the conclusion of the Brexit trade negotiations between the UK and the EU on Thursday .
Boris Johnson announced on his official Twitter that the `` deal is done '' after talks entered a final rush this week to avoid a no deal scenario at the end of the transition period on December 31 .
Mr Farage continued : `` I 'm saying it 's not perfect and I 'm worried we 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's what EU bosses are saying , that we wo n't be able to step out of line without them not having the threat of imposing immediate tariffs .
READ MORE : Brexit deal EXPLAINED : What does Brexit deal REALLY mean for you and me ?
`` But look , that detail we 'll discover in the next couple of days .
`` What I did think was good news was when Barnier said the British had made no commitments on foreign policy or defence .
`` That sounded like really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the big picture .
I 've been campaigning for us to leave for 30 years and this may not be perfect but it 's a very big day and a big step forward . ''
DO N'T MISS What does Brexit deal mean for the NHS ?
[ ANALYSIS ] Drivers will need these key documents when travelling after Brexit [ INSIGHT ] Brexit deal will tie UK fishermen to FIVE YEAR transition period [ REVEALED ]

Nigel Farage confirms continued opposition to the EU
Nigel Farage suggested he will still be taking an interest in the way the European Union conducts itself to monitor the bloc's "undemocratic" tendencies. The former British MEP and leader of the Brexit Party insisted conflict within the union could leave the UK facing disruption in the future. Asked whether Brussels should be left to do "what the EU is going to do," Mr Farage said: "No, I don't agree.
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"I spent 20 years over there and I saw the undemocratic nature of the way this project is run. "The fact that it benefits big, multinational businesses and damages all the small men and women trying to do their best. "As history teaches us, when Europe is happy and settles it makes our lives easier too. "All I can see is conflict building up north to south, east to west within a European Union that, frankly, just wants to build this modern-day empire with an absence of democracy. So it does matter to us what happens." JUST IN: Brexit deal DONE: UK secures its freedom from EU in historic moment for Britain
Nigel Farage said he remains sure the EU is not a good insitution
Nigel Farage said the Brexit deal is "not perfect" but a "step forward" for the UK
Despite his conflictual relationship with the bloc, Mr Farage appeared upbeat about the conclusion of the Brexit trade negotiations between the UK and the EU on Thursday. Boris Johnson announced on his official Twitter that the "deal is done" after talks entered a final rush this week to avoid a no deal scenario at the end of the transition period on December 31. Mr Farage continued: "I'm saying it's not perfect and I'm worried we're going to be too-closely aligned to EU rules and that's what EU bosses are saying, that we won't be able to step out of line without them not having the threat of imposing immediate tariffs. READ MORE: Brexit deal EXPLAINED: What does Brexit deal REALLY mean for you and me?
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Brexit: Johnson clashes with Peston on details of deal
Boris Johnson announced a deal was done on his Twitter
"But look, that detail we'll discover in the next couple of days. "What I did think was good news was when Barnier said the British had made no commitments on foreign policy or defence. "That sounded like really quite good progress. "I look at the big picture. I've been campaigning for us to leave for 30 years and this may not be perfect but it's a very big day and a big step forward." DON'T MISS
What does Brexit deal mean for the NHS? [ANALYSIS]
Drivers will need these key documents when travelling after Brexit [INSIGHT]
Brexit deal will tie UK fishermen to FIVE YEAR transition period [REVEALED]
Brexit news: Parliament will re-sit from next week to scrutinise the deal


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--'Thank you, Brexit!' Europe Union officials fuming as Britain's exit ruins Christmas

Ambassadors from the 27 European Union members were being briefed on the contents of the Brexit trade deal on Christmas Day - with one official sniping : `` Thanks , Brexit ! ''
The diplomats were being updated on the historic deal by Michel Barnier , who led Brussels ' negotiating team in the talks with the UK .
Sebastian Fischer , a spokesman for the German presidency of the Council of the EU , joked he was looking forward to the diplomats ' meeting `` because nothing is more fun than to celebrate Christmas among socially distanced colleagues '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hailed the deal struck with the EU as a `` new beginning '' for Britain that resolves the European question that has `` bedevilled '' British politics for generations .
But fishing leaders claimed Mr Johnson had sacrificed the industry to secure a trade agreement , while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the accord `` thin '' - although his party will back it in next week 's Commons vote because the alternative would be a `` devastating '' no-deal scenario .
Late haggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded until Christmas Eve , days before current trading arrangements expire at the end of December .
The timing of the deal has forced politicians and officials in the UK and Brussels to tear up Christmas plans .
The 27 European Union members still have to back the deal , which was thrashed out by officials from the European Commission with the UK .
MPs and peers will be called back to Westminster on December 30 to vote on the deal , but MEPs are not expected to approve it until the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply provisionally until they give it the green light .
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said it was a `` good agreement '' and stressed the EU had not accepted a deal `` at all costs '' .
He told broadcaster Europe 1 `` we needed an agreement less than the British '' as `` for them , it was a vital need '' .
Mr Beaune said British food and industrial products entering the European single market after January 1 will not pay customs duties `` but will have to meet all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no country in the world that will be subject to as many export rules to us as the UK , '' he said .
Mr Johnson used his Christmas message to sell the deal to a public weary of Brexit after years of sometimes acrimonious wrangling since the 2016 referendum .
Brandishing a sheaf of papers he said : `` I have a small present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment , and here it is , tidings , glad tidings of great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A deal to give certainty to business , travellers and all investors in our country from January 1 .
A deal with our friends and partners in the EU . ''
Mr Johnson said the document `` will be the basis of a happy and successful and stable partnership with our friends in the EU for years to come '' .

Brexit: UK ‘hasn’t seen the back of Barnier’ claims expert
Ambassadors from the 27 European Union members were being briefed on the contents of the Brexit trade deal on Christmas Day - with one official sniping: "Thanks, Brexit!" The diplomats were being updated on the historic deal by Michel Barnier, who led Brussels' negotiating team in the talks with the UK.
Sebastian Fischer, a spokesman for the German presidency of the Council of the EU, joked he was looking forward to the diplomats' meeting "because nothing is more fun than to celebrate Christmas among socially distanced colleagues". He added: "Thank you Brexit." Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hailed the deal struck with the EU as a "new beginning" for Britain that resolves the European question that has "bedevilled" British politics for generations. But fishing leaders claimed Mr Johnson had sacrificed the industry to secure a trade agreement, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the accord "thin" - although his party will back it in next week's Commons vote because the alternative would be a "devastating" no-deal scenario.
Brexit has ruined Christmas for many officials, a German spokesman said
Late haggling over the deal meant it was not concluded until Christmas Eve, days before current trading arrangements expire at the end of December. The timing of the deal has forced politicians and officials in the UK and Brussels to tear up Christmas plans. The 27 European Union members still have to back the deal, which was thrashed out by officials from the European Commission with the UK. MPs and peers will be called back to Westminster on December 30 to vote on the deal, but MEPs are not expected to approve it until the new year, meaning it will have to apply provisionally until they give it the green light.
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French Europe minister Clement Beaune said it was a "good agreement" and stressed the EU had not accepted a deal "at all costs". He told broadcaster Europe 1 "we needed an agreement less than the British" as "for them, it was a vital need". Mr Beaune said British food and industrial products entering the European single market after January 1 will not pay customs duties "but will have to meet all our standards". "There is no country in the world that will be subject to as many export rules to us as the UK," he said.
A Brexit trade deal has finally been agreed after months of wrangling


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--On the fence again! Starmer urged to ABSTAIN from voting on Brexit trade deal

