thedailyexpress--2020-12-19--Christmas CANCELLED: Boris stops 5-day rule break for Britons as mutant strain explodes

The Christmas period of relaxed coronavirus rules will no longer be allowed to go on , Boris Johnson has announced .
The Prime Minister confirmed the update during a Downing Street press conference in which he also introduced a new Tier 4 level for London and the southeast of England .
The changes are due to a new variant of the coronavirus which is proving to be `` up to 70 percent '' more infectious than the original strain .
Mr Johnson told the briefing : `` We must , I 'm afraid , look again at Christmas .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty to take difficult decisions , to do what is right to protect the people of this country .
`` Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus , the potential risk it poses , it is with a very heavy heart that we can not continue with Christmas as planned .
`` In England , those living in Tier 4 areas , should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas . ''
READ MORE : 'Do n't ignore this ! '
Britons warned Tier @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson announces new restrictions over Christmas period
The Christmas period of relaxed coronavirus rules will no longer be allowed to go on, Boris Johnson has announced. The Prime Minister confirmed the update during a Downing Street press conference in which he also introduced a new Tier 4 level for London and the southeast of England. The changes are due to a new variant of the coronavirus which is proving to be "up to 70 percent" more infectious than the original strain.
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Mr Johnson told the briefing: "We must, I'm afraid, look again at Christmas. "As Prime Minister, it's my duty to take difficult decisions, to do what is right to protect the people of this country. "Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, the potential risk it poses, it is with a very heavy heart that we cannot continue with Christmas as planned. "In England, those living in Tier 4 areas, should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas." READ MORE: 'Don't ignore this!' Britons warned Tier 4 lockdown to be extended
Christmas CANCELLED: Boris stops 5-day rule break across UK- south-east goes into lockdown
'As Prime Minister, it's my duty to take difficult decisions, to do what is right.'
He continued: "Although support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness and isolation. "Across the rest of the country, the Christmas rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas day only, rather than the five days as previously set out. "As before, there will be no relaxation on January 31. "So people must not break the rules at New Year. It's very very important to emphasise that."
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'So people must not break the rules at New Year. It's very very important to emphasise that.'
Tier 4: UK warned 'not to ignore' new restrictions by expert
UK CORONAVIRUS MAP LIVE


thedailyexpress--2020-12-19--Brexiteer John Redwood warns EU does not want fair trade deal so they can 'take our fish'

Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are set to continue for the rest of the weekend with both sides still warning the the chances of agreement remain in the balance .
Both Downing Street and the European Commission said the negotiations were still `` ongoing '' , but that significant differences remained over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules .
But Mr Redwood said the EU was not interested in agreeing to a fair deal The Tory former minister tweeted : `` The EU has made clear they do not want a fair free trade agreement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop us backing our business , and take our fish .
The European Parliament has been pressing for an agreement by Sunday so it can ratify any deal before the current Brexit transition period ends on December 31 .
But it is thought EU leaders could provisionally sign off on a deal if the talks go on beyond that point , with formal ratification taking place in the new year .
In the UK , MPs are on standby to return to Westminster from their Christmas break if an agreement can be struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson and the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier have played down the prospects of a breakthrough .
The Prime Minister said the negotiations were proving `` difficult '' and called on the EU to `` see sense '' and to bring something new to the table .
Earlier Mr Barnier told the European Parliament that the talks were approaching the `` moment of truth '' and that the path to an agreement was `` very narrow '' .
If the there is no deal by the December 31 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customs union and begin trading with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms - with the imposition of tariffs potentially leading to higher prices in the shops .
Even with an agreement , there will be major changes at the border from January 1 with new customs checks , with fears of long delays if businesses are not properly prepared for the new rules .
With less than two weeks to the changeover , the Commons Brexit Committee raised a series of concerns about the UK 's `` overall state of readiness '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said decisions had been made `` too late '' , while communications with businesses had been `` patchy at best '' .
Committee chair Hilary Benn said the Government still could not provide business , traders and citizens with `` certainty '' about what would happen .
DO N'T MISS Brexit warning : UK stuck in EU 'bureaucratic ' hell for years to come [ SPOTLIGHT ] Chances of securing Brexit deal collapse as EU issued stern warning [ FOCUS ] French fishermen vow to 'take ACTION ' over Brexit no deal @ @ @

