thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Ruth Davidson brilliantly shames Nicola Sturgeon's 'blind SNP' for rejecting Brexit deal

The Scottish Conservative leader at Holyrood accused the SNP of `` contortions '' and `` hypocrisy '' over its opposition to the Brexit deal as she attacked the SNP 's `` blind loyalists '' .
Responding to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in a debate on a legislative consent memorandum for the Brexit agreement , Ms Davidson said the choice was between a deal or no-deal and said the SNP was `` stoking up division '' .
She said : `` To vote against the deal is to vote against zero trade zero tariffs , to vote against deep security intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU in such an agreement .
`` It 's voting against participation in science and research and space programmes .
`` It is voting against agreements for airlines and hauliers and is voting against securing access for our fishermen to markets for their products , and is voting against recognition for geographical indicators like Scotch whisky , Stornoway black pudding and Arbroath Smokies . ''
Ms Sturgeon replied : `` Every single thing that Ruth Davidson has just listed , we had as members of the European Union . ''
Ms Davidson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] is marching her troops into the no-deal voting lobbies and giving all of this up . ''
The Scottish Tory Leader in Holyrood claimed Ms Sturgeon ordered her troops into Westminster with her `` no-deal Nicola banners kept high . ''
Meanwhile , Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said the Brexit agreement is a `` bad deal '' , adding that leaving the EU during the coronavirus pandemic is an `` abdication of responsibility without modern parallel '' .
Addressing his party 's opposition to the deal despite MPs being whipped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons , Mr Leonard said there was no split because they were voting on different propositions .
READ MORE : Gove shames Sturgeon 's SNP voting for no deal Brexit During the Holyrood debate on the Brexit deal , Mr Leonard said : `` A vote against the proposition in Westminster today is to risk the chaos and damage of a no-deal outcome .
`` And you ca n't say by voting against it , as SNP MPs will do today , that was n't what we meant .
`` That 's what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs will reluctantly vote for the deal because the alternative would be chaos . ''
The debate surrounds the EU ( Future Relationship ) Bill which is expected to pass comfortably in both the Commons and the Lords with the backing of Labour .
Meanwhile , at Holyrood , backing will be determined by a legislative consent motion lodged at the Scottish Parliament which states that the government should not consent to the `` inadequate and damaging '' Brexit deal with the EU .
DO N'T MISS : 'It 's a rotten deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal [ REVEAL ] ' I 'm eurosceptic ! '
Diane Abbott shocks with Brexit bombshell [ INSIGHT ] Brexiteer Redwood exposes two key worries of trade deal with EU [ LATEST ]

Nicola Sturgeon criticised over referendum hopes by Rennie
The Scottish Conservative leader at Holyrood accused the SNP of "contortions" and "hypocrisy" over its opposition to the Brexit deal as she attacked the SNP's "blind loyalists". Responding to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in a debate on a legislative consent memorandum for the Brexit agreement, Ms Davidson said the choice was between a deal or no-deal and said the SNP was "stoking up division".
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She said: "To vote against the deal is to vote against zero trade zero tariffs, to vote against deep security intelligence co-operation - never before, offered by the EU in such an agreement. "It's voting against participation in science and research and space programmes. "It is voting against agreements for airlines and hauliers and is voting against securing access for our fishermen to markets for their products, and is voting against recognition for geographical indicators like Scotch whisky, Stornoway black pudding and Arbroath Smokies." Ms Sturgeon replied: "Every single thing that Ruth Davidson has just listed, we had as members of the European Union."
Ruth Davidson brilliantly shames Sturgeon for rejecting deal 'blind SNP'
Ruth Davidson responded to Nicola Sturgeon
Ms Davidson continued: "She [Nicola Sturgeon] is marching her troops into the no-deal voting lobbies and giving all of this up." The Scottish Tory Leader in Holyrood claimed Ms Sturgeon ordered her troops into Westminster with her "no-deal Nicola banners kept high." Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said the Brexit agreement is a "bad deal", adding that leaving the EU during the coronavirus pandemic is an "abdication of responsibility without modern parallel". Addressing his party's opposition to the deal despite MPs being whipped to vote for it in the House of Commons, Mr Leonard said there was no split because they were voting on different propositions. READ MORE: Gove shames Sturgeon's SNP voting for no deal Brexit
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Richard Leonard slated the Brexit deal
During the Holyrood debate on the Brexit deal, Mr Leonard said: "A vote against the proposition in Westminster today is to risk the chaos and damage of a no-deal outcome. "And you can't say by voting against it, as SNP MPs will do today, that wasn't what we meant. "That's what will happen, which is why Labour MPs will reluctantly vote for the deal because the alternative would be chaos." The debate surrounds the EU (Future Relationship) Bill which is expected to pass comfortably in both the Commons and the Lords with the backing of Labour. Meanwhile, at Holyrood, backing will be determined by a legislative consent motion lodged at the Scottish Parliament which states that the government should not consent to the "inadequate and damaging" Brexit deal with the EU. DON'T MISS:
'It's a rotten deal' Sturgeon rails and still chooses no deal [REVEAL]
'I'm eurosceptic!' Diane Abbott shocks with Brexit bombshell [INSIGHT]
Brexiteer Redwood exposes two key worries of trade deal with EU [LATEST]
The Holyrood debate is taking place this afternoon


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Gibraltar deal done! UK and Spain agree deal on post-Brexit status after EU excluded Rock

Brexit news : Spain has struck an initial deal with the UK over the status of Gibraltar We will use @ @ @ @ @ sending you newsletters .
Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection @ @ @ @ @ and never miss the top politics stories again As part of the agreement , the @ @ @ @ @ part of European Union agreements such as the Shengen area .
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Brexit: UK and Spain agree on draft deal for Gibraltar
Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said as part of the agreement, the British Overseas Territory will remain part of European Union agreements such as the Schengen area. She added all details of the agreement between London and Madrid will be finalised during a six-month transition. The two countries have been locked in talks over how to police the land border between Spain and Gibraltar.
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This had been excluded from the post-Brexit trade deal agreed between the UK and European Union last week. There had been fears a deal would not have been concluded before the Brexit transition period between the UK and EU expires at 11pm on Thursday. If a deal had not been struck in time, tens of thousands of Spaniards and Gibraltarians who cross everyday would have been forced to go through checks and passport stamping. Boris Johnson hailed the agreement between the UK and Spain over the status of Gibraltar after Brexit.
Brexit news: Spain has struck an initial deal with the UK over the status of Gibraltar
Boris Johnson has hailed the agreement between the UK and Spain for the status of Gibraltar after Brexit
The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter: "I wholeheartedly welcome today’s political agreement between the UK and Spain on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU. "The UK has always been, and will remain, totally committed to the protection of the interests of Gibraltar and its British sovereignty." Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "Today, working side by side with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, and following intensive discussions with the Spanish government, we reached agreement on a political framework to form the basis of a separate treaty between the UK and the EU regarding Gibraltar. "We will now send this to the European Commission, in order to initiate negotiations on the formal treaty. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
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Dominic Raab said: 'We remain steadfast in our support for Gibraltar, and its sovereignty is safeguarded'
“In the meantime, all sides are committed to mitigating the effects of the end of the Transition Period on Gibraltar, and in particular ensure border fluidity, which is clearly in the best interests of the people living on both sides. “We remain steadfast in our support for Gibraltar, and its sovereignty is safeguarded. "I am grateful to Foreign Minister Laya and her team for their positive and constructive approach. "We have a warm and strong relationship with Spain, and we look forward to building on it in 2021." DON'T MISS
Macron issued warning France should leave 'paralysing and ruinous EU' [COMMENT]
Boris's Brexit deal is a FRAUD – and here's 10 reasons why [OPINION]
Brexit POLL: Should Britain be banned from rejoining the EU [POLL]
Pedro Sanchez hailed the agreement between Spain and the UK over Gibraltar
Fabian Picardo said the agreement will see the British territory 'avert the worst effects of a hard Brexit'
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: "We have begun a new stage. "We have reached a principle of agreement with the United Kingdom on Gibraltar that will allow us to remove barriers and move towards an area of shared prosperity. "Firmness in principles, progress for citizenship. "Thank you to the foreign negotiators." Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo hailed the agreement betweenthe UK and Spain, which will see the British territory "avert the worst effects of a hard Brexit". He said: "This New Year's Eve, we can look forward with expectation and hope.
"We believe we may now be able to reset our relationship with Spain and cast it in a more positive light going forward. "After many months of hard work, we have reached an in principle agreement with the UK and Spain. "The treaty to be negotiated will deal with maximised and unrestricted mobility of persons between Gibraltar and the Schengen area. "Almost at the last minute, the negotiation is successfully completed and the clock has stopped ticking. "We are going to avert the worst effects of a hard Brexit." Mr Picardo admitted the talks have been a "difficult process" and that Gibraltar had been "battling the tide of history".
The key moments that have led to the UK's departure from the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone' after 11pm tonight