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the party will vote in favour of the Government 's `` thin '' EU deal , saying that no deal is simply not an option .
The fervent pro-European said it was `` in the national interest '' to support the agreement despite concerns over the terms negotiated by the Government .
But Alastair Campbell , the former head of communications for Tony Blair , said Labour should not `` hitch themselves '' to the Prime Minister 's wagon .
Speaking to talkRADIO , Mr Campbell said : `` The deal is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a majority .
`` I actually think Labour should not support the deal .
`` I can see why they do n't want to vote against it because then you say , 'What do you want ?
No deal ? '
And nobody wants to have no deal .
`` But I think the Labour Party should let Boris Johnson own this deal because he will have his great headlines in the papers , that will last about 24 hours .
READ MORE : Varakdar pays the price : Ireland to suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get into the detail of this and the implementation of it , I do n't think Labour should hitch themselves to this wagon . ''
The Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said : `` Whichever way you slice it , there is no doubt that this deal falls short of what 's best for London , the UK and our economy .
It does not come close to the benefits we enjoyed as members of the EU .
`` However , this is the deal now on the table .
While we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we now have a direct choice between this agreement or a catastrophic no-deal Brexit . ''
Mr Khan later criticised what he saw as a `` costly , red tape mountain '' arriving on January 1 .
Mr Johnson has used a festive message to the nation to urge people to read the new Brexit trade deal after Christmas lunch on Friday .
The Prime Minister posted a video on Twitter in which he brandished the document , which has not been released in full yet , and at one point punched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson said : `` Tonight , on Christmas Eve , I have a small present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment , and here it is , tidings , glad tidings of great joy because this is a deal .
`` A deal to give certainty to business , travellers , and all investors in our country from January 1 .
A deal with our friends and partners in the EU .
EU reserves right to 'suspend deal ' if UK drifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LIVE : Irish fishermen FURIOUS at EU for trade deal sell-out [ LIVE ] EU doomed : Post-Brexit Brussels could become 'economy BACKWATER ' [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: Campbell says Labour ‘should not support deal’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the party will vote in favour of the Government's "thin" EU deal, saying that no deal is simply not an option. The fervent pro-European said it was "in the national interest" to support the agreement despite concerns over the terms negotiated by the Government. But Alastair Campbell, the former head of communications for Tony Blair, said Labour should not "hitch themselves" to the Prime Minister's wagon.
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Speaking to talkRADIO, Mr Campbell said: "The deal is going to get through because the Tories have got a majority. "I actually think Labour should not support the deal. "I can see why they don't want to vote against it because then you say, 'What do you want? No deal?' And nobody wants to have no deal. "But I think the Labour Party should let Boris Johnson own this deal because he will have his great headlines in the papers, that will last about 24 hours. READ MORE: Varakdar pays the price: Ireland to suffer due to Brexit arrogance
Labour have been told to not support Boris Johnson's trade deal by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell said Labour should not "hitch themselves" to the Prime Minister's wagon
"Once you get into the detail of this and the implementation of it, I don't think Labour should hitch themselves to this wagon." The Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Whichever way you slice it, there is no doubt that this deal falls short of what's best for London, the UK and our economy. It does not come close to the benefits we enjoyed as members of the EU. "However, this is the deal now on the table. While we still need to see the detail, we now have a direct choice between this agreement or a catastrophic no-deal Brexit." Mr Khan later criticised what he saw as a "costly, red tape mountain" arriving on January 1.
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Boris Johnson has used a festive message to the nation to urge people to read the new Brexit deal
Brexit: Expert slams radio caller over ‘Remain prejudice’
Mr Johnson has used a festive message to the nation to urge people to read the new Brexit trade deal after Christmas lunch on Friday. The Prime Minister posted a video on Twitter in which he brandished the document, which has not been released in full yet, and at one point punched the air with enthusiasm at its contents. Mr Johnson said: "Tonight, on Christmas Eve, I have a small present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment, and here it is, tidings, glad tidings of great joy because this is a deal. "A deal to give certainty to business, travellers, and all investors in our country from January 1. A deal with our friends and partners in the EU. DON'T MISS EU reserves right to 'suspend deal' if UK drifts away from ECHR [INSIGHT]
Brexit LIVE: Irish fishermen FURIOUS at EU for trade deal sell-out [LIVE]
EU doomed: Post-Brexit Brussels could become 'economy BACKWATER' [ANALYSIS]
EU citizens moving to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--Varakdar pays the price: Ireland to suffer due to Brexit arrogance - 'Misguided!'

And Ray Bassett said while there was relief , there was also despondency - warning the EU `` will never be the same '' for his country after the UK 's departure .
Mr Bassett , Ireland 's former ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , took to Twitter afterwards to hail the announcement as `` great news '' , adding that it was `` time for Remainers to put their disappointments aside '' .
He subsequently told Express.co.uk : `` There is a huge sense of relief in Dublin at the Brexit deal .
`` A no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more than the UK . ''
A no-deal outcome would likely have knocked six percent off of Ireland 's GDP , Mr Bassett said .
He added : `` In reality Ireland was desperate for an EU/UK deal .
`` In many respects , the deal saved Ireland from the consequences of its own hardline anti-Brexit position of the last few years , something which made a no deal more likely . ''
Led by Mr Varadkar , the Irish Government had steadfastly opposed former UK Prime Minister David Cameron 's attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
JUST IN : Tier 4 shift inevitable as new Covid strains hit England Mr Varadkar has also championed the Backstop arrangements for the Irish border which helped doom Theresa May 's Premiership , something which `` in retrospect looks very counterproductive '' , Mr Bassett suggested .
He said : `` There needs to be a serious post mortem in Dublin on their misguided approach .
`` The ending of the Brexit saga will also allow the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to reset relations with London after the turmoil of the Brexit period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit fishing row : UK 'must defend its waters ' as MEP turns on EU [ INSIGHT ] Brexit warning : ANY Brexit deal will now put Boris at risk from ERG [ UPDATE ] '' He has been noticeably less strident in his public utterances than his predecessor Leo Varadkar .
`` To counter possible criticism of his administration failures , Leo is trying to claim credit for the maintenance of an open border on the island of Ireland post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK had as much at stake in maintaining the status quo as Dublin . ''
While acknowledging the widespread relief , Mr Bassett said the mood in Dublin was nevertheless sombre .
He continued : `` The policy of trying to thwart Brexit in a strong alliance with Remainers in London has failed .
`` Even with a deal , Ireland , as an offshore island behind Britain , will be geographically isolated from mainland EU .
`` The EU will never be the same again for Ireland .
The pro-EU elite will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-English sentiment to bolster support for the EU .
Anti-Eu parties are likely to gain more support . ''

Theresa May and Leo Varadkar discuss Brexit ‘solution’ in 2017
And Ray Bassett said while there was relief, there was also despondency - warning the EU "will never be the same" for his country after the UK's departure. Mr Bassett, Ireland's former ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, took to Twitter afterwards to hail the announcement as "great news", adding that it was "time for Remainers to put their disappointments aside".
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He subsequently told Express.co.uk: "There is a huge sense of relief in Dublin at the Brexit deal. "A no deal Brexit would have adversely affected Ireland even more than the UK." A no-deal outcome would likely have knocked six percent off of Ireland's GDP, Mr Bassett said.
Leo Varadkar's Brexit approach was "misguided", said Mr Bassett
Ray Bassett's tweet
He added: "In reality Ireland was desperate for an EU/UK deal. "In many respects, the deal saved Ireland from the consequences of its own hardline anti-Brexit position of the last few years, something which made a no deal more likely." Led by Mr Varadkar, the Irish Government had steadfastly opposed former UK Prime Minister David Cameron's attempts to secure a new relationship with Brussels. JUST IN: Tier 4 shift inevitable as new Covid strains hit England
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Boris Johnson announces the deal yesterday
There needs to be a serious post mortem in Dublin on their misguided approach Ray Bassett
Theresa May's Premiership was effectively sunk by Backstop plan which Mr Varadkar backed, said Mr Bassett
David Cameron got little support from Mr Varadkar, Mr Bassett said
"He has been noticeably less strident in his public utterances than his predecessor Leo Varadkar. "To counter possible criticism of his administration failures, Leo is trying to claim credit for the maintenance of an open border on the island of Ireland post Brexit. "In reality, the UK had as much at stake in maintaining the status quo as Dublin."
Ireland's current Taoiseach Micheal Martin
While acknowledging the widespread relief, Mr Bassett said the mood in Dublin was nevertheless sombre. He continued: "The policy of trying to thwart Brexit in a strong alliance with Remainers in London has failed. "Even with a deal, Ireland, as an offshore island behind Britain, will be geographically isolated from mainland EU. "The EU will never be the same again for Ireland. The pro-EU elite will no longer be able to rely on anti-English sentiment to bolster support for the EU. Anti-Eu parties are likely to gain more support."
Irish fishing boats in Cork