Brexit: Peter Bone tells Michael Gove to 'stop talks' with the EU
Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are set to continue for the rest of the weekend with both sides still warning the the chances of agreement remain in the balance. Both Downing Street and the European Commission said the negotiations were still "ongoing", but that significant differences remained over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules.
The EU has made clear they do not want a fair free trade agreement John Redwood
But Mr Redwood said the EU was not interested in agreeing to a fair deal The Tory former minister tweeted: "The EU has made clear they do not want a fair free trade agreement. "They want to control our laws, stop us backing our business, and take our fish. "Time for an independent UK."
John Redwood said the EU was not interested in finding a fair Brexit deal
The European Parliament has been pressing for an agreement by Sunday so it can ratify any deal before the current Brexit transition period ends on December 31. But it is thought EU leaders could provisionally sign off on a deal if the talks go on beyond that point, with formal ratification taking place in the new year. In the UK, MPs are on standby to return to Westminster from their Christmas break if an agreement can be struck in the final days of the year. Boris Johnson and the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier have played down the prospects of a breakthrough. READ MORE:Brexit Live: Businesses told to make 'final preparations'
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John Redwood said it was now time for an independent UK
Boris Johnson has warned a Brexit deal is unlikely
The Prime Minister said the negotiations were proving "difficult" and called on the EU to "see sense" and to bring something new to the table. Earlier Mr Barnier told the European Parliament that the talks were approaching the "moment of truth" and that the path to an agreement was "very narrow". If the there is no deal by the December 31, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms - with the imposition of tariffs potentially leading to higher prices in the shops. Even with an agreement, there will be major changes at the border from January 1 with new customs checks, with fears of long delays if businesses are not properly prepared for the new rules.
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Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--Andrew Marr launches brutal rant against 'cowardly' Hancock 'taking away people's hopes!'

Andrew Marr accused the Government of lacking the courage to timely cancel plans for the Christmas relaxation of coronavirus restrictions .
Britons were told on Saturday the planned five-day easing of the rules would not happen because of COVID-19 infection rates rocketing out of control .
The Andrew Marr Show host challenged Health Secretary Matt Hancock to explain why Boris Johnson continued to claim Christmas plans would go ahead for days before `` taking away people 's hopes '' at the last minute .
Mr Marr said : `` What is really annoying people this morning is not what happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but what the Government was saying before .
`` After that exchange ( in Parliament ) with Keir Starmer , the Prime Minister and you were still calling upon people to self-isolate for five days before having their jolly Christmas at home .
`` Lots and lots of people closed the white van , parked it up or left their offices , and went home and self-isolated so they could go forward with the Christmas plans , which your Government had told them specifically they could have .
`` They were promised a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you and they did it .
That was a huge , huge mistake , was it not ?
You 've taken away the hopes of an awful lot of people for their Christmas . ''
JUST IN : Tier 4 till you get the VACCINE !
Hancock delivers horrifying Covid warning for Britons Mr Hancock attempted to defend the decision insisting it would be a `` mistake to ignore new scientific evidence '' as he reiterated the Government has been `` trying to learn '' more about the virus and `` balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to take .
The response however did not appease Mr Marr , who added : `` How much have you really learned , though ?
Because all the way through this there 's been a pattern of over-promising , of bolstering the level optimism .
`` We said , 'we 're going to get rid of this in 12 weeks , it 's going to be over by Christmas .
It 's going to be a normal Christmas , we 're going to get there . '
`` It 's as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cowardly to give people the really hard news when they need to hear it .
And then , at the last minute , you get all kinds of U-turns , a screech of breaks and it 's too late , and it feels chaotic as it did yesterday . ''
READ MORE : ‘ It ’ s irresponsible !
’ Hancock rages at Londoners fleeing capital ‘ There ’ s NEW evidence !
’ Mr Hancock , however , rejected the accusations and insisted the Government had to act because of the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some areas had to be contained .
The Conservative frontbencher continued : `` I simply think that is completely wrong .
`` I 'm sitting here and telling you , and the Prime Minister yesterday told the nation , that we have to bring in an effective lockdown in large swathes of England because of a new variant strain in order to save lives .
`` We 're saying we do n't know how long these measures will be in place , it may be for some time until we can get the @ @ @