The EU ( Future Relationship ) Act received the backing of the Commons and Lords as the Government rushed approval through both Houses in a single day .
It was announced that the legislation had been granted royal assent at 12.25am on this morning , signing the agreement finally reached between the UK and EU on Christmas Eve into law .
The Act paves the way for the deal to take effect at 11pm on tonight when the current Brexit transition period - during which the UK has continued to follow EU rules - ends .
The Prime Minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow MPs and peers for passing this historic Bill and would like to express my gratitude to all of the staff here in Parliament and across Government who have made today possible .
`` The destiny of this great country now resides firmly in our hands .
We take on this duty with a sense of purpose and with the interests of the British public at the heart of everything we do .
`` 11pm on the 31st December marks a new beginning in our country 's history and a new relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This moment is finally upon us and now is the time to seize it . ''
MPs backed the Bill by 521 to 73 at third reading , while peers gave it an unopposed third reading late last night .
The European Union 's insistence on the exclusion of the Falkland Islands from the post-Brexit trade deal ratified by Parliament yesterday is likely motivated by a `` bloody minded '' determination to `` punish '' Britain for quitting the bloc , an insider has suggested .
And the source - who has an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also suggested recent comments by Argentina 's President Alberto Fernandez are indicative of his country 's increasingly aggressive mindset in relation to the remote archipelago .
The Falklands , along with other British overseas territories including Gibraltar is not covered by the deal unveiled on Christmas Eve .
Given the importance to the Falklands economy of exports of fish to the European market , the decision has serious implications , with estimates suggesting Falklanders will begin paying tariffs of between six percent and 18 percent from Friday .
The Government has announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for parcels shipped into Northern Ireland from Great Britain .
The long anticipated guidance comes after several major retailers , including John Lewis , suspended deliveries into the region amid uncertainty over new Irish Sea trading arrangements .
Under the terms of the Brexit withdrawal deal , Northern Ireland will apply EU customs rules at its ports from 11pm on New Year 's Eve .
While the wider free trade deal has ruled out the prospect of tariffs on goods from Britain entering Northern Ireland , customs declarations will still be required .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ declarations would be needed on all parcels being sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland , including those being shipped directly to consumers .
The Government has announced that declarations will not be required on the majority of parcels sent to Northern Ireland until April 1 .
Author and philosopher AC Grayling has predicted Britain will rejoin the European Union and take a leading role within the bloc .
He tweeted : `` 2020 concludes the temporary success of what the National Front , Enoch Powell , then UKIP and ERG worked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take far , far less time than that to rejoin the EU and take a leading role in the greatest project for peace and cooperation in the history of the world . ''
12.22pm update : Brexit deal to spark huge losses for Spanish fishermen in Falklands Spanish fishermen are facing huge financial losses after the European Union stopped recognising the Falklands as a UK commercial territory as part of the Brexit deal , industry chiefs have warned .
The trade agreement sealed by Boris Johnson does not apply to a raft of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Georgia - which have special relationships with Britain .
And as a result , Spanish trawlermen who fish for squid off the Falklands fear they could be blocked from the lucrative waters of the South Atlantic .
Industry chiefs said around 79,000 tons of squid worth £180 million was caught in the 2019 season .
Argentina 's Foreign Minister Felipe Sola has welcomed the exclusion of the Falklands from the Brexit deal and implied he was instrumental in persuading the bloc to do so .
11.17am update : Verhofstadt takes swipe at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from EU Guy Verhofstadt has fired a parting shot as the UK finally leaves the European Union and declared : `` Britain is a European country , with a European destiny ! ''
The European Parliament 's Brexit Coordinator and Chair of the Brexit Steering Group tweeted : `` Dear Britain , in your absence , we will look after the single market you did so much to build !
`` We may not share your definition of sovereignty but we part as friends and allies .
`` Brexit does n't change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a European destiny ! ''
Former Brexit minister David Davis has claimed EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier was `` rattled '' when Boris Johnson called his bluff in last-ditch trade talks .
Mr Davis said the treaty agreed by the Prime Minister was `` much better than would have been achieved under the previous strategy '' .
But he warned there were still `` issues to deal with '' on Northern Ireland , fishing and Gibraltar .
Mr Davis told the Commons : `` It 's not over .
All will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future . ''
10.14am update : Trump hits France and Germany with tariffs after 'unfair retaliation ' Donald Trump has hit back with tariffs against France and Germany amid the battle over aircraft subsidies .
Due to the EU imposing “ unfair ” tariffs on US products , the Trump administration has announced it will strike back with similar measures on French and German imports .
The US government stated Brussels had imposed tariffs on “ substantially ” more American products following the result of WTO litigation .
Although the WTO authorised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had unfairly raised levies on aviation parts .
In a document released by the US Trade Representative , the tariffs affected £2.9bn in US trade products .
In a further warning to Brussels , Washington has demanded the bloc must take additional measures to compensate the unfair tariff restrictions .
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier could be considering a run for French president in 2022 after now Britain has left the bloc after declaring himself `` available and mobilised '' .
Mr Barnier has spent more than four years thrashing out the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the role in July 2016 .
The 69-year-old , who previously served as a European Commissioner and French foreign minister , has sparked speculation he could be planning to challenge Emmanuel Macron as leader of France 's centre-right Republican party now Brexit has been completed .
And while he has not unveiled any specific plans for his future , recent comments suggest he is keen to play a role in serving his home country .
He told Franceinfo radio , he said : `` I will use my energy to serve my country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union has urged followers to take inspiration from Britain 's imminent departure from the bloc .
The Generation Frexit group tweeted : `` The sovereign wish of a people to live according to its own laws : the United Kingdom is renewing this fundamental right that the European Union confiscated from them for too long .
`` Let France be next and # TakeBackControl as well , leaving this harmful , paralysing and ruinous EU . ''
Generation Frexit founder Charles-Henri Gallois said : `` If France is a democratic country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people about our EU membership . ''
Sir Keir Starmer says Labour will focus on ensuring `` greater prosperity , fairness and opportunity '' as the UK forges a `` new path '' in the world after Brexit .
In his new year 's message , the Labour leader struck an upbeat note , declaring the country 's `` best years are still to come '' .
He said : `` The United Kingdom is forging a new path in the world .
`` And the Labour Party that I lead will focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosperity , fairness and opportunity for every nation and region , every village , every town and city that makes up our great United Kingdom .
`` I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in .
`` And with that hope and that vision , I believe that our best years are still to come . ''
His comments came after the party voted to back Boris Johnson 's EU trade deal , arguing that it was better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misgivings of some of his pro-Europe MPs .
French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune has insisted Britain has `` punished itself '' by leaving the EU .
Mr Beaune said Brussels did not punish the UK with the Brexit trade deal but had still managed to defend the bloc 's interests .
He said : `` With Brexit , Britain is punishing itself .
We were n't trying to punish it . ''
`` Britain realised that having no access to the European market would be an economic disaster .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reached , there is access to the European market , but while respecting our conditions and rules .
`` This day will be historic but it will be a sad day because , when a country leaves the EU for the first time after 45 years of living together , it is sad .
`` Brexit must be a lesson that we must push forward better , faster and stronger as Europeans . ''
7.30am update : Lord Lamont calls for 'more harmonious relationship ' with EU Former chancellor Lord Lamont has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grass grow over the Brexit battlefield '' .
The prominent Tory Brexiteer made the plea as Parliament backed Boris Johnson 's historic post-Brexit trade deal with the EU .
He said : `` Historians may conclude that British membership of the EU was always doomed from the very start because the British view of the political destination of Europe was always different , although our establishment always tried to conceal this from the British public , particularly in the 1975 referendum .
`` Nevertheless , the story of our membership has been one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From now on there will be no more British vetoes , no more British opt-outs , no more British triple locks .
`` Now we can have a more harmonious relationship between two sovereign peoples .
`` Far better to put the effort into addressing the international challenges that face us and also the domestic issues that cause so many of our fellow citizens to feel alienated and disillusioned , which is why they voted for Brexit .
`` It 's time to let the grass grow over the Brexit battlefield .
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnership the success it ought to be . ''