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--'Of course you don't care!' Andrew Pierce skewers radio caller over furioius 'prejudice'

Radio caller , Peter from Wimbledon , claimed a Brexit deal would not be as good as being part of the European Union .
But LBC presenter Andrew Pierce hit out at him for his `` Remain prejudice '' .
Speaking to LBC , Peter said : `` Whatever deal we have with the European Union is not going to be as good as the one we already have .
`` Those people who are saying we are going to benefit from trading with other countries , we were already trading with them .
`` The thing is our economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 percent .
`` Which of these Commonwealth countries do you think we can trade with when it comes to car spare parts or the aerospace industry ? ''
Mr Pierce interjected : `` Why are you worrying about car spare parts ?
READ MORE : EU reserves right to 'suspend deal ' if UK drifts away from ECHR '' The deal has been done on that , we have no problem with car spare parts . ''
He added : `` There are all sorts of doom and gloom predictions from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abandon ship - they have n't .
`` London is still the major financial centre of Europe .
`` You 're not giving me the facts .
You 're giving me Remain prejudice .
Of course you do n't care . ''
It comes after Boris Johnson used a festive message to the nation to urge people to read the new Brexit trade deal after Christmas lunch on Friday .
The Prime Minister posted a video on Twitter in which he brandished the document , which has not been released in full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air with enthusiasm at its contents .
The deal was agreed on Christmas Eve following months of negotiations with the European Union and comes just a week before the current trading arrangements expire with the UK leaving the single market and customs union without the prospect of tariffs and quotas .
Mr Johnson said : `` Tonight , on Christmas Eve , I have a small present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment , and here it is , tidings , glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal .
Brexit LIVE : Irish fishermen FURIOUS at EU for trade deal sell-out [ LIVE ] 'Remainers are livid ! '
Boris Brexit deal hailed a success [ POLL ] What does Brexit deal REALLY mean for you and me ?
[ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: Expert slams radio caller over ‘Remain prejudice’
Radio caller, Peter from Wimbledon, claimed a Brexit deal would not be as good as being part of the European Union. But LBC presenter Andrew Pierce hit out at him for his "Remain prejudice". Speaking to LBC, Peter said: "Whatever deal we have with the European Union is not going to be as good as the one we already have.
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"Those people who are saying we are going to benefit from trading with other countries, we were already trading with them. "The thing is our economy is mainly financial and agriculture is only 10 percent. "Which of these Commonwealth countries do you think we can trade with when it comes to car spare parts or the aerospace industry?" Mr Pierce interjected: "Why are you worrying about car spare parts? READ MORE: EU reserves right to 'suspend deal' if UK drifts away from ECHR
Andrew Pierce hit out at a Remainer for claiming a Brexit trade deal will not be beneficial
The caller claimed a Brexit deal would not be as good as being part of the European Union
"The deal has been done on that, we have no problem with car spare parts." He added: "There are all sorts of doom and gloom predictions from people like you who said everybody is going to abandon ship - they haven't. "London is still the major financial centre of Europe. "You're not giving me the facts. You're giving me Remain prejudice. Of course you don't care."
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Boris Johnson has used a festive message to the nation to urge people to read the new Brexit deal
Brexit: Johnson says UK has 'full control' of fishing waters
It comes after Boris Johnson used a festive message to the nation to urge people to read the new Brexit trade deal after Christmas lunch on Friday. The Prime Minister posted a video on Twitter in which he brandished the document, which has not been released in full yet, and at one point punched the air with enthusiasm at its contents. The deal was agreed on Christmas Eve following months of negotiations with the European Union and comes just a week before the current trading arrangements expire with the UK leaving the single market and customs union without the prospect of tariffs and quotas. Mr Johnson said: "Tonight, on Christmas Eve, I have a small present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment, and here it is, tidings, glad tidings of great joy because this is a deal. DON'T MISS Brexit LIVE: Irish fishermen FURIOUS at EU for trade deal sell-out [LIVE]
'Remainers are livid!' Boris Brexit deal hailed a success [POLL]
What does Brexit deal REALLY mean for you and me? [INSIGHT]
EU citizens moving to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--Brexit LIVE: Macron's hardman gamble backfires as panicked French fishermen lash out