Matt Hancock grilled over 'taking away hopes' by Andrew Marr
Andrew Marr accused the Government of lacking the courage to timely cancel plans for the Christmas relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. Britons were told on Saturday the planned five-day easing of the rules would not happen because of COVID-19 infection rates rocketing out of control. The Andrew Marr Show host challenged Health Secretary Matt Hancock to explain why Boris Johnson continued to claim Christmas plans would go ahead for days before "taking away people's hopes" at the last minute.
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Mr Marr said: "What is really annoying people this morning is not what happened yesterday, which people do understand, but what the Government was saying before. "After that exchange (in Parliament) with Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister and you were still calling upon people to self-isolate for five days before having their jolly Christmas at home. "Lots and lots of people closed the white van, parked it up or left their offices, and went home and self-isolated so they could go forward with the Christmas plans, which your Government had told them specifically they could have. "They were promised a certain kind of Christmas, they listened to you and they did it. That was a huge, huge mistake, was it not? You've taken away the hopes of an awful lot of people for their Christmas." JUST IN: Tier 4 till you get the VACCINE! Hancock delivers horrifying Covid warning for Britons
Andrew Marr launched into a scathing rant against the Government's Christmas decision
Andrew Marr told Matt Hancock people are "annoyed" with the conduct of the Government
Mr Hancock attempted to defend the decision insisting it would be a "mistake to ignore new scientific evidence" as he reiterated the Government has been "trying to learn" more about the virus and "balance the incredibly difficult decisions" ministers have had to take. The response however did not appease Mr Marr, who added: "How much have you really learned, though? Because all the way through this there's been a pattern of over-promising, of bolstering the level optimism. "We said, 'we're going to get rid of this in 12 weeks, it's going to be over by Christmas. It's going to be a normal Christmas, we're going to get there.' "It's as if this Government is too scared, too cowardly to give people the really hard news when they need to hear it. And then, at the last minute, you get all kinds of U-turns, a screech of breaks and it's too late, and it feels chaotic as it did yesterday." READ MORE: ‘It’s irresponsible!’ Hancock rages at Londoners fleeing capital ‘There’s NEW evidence!’
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Tier 4: Matt Hancock on chances of restrictions being lifted
Matt Hancock insisted it is "not easy" for the Government to announce further restrictions
Mr Hancock, however, rejected the accusations and insisted the Government had to act because of the impact the new strain of COVID-19 reported in some areas had to be contained. The Conservative frontbencher continued: "I simply think that is completely wrong. "I'm sitting here and telling you, and the Prime Minister yesterday told the nation, that we have to bring in an effective lockdown in large swathes of England because of a new variant strain in order to save lives. "We're saying we don't know how long these measures will be in place, it may be for some time until we can get the vaccine going.
Tier 4 was rolled out in London and across southeast England


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--BBC's Marr schools Lisa Nandy on Labour's own lockdown demands - 'You never said that!'

The BBC 's Andrew Marr accused the Labour Party of rewriting history , after Lisa Nandy suggested that Labour wanted @ @ @ @ @ before Boris Johnson acted .
This comes as a new strict lockdown has come into @ @ @ @ @ of east and south-east England , and Wales .
A new tier four has been @ @ @ @ @ battle a new variant of coronavirus , which has caused cases to soar .
Lisa @ @ @ @ @ that Labour wanted to cancel Christmas days before Boris Johnson did so .
This promoted @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm sorry but when did you as a Labour Party say that Christmas @ @ @ @ @ , be cancelled ?
`` You never said that , did you ? ''
Ms @ @ @ @ @ Monday in the House of Commons , the Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth asked the @ @ @ @ @ . ''
JUST IN : Tier 4 till you get the VACCINE !
Hancock delivers @ @

Christmas: Nandy grilled by Marr over Labour’s lockdown stance
The BBC's Andrew Marr accused the Labour Party of rewriting history, after Lisa Nandy suggested that Labour wanted Christmas to be cancelled days before Boris Johnson acted. This comes as a new strict lockdown has come into force in London, parts of east and south-east England, and Wales. A new tier four has been introduced in south-east England to battle a new variant of coronavirus, which has caused cases to soar.
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Lisa Nandy argued on the BBC that Labour wanted to cancel Christmas days before Boris Johnson did so. This promoted Mr Marr to intervene: "I'm sorry but when did you as a Labour Party say that Christmas should, as it were, be cancelled? "You never said that, did you?" Ms Nandy responded: "On Monday in the House of Commons, the Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth asked the Government to revise the plans." JUST IN: Tier 4 till you get the VACCINE! Hancock delivers horrifying warning
The BBC's Andrew Marr claimed that the Labour Party never called for Christmas to be cancelled
Andrew Marr challenged Lisa Nandy on Labour's own Christmas lockdown stance
The BBC host interrupted the Labour MP, saying: "That was very different though!" She responded: "On Wednesday, Keir Starmer urged the PM to act, to tighten up the restrictions and he was mocked for doing so. "On Friday, Keir Starmer said Wales showed how serious this had got, and that it was clear Christmas restrictions must be toughened up." Mr Johnson has repeatedly mocked Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as 'Captain Hindsight' during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Nandy blamed the Government for presiding over chaos in the pandemic
Brexit: Clara Ponsatí Obiols calls for Scotland to rejoin EU
Hancock said that everyone who lives in a tier four area 'must behave as if they have the virus'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--Tier 4 till you get the VACCINE! Hancock delivers horrifying Covid warning for Britons