Brexit: Boris Johnson's deal clears House of Lords
At 23:00 on Thursday night Brexit was completed as Britain began trading with the EU on the basis of the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The moment was celebrated by the ringing of Big Ben and "Happy Brexit" began trending on Twitter. The new agreement replaced the Brexit transition deal which left the UK an EU member in all but name in many policy areas after Britain formally broke from the bloc at the end of January. Britain will no longer have to pay into the EU budget, come under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice or have to implement laws made in Brussels. THIS BLOG HAS CLOSED. CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES.
A number of prominent Brexit supporters took to Twitter to express their joy at the news. Lord Frost, the UK's lead Brexit negotiator, said: "Britain has just become a fully independent country again - deciding our own affairs for ourselves. Thank you to everyone who worked with me & Boris Johnson to get us here in the last 18 months. "We have a great future before us. Now we can build a better country for us all." Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage added: "This is a big moment for our country, a giant leap forward. Time to raise a glass. #BrexitAtLast"
Brexit Live
The Prime Minister earlier said: "I want to thank my fellow MPs and peers for passing this historic Bill and would like to express my gratitude to all of the staff here in Parliament and across Government who have made today possible. "The destiny of this great country now resides firmly in our hands. We take on this duty with a sense of purpose and with the interests of the British public at the heart of everything we do. "11pm on the 31st December marks a new beginning in our country's history and a new relationship with the EU as their biggest ally. This moment is finally upon us and now is the time to seize it." MPs backed the Bill by 521 to 73 at third reading, while peers gave it an unopposed third reading late on Wednesday night. SCROLL DOWN FOR BREXIT LIVE UPDATES
Friday, January 1
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5:59am update: Emmanuel Macron says UK will remain "friend and ally" after Brexit French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted Britain will remain a "friend and ally" of France now Brexit is complete. During EU trade talks Mr Macron clashed repeatedly with Boris Johnson over access for European fishing boats into British waters. However the two sides finally agreed a deal on Christmas Eve. 3:35am update: Nicola Sturgeon sparks backlash with 'Scotland will be back' Brexit tweet SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon reacted to Britain leaving the Brexit transition period on December 31 by tweeting: "Scotland will be back soon, Europe. Keep the light on." However a number of other social media users took issue with her message. One tweeted: "You are aware just over one million Scottish voters voted for Brexit as well?" Another added: "How will Scotland be independent if they’re in the EU? They can’t have both." A third simply posted: "Scotland will always be in Europe. But we will not be back in the EU. Even if you do achieve Scexit, your own people say it will be approximately 19 years before we would be eligible to join." 1.30am update: Boris Johnson hailed for 'tremendous' leadership over Brexit deal Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been praised for his "tremendous" leadership in securing a Brexit deal by a Conservative MP. Daniel Kawczynski, Conservative MP for Shrewsbury, said on Twitter: “I had the opportunity today to meet and personally thank the Prime Minister for the deal he has negotiated with the EU. He has shown tremendous leadership and deserves our thanks.” 0:03am update: Nicola Sturgeon tweets "Scotland will be back" SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon used the moment Brexit was finally completed to claim Scotland will end up breaking away from the UK and rejoining the EU. The nationalist leader Tweeted: "Scotland will be back soon, Europe. Keep the light on." Despite Scotland voting to remain part of Britain in 2014 Ms Sturgeon is demanding a second referendum on the question.
Thursday, December 31
11.30pm update: Big Ben chimes to celebrate Brexit Big Ben climed at 11pm on Thursday night to mark the moment the UK's Brexit process was finally completed. ITV reporter Paul Brand tweeted: "And that's it. Britain has officially ended all semblance of EU membership. "As the clock strikes 11pm, Big Ben's bongs sound the death knell for the defining debate of the past 5 years. The Brexit process is complete." 11.01pm update: Britain leaves Brexit transition period! Britain has just left the European Union Brexit transition period and will now trade with the EU in accordance with the new trade deal negotiated by Boris Johnson. This means the UK will no longer pay into the EU budget, be subject to the European Court of Justice or have to implement regulation made in Brussels. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "This is a big moment for our country, a giant leap forward. Time to raise a glass. #BrexitAtLast" Lord Frost, who led the UK's Brexit negotiating team, added: "Britain has just become a fully independent country again - deciding our own affairs for ourselves. Thank you to everyone who worked with me & Boris Johnson to get us here in the last 18 months. "We have a great future before us. Now we can build a better country for us all." James Bickerton takes over live reporting from Rachel Russell
Big Ben rang to mark the completion of Brexit
9.46pm update: The switchover at Eurotunnel when UK leaves the single market and customs union at 11pm will be "seamless", spokesman for shuttle service says John Keefe said: "For the majority of trucks they won't even notice the difference. "There was always the risk that if this happened at a busy time then we could run into some difficulties but it's happening overnight on a bank holiday and a long weekend. "There is a much lower level of traffic going across the Channel than a regular night." He added that there was "no residue" left from the huge queues of lorries in Kent caused by France effectively shutting the border with the UK earlier in December amid fears over Covid-19. 8.30pm update: Eurosceptic Tories hail the impending end of Brexit transition period Eurosceptic Tory MPs have hailed the impending end of the Brexit transition period as a "victory for democracy and sovereignty". Boris Johnson's post-Brexit trade deal with the EU entered into law overnight after clearing Parliament late on Wednesday, when MPs and peers rushed through approval in a single day. The Prime Minister said 11pm on December 31 marks a "new beginning in our country's history and a new relationship with the EU as their biggest ally". Eurosceptic MPs, once derided as a band of fringe eccentrics on the margins of the Conservative Party, expressed their delight. Veteran Tory Sir Bill Cash said it is a "victory for democracy and sovereignty" that can only be compared in peacetime with the evolution of modern democracy after the end of the Stuart dynasty. He said he is "extremely happy and glad" that the UK is leaving the single market and customs union, and praised Mr Johnson, negotiators and voters for making it happen. Sir Bill, who has sat on the European Scrutiny Committee for 35 years, said: "The victory is one for democracy and for sovereignty and it is a momentous moment which, by any historic standards, can only be compared in peacetime to what happened in the late 1680s and '90s. "Which was the removal of the Stuarts, but followed by the new parliamentary constitutional arrangements which were enacted through the Act of Succession with the Hanoverians going on the throne. "But followed by evolution of modern democracy which was only ruptured, apart from war, in terms of potential dangers of conquest, but was actually only disrupted by our entry into the European Community on the false prospectus in 1972." Fellow Eurosceptic Sir John Redwood, who has been a Conservative MP for more than 30 years, said he feels "much relief" that the UK has stated its wish to be "self-governing". He said: "I never doubted we would win the referendum. I argued that we were being good Europeans by stepping aside from their mighty task to create a United States of Europe. "We should wish them well and be friends with them, but the fact that the UK had refused to join the euro showed where our hearts resided - with the wider world and with national democracy. "Today I feel much relief that our country has been open with our friends in Europe and stated clearly we wish to be self-governing, whilst good friends and allies of theirs. "I look forward to 2021 as a year of strong economic recovery, where we can start to use the new freedoms and opportunities now open to global Britain." 7.59pm update: SNP demands Europe should "leave a light on for Scotland" as Brexit transition period comes to an end The party's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Scotland would "be back" to rejoin the EU as an independent country. However, the Conservatives accused the SNP-run Scottish Government of spreading "propaganda" about the Brexit deal on its official channels. The Scottish Conservatives objected to a video on social media which they described as "one-sided Nationalist distortion". Scotland will leave the European Union despite Holyrood refusing to give legislative consent for the Prime Minister's Brexit agreement. MSPs voted by 92 to 30 to say the deal would "cause severe damage to Scotland's environmental, economic and social interests", following a debate on Wednesday. The transition period formally comes to an end at 11pm on Thursday, meaning Scotland's trading relationship with EU countries will be governed by the new agreement. On Thursday evening, Mr Blackford said: "I ask our European friends and neighbours to leave a light on for Scotland. "Scotland will remain a European nation, we will continue to build strong links, and we will be back to take our place as an independent member of the EU."
Brexit: Leavers 'own the status quo' says Nigel Farage