Mr Cuvillier 's views were echoed by French politicians Log Chesnais-Girard and Herve Morin , whose responsibilities cover the Normandy region bordering the English Channel , and who are seeking a meeting with Mr Castex .
French fishermen had lobbied President Emmanuel Macron not to give an inch over fishing rights , but his government dropped initial demands to maintain the status quo .
Sean O'Donoghue , chief executive of the Killybegs Fishemen 's Organisation accused the EU of a `` grievous wrong '' - and vowed to seek compensation from other members of the EU27 .
The deal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement as one which takes back control of the UK 's `` borders , laws , money , trade and fish '' .
However , citing `` a host of written commitments in official documents pertaining to the fisheries sector post-Brexit '' , Mr O'Donoghue claimed more than four and a half years of agreements had `` effectively been shredded '' by negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost .
He added : `` We can not stand idly by and allow decades of investment in developing a successful enterprise , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very poor deal .
`` In spite of a seismic effort to redress the imbalance of the proposed deal in recent days , not enough has changed and our highly-developed mackerel fishery stands to lose out dramatically .
READ MORE : This is YOUR fault !
Furious Remainers attack Cameron '' While the full detail of the text is not yet available , it will require very close examination and analysis .
`` Make no mistake - we will be seeking compensation from our EU colleagues to put right this grievous wrong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t accept this .
Moreover , we fully expect the Irish Government to deliver the requisite compensation in the form of transfer of mackerel quota from the other EU coastal states which pro rata , have seen a much less severe impact on their respective mackerel fisheries . ''
His remarks are in contrast to comments last month , in which he very much stuck to the Brussels line .
Sign up to our Express.co.uk app - get all the news and features direct to your mobile phone or tablet In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said : “ When you leave a club , you relinquish the privileges that were afforded to you when you were a member .
It ’ s a simple as that .
`` It is crystal clear , the 26 percent increase in fishing opportunities which was granted by the EU to the UK should end with UK membership .
`` With Britain now playing hardball on fisheries and fighting to doubling its catch , the EU negotiators must clearly spell out that the starting point in any fisheries negotiations has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as part of the EU . ''
Speaking yesterday , Mr Johnson said : `` While we made our fair share of compromises during the negotiations , we never wavered from the goal of restoring national sovereignty - the central purpose of leaving the EU . ''
DO N'T MISS John Redwood dismantles EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit fishing row : UK 'must defend its waters ' as MEP turns on EU [ INSIGHT ] Brexit warning : ANY Brexit deal will now put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] 11.48am update : Brexit backlash over battle to keep Gibraltar border open - 'Clock STILL ticking ! '
Gibraltar is working feverishly to strike a deal which will ensure its border with Spain stays open after the end of the year , Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has said , warning : `` For us , the clock is still ticking . ''
Meanwhile , Andrew Rosindell , the vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gibraltar , has urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to forget about the British overseas territory after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal yesterday .
In a statement issued last night , Mr Picardo said : `` I congratulate the Prime Minister , Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP , on this historic achievement .
`` This is the largest trade deal in history and is a huge relief given the potential difficulties that a no-deal Brexit might have created for the United Kingdom and the European Union .
`` A strong United Kingdom is better able to support Gibraltar . ''
However , he warned : `` This deal does not cover Gibraltar .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ catchphrase , he added : `` For us , and for the people of the Campo de Gibraltar around us , the clock is still ticking .
`` We continue to work , hand in glove with the United Kingdom , to finalise negotiation with Spain of agreement for a proposed treaty between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar .
Mr Cuvillier 's views were echoed by French politicians Log Chesnais-Girard and Herve Morin , whose responsibilities cover the Normandy region bordering the English Channel .
Mr Chesnais-Girard and Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that a Brexit `` no-deal '' had been averted , but also calling for a meeting with French Prime Minister Jean Castex to analyse more of the details .
French fishermen had lobbied President Emmanuel Macron not to give an inch over fishing rights , but his government dropped initial demands to maintain the status quo .
French Seas Minister Annick Girardin issued a statement to say the government would set up financial measures to help French fishermen affected by the Brexit trade accord .
There has also been discontent across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressing disappointment that the deal did not represent more of a reduction in the access that the European bloc currently has to British waters .
The Brexit trade deal still leaves French fisherman facing a host of unknowns , warned the mayor of the major northern fishing port of Boulogne-sur-Mer on Friday .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday , as he presented the last-ditch accord , that his country had agreed a `` reasonable '' five-and-half-year transition period with the EU over fisheries , longer than the three years Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU had originally asked for .
But Boulogne-sur-Mer Mayor Frederic Cuvillier said the agreement left much obscured .
He told Europe 1 radio : `` Relief for our fishermen , but what will be the impact on stocks ?
Who , for example , will be handling the controls ?
And over what time ? ''
he told Europe 1 radio .
`` The only certainty today is that we need to find , during the transition period , more deals within the deal . ''
Ambassadors from the 27 European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Brexit trade deal on Christmas Day .
The diplomats were being updated on the historic deal by Michel Barnier , who led Brussels ' negotiating team in the talks with the UK .
The 27 European Union members still have to back the deal , which was thrashed out by officials from the European Commission with the UK .
MPs and peers will be called back to Westminster on December 30 to vote on the deal , but MEPs are not expected to approve it until the new year , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they give it the green light .
Sebastian Fischer , a spokesman for the German presidency of the Council of the EU , joked that he was looking forward to the diplomats ' meeting `` because nothing is more fun than to celebrate Christmas among socially distanced colleagues '' .
He added : `` Thank you Brexit . ''
10am update : Brexit deal betrayal : EU reserves right to 'suspend deal ' if UK drifts away from ECHR The EU reserves the right to suspend the Brexit deal if the UK drifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights , it has emerged .
Britain and the EU have reached a post-Brexit trade deal after months of sometimes bitter negotiations .
On Thursday afternoon , a statement from Downing Street announced `` the deal is done '' – swiftly followed by a confirmation from Brussels .
Speaking shortly after the announcement , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the agreement was a `` good deal '' for the `` whole of Europe '' – one that signified `` a new stability and a new certainty in what has sometimes been a fractious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Varakdar pays the price - Ireland to suffer due to Brexit arrogance - 'Misguided ! '
Ireland is poised to pay a big price for former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar 's `` misguided approach '' to Brexit in the wake of yesterday 's unveiling of post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU , a former top diplomat has said .
And Ray Bassett said while there was relief , there was also despondency - warning the EU `` will never be the same '' for his country after the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , took to Twitter afterwards to hail the announcement as `` great news '' , adding that it was `` time for Remainers to put their disappointments aside '' .
He later told Express.co.uk : `` There needs to be a serious post mortem in Dublin on their misguided approach .
`` The ending of the Brexit saga will also allow the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to reset relations with London after the turmoil of the Brexit period .
`` He has been noticeably less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor Leo Varadkar .
David Sassoli , President of the European Parliament , has complained because he says the period left between now and the end of the year does not offer MEPs sufficient time to consider the post-Brexit trade deal agreed yesterday .
Mr Sassoli tweeted : `` I welcome the deal on the future EU-UK relationship .
This can now form the basis of a new partnership .
However , the last-minute nature of the agreement does not allow for proper parliamentary scrutiny by the @ Europarl_EN before the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now analyse the agreement in detail before deciding whether to give consent in the new year .
We will act responsibly in order to minimise disruption to citizens and prevent the chaos of a no-deal scenario .
`` We thank and congratulate Michel Barnier and the EU and UK negotiators for their intense efforts to reach this historic agreement .
Regardless of # Brexit , the EU and the UK continue to share common values and interests . ''
8.45am update : Brexit deal EXPLAINED : What does Brexit deal REALLY mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally been done with a deal between the UK and EU now agreed .
What does the Brexit deal mean for people living in the UK ?
Brexit is one step closer to full realisation , as of today , with high-level talks concluding years of negotiations .
What negotiators have left with is a selection of victories , concessions and losses which will define the UK and EU 's diplomatic relationship for the foreseeable future .
But the immediate agreement forms a broad picture of relations across the channel , which may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies will trickle down to them .
8.15am update : Fishing for Leave tears up Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal over quotas - ' P*** poor effort ! '
Boris Johnson 's Brexit trade agreement with the EU has been ripped apart by Fishing for Leave , who said it appeared to be a `` pretty dismal deal '' for Britain 's long-suffering fishermen .
As details of the trade pact emerged , the group which represents fishermen issued a stern statement warning they were far from satisfied from what they had read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadly , from what ’ s emerging , the trade deal treaty is far from a clean break to international normality/law.
” Fishing for Leave added : `` The emerging details on what ’ s been agreed in relation to fishing would seem to be a cop-out to secure an overall pretty dismal deal , and that fishing communities who paid the ultimate price on the way in will get a poor settlement to pay for a deal on the way out . ''
7.57am update : Leo Varadkar breaks silence on 'sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done ' LEO Varadkar , former Prime Minister of Ireland , has said Brexit will `` never be ‘ done ' '' despite the UK and the EU finally agreeing to a trade deal on Christmas Eve .
Mr Varadkar , leader of Ireland ’ s Fine Gael party , expressed relief that a Brexit trade deal had been agreed and called the occasion `` a sad but momentous day '' .
However , he claimed `` disputes will arise '' in the future and said he believed there would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader said on Twitter : `` Level playing field secured .
UK will have to match EU standards to maintain access to full EU market . ''
Boris Johnson 's post-Brexit deal with the European Union has been backed by Express.co.uk readers in a new poll .
Express.co.uk asked readers if they were happy with the Prime Minister 's Christmas Eve trade agreement with Brussels .
Some 57 percent said yes , while 33 percent replied no , and 10 percent did not know .
Commenting on the poll , one reader said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a plus for me . ''
Another wrote : `` Watched Nigel Farage being interviewed and he seemed happy enough , so I ’ m happy enough ! ''
Irish fishermen have reacted furiously after the UK and the EU struck their last-gasp trade deal yesterday - with the head of a prominent trade organisation claiming they had been `` sacrificed '' by Brussels .
Sean O'Donoghue , chief executive of the Killybegs Fishemen 's Organisation accused the EU of a `` grievous wrong '' - and vowed to seek compensation from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal was confirmed yesterday , with Mr Johnson hailing the agreement as one which takes back control of the UK 's `` borders , laws , money , trade and fish '' .
However , citing `` a host of written commitments in official documents pertaining to the fisheries sector post-Brexit '' , Mr O'Donoghue claimed more than four and a half years of agreements had `` effectively been shredded '' by negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost .
He added : `` We can not stand idly by and allow decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to be sacrificed by the shape of this very poor deal .