Tier 4 restrictions had to be introduced across London and southeast England as coronavirus infection rates spiralled out of control .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock was confronted about the length of time the rules will remain in place , with Sky News host Sophy Ridge suggesting people in Tier 4 `` will not be coming out anytime soon . ''
Mr Hancock appeared to suggest the end of the restrictions will depend on the speed at which the COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out .
Ms Ridge said : `` Just to prepare ourselves is it likely if you are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in a Tier 4 area until the vaccine is rolled out ?
” The Health Secretary replied : `` Given how much faster this new variant spreads it ’ s going to be very difficult to keep it under control until the vaccine ’ s rolled out .
`` We 're really got to get this under control and the cases in the Tier 4 areas , as you 've seen from the graphs that have been presented , have absolutely rocketed in the last few days .
`` We 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
Essentially , we 've got to get that vaccine rolled out to get people safe . ''
JUST IN : London CHAOS : Stations packed as Londoners flee before city goes into Tier 4 TODAY Asked whether Tier 4 restrictions may be extended to other parts of the UK , Mr Hancock said the Government is hoping to contain the spread of the virus with the stay at home order in place from Sunday .
The Conservative frontbencher continued : `` One of the reasons we brought in very strict travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 4 area , you should stay at home , is to try and prevent this from spreading across the rest of the country and , indeed , to other parts of the country who do n't already have it .
`` We 're trying to protect the rest of the country because under the old variant Tier 3 restrictions were working , and you can see that in several parts of England .
`` We want to restrict the spread of this as well as stopping out it from spreading in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' READ MORE : Macron warned over mistake of 'historic proportions ' if he does n't cave quick Mr Hancock also launched an appeal to Britons residing in Tier 4 areas to behave as if `` you have the virus '' and remain indoor after Londoners were filmed packing train stations in a bid to leave the capital before restrictions came in .
He said : `` What is really important is that people not only follow the new rule but everybody in a Tier 4 area acts as if you have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
`` We know with this new variant you can catch it more easily from a small amount of the virus being present .
`` All of the different measures we have in place , we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old variant .
That is the fundamental problem . ''
DO N'T MISS What time is Boris Johnson speaking ?
Press conference with Prof Whitty [ JUST IN ] COVID-19 lockdown rules are KILLING PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid mutant strain DOES spread quicker as WHO alerted by UK [ DATA ]