6.58pm update: Farage promises 'no going back' to EU as Remainers who ask to rejoin will 'get laughed at' The Reform UK leader told talkRADIO that the Brexit wars within the United Kingdom are over following Boris Johnson agreeing on a post-Brexit free trade agreement with the European Union. Mr Farage added that 11pm on New Year's Eve marks the end of the great rift the UK has witnessed regarding Brexit. He said: "I would have much rather gone for no deal, accepted the short-term pain and been freed in every way from everything from these dreadful people in the European Commission. "But I knew in practical terms that was never going to happen because it would have reopened the split within the Conservative Party. "The CBI would have gone mad and the Brexit wars would have continued. "So the good thing about this deal is number one it is not an EU treaty, that is great news." 4.07pm update: Boris Johnson praises UK and Spain's agreement on Gibraltar's future relationship with EU Spain and Britain reached a preliminary agreement today to keep the Gibraltar land border open, just hours before the UK's full exit from the European Union The Prime Minister tweeted: "I wholeheartedly welcome today’s political agreement between the UK and Spain on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU. "The UK has always been, and will remain, totally committed to the protection of the interests of Gibraltar and its British sovereignty." The Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo refused to elaborate on the details of a draft agreement governing its future relationship with Spain. Speaking at a press conference to announce the agreement, Mr Picardo said: "I'm not going to go into details of what is in this framework because it is an in-principle agreement, it is not a treaty. "It is important to understand there are differences between teams over many aspects of these arrangements of course." He added: "But we have given ourselves the space to be able to find the areas of agreement and the in-principle agreement that we have is that there should be an initial period where there is a Frontex presence. "I am going to reserve my views at this stage over what should happen later, but people will not have to guess very much what the Government of Gibraltar will insist should be the position at the end of that four-year period."
Lord Adonis has vowed to fight to overturn Brexit
3.22pm update: Brexiteer Redwood exposes two key worries of trade deal Boris Johnson struck with EU Sir John Redwood said the UK will finally re-acquire control over legislation and the prosperity of the British people now a Brexit trade agreement has been found with the European Union. The eurosceptic MP however admitted to feeling concerned about at least two aspects of the agreement Boris Johnson struck with Brussels on Christmas Eve. Speaking to colleagues in the Commons on Wednesday, he said: "We stand on the threshold of independence day so bring on the measures. "I do have a couple of worries about this agreement. The first is over fishing. 'One of the great crises of Brexit is to recapture control of our fishing stocks to rebuild our coastal communities and our fishing industry. "Will the Government today promise to legislate immediately to prevent pulse fishing and large trawlers from doing enormous damage to our marine environment and to our fish stocks? "We could at least do that as proof that we intend to rebuild our marine environment and our own domestic fishing industry. "And will they set out details of plans to train new fishermen and fisherwomen ready for the extra capacity we will need?" 1.49pm update: Falklands land grab: EU's Falklands exclusion a 'bloody-minded' bid to punish UK - insider The European Union's insistence on the exclusion of the Falkland Islands from the post-Brexit trade deal ratified by Parliament yesterday is likely motivated by a "bloody-minded" determination to "punish" Britain for quitting the bloc, an insider has suggested. And the source - who has an in-depth understanding of the Falklands situation - also suggested recent comments by Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez are indicative of his country's increasingly aggressive mindset in relation to the remote archipelago. The Falklands, along with other British overseas territories including Gibraltar is not covered by the deal unveiled on Christmas Eve. Given the importance to the Falklands economy of exports of fish to the European market, the decision has serious implications, with estimates suggesting Falklanders will begin paying tariffs of between six percent and 18 percent from Friday. 1.33pm update: Three-months customs grace period for parcels to Northern Ireland The Government has announced a three-month grace period on new customs processes for parcels shipped into Northern Ireland from Great Britain. The long-anticipated guidance comes after several major retailers, including John Lewis, suspended deliveries into the region amid uncertainty over new Irish Sea trading arrangements. Under the terms of the Brexit withdrawal deal, Northern Ireland will apply EU customs rules at its ports from 11pm on New Year's Eve. While the wider free trade deal has ruled out the prospect of tariffs on goods from Britain entering Northern Ireland, customs declarations will still be required. Traders have been seeking clarity on whether declarations would be needed on all parcels being sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, including those being shipped directly to consumers. The Government has announced that declarations will not be required on the majority of parcels sent to Northern Ireland until April 1.
12.51pm update: AC Grayling predicts swift return the Brussels fold Author and philosopher AC Grayling has predicted Britain will rejoin the European Union and take a leading role within the bloc. He tweeted: "2020 concludes the temporary success of what the National Front, Enoch Powell, then UKIP and ERG worked for over 40 years. "We will take far, far less time than that to rejoin the EU and take a leading role in the greatest project for peace and cooperation in the history of the world." 12.22pm update: Brexit deal to spark huge losses for Spanish fishermen in Falklands Spanish fishermen are facing huge financial losses after the European Union stopped recognising the Falklands as a UK commercial territory as part of the Brexit deal, industry chiefs have warned. The trade agreement sealed by Boris Johnson does not apply to a raft of overseas territories - including the Falklands and South Georgia - which have special relationships with Britain. And as a result, Spanish trawlermen who fish for squid off the Falklands fear they could be blocked from the lucrative waters of the South Atlantic. Industry chiefs said around 79,000 tons of squid worth £180 million was caught in the 2019 season. Argentina's Foreign Minister Felipe Sola has welcomed the exclusion of the Falklands from the Brexit deal and implied he was instrumental in persuading the bloc to do so. 11.17am update: Verhofstadt takes swipe at UK as clock ticks down to departure from EU Guy Verhofstadt has fired a parting shot as the UK finally leaves the European Union and declared: "Britain is a European country, with a European destiny!" The European Parliament's Brexit Coordinator and Chair of the Brexit Steering Group tweeted: "Dear Britain, in your absence, we will look after the single market you did so much to build! "We may not share your definition of sovereignty but we part as friends and allies. "Brexit doesn't change the reality that Britain is a European country, with a European destiny!"
Guy Verhofstadt insists Britain still has a European destiny
10.28am update: Boris Johnson 'rattled' Michel Barnier by calling his bluff - David Davis Former Brexit minister David Davis has claimed EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier was "rattled" when Boris Johnson called his bluff in last-ditch trade talks. Mr Davis said the treaty agreed by the Prime Minister was "much better than would have been achieved under the previous strategy". But he warned there were still "issues to deal with" on Northern Ireland, fishing and Gibraltar. Mr Davis told the Commons: "It's not over. All will lead to uncomfortable decisions in the near future." 10.14am update: Trump hits France and Germany with tariffs after 'unfair retaliation' Donald Trump has hit back with tariffs against France and Germany amid the battle over aircraft subsidies. Due to the EU imposing “unfair” tariffs on US products, the Trump administration has announced it will strike back with similar measures on French and German imports. The US government stated Brussels had imposed tariffs on “substantially” more American products following the result of WTO litigation. Although the WTO authorised the tariffs, the US has stated Brussels had unfairly raised levies on aviation parts. In a document released by the US Trade Representative, the tariffs affected £2.9bn in US trade products. In a further warning to Brussels, Washington has demanded the bloc must take additional measures to compensate the unfair tariff restrictions.
EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
9.32am update: Barnier comments fuel speculation of challenge to Emmanuel Macron EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier could be considering a run for French president in 2022 after now Britain has left the bloc after declaring himself "available and mobilised". Mr Barnier has spent more than four years thrashing out the UK's departure from EU after taking up the role in July 2016. The 69-year-old, who previously served as a European Commissioner and French foreign minister, has sparked speculation he could be planning to challenge Emmanuel Macron as leader of France's centre-right Republican party now Brexit has been completed. And while he has not unveiled any specific plans for his future, recent comments suggest he is keen to play a role in serving his home country. He told Franceinfo radio, he said: "I will use my energy to serve my country. "I am a patriot and a European."
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8.45am update: Frexit movement turns to Britain for inspiration France's growing campaign to leave the European Union has urged followers to take inspiration from Britain's imminent departure from the bloc. The Generation Frexit group tweeted: "The sovereign wish of a people to live according to its own laws: the United Kingdom is renewing this fundamental right that the European Union confiscated from them for too long. "Let France be next and #TakeBackControl as well, leaving this harmful, paralysing and ruinous EU." Generation Frexit founder Charles-Henri Gallois said: "If France is a democratic country we must also give voice to the people about our EU membership."
Brexit timeline
8.24am update: Starmer strikes upbeat note as Britain prepares for post-Brexit future Sir Keir Starmer says Labour will focus on ensuring "greater prosperity, fairness and opportunity" as the UK forges a "new path" in the world after Brexit. In his new year's message, the Labour leader struck an upbeat note, declaring the country's "best years are still to come". He said: "The United Kingdom is forging a new path in the world. "And the Labour Party that I lead will focus on ensuring that path leads to greater prosperity, fairness and opportunity for every nation and region, every village, every town and city that makes up our great United Kingdom. "I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in. "And with that hope and that vision, I believe that our best years are still to come." His comments came after the party voted to back Boris Johnson's EU trade deal, arguing that it was better than leaving with no deal, despite the misgivings of some of his pro-Europe MPs.
Sir Keir Starmer has delivered an upbeat New Year message