Brexit: Johnson says UK has 'full control' of fishing waters
Meanwhile Irish fishermen have reacted furiously after the UK and the EU struck their last-gasp trade deal yesterday - with the head of a prominent trade organisation claiming they had been "sacrificed" by Brussels. Boulogne-sur-Mer Mayor Frederic Cuvillier said the agreement left much obscured, telling Europe 1 radio: "Relief for our fishermen, but what will be the impact on stocks? Who, for example, will be handling the controls? And over what time?" he told Europe 1 radio. "The only certainty today is that we need to find, during the transition period, more deals within the deal." [THIS BLOG IS NOW FINISHED. FOR THE LATEST UPDATES CLICK HERE]
Trending
Mr Cuvillier's views were echoed by French politicians Log Chesnais-Girard and Herve Morin, whose responsibilities cover the Normandy region bordering the English Channel, and who are seeking a meeting with Mr Castex. French fishermen had lobbied President Emmanuel Macron not to give an inch over fishing rights, but his government dropped initial demands to maintain the status quo. Sean O'Donoghue, chief executive of the Killybegs Fishemen's Organisation accused the EU of a "grievous wrong" - and vowed to seek compensation from other members of the EU27. The deal was confirmed yesterday, with Mr Johnson hailing the agreement as one which takes back control of the UK's "borders, laws, money, trade and fish". However, citing "a host of written commitments in official documents pertaining to the fisheries sector post-Brexit", Mr O'Donoghue claimed more than four and a half years of agreements had "effectively been shredded" by negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost. He added: "We cannot stand idly by and allow decades of investment in developing a successful enterprise, to be sacrificed by the shape of this very poor deal. "In spite of a seismic effort to redress the imbalance of the proposed deal in recent days, not enough has changed and our highly-developed mackerel fishery stands to lose out dramatically. READ MORE: This is YOUR fault! Furious Remainers attack Cameron
Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism for his perceived capitulation
"While the full detail of the text is not yet available, it will require very close examination and analysis. "Make no mistake - we will be seeking compensation from our EU colleagues to put right this grievous wrong. Mr O'Donoghue added: "We won’t accept this. Moreover, we fully expect the Irish Government to deliver the requisite compensation in the form of transfer of mackerel quota from the other EU coastal states which pro rata, have seen a much less severe impact on their respective mackerel fisheries." His remarks are in contrast to comments last month, in which he very much stuck to the Brussels line. Sign up to our Express.co.uk app - get all the news and features direct to your mobile phone or tablet In a statement issued on the KFO's website, he said: “When you leave a club, you relinquish the privileges that were afforded to you when you were a member. It’s a simple as that. "It is crystal clear, the 26 percent increase in fishing opportunities which was granted by the EU to the UK should end with UK membership. "With Britain now playing hardball on fisheries and fighting to doubling its catch, the EU negotiators must clearly spell out that the starting point in any fisheries negotiations has to exclude any additional catches it obtained, as part of the EU." Speaking yesterday, Mr Johnson said: "While we made our fair share of compromises during the negotiations, we never wavered from the goal of restoring national sovereignty - the central purpose of leaving the EU." [SCROLL DOWN FOR REGULAR UPDATES] DON'T MISS
John Redwood dismantles EU's 'empty threats' over no deal Brexit [ANALYSIS]
Brexit fishing row: UK 'must defend its waters' as MEP turns on EU [INSIGHT]
Brexit warning: ANY Brexit deal will now put Boris at risk from ERG [UPDATE]
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EU countries most reliant on UK waters
7.47am update: Blog finished - click here for the latest updates. 5:50am update: Michael Gove laments how 'friendships crumbled' over past four years of Brexit Michael Gove has said political division over Brexit strained his friendships over the years in an article in which he discussed the difficulty in realising the UK’s exit from the EU. Writing in The Times, the Cabinet Secretary said: “Through the past four years, as a politician at the centre of this debate, I’ve made more than my share of mistakes or misjudgements, seen old friendships crumble and those closest to me have to endure pressures they never anticipated.” However, Mr Gove was also optimistic that the UK’s deal with the EU, announced on Christmas Eve, marked the beginning of a “new, more hopeful chapter”. He also claimed both the UK and the EU would now enjoy a “special relationship”. MPs are yet to ratify the trade deal, and must do so before December 31 when the transition period ends. 4:05am update: UK's music industry hails Brexit deal - but seeks clarification on Europe tours Britain’s music industry is “eager to take advantage” of the Government’s Brexit trade deal. Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, Chief Executive of the UK Music industry body, said the UK has punched “above its weight internationally for decades” regarding its music exports. Mr Njoku-Goodwin said: “New free trade agreements present a chance to develop our exports. There will be new opportunities to strike exciting partnerships to grow UK music in overseas markets.” However, he added “many questions” remained on issues such as bands conducting tours in Europe, and said the industry body would be seeking urgent reassurances on this. In 2019, the UK’s music industry had an export revenue of £2.9 billion, according to UK Music. 2:05am update: 'Brexit-proof' - UK's huge digital sector set to be resistant to Brexit downturn, expert suggests Britain’s biggest economic sector is “Brexit-proof”, an economy expert has claimed. Douglas McWilliams, deputy chairman of the CEBR business research group, has said the UK’s largest sector is ‘digital and creative’ which had been “kicked forward” by the coronavirus pandemic. He added: “Most of this is pretty Brexit-proof provided the UK continues to attract talented people,” according to the Daily Mail.
Priti Patel has claimed the UK's Brexit deal will help keep Britain safe
00:00am update: EU ambassadors set for provisional Brexit deal backing Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan will be implemented on a provisional basis by EU ambassadors before the European Parliament formally signs it off, according to reports. Diplomats in the EU have said they are planning to meet on Monday to decide on whether or not to back the deal. They will do so on December 31 at 11pm – just an hour before the UK exits the bloc’s trading rules – the Daily Mail reports. However, European Parliament is not due to vote on the deal until next year. Edward Browne takes over live reporting 10.35pm update: Home Secretary says post-border controls will make UK safer and more secure Home Secretary Priti Patel insisted the Brexit deal will help make the UK safer, despite police chiefs' concerns about lack of access to a key EU information database. The deal allows the two sides to co-operate on security and policing issues, but Brussels said the UK will no longer have "direct, real-time access" to sensitive information. UK officials insisted the deal would ensure law enforcement officers had the tools they needed, while new border controls and the end of free movement would help protect the public. The Home Office said the agreement includes streamlined extradition arrangements, fast and effective exchange of national DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data and continued transfers of Passenger Name Record data. Ms Patel said: "The safety and security of UK citizens is the Government's top priority and the UK will continue to be one of the safest countries in the world. I'm immensely proud of the comprehensive package of capabilities we've agreed with the EU. "It means both sides have effective tools to tackle serious crime and terrorism, protecting the public and bringing criminals to justice. But we will also seize this historic opportunity to make the UK safer and more secure through firmer and fairer border controls." 8.55pm update: Brussels sets out fund to help EU countries hit by Brexit Brussels has set out plans for a £4.5 billion (five billion euro) fund to help European Union countries and sectors hit by the UK's exit from the single market and customs union at the end of the year. The fund was announced the day after a historic trade deal was agreed by Boris Johnson and EU officials. The Brexit adjustment reserve will help fishing communities and can be used by the authorities to put in place the border checks necessary under the new terms of trade which come into effect on January 1. Europe's commissioner for cohesion and reforms Elisa Ferreira said: "The end of the transition period on December 31 2020 will have an important economic and social impact on regions and local communities that are most linked to the UK's economy and trade. "By proposing the Brexit adjustment reserve, the Commission puts again solidarity and cohesion as key elements of its response, making sure that those most impacted receive the necessary support." 7pm update: EU expected to back post-Brexit trade deal in days The 27 European Union states are expected to formally back the post-Brexit trade deal within days. Ambassadors from the member states were being briefed on the contents of the deal on Christmas Day by Michel Barnier, who led Brussels' negotiating team in the talks with the UK. They have written to the European Parliament to say they intend to take a decision on the preliminary application of the deal within days. 5.34pm update: ‘Real negotiating begins in June!’ Yanis Varoufakis issues Brexit warning Yanis Varoufakis has given a dire Brexit warning and claimed the “real negotiating” will begin in June. Yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson landed a historic Brexit trade deal with the European Union just days before the end of the transition period on December 31. But economic professor Yanis Varoufakis has issued a dire Brexit warning. The former Greek Minister of Finance tweeted: “So, we have a thin EU-UK trade deal. “Better than nothing. “But the real negotiations will begin after June when no on is paying attention. “For now, Horace’s phrase suffices: Parturient montes, nascetur ridicules mus, or The mountain went into Labour and Begat a Ridiculous Mouse.”
Brexit news: Boris Johnson announced a trade deal had been reached yesterday