Tier 4: Matt Hancock on chances of restrictions being lifted
Tier 4 restrictions had to be introduced across London and southeast England as coronavirus infection rates spiralled out of control. Health Secretary Matt Hancock was confronted about the length of time the rules will remain in place, with Sky News host Sophy Ridge suggesting people in Tier 4 "will not be coming out anytime soon." Mr Hancock appeared to suggest the end of the restrictions will depend on the speed at which the COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out.
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Ms Ridge said: "Just to prepare ourselves is it likely if you are in a Tier 4 area to you will be in a Tier 4 area until the vaccine is rolled out?” The Health Secretary replied: "Given how much faster this new variant spreads it’s going to be very difficult to keep it under control until the vaccine’s rolled out. "We're really got to get this under control and the cases in the Tier 4 areas, as you've seen from the graphs that have been presented, have absolutely rocketed in the last few days. "We've got a long way to go to sort this. Essentially, we've got to get that vaccine rolled out to get people safe." JUST IN: London CHAOS: Stations packed as Londoners flee before city goes into Tier 4 TODAY
Tier 4 restrictions could be in place until the coronavirus vaccine is fully rolled out
Matt Hancock said it will be hard to keep the virus "under control"
Asked whether Tier 4 restrictions may be extended to other parts of the UK, Mr Hancock said the Government is hoping to contain the spread of the virus with the stay at home order in place from Sunday. The Conservative frontbencher continued: "One of the reasons we brought in very strict travel restrictions saying you shouldn't leave a Tier 4 area, you should stay at home, is to try and prevent this from spreading across the rest of the country and, indeed, to other parts of the country who don't already have it. "We're trying to protect the rest of the country because under the old variant Tier 3 restrictions were working, and you can see that in several parts of England. "We want to restrict the spread of this as well as stopping out it from spreading in the areas where it's already rife." READ MORE: Macron warned over mistake of 'historic proportions' if he doesn't cave quick
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St Pancras: London passengers fill train station ahead of Tier 4
Tier 4 restrictions have been introduced in London and across the southeast of England
Mr Hancock also launched an appeal to Britons residing in Tier 4 areas to behave as if "you have the virus" and remain indoor after Londoners were filmed packing train stations in a bid to leave the capital before restrictions came in. He said: "What is really important is that people not only follow the new rule but everybody in a Tier 4 area acts as if you have the virus to stop spreading it to other people. "We know with this new variant you can catch it more easily from a small amount of the virus being present. "All of the different measures we have in place, we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old variant. That is the fundamental problem." DON'T MISS
What time is Boris Johnson speaking? Press conference with Prof Whitty [JUST IN]
COVID-19 lockdown rules are KILLING PM, says JUDY FINNIGAN [COMMENT]
Covid mutant strain DOES spread quicker as WHO alerted by UK [DATA]
Coronavirus infection rates have been rising across most of the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--French fishermen to 'take action' to stop no deal catastrophe as 'Brexit will wipe us out'

France emerged as one of the firmest opponents to demands from Britain to regain full control of its fishing waters once the Brexit transition period ends at the end of December .
Boris Johnson and his Government have already warned a no deal scenario will automatically result in EU vessels losing their right to fish in British waters .
French fishermen have however warned they are prepared to `` take action '' to ensure there is no limit to the number of vessels authorised to enter UK fishing areas .
Asked about the prospect of a no deal Brexit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We just wo n't accept it .
`` For now we have n't said much because I think we still had hope but if we end up with a no deal , we will all take action . ''
Mr Merlin insisted failure to secure an agreement with the UK would result in the decimation of the fleet in Boulogne-sur-Mer .
He continued : `` It would be a catastrophe for French fishermen and for those of us with smaller fishing boats .
Our business will be killed off .
JUST IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris told Red Wall voters will stick with Tories if action take '' I absolutely believe that of the 30 boats operating here , in two years there will only be 10 left .
That 's for sure . ''
Representatives from the French fishing industry have also warned fishermen are prepared to launch a blockade to prevent UK boats from selling their catch into the European market .
A large portion of fish caught in UK waters by British vessels is currently being sold across the European Union and the earnings contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to The Fishing Daily .
Olivier Leprêtre from the Fishermen 's Union Northern France said keeping out European vessels from UK waters could result in retaliation .
READ MORE : UK urged to stamp out ‘ ILLEGAL asset stripping ’ fishing in British waters after Brexit Mr Leprêtre said : `` If French fishermen ca n't go into UK waters , we 'll be in a complicated situation .
`` Because their catch goes to be sold here and fishermen here say they wo n't allow British fish to be sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have remained a key point of contention between the UK and the EU , with both sides refusing to budge on their red lines .
Michel Barnier is reported to have increased his fishing proposal in a bid to push London into agreeing to a trade deal before the end of the transition period on December 31 .
DO N'T MISS Joe Biden to boost Macron 's plan to DETHRONE City of London [ EXCLUSIVE ] EU chaos : Macron could go against bloc 's rules to appease rival [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'anti-democratic ' talks [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: French fisherman says no deal would be a 'catastrophe'
France emerged as one of the firmest opponents to demands from Britain to regain full control of its fishing waters once the Brexit transition period ends at the end of December. Boris Johnson and his Government have already warned a no deal scenario will automatically result in EU vessels losing their right to fish in British waters. French fishermen have however warned they are prepared to "take action" to ensure there is no limit to the number of vessels authorised to enter UK fishing areas.
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Asked about the prospect of a no deal Brexit, trawler Laurent Merlin told Sky News: "We just won't accept it. "For now we haven't said much because I think we still had hope but if we end up with a no deal, we will all take action." Mr Merlin insisted failure to secure an agreement with the UK would result in the decimation of the fleet in Boulogne-sur-Mer. He continued: "It would be a catastrophe for French fishermen and for those of us with smaller fishing boats. Our business will be killed off. JUST IN: BBC licence fee must go! Boris told Red Wall voters will stick with Tories if action take
France has maintained a hard stance towards the UK during Brexit talks
France news: Fisherman Laurent Merlin warned he and colleagues are ready "to take action"
"I absolutely believe that of the 30 boats operating here, in two years there will only be 10 left. That's for sure." Representatives from the French fishing industry have also warned fishermen are prepared to launch a blockade to prevent UK boats from selling their catch into the European market. A large portion of fish caught in UK waters by British vessels is currently being sold across the European Union and the earnings contribute an estimated £1.4 billion to the economy, according to The Fishing Daily. Olivier Leprêtre from the Fishermen's Union Northern France said keeping out European vessels from UK waters could result in retaliation. READ MORE: UK urged to stamp out ‘ILLEGAL asset stripping’ fishing in British waters after Brexit
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Brexit: French mayor says EU is 'right to stand firm' on fisheries
France news: No deal Brexit would be a "catastrophe" for the French fishing industry
Mr Leprêtre said: "If French fishermen can't go into UK waters, we'll be in a complicated situation. "Because their catch goes to be sold here and fishermen here say they won't allow British fish to be sold on the European market." Fisheries have remained a key point of contention between the UK and the EU, with both sides refusing to budge on their red lines. Michel Barnier is reported to have increased his fishing proposal in a bid to push London into agreeing to a trade deal before the end of the transition period on December 31. DON'T MISS
Joe Biden to boost Macron's plan to DETHRONE City of London [EXCLUSIVE]
EU chaos: Macron could go against bloc's rules to appease rival [ANALYSIS]
Brexit: Marine Le Pen's verdict on 'anti-democratic' talks [INSIGHT]
France is highly dependent on British fishing waters