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Verhofstadt STILL refuses to accept Brexit as he declares Britain has a 'European destiny'

The European Parliament 's Brexit Coordinator and Chair of the Brexit Steering Group have been a fierce critic of the UK Government 's position since the historic vote to leave the EU in June 2016 .
And he could not resist taking another swipe just hours before the country cuts its ties with Brussels .
The Belgian MEP tweeted : `` Dear Britain , in your absence , we will look after the single market you did so much to build !
`` We may not share your definition of sovereignty but we part as friends and allies .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain is a European country , with a European destiny ! ''
The EU ( Future Relationship ) Act received the backing of the Commons and Lords as the Government rushed approval through both Houses in a single day .
It was announced that the legislation had been granted royal assent at 12.25am this morning , signing the agreement finally reached between the UK and EU on Christmas Eve into law .
The Act paves the way for the deal to take effect at 11pm tonight when the current Brexit transition period expires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic Brexit trade deal between the EU and UK was `` less ambitious '' than the bloc was hoping .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone' He said : “ Finally a historic and unprecedented deal in the interest of all is reached .
“ While less ambitious than we wanted , through binding arbitration it fully preserves the single market .
“ Thanks to Michel Barnier our Union came out of these negotiations more united and stronger .
“ I hope future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we can regain the close relationship the EU and UK deserves .
“ It will be a first step in the return of the UK into the European family.
” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel formally signed the agreement yesterday before it was passed into UK law in the early hours of this morning .
Following the brief ceremony in Brussels , the documents were then flown to London by the RAF where Boris Johnson put his name to it .
Mr Michel said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the result of months of intense negotiations in which the European Union has displayed an unprecedented level of unity .
`` It is a fair and balanced agreement that fully protects the fundamental interests of the European Union and creates stability and predictability for citizens and companies . ''
Mr Johnson has hailed Brexit has a new beginning in the Britain 's history .
DO N'T MISS Remainers ’ biggest triumph was self-sabotage , says LEO McKINSTRY [ COMMENT ] Brexit travel : Expert explains 'free ' global healthcare for Britons [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave 'paralysing and ruinous EU ' [ FOCUS ] In a statement after the deal cleared Parliament , the Prime Minister said : `` I want to thank my fellow MPs and peers for passing this historic bill and would like to express my gratitude to all of the staff here in Parliament and across Government who have made today possible .
`` The destiny of this great country now resides firmly in our hands .
We take on this duty with a sense of purpose and with the interests of the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
`` 11pm on the 31st December marks a new beginning in our country 's history and a new relationship with the EU as their biggest ally .
This moment is finally upon us and now is the time to seize it . ''
Tory Eurosceptics were jubilant , declaring that the `` battle for Brexit '' had finally been won .
Veteran Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash said : `` Like Alexander the Great , Boris has cut the Gordian Knot . ''
Mark Francois , one of the self-styled Spartans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawal agreement , said they could now `` lower our spears '' .

Brexit: Bill Cash says Churchill and Thatcher ‘would be proud’
The European Parliament's Brexit Coordinator and Chair of the Brexit Steering Group have been a fierce critic of the UK Government's position since the historic vote to leave the EU in June 2016. And he could not resist taking another swipe just hours before the country cuts its ties with Brussels.
Brexit doesn't change the reality that Britain is a European country, with a European destiny! Guy Verhofstadt
The Belgian MEP tweeted: "Dear Britain, in your absence, we will look after the single market you did so much to build! "We may not share your definition of sovereignty but we part as friends and allies. "Brexit doesn't change the reality that Britain is a European country, with a European destiny!"
Guy Verhofstadt has fired a parting shot at the UK
The EU (Future Relationship) Act received the backing of the Commons and Lords as the Government rushed approval through both Houses in a single day. It was announced that the legislation had been granted royal assent at 12.25am this morning, signing the agreement finally reached between the UK and EU on Christmas Eve into law. The Act paves the way for the deal to take effect at 11pm tonight when the current Brexit transition period expires. Mr Verhofstadt had earlier complained the historic Brexit trade deal between the EU and UK was "less ambitious" than the bloc was hoping. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
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Boris Johnson signs the Brexit treaty
Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel performed a brief ceremony in Brussels
He said: “Finally a historic and unprecedented deal in the interest of all is reached. “While less ambitious than we wanted, through binding arbitration it fully preserves the single market. “Thanks to Michel Barnier our Union came out of these negotiations more united and stronger. “I hope future UK politicians will build on this partnership so we can regain the close relationship the EU and UK deserves. “It will be a first step in the return of the UK into the European family.”
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European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel formally signed the agreement yesterday before it was passed into UK law in the early hours of this morning. Following the brief ceremony in Brussels, the documents were then flown to London by the RAF where Boris Johnson put his name to it. Mr Michel said: "The agreement that we signed is the result of months of intense negotiations in which the European Union has displayed an unprecedented level of unity. "It is a fair and balanced agreement that fully protects the fundamental interests of the European Union and creates stability and predictability for citizens and companies." Mr Johnson has hailed Brexit has a new beginning in the Britain's history. DON'T MISS
Remainers’ biggest triumph was self-sabotage, says LEO McKINSTRY[COMMENT]
Brexit travel: Expert explains 'free' global healthcare for Britons[INSIGHT]
Macron issued warning France should leave 'paralysing and ruinous EU'[FOCUS]
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Spain panic: Brexit deal to spark huge losses for Spanish fishermen in Falklands waters