4.23pm update: Keir crisis: Labour MPs set to rebel against whip and vote down Boris Johnson's EU deal Sir Keir Starmer is facing a political crisis after Labour MPs are expected to revolt following the Opposition leader’s decision to support Boris Johnson’s Brexit trade deal. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced a historic Brexit trade deal with the European Union days before the end of the transition period on December 31. The deal is based on zero tariffs and zero quotas. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer announced on the same day his party will “accept and vote for” the Government’s agreement with the EU but admitted it was a “difficult and tough decision”. But now Labour MPs have warned they will not be able to endorse the deal. Rupa Huq, Kevin Brennan, Neil Coyle, Geraint Davies and Clive Efford are among those who criticised the deal and suggested they would refuse to vote for it. 3.35pm update: EU ambassadors support Brexit deal EU ambassadors have agreed to support the Brexit deal, clearing the path for the agreement to kick in on January 1. Ambassadors met today to decide on whether to support the deal, which was finally agreed yesterday after months of wrangling. They agreed and have written to the European Parliament expressing their position. Emily Ferguson has taken over live reporting from Ciaran McGrath 2.51pm update: We're watching, Boris! Trade deal sellout WON'T be tolerated, hardline Brexiteers warn PM With the European Research Group (ERG) going through Boris Johnson's trade deal with a fine-toothed comb, the Prime Minister could still face resistance from within his own party if eurosceptics do not like what they find, a think tank boss has warned. And Mark Littlewood, director general of the Institute for Economic Affairs, said it was absolutely essential to be sure the mechanism for resolving disputes related to the level playing field was not tilted in Brussels' favour. The ERG has reconvened its Star Chamber, which includes ERG deputy chairman David Jones MP, Sir Bill Cash, and Martin Howe QC, to consider the agreement line by line. Meanwhile, ERG MPs are also wading through the 2,000-page document, with one telling Express.co.uk the only break from it they would take today would be for the Queen's speech.
France's President Emmanuel Macron
2.31pm update: What will happen to the Erasmus scheme after the Brexit transition period? Brexit trade deal negotiations have finally concluded, and from 2021 there will be new rules on travel and studying abroad in the EU. So what will happen to the Erasmus scheme after the Brexit transition period ends? The Prime Minister announced on Christmas Eve that the UK has reached a trade agreement with the EU. From January 1, 2021, going forward there will be a number of changes to how the UK interacts with the EU. Some aspects of the trade agreement will also impact students who wish to study or train abroad in the future. 11.48am update: Brexit backlash over battle to keep Gibraltar border open - 'Clock STILL ticking!' Gibraltar is working feverishly to strike a deal which will ensure its border with Spain stays open after the end of the year, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has said, warning: "For us, the clock is still ticking." Meanwhile, Andrew Rosindell, the vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gibraltar, has urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to forget about the British overseas territory after he confirmed the agreement of a UK/EU trade deal yesterday. In a statement issued last night, Mr Picardo said: "I congratulate the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, on this historic achievement. "This is the largest trade deal in history and is a huge relief given the potential difficulties that a no-deal Brexit might have created for the United Kingdom and the European Union. "A strong United Kingdom is better able to support Gibraltar." However, he warned: "This deal does not cover Gibraltar." Borrowing EU negotiator Michel Barnier's catchphrase, he added: "For us, and for the people of the Campo de Gibraltar around us, the clock is still ticking. "We continue to work, hand in glove with the United Kingdom, to finalise negotiation with Spain of agreement for a proposed treaty between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar. 11.22am update: French fishing chiefs demand meeting with PM Mr Cuvillier's views were echoed by French politicians Log Chesnais-Girard and Herve Morin, whose responsibilities cover the Normandy region bordering the English Channel. Mr Chesnais-Girard and Mr Morin issued a joint statement welcoming the fact that a Brexit "no-deal" had been averted, but also calling for a meeting with French Prime Minister Jean Castex to analyse more of the details. French fishermen had lobbied President Emmanuel Macron not to give an inch over fishing rights, but his government dropped initial demands to maintain the status quo. French Seas Minister Annick Girardin issued a statement to say the government would set up financial measures to help French fishermen affected by the Brexit trade accord. There has also been discontent across the Channel, with Britain's fishing industry expressing disappointment that the deal did not represent more of a reduction in the access that the European bloc currently has to British waters.
Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator
10.45am update: French fishermen facing a lack of certainty, says Boulogne mayor The Brexit trade deal still leaves French fisherman facing a host of unknowns, warned the mayor of the major northern fishing port of Boulogne-sur-Mer on Friday. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday, as he presented the last-ditch accord, that his country had agreed a "reasonable" five-and-half-year transition period with the EU over fisheries, longer than the three years Britain wanted but shorter than the 14 years the EU had originally asked for. But Boulogne-sur-Mer Mayor Frederic Cuvillier said the agreement left much obscured. He told Europe 1 radio: "Relief for our fishermen, but what will be the impact on stocks? Who, for example, will be handling the controls? And over what time?" he told Europe 1 radio. "The only certainty today is that we need to find, during the transition period, more deals within the deal." 10.18am update: Ambassadors meet to consider deal Ambassadors from the 27 European Union members were being briefed on the contents of the Brexit trade deal on Christmas Day. The diplomats were being updated on the historic deal by Michel Barnier, who led Brussels' negotiating team in the talks with the UK. The 27 European Union members still have to back the deal, which was thrashed out by officials from the European Commission with the UK. MPs and peers will be called back to Westminster on December 30 to vote on the deal, but MEPs are not expected to approve it until the new year, meaning it will have to apply provisionally until they give it the green light. Sebastian Fischer, a spokesman for the German presidency of the Council of the EU, joked that he was looking forward to the diplomats' meeting "because nothing is more fun than to celebrate Christmas among socially distanced colleagues". He added: "Thank you Brexit."
David Sassoli's tweet
10am update: Brexit deal betrayal: EU reserves right to 'suspend deal' if UK drifts away from ECHR The EU reserves the right to suspend the Brexit deal if the UK drifts away from the European Courts of Human Rights, it has emerged. Britain and the EU have reached a post-Brexit trade deal after months of sometimes bitter negotiations. On Thursday afternoon, a statement from Downing Street announced "the deal is done" – swiftly followed by a confirmation from Brussels. Speaking shortly after the announcement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the agreement was a "good deal" for the "whole of Europe" – one that signified "a new stability and a new certainty in what has sometimes been a fractious and difficult relationship". 9.44am update: Varakdar pays the price - Ireland to suffer due to Brexit arrogance - 'Misguided!' Ireland is poised to pay a big price for former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's "misguided approach" to Brexit in the wake of yesterday's unveiling of post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU, a former top diplomat has said. And Ray Bassett said while there was relief, there was also despondency - warning the EU "will never be the same" for his country after the UK's departure. Mr Bassett, Ireland's former ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, took to Twitter afterwards to hail the announcement as "great news", adding that it was "time for Remainers to put their disappointments aside". He later told Express.co.uk: "There needs to be a serious post mortem in Dublin on their misguided approach. "The ending of the Brexit saga will also allow the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to reset relations with London after the turmoil of the Brexit period. "He has been noticeably less strident in his public utterances than his predecessor Leo Varadkar. 9.10am No time to scrutinise deal properly, moans Sassoli David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, has complained because he says the period left between now and the end of the year does not offer MEPs sufficient time to consider the post-Brexit trade deal agreed yesterday. Mr Sassoli tweeted: "I welcome the deal on the future EU-UK relationship. This can now form the basis of a new partnership. However, the last-minute nature of the agreement does not allow for proper parliamentary scrutiny by the @Europarl_EN before the end of the year. "The @Europarl_EN will now analyse the agreement in detail before deciding whether to give consent in the new year. We will act responsibly in order to minimise disruption to citizens and prevent the chaos of a no-deal scenario. "We thank and congratulate Michel Barnier and the EU and UK negotiators for their intense efforts to reach this historic agreement. Regardless of #Brexit, the EU and the UK continue to share common values and interests."
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's former Taoiseach
8.45am update: Brexit deal EXPLAINED: What does Brexit deal REALLY mean for you and me? Brexit has finally been done with a deal between the UK and EU now agreed. What does the Brexit deal mean for people living in the UK? Brexit is one step closer to full realisation, as of today, with high-level talks concluding years of negotiations. What negotiators have left with is a selection of victories, concessions and losses which will define the UK and EU's diplomatic relationship for the foreseeable future. But the immediate agreement forms a broad picture of relations across the channel, which may have left people wondering how the new policies will trickle down to them. 8.15am update: Fishing for Leave tears up Boris Johnson's Brexit deal over quotas - 'P*** poor effort!' Boris Johnson's Brexit trade agreement with the EU has been ripped apart by Fishing for Leave, who said it appeared to be a "pretty dismal deal" for Britain's long-suffering fishermen. As details of the trade pact emerged, the group which represents fishermen issued a stern statement warning they were far from satisfied from what they had read so far. They said: "Sadly, from what’s emerging, the trade deal treaty is far from a clean break to international normality/law.” Fishing for Leave added: "The emerging details on what’s been agreed in relation to fishing would seem to be a cop-out to secure an overall pretty dismal deal, and that fishing communities who paid the ultimate price on the way in will get a poor settlement to pay for a deal on the way out."
Brexit deal: Ursula von der Leyen confirms UK-EU agreement
8.10am update: Turkey welcomes trade deal Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Ankara welcomed the trade deal reached between Britain and the European Union. The ministry said in a statement: "Turkey, having close relations with the UK in all fields, is also an EU candidate country and in customs union with the EU. "We believe that this deal will provide Turkey with new opportunities in terms of its relations both with the EU and the UK. "In this context, the preparations for signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Turkey have also reached its final stage." 8am update: Post-Brexit Brussels could become 'economy BACKWATER' predicts Andrew Neil Andrew Neil has issued a dire warning to the European Union, predicting the bloc could become a "backwater" in as little as 15 years. The former BBC heavyweight said the EU could slip from prominence and be replaced by a booming Asian economy. Mr Neil made the prediction in response to a Tweet from Jim Pickard, Chief Political reporter at the Financial Times. Mr Pickard said the Brexit deal, agreed yesterday after months of wrangling, may silence the EU debate - but only temporarily.
Brexit news: How a trade deal will be signed off