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--‘Out the window!’ Hardline Macron making Brexit trade talks ‘difficult’ as deal on brink

Trade talks are continuing in Brussels over the weekend , but UK sources told this publication it was looking increasingly likely the Brexit transition period will end on December 31 without an agreement .
The hardline position taken by Mr Barnier , Express.co.uk understands , was influenced by EU coastal states including Belgium as well as France where President Macron and French officials told Mr Barnier to stick to a “ hardline approach ” .
Clément Beaune , France 's Europe minister , told France Inter radio : “ It is something [ Brexit talks ] he [ Mr Macron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for France . ''
A Whitehall source close to the negotiations told Express.co.uk a deal “ appeared to be out the window ” but stressed there was still some “ hope ” .
They added : `` The EU needs to change position , it 's the coastal nations which are making this difficult . ''
Fisheries remain the core issue between both sides which EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier is attempting to get the UK side to give in on .
Despite the fishing industry accounting for only a tiny proportion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it carries huge political resonance on both sides of the Channel .
The European Parliament has set a deadline of Sunday evening if it is to ratify any deal before the transition ends but the deadline is expected to be missed .
MEPs have hinted however they could provisionally sign off on an agreement which could lead to ratification in 2021 .
UK sources also accused the EU of making `` unreasonable '' demands on issues such as fisheries and fair competition rules and warned a deal would fail unless there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A UK Government source said : `` We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for .
`` Unfortunately , the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence .
READ MORE : EU attacked after missing targets to protect exploitation of fish '' We can not accept a deal that does n't leave us in control of our own laws or waters .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an agreement , but without a substantial shift from the commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms on December 31 . ''
The position was backed by Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney who claimed there could be a large stand-off over fishing .
Mr Coveney , said : “ I do n't see this being agreed easily in the next 24 hours .
“ We may see a standoff over fish .
DO N'T MISS : MEPs admit no deal Brexit would DESTROY European fishing towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal collapse as EU issued stern warning [ INSIGHT ] PM urges EU to drop hardline demands on eve of deadline in trade talk [ LATEST ]