The trade agreement sealed by Boris Johnson does not apply to a raft of overseas territories - including the Falklands and South Georgia - which have special relationships with Britain .
And as a result , Spanish trawlermen who fish for squid off the Falklands fear they could be blocked from the lucrative waters of the South Atlantic .
Industry chiefs said around 79,000 tons of squid worth £180 million was caught in the 2019 season and warned the future of companies operating in that part of the world was now in grave doubt .
Argentina 's Foreign Minister Felipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Falklands from the Brexit deal and implied he was instrumental in persuading the bloc to do so .
The decision means Falklanders will no longer receive commercial , tax and customs benefits from the countries of the EU27 after the end of the year .
Mr Sola tweeted : `` Finally , the post-Brexit agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom did not include the Falkland Islands , South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands .
`` We ask this in all the forums and meetings that we held in 2020 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Daniel Filmus , who as Secretary of the Malvinas , Antarctica and South Atlantic islands and is responsible for the South American country 's policy towards the remote archipelago , has suggested the decision leaves Argentina better placed to claim sovereignty of the British Overseas Territory .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone' Mr Filmus told Argentinian newspaper Clarin : `` The non-incorporation of the Malvinas Islands to the Brexit agreement was one of the issues that Foreign Minister Felipe Sola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy ) , and with all European foreign ministers with whom he has spoken this year and with whom he has been raising the Argentine position regarding the validity of UN resolution 2065 and the existence of a controversy regarding the exercise of sovereignty , which according to our rights and our constitution corresponds to Argentina `` The EU decision not to include the Falklands , South Georgia and South Sandwich respects this view . ''
Income from fishing accounts for 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ islands , with squid , particularly important , so much so that Argentina has nicknamed Falklands residents as 'loligos ' , the word for squid in Spanish .
Initial estimates suggest from January 1 , Falkland Islanders will begin paying tariffs of between six percent and 18 percent for products entering the European market .
The 1,256-page document published by the Government this week confirms the exclusion in a section entitled Part Seven ( Final Provisions ) .
This states : `` This Agreement does not apply to the overseas territories having special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Bermuda ; British Antarctic Territory ; British Indian Ocean Territory ; British Virgin Islands ; Cayman Islands ; Falkland Islands ; Montserrat ; Pitcairn , Henderson , Ducie and Oeno Islands ; Saint Helena , Ascension and Tristan da Cunha ; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands ; and Turks and Caicos Islands . ''
DO N'T MISS Boris ' Brexit deal is quietly riddled with backchannel ties to EU [ COMMENT ] Boris has sold out our fishermen with Brexit deal , says ANN WIDDECOMBE [ OPINION ] Brexit deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK negotiator [ ANALYSIS ] In his Christmas message to Falkland Islanders , Mr Johnson said : `` Our commitment to the wellbeing of the islands and their people may have ruffled feathers in some quarters .
`` But it serves as a reminder that even though you may be many thousands of miles away you are very much a part of the British family of nations that you will remain and that this government will be there for you come what may .
`` That includes helping you manage the change that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period ends later this month .
`` The EU was absolutely intransigent when it came to excluding most of our overseas territories from this year ’ s trade negotiations .
But you haven ’ t been forgotten or left behind . ''
In a reference to Falkland Islands Governor Nigel Phillips , he added : `` We are going to work with Governor Phillips and your MLAs to support you during the change .
`` And in the longer term our independent trade policy is going to open the door to all kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the months and years ahead the world is going to be , if not your oyster , then certainly your loligo . ''

Brexit: Michael Gove defends fishing arrangements in deal
The trade agreement sealed by Boris Johnson does not apply to a raft of overseas territories - including the Falklands and South Georgia - which have special relationships with Britain. And as a result, Spanish trawlermen who fish for squid off the Falklands fear they could be blocked from the lucrative waters of the South Atlantic.
The post-Brexit agreement did not include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Felipe Sola
Industry chiefs said around 79,000 tons of squid worth £180 million was caught in the 2019 season and warned the future of companies operating in that part of the world was now in grave doubt. Argentina's Foreign Minister Felipe Sola has welcomed the exclusion of the Falklands from the Brexit deal and implied he was instrumental in persuading the bloc to do so. The decision means Falklanders will no longer receive commercial, tax and customs benefits from the countries of the EU27 after the end of the year.
Spanish fishermen fear their rights to operate off the Falklands will end with Brexit
Mr Sola tweeted: "Finally, the post-Brexit agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom did not include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. "We ask this in all the forums and meetings that we held in 2020 with European ministers of Foreign Affairs." Meanwhile, Daniel Filmus, who as Secretary of the Malvinas, Antarctica and South Atlantic islands and is responsible for the South American country's policy towards the remote archipelago, has suggested the decision leaves Argentina better placed to claim sovereignty of the British Overseas Territory. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
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Spanish fishermen caught £180m worth of squid off the Falklands in 2019
The EU will no longer recognise the Falklands as a UK overseas territory
Mr Filmus told Argentinian newspaper Clarin: "The non-incorporation of the Malvinas Islands to the Brexit agreement was one of the issues that Foreign Minister Felipe Sola put in the talks with Josep Borrell (High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy), and with all European foreign ministers with whom he has spoken this year and with whom he has been raising the Argentine position regarding the validity of UN resolution 2065 and the existence of a controversy regarding the exercise of sovereignty, which according to our rights and our constitution corresponds to Argentina "The EU decision not to include the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich respects this view." Income from fishing accounts for 75 percent of the income of the Falkland islands, with squid, particularly important, so much so that Argentina has nicknamed Falklands residents as 'loligos', the word for squid in Spanish. Initial estimates suggest from January 1, Falkland Islanders will begin paying tariffs of between six percent and 18 percent for products entering the European market.
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Spanish fishermen fear the collapse of their lucrative squid businesses


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Boris Johnson left Michel Barnier rattled by 'calling EU chief's bluff' claims David Davis

Mr Davis said the treaty agreed by the Prime Minister was `` much better than would have been achieved under the previous strategy '' .
But he warned there were still `` issues to deal with '' on Northern Ireland , fishing and Gibraltar .
The treaty is much better than would have been achieved under the previous strategy Mr Davis told the Commons : `` It 's not over .
All will lead to uncomfortable decisions in the near future . ''
He said one day was `` not enough '' to deal with the 1,200-page treaty and further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable the UK to develop its strategy .
He said : `` So we do n't get into conflicts with the European Union , do n't fall into traps , do n't get into acrimonious disputes .
`` They 're our neighbours and our friends and we have to devise a strategy that will keep them as neighbours and friends , and maximise our joint benefits .
`` If the House does that we will have a bright future , we will have better than the exact same benefits because we will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world . ''

Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal with EU
Mr Davis said the treaty agreed by the Prime Minister was "much better than would have been achieved under the previous strategy". But he warned there were still "issues to deal with" on Northern Ireland, fishing and Gibraltar.
The treaty is much better than would have been achieved under the previous strategy David Davis
Mr Davis told the Commons: "It's not over. All will lead to uncomfortable decisions in the near future." He said one day was "not enough" to deal with the 1,200-page treaty and further time must be given to it to enable the UK to develop its strategy. He said: "So we don't get into conflicts with the European Union, don't fall into traps, don't get into acrimonious disputes. "They're our neighbours and our friends and we have to devise a strategy that will keep them as neighbours and friends, and maximise our joint benefits. "If the House does that we will have a bright future, we will have better than the exact same benefits because we will have bigger opportunities around the rest of the world."
David Davis said Michel Barnier was 'rattled' by Boris Johnson
The EU (Future Relationship) Act received the backing of the Commons and Lords as the Government rushed approval through both Houses in a single day. The legislation was granted royal assent at 12.25am this morning, signing the agreement finally reached between the UK and EU on Christmas Eve into law. The Act paves the way for the deal to take effect at 11pm tonight when the current Brexit transition period comes to an end. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
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EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier
Boris Johnson signs the Brexit treaty
Mr Johnson said the UK's destiny "now resides firmly in our hands". He said: "I want to thank my fellow MPs and peers for passing this historic Bill and would like to express my gratitude to all of the staff here in Parliament and across Government who have made today possible. "The destiny of this great country now resides firmly in our hands. We take on this duty with a sense of purpose and with the interests of the British public at the heart of everything we do."
Trending
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--'Let me answer!' Williamson snaps at BBC host over schools not reopening

Gavin Williamson almost lost his composure as he was confronted about the Government 's decision to delay school re-openings in January .
The Education Secretary was interrupted a total of four times before he told off BBC Radio 4 host Martha Kearney for not letting him `` finish off an answer '' .
He was grilled regarding the big impact on people 's lives that his last-minute decision making was having .
Ms Kearney said : `` There were councils in London who wanted to close down their schools and , at the stage when the new variant was known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal action . ''
Mr Williamson replied : `` It 's absolutely right that we take every action possible to keep schools open and get children into schools at every possible moment , if that is the right and safe thing to do .
`` The actions that we 've taken have been informed by the best public health advice and the best scientific advice , but always acknowledging and understanding that children benefit so much from being in school and- '' The host interjected : `` You talk about public health advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who you were threatening with legal action , said he 'd been told on December 13 that 'the pandemic in Greenwich is now showing signs that we are in a period of exponential growth that demands immediate action ' . ''
READ MORE : 'Just the build-up ' Epidemiologists issue warnings Tier 4 wo n't work

Gavin Williamson tells host to let him ‘finish off an answer’
Gavin Williamson almost lost his composure as he was confronted about the Government's decision to delay school re-openings in January. The Education Secretary was interrupted a total of four times before he told off BBC Radio 4 host Martha Kearney for not letting him "finish off an answer". He was grilled regarding the big impact on people's lives that his last-minute decision making was having.
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Ms Kearney said: "There were councils in London who wanted to close down their schools and, at the stage when the new variant was known about, you were threatening them with legal action." Mr Williamson replied: "It's absolutely right that we take every action possible to keep schools open and get children into schools at every possible moment, if that is the right and safe thing to do. "The actions that we've taken have been informed by the best public health advice and the best scientific advice, but always acknowledging and understanding that children benefit so much from being in school and-" The host interjected: "You talk about public health advice. The leader of Greenwich Council, who you were threatening with legal action, said he'd been told on December 13 that 'the pandemic in Greenwich is now showing signs that we are in a period of exponential growth that demands immediate action'." READ MORE: 'Just the build-up' Epidemiologists issue warnings Tier 4 won't work
'Let me answer!' Williamson tells of BBC host as he snaps over school closures grilling
'It's absolutely right that we take every action possible to keep schools open.'
She added: "He was told that by Public Health England." However, Mr Williamson was not impressed by the constant interruption. He shot back: "If you give me the opportunity to maybe sort of finish off an answer that would be wonderful. "What we really want to be seeing is all schools opening, we want to see children having the opportunity to go into schools."
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'If you give me the opportunity to maybe sort of finish off an answer that would be wonderful.'
Gavin Williamson grilled on reopening of primary schools
What are the new Tier 4 areas?