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--EU doomed: Post-Brexit Brussels could become 'economic BACKWATER' predicts Andrew Neil

The former BBC heavyweight said the EU could slip from prominence and be replaced by a booming Asian economy .
Mr Neil made the prediction in response to a Tweet from Jim Pickard , Chief Political reporter at the Financial Times .
Mr Pickard said the Brexit deal , agreed yesterday after months of wrangling , may silence the EU debate - but only temporarily .
He hinted a debate on the UK rejoining the bloc could one day reemerge when those in power in Britain are replaced by the next generations .
Mr Pickard said : `` I suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU debate in the short and medium term but *not* in 15 or 20 or 30 years when today ’ s young adults are running the country . ''
He said : `` There ’ s a real danger that the EU will be an economic and technological backwater in 15 years time and today ’ s young Brits will be doing flourishing business in Hanoi and Djakarta .
`` This summer Asian GDP over took the rest of the world put together . ''
The clash came hours after Boris Johnson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed a post-Brexit trade deal .
Following months of negotiations , an agreement was finally struck on Christmas Eve between the two sides with the Prime Minister subsequently announcing the UK had `` taken back control '' of its future .
Frantic last-minute talks led to expected announcements by the two sides being continually delayed throughout Christmas Eve , with one of the biggest sticking points - fishing rights - continuing to hold up the deal .
As the political drama unfolded in London and Brussels after nine months of often bitter negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a fresh start for the nation .
In a Downing Street press conference , Mr Johnson said the UK had delivered on what was promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum .
The Prime Minister said : `` We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny .
We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered .
`` From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market .
`` British laws will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end . ''

Brexit: Andrew Neil says we will remain ‘Great Britain'
The former BBC heavyweight said the EU could slip from prominence and be replaced by a booming Asian economy. Mr Neil made the prediction in response to a Tweet from Jim Pickard, Chief Political reporter at the Financial Times.
Mr Pickard said the Brexit deal, agreed yesterday after months of wrangling, may silence the EU debate - but only temporarily. He hinted a debate on the UK rejoining the bloc could one day reemerge when those in power in Britain are replaced by the next generations. Mr Pickard said: "I suspect the heat may go out of the EU debate in the short and medium term but *not* in 15 or 20 or 30 years when today’s young adults are running the country." Mr Neil made short shrift of such a prediction.
The EU could become an 'economic backwater', Andrew Neil has warned
He said: "There’s a real danger that the EU will be an economic and technological backwater in 15 years time and today’s young Brits will be doing flourishing business in Hanoi and Djakarta. "This summer Asian GDP over took the rest of the world put together." The clash came hours after Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen finally agreed a post-Brexit trade deal. Following months of negotiations, an agreement was finally struck on Christmas Eve between the two sides with the Prime Minister subsequently announcing the UK had "taken back control" of its future.
Boris Johnson yesterday delivered a Brexit trade deal after months of wrangling
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Frantic last-minute talks led to expected announcements by the two sides being continually delayed throughout Christmas Eve, with one of the biggest sticking points - fishing rights - continuing to hold up the deal. As the political drama unfolded in London and Brussels after nine months of often bitter negotiations, Mr Johnson signalled the move amounted to a fresh start for the nation. In a Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson said the UK had delivered on what was promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The EU faces an uncertain future after the UK finally secured a trade deal


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--'Boris has played a BLINDER' Brexiteers delighted as UK 'outflanks EU' - deal clinched