Brexit: EU 'wouldn't take us on' over fisheries says Mummery
Trade talks are continuing in Brussels over the weekend, but UK sources told this publication it was looking increasingly likely the Brexit transition period will end on December 31 without an agreement. The hardline position taken by Mr Barnier, Express.co.uk understands, was influenced by EU coastal states including Belgium as well as France where President Macron and French officials told Mr Barnier to stick to a “hardline approach”.
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Clément Beaune, France's Europe minister, told France Inter radio: “It is something [Brexit talks] he [Mr Macron] follows very closely and is very important for France." A Whitehall source close to the negotiations told Express.co.uk a deal “appeared to be out the window” but stressed there was still some “hope”. They added: "The EU needs to change position, it's the coastal nations which are making this difficult." Fisheries remain the core issue between both sides which EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier is attempting to get the UK side to give in on. Despite the fishing industry accounting for only a tiny proportion of the EU and UK economies, it carries huge political resonance on both sides of the Channel.
Brexit talks continue this weekend
Michel Barnier is retaining a hardline on fishing
The European Parliament has set a deadline of Sunday evening if it is to ratify any deal before the transition ends but the deadline is expected to be missed. MEPs have hinted however they could provisionally sign off on an agreement which could lead to ratification in 2021. UK sources also accused the EU of making "unreasonable" demands on issues such as fisheries and fair competition rules and warned a deal would fail unless there is a "substantial shift" by the EU. A UK Government source said: "We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for. "Unfortunately, the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence. READ MORE: EU attacked after missing targets to protect exploitation of fish
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The EU Parliament's deadline is today
"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters. "We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms on December 31." The position was backed by Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney who claimed there could be a large stand-off over fishing. Mr Coveney, said: “I don't see this being agreed easily in the next 24 hours. “We may see a standoff over fish. DON'T MISS:
MEPs admit no deal Brexit would DESTROY European fishing towns [REVEAL]
Chances of securing Brexit deal collapse as EU issued stern warning [INSIGHT]
PM urges EU to drop hardline demands on eve of deadline in trade talk [LATEST]
UK officials have warned the UK side will not cave into the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--Brexit LIVE: Macron warned over mistake of 'historic proportions' if he doesn't cave quick