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--‘NEVER return!’ UK should be banned from rejoining the EU for 50 years after Brexit - poll

The UK will finally break free from the shackles of the European Union when the Brexit transition period officially ends at 11pm tonight .
After 47 years of membership , the UK left the EU at the end of January following the signing of the Brexit withdrawal agreement , but remained tied to EU rules until 11pm on December 31 .
Britain will enter an historic dawn from January 1 after leaving the EU single market and customs union , while a new trade deal worth more than £600billion with the bloc comes into force .
Just a week after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Brussels , a number of high profile Remainers have argued the UK should reverse the result of the 2016 EU referendum .
But , a poll of more than 16,000 Express.co.uk readers has found the overwhelming majority believe the UK should be blocked from rejoining the EU for at least half a century .
The survey conducted on December 31 from 1pm to 10pm asked 16,186 online readers , should Britain be banned from rejoining the EU for 50 years ?
A huge 91 percent ( 14,841 ) were in favour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just eight percent ( 1,160 ) voted against the proposal and voted “ no ” .
Meanwhile , one percent ( 185 ) remained unsure and said they did not know .
A number of passionate Express.co.uk readers let their opinion known in the comments section of the poll .
One reader said : “ 11pm ca n't come soon enough .
Rid of the EU shackles at last and to NEVER return.
” A second added : “ Britain needs a written Constitution , which must contain a proviso that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation outside the borders of the country , or to anybody not directly elected by the British electorate.
” A third commented : “ The UK would like a never ending generational ban from joining the EU .
That would suit me just fine.
” Meanwhile , a fourth simply said : “ 1,000 years would be too soon.
” The poll comes as ardent Remainer Lord Andrew Adonis vowed to lead the charge for the UK to regain membership of the EU .
Other groups , such as The New European magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night to mourn the UK ’ s departure from the bloc .
Prime Minister Boris said the Brexit trade deal marks a `` new beginning in our country 's history and a new relationship with the EU as their biggest ally '' .
He added : “ We are going to open a new chapter in our national story , striking free trade deals around the world and reasserting global Britain as a liberal , outward-looking force for good . ''

Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal with EU
The UK will finally break free from the shackles of the European Union when the Brexit transition period officially ends at 11pm tonight. After 47 years of membership, the UK left the EU at the end of January following the signing of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, but remained tied to EU rules until 11pm on December 31.
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Britain will enter an historic dawn from January 1 after leaving the EU single market and customs union, while a new trade deal worth more than £600billion with the bloc comes into force. Just a week after Boris Johnson struck the landmark trade agreement with Brussels, a number of high profile Remainers have argued the UK should reverse the result of the 2016 EU referendum. But, a poll of more than 16,000 Express.co.uk readers has found the overwhelming majority believe the UK should be blocked from rejoining the EU for at least half a century. The survey conducted on December 31 from 1pm to 10pm asked 16,186 online readers, should Britain be banned from rejoining the EU for 50 years?
Brexit Britain should be banned from rejoining the EU for 50 years, a poll has found
Boris Johnson signs the Brexit trade deal
A huge 91 percent (14,841) were in favour of a ban and voted “yes”. Just eight percent (1,160) voted against the proposal and voted “no”. Meanwhile, one percent (185) remained unsure and said they did not know. A number of passionate Express.co.uk readers let their opinion known in the comments section of the poll.
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The results of the Brexit poll
One reader said: “11pm can't come soon enough. Rid of the EU shackles at last and to NEVER return.” A second added: “Britain needs a written Constitution, which must contain a proviso that no sovereignty may ever be passed to an organisation outside the borders of the country, or to anybody not directly elected by the British electorate.” A third commented: “The UK would like a never ending generational ban from joining the EU. That would suit me just fine.” Meanwhile, a fourth simply said: “1,000 years would be too soon.”
Nigel Farage said December 31 is a 'moment to celebrate'
The poll comes as ardent Remainer Lord Andrew Adonis vowed to lead the charge for the UK to regain membership of the EU. Other groups, such as The New European magazine, held a 12-hour online vigil on Thursday night to mourn the UK’s departure from the bloc. Prime Minister Boris said the Brexit trade deal marks a "new beginning in our country's history and a new relationship with the EU as their biggest ally". He added: “We are going to open a new chapter in our national story, striking free trade deals around the world and reasserting global Britain as a liberal, outward-looking force for good."
The Brexit transition period ends on December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Farage promises 'no going back' to EU as Remainers who ask to rejoin will 'get laughed at'

The Reform UK leader told talkRADIO that the Brexit wars within the United Kingdom are over following Boris Johnson agreeing @ @ @ @ @ agreement with the European Union .
Mr Farage added that 11pm on New Year 's @ @ @ @ @ the great rift the UK has witnessed regarding Brexit .
He said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ for no deal , accepted the short-term pain and been freed in every way from @ @ @ @ @ in the European Commission .
`` But I knew in practical terms that was never @ @ @ @ @ would have reopened the split within the Conservative Party .
`` The CBI would have @ @ @ @ @ wars would have continued .
`` So the good thing about this deal is number @ @ @ @ @ EU treaty , that is great news . ''
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : @ @ @ @ @ charge to 'get Brexit undone '

Brexit: Leavers 'own the status quo' says Nigel Farage
The Reform UK leader told talkRADIO that the Brexit wars within the United Kingdom are over following Boris Johnson agreeing on a post-Brexit free trade agreement with the European Union. Mr Farage added that 11pm on New Year's Eve marks the end of the great rift the UK has witnessed regarding Brexit.
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He said: "I would have much rather gone for no deal, accepted the short-term pain and been freed in every way from everything from these dreadful people in the European Commission. "But I knew in practical terms that was never going to happen because it would have reopened the split within the Conservative Party. "The CBI would have gone mad and the Brexit wars would have continued. "So the good thing about this deal is number one it is not an EU treaty, that is great news." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
Nigel Farage is the former leader of the Brexit Party
Nigel Farage is now the leader of Reform UK
Mr Farage continued: "Number two it actually ends the Brexit wars. "After tonight there is no going back, we the leavers now own the status quo. "Anyone who stands up now and says we should re-join just gets laughed at. "So what this settlement does do is let down a couple of groups badly.
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Boris Johnson reflects on 2020 in New Year speech
Boris Johnson has been Prime Minister since July 2019


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Boris Johnson hails Britain's 'beacon of hope' and Brexit triumph in New Year's Eve speech