Daniel Kawczynski said the result was evidence that Lord David Frost and his negotiating team had `` outflanked '' the EU 's Michel Barnier , while party colleague Robert Halfon highlighted the Prime Minister 's achievement in finding something Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage could agree on .
Mr Kawczysnki was speaking after the details of the deal were confirmed by both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission this afternoon .
The MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham told Express.co.uk : `` I think PM and his team have played a blinder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I am very proud of the British team . ''
Details of the agreement are still emerging - but it appears Lord Frost has succeeded in persuading the UK 's insistence that the European Court of Justice ( ECJ ) should have a role in settling future disputes .
** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS ** Mr Kawczynski added : `` The removal of the ECJ is critical and the Prime Minister has done very well on that . ''
He also said he had few concerns about legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the House of Commons before the end of the year .
He explained : `` I believe the deal will be easily ratified before Dec 31 .
JUST IN : Tier 4 shift inevitable as new Covid strains hit England '' Even Nigel Farage is not complaining about it ! ''
As for fishing , where Mr Johnson is thought to have made significant concessions in order to get a deal over the line , he said : `` There is movement in Britain 's way on fishing already .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our fishing grounds but this is a good start . ''
Mr Halfon , Tory MP for Harlow , Essex , said : `` Boris has pulled out some magic rabbits out of the Brexit hat , that 's for sure .
DO N'T MISS John Redwood dismantles EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit fishing row : UK 'must defend its waters ' as MEP turns on EU [ INSIGHT ] Brexit warning : ANY Brexit deal will now put Boris at risk from ERG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back control of our money , our laws and our fish . ''
Referring to the Brexit Party leader 's unexpected praise earlier today , he added : `` It 's an incredible achievement to get both Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage backing this deal . ''
John Penrose , Tory MP for Weston-super-Mare told Express.co.uk : `` 'Zero tariffs and zero quotas are the two big truths about this deal .
`` Everything else is secondary for British jobs & exports .
`` It 's a victory for democracy , four years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory MP for Lichfield Michael Fabricant tweeted : `` Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal - one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing .
`` Looking forward to seeing the detail in the coming days . ''
In a statement issued this afternoon , Mr Johnson said : `` This agreement with the European Union is designed to honour the instruction of the British people - expressed in the referendum of 2016 and the general election last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws , borders , money , trade and fisheries .

Brexit: Michel Barnier outlines ‘four pillars’ of deal
Daniel Kawczynski said the result was evidence that Lord David Frost and his negotiating team had "outflanked" the EU's Michel Barnier, while party colleague Robert Halfon highlighted the Prime Minister's achievement in finding something Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage could agree on. Mr Kawczysnki was speaking after the details of the deal were confirmed by both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission this afternoon.
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The MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham told Express.co.uk: "I think PM and his team have played a blinder. "They have outflanked the EU and I am very proud of the British team." Details of the agreement are still emerging - but it appears Lord Frost has succeeded in persuading the UK's insistence that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) should have a role in settling future disputes. ** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS **
Boris Johnson in Downing Street this afternoon
Michel Barnier pictured in Brussels with Lord David Frost
Mr Kawczynski added: "The removal of the ECJ is critical and the Prime Minister has done very well on that." He also said he had few concerns about legislation enshrining the agreement in law being approved by the House of Commons before the end of the year. He explained: "I believe the deal will be easily ratified before Dec 31. JUST IN: Tier 4 shift inevitable as new Covid strains hit England
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Nigel Farage praised Mr Johnson earlier today
Daniel Kawczynski, Tory MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham
Robert Halfon, Tory MP for Harlow
"He's taken back control of our money, our laws and our fish." Referring to the Brexit Party leader's unexpected praise earlier today, he added: "It's an incredible achievement to get both Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage backing this deal." John Penrose, Tory MP for Weston-super-Mare told Express.co.uk: "'Zero tariffs and zero quotas are the two big truths about this deal. "Everything else is secondary for British jobs & exports.
Brexit timeline
"It's a victory for democracy, four years after the referendum was held." Tory MP for Lichfield Michael Fabricant tweeted: "Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal - one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing. "Looking forward to seeing the detail in the coming days." In a statement issued this afternoon, Mr Johnson said: "This agreement with the European Union is designed to honour the instruction of the British people - expressed in the referendum of 2016 and the general election last year - to take back control of our laws, borders, money, trade and fisheries.
Michael Fabricant, Tory MP for Lichfield


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--'Remainers are livid!' Boris's Brexit agreement hailed a SUCCESS 'A fair deal!'

Commenting on the poll , one reader said : `` Remainers are livid so that 's a plus for me . ''
Another wrote : `` Watched Nigel Farage being interviewed and he seemed happy enough , so I ’ m happy enough ! ''
A third commented : `` Yes , I think , I 'll know better when I know what it entails , I am however , supremely happy we 're rid of the EU ! ''
Another added : `` If Farage is happy it must be acceptable , but no doubt people will want it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A fifth said : `` A fair deal which will allow the United Kingdom to trade at a global level . ''
One more commented : `` Time will tell , when all the small print has been digested ! ''
The UK and the EU reached an 11th hour breakthrough after months of negotiations led by Lord Frost and Michel Barnier .
In a Downing Street press conference , a triumphant Mr Johnson said the agreement resolves the European question which has `` bedevilled '' British politics for generations .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexiteers delighted as UK 'outflanks EU' '' British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end . ''
In a Christmas message for the country , Mr Johnson described the last-minute deal as `` glad tidings of great joy '' .
Speaking in a video on Twitter , he said he had a `` present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleep post-Christmas lunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 500-page document , he added : `` The oven-ready deal was just the starter .
This is the feast - full of fish , by the way .

Brexit: Johnson announces UK has completed trade deal with EU
Express.co.uk asked readers if they were happy with the Prime Minister's Christmas Eve trade agreement with Brussels. Some 57 percent said yes, while 33 percent replied no, and 10 percent did not know.
Commenting on the poll, one reader said: "Remainers are livid so that's a plus for me." Another wrote: "Watched Nigel Farage being interviewed and he seemed happy enough, so I’m happy enough!" A third commented: "Yes, I think, I'll know better when I know what it entails, I am however, supremely happy we're rid of the EU!" Another added: "If Farage is happy it must be acceptable, but no doubt people will want it 100% in our favour."
Express.co.uk readers backed Boris Johnson's post-Brexit deal in a poll
Express.co.uk asked readers if they were happy with the Prime Minister's Christmas Eve trade agreement with Brussels
A fifth said: "A fair deal which will allow the United Kingdom to trade at a global level." One more commented: "Time will tell, when all the small print has been digested!" The UK and the EU reached an 11th hour breakthrough after months of negotiations led by Lord Frost and Michel Barnier. In a Downing Street press conference, a triumphant Mr Johnson said the agreement resolves the European question which has "bedevilled" British politics for generations. READ MORE: 'Boris has played a BLINDER' Brexiteers delighted as UK 'outflanks EU'
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The UK and the EU reached an 11th hour breakthrough after months of negotiations led by Lord Frost and Michel Barnier
In a Downing Street press conference, a triumphant Mr Johnson said the agreement resolves the European question which has "bedevilled" British politics for generations
He insisted the UK had managed to "take back control" as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum
"British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end." In a Christmas message for the country, Mr Johnson described the last-minute deal as "glad tidings of great joy". Speaking in a video on Twitter, he said he had a "present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleep post-Christmas lunch moment". Picking up a copy of the 500-page document, he added: "The oven-ready deal was just the starter. This is the feast - full of fish, by the way.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal was "fair and balanced"
"I believe it will be the basis of a happy and successful and stable partnership with our friends in the EU for years to come." Speaking in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We have finally found an agreement. "It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it. "It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides." Sign up to our Express.co.uk app - get all the news and features direct to your mobile phone or tablet
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