UK sources believe Mr Macron is willing to accept a no deal Brexit for his own political purposes , with the French Presidential election looming .
He hopes his tough stance in the negotiations will give him a boost in the polls .
The French politician also believes the UK will end up coming back to the negotiating table in the New Year as a no deal will prove particularly chaotic for Britain .
But a source close to the talks has insisted such an opinion is a huge miscalculation by the French President .
They told the Sunday Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks that , he ’ s making a miscalculation of historic proportions .
We can not accept a deal that doesn ’ t leave us in charge of our own waters.
” The two sides have yet to break the impasse ahead of the transition period ending on December 31 .
Talks are continuing in Brussels this weekend but UK sources say it is increasingly likely that an agreement will not be reached in time .
A Government source said there will not be a deal unless there is a “ substantial shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The European Parliament has said there must be a deal by Sunday evening to allow time for it to be ratified before the end of the transition period .
Britain insisted on Sunday that the European Union should shift position to open the way for a breakthrough in post-Brexit trade talks , with health minister Matt Hancock saying on Sunday the bloc should drop its `` unreasonable demands '' .
The Health Secretary told SkyNews : `` We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion , of course I want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
`` Unfortunately , the EU have put in some unreasonable demands ...
They do not respect the result of the referendum ...
I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side . ''
12.43pm update : Meddling MEP uses Brexit debate in Brussels to call for Scotland to break away from UK An MEP used the European Parliament 's Brexit debate on Friday to call for an accelerated pathway to enable Scotland to join the EU .
The MEP Clara Ponsati Obiols told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be given an accelerated pathway to join the EU .
The stunning remarks from the Catalan MEP came during a debate on in the Brussels Parliament on the Future Relations between the EU and the UK .
Ms Obiols said that she hopes to see an independent Scottish nation break off from the UK and join the EU `` soon '' as the SNP ramps up calls for another referendum .
She said : `` The difficulty to get this agreement should be a lesson for us in the future .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own potential and strength , we should see no fear in becoming more open and flexible , both to enter and to leave .
`` The EU needs a clarity act to lay the ground for an orderly exit of any member-states with a mandate to leave , and establish clear paths into the EU .
`` A path that we hope our fellow Scottish friends will follow soon . ''
12pm update : Brexit POLL : Should MPs cancel Christmas break to ensure Brexit legislation is ready ?
Brexit negotiations have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the transition period fast approaching .
Should MPs end their Christmas break early in order to prepare Brexit legislation ?
Downing Street has also warned MPs to be ready to cut their Christmas recess short in order to return to the House of Commons to vote on a deal .
House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs on Thursday : `` Subject to the House 's decision later , we will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business today but MPs will recognise that talks with the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be secured , it is the Government 's intention to request a recall in order that Parliament may pass the necessary legislation .
`` Parliament has and continues to do its duty , and has long shown it can act quickly and decisively when needed .
`` I 'm sure the whole House will agree the country would expect nothing less . ''
11.05am update : ‘ Brexit is DONE ’ Remainer Adonis sparks backlash after calling for EU exit to be cancelled A Labour peer has been ridiculed after saying the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be cancelled ” nearly 11 months after the country actually left the bloc .
Lord Andrew Adonis ’ intervention came as the UK and the EU entered a crucial stage of trade negotiations .
MEPs have said they would need to see the terms of any trade pact by Sunday evening if they are going to be able to ratify it before December 31 , when the Brexit transition ends .
As the talks dragged on without a deal in sight , Lord Adonis argued that Brexit should be scrapped completely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 31 .
Shortly after Boris Johnson cancelled Christmas gatherings for millions of Britons , Lord Adonis tweeted : “ We should now be cancelling Brexit.
” The peer ’ s words were ripped apart by social media users .
One person responded : “ The UK left the EU on 31-Jan-2020 .
It is no longer a member state .
Brexit has happened , time can not be rewritten .
You know this .
Why continue the deceit ?
” A second person pointed out that Britain would need to reapply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into the club .
France ’ s fishermen threatening to launch a blockade against British vessels in the event of a no deal Brexit saw their warning ridiculed and thrashed as former MEP June Mummery insisted `` we will defend our waters . ''
Continental trawlermen and fishermen have threatened to impose a blockade on their British counterparts should the negotiations conclude in a no deal scenario and leave them without any right of access to UK waters .
But former Brexit Party MEP mocked threats from the French and insisted any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be punished by law .
Speaking to Express.co.uk , Ms Mummery said : `` There 's laws of the seas , are n't there ?
`` They might just stick their chests out for a couple of weeks and they try .
But there are laws and there are rules .
`` That 's just idle ... just blowing off like they usually do .
They wo n't take us on . ''
Boris Johnson has been urged to soften his negotiating tactics with the EU as trade talks entered a crucial phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shellfish exporters are “ terrified ” of the prospect of being pushed under by the effects of a no deal Brexit .
Jerry Percy , chief executive of New Under Ten Fishermen ’ s Association ( NUTFA ) , said many members who export their live catch to the continent would suffer heavily in the event of a no deal outcome .
The group represents small-scale fishermen - specifically those who operate vessels under 10m – across the length and breadth of the UK .
Mr Percy urged Mr Johnson to strike a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to the European market for fish exporters , which he admitted would require a level of compromise on fishing rights in UK seas .
The fishing boss told Express.co.uk : “ The concern we have is that thousands of small boats are reliant on those EU markets for live shellfish .
“ If we play hardball right to the end and yes , we might be able to kick all the European boats out , but we then lose our markets for thousands of boats big and small that rely on getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s got to be some sort of negotiation here that seeks to find a common cause between everybody .
“ We need to rebalance our access to our own resources quite significantly and if we get more , that means Europeans get less .
I think there needs to be a level of compromise here.
” Whitehall has hit out at Emmanuel Macron over the EU 's strict stance in trade talks with just days remaining in Brexit negotiations .
The hardline position taken by Mr Barnier , Express.co.uk understands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Belgium as well as France where President Macron and French officials told Mr Barnier to stick to a “ hardline approach ” .
Clément Beaune , France 's Europe minister , told France Inter radio : “ It is something [ Brexit talks ] he [ Mr Macron ] follows very closely and is very important for France . ''
A Whitehall source close to the negotiations told Express.co.uk a deal “ appeared to be out the window ” but stressed there was still some “ hope ” .
They added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's the coastal nations which are making this difficult . ''
Fisheries remain the core issue between both sides which EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier is attempting to get the UK side to give in on .
8.44am update : Last chance !
Boris threatens EU with final Brexit deadline for deal Boris Johnson has threatened to end trade talks and leave without a Brexit deal unless an agreement is signed by next week .
With time running out for a deal to be agreed , UK sources have stated talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period ending in 11 days , it is thought the EU has not moved on its demands for continued access to the UK ’ s waters .
Due to the EU ’ s intransigence , UK officials still believe a no deal Brexit is the most likely outcome for the two sides .
One source told The Sun : “ One way or another , it ’ ll all be over by Christmas.
” 8.08am update : Brussels infighting explodes as EU fishing chiefs lash out at Barnier 's Brexit 'sell-out ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit talks , arguing that the EU has already compromised too much on fisheries as negotiations over a deal continue .
EU fishing chiefs are furious at