In his speech to mark the end of 2020 , the Prime Minister praised the nation 's resilience in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Johnson also labelled the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine a beacon of hope as it is set to be rolled out across the UK next week .
And he hailed the 'freedom ' the country now has as the post-Brexit transition period with the European Union comes to an end .
Mr Johnson said : `` Well folks we are coming to the end of 2020 .
`` The year in which the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live their lives , how long to wash their hands , how many households could meet together .
`` And a year in which we lost too many loved ones before their time .
`` So I can imagine that there will be plenty of people who will be only too happy to say goodbye to the grimness of 2020 .
`` But just before we do , I want to remind you that this was also the year when we rediscovered a spirit of togetherness , of community . ''
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone' The Prime Minister also praised the efforts of key workers during the pandemic and scientists that worked on the Oxford coronavirus vaccine .
He continued : `` It was a year in which we banged saucepans to celebrate the courage and self-sacrifice of our NHS staff and care home workers .
`` A year in which working people pulled the stops out to keep the country moving in the biggest crisis we have faced for generations - shopworkers , transport staff , pharmacists , emergency services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We saw a renewed spirit of volunteering , as people delivered food to the elderly and vulnerable .
`` And time after time as it became necessary to fight new waves of the virus , we saw people unite in their determination , our determination , to protect the NHS and to save lives .
`` Putting their lives , your lives , on hold .
Buying precious time for medicine to provide the answers , and it has . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` In 2020 we have seen British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s first effective treatment of the disease , but just in the last few days a beacon of hope has been lit in the laboratories of Oxford .
`` A new room temperature vaccine that can be produced cheaply and at scale , and that offers literally a new lease of life to people in this country and around the world .
`` And with every jab that goes into the arm of every elderly or vulnerable person , we are changing the odds , in favour of humanity and against Covid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hard struggle still ahead of us for weeks and months , because we face a new variant of the disease that requires a new vigilance .
`` But as the sun rises tomorrow on 2021 we have the certainty of those vaccines .
`` Pioneered in a UK that is also free to do things differently , and if necessary better , than our friends in the EU . ''
The Prime Minister also outlined his vision for a post-Brexit Britain following the end of the transition period with the European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do trade deals around the world and free to turbocharge our ambition to be a science superpower .
`` From biosciences to artificial intelligence , and with our world-leading battery and wind technology we will work with partners around the world , not just to tackle climate change but to create the millions of high skilled jobs this country will need not just this year – 2021 - as we bounce back from Covid , but in the years to come .
`` This is an amazing moment for this country .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it is up to us to make the most of it .
`` And I think it will be the overwhelming instinct of the people of this country to come together as one United Kingdom – England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland working together to express our values around the world . ''
DO N'T MISS : Driving after Brexit : Drivers will need new documents to travel to Europe in days [ INSIGHT ] New Brexit trade deal will 'address immediate concerns ' for UK car industry [ ANALYSIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic day as EU deal becomes UK law tonight [ INFO ]

Boris Johnson reflects on 2020 in New Year speech
In his speech to mark the end of 2020, the Prime Minister praised the nation's resilience in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Mr Johnson also labelled the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine a beacon of hope as it is set to be rolled out across the UK next week. And he hailed the 'freedom' the country now has as the post-Brexit transition period with the European Union comes to an end.
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Mr Johnson said: "Well folks we are coming to the end of 2020. "The year in which the Government was forced to tell people how to live their lives, how long to wash their hands, how many households could meet together. "And a year in which we lost too many loved ones before their time. "So I can imagine that there will be plenty of people who will be only too happy to say goodbye to the grimness of 2020. "But just before we do, I want to remind you that this was also the year when we rediscovered a spirit of togetherness, of community." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
Boris Johnson issued a triumphant rallying call to Britons during his New Year's Eve speech
Boris Johnson has been Prime Minister since July 2019
The Prime Minister also praised the efforts of key workers during the pandemic and scientists that worked on the Oxford coronavirus vaccine. He continued: "It was a year in which we banged saucepans to celebrate the courage and self-sacrifice of our NHS staff and care home workers. "A year in which working people pulled the stops out to keep the country moving in the biggest crisis we have faced for generations - shopworkers, transport staff, pharmacists, emergency services, everyone, you name it. "We saw a renewed spirit of volunteering, as people delivered food to the elderly and vulnerable. "And time after time as it became necessary to fight new waves of the virus, we saw people unite in their determination, our determination, to protect the NHS and to save lives. "Putting their lives, your lives, on hold. Buying precious time for medicine to provide the answers, and it has."
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Brexit: Boris Johnson's deal clears House of Lords
Mr Johnson added: "In 2020 we have seen British scientists not only produce the world’s first effective treatment of the disease, but just in the last few days a beacon of hope has been lit in the laboratories of Oxford. "A new room temperature vaccine that can be produced cheaply and at scale, and that offers literally a new lease of life to people in this country and around the world. "And with every jab that goes into the arm of every elderly or vulnerable person, we are changing the odds, in favour of humanity and against Covid. "And we know that we have a hard struggle still ahead of us for weeks and months, because we face a new variant of the disease that requires a new vigilance. "But as the sun rises tomorrow on 2021 we have the certainty of those vaccines. "Pioneered in a UK that is also free to do things differently, and if necessary better, than our friends in the EU."
Boris Johnson tells public to stay home on New Year’s Eve
The Prime Minister also outlined his vision for a post-Brexit Britain following the end of the transition period with the European Union. He said: "Free to do trade deals around the world and free to turbocharge our ambition to be a science superpower. "From biosciences to artificial intelligence, and with our world-leading battery and wind technology we will work with partners around the world, not just to tackle climate change but to create the millions of high skilled jobs this country will need not just this year – 2021 - as we bounce back from Covid, but in the years to come. "This is an amazing moment for this country. "We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it. "And I think it will be the overwhelming instinct of the people of this country to come together as one United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland working together to express our values around the world." DON'T MISS:
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New Brexit trade deal will 'address immediate concerns' for UK car industry [ANALYSIS]
Brexit victory: Boris Johnson hails historic day as EU deal becomes UK law tonight [INFO]
Coronavirus news: England's four tier system


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--End of the House of Lords? Baroness Noakes admits peers have 'lost touch with this nation'

Conservative life peer Sheila Noakes delivered a damning verdict on the role of the House of Lords during a debate @ @ @ @ @ deal on Wednesday afternoon .
The 71-year-old said the House is starring at a “ @ @ @ @ @ future if it continues to represent the “ metropolitan bubble ” rather than the whole @ @ @ @ @ a scathing assessment , Baroness Noakes stated she was “ appalled ” by further attempts @ @ @ @ @ Brexit after a series of amendments were tabled to the 1,500-page Brexit treaty .
She @ @ @ @ @ wanted examples of futile gestures , out of touch with the will of the people @ @ @ @ @ look no further.
” Baroness Noakes added : `` We face a crisis in this @ @ @ @ @ nothing to do with the increased number of peers , which I know a number @ @ @ @ @ last week , though I welcome more noble Lords with a commitment to our future @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal with EU
Conservative life peer Sheila Noakes delivered a damning verdict on the role of the House of Lords during a debate on the historic Brexit trade deal on Wednesday afternoon. The 71-year-old said the House is starring at a “crisis” in the near future if it continues to represent the “metropolitan bubble” rather than the whole of the country.
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In a scathing assessment, Baroness Noakes stated she was “appalled” by further attempts by the Lords to thwart Brexit after a series of amendments were tabled to the 1,500-page Brexit treaty. She said: “If we wanted examples of futile gestures, out of touch with the will of the people, we would need to look no further.” Baroness Noakes added: "We face a crisis in this House. “It is nothing to do with the increased number of peers, which I know a number of Lords got excited about last week, though I welcome more noble Lords with a commitment to our future outside the EU.
Baroness Noakes has issued a warning over the future of the House of Lords
Baroness Noakes hit out at attempts to stop Brexit
“The real crisis is that this House has lost touch with our nation. “We often represent not much more than a metropolitan bubble, and we all know what happens to bubbles.” On her feet in the chamber, Baroness Noakes also took aim at the lack of enthusiasm from Labour and Liberal Democrat members towards the trade deal and paid a special tribute to the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost and Boris Johnson. She added: “My Lords I had hoped today that the whole House, including the Labour and Liberal Democrat benches, would be singing the praises of my noble friend Lord Frost and my Rt Hon friend the Prime Minister for their relentless pursuit of a good deal for the UK.”
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The House of Lords has come under severe criticism
Former Prime Minister Theresa May was also in the firing line after Baroness Noakes claimed Mr Johnson had inherited a “botched job” from his predecessor and warned Remainers were deluded if they believed a better outcome could have been achieved. She added: “They inherited a botched job and have succeeded beyond all reasonable expectations. “We owe them and their teams a great debt of gratitude that we go into 2021 with great trade prospects and importantly our head held high in the world. “If the benches opposite think they could have done better and magicked away their shopping list of complaints about the deal. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
Boris Johnson signs the Brexit trade deal on Wednesday
The Brexit transition period will formally end at 11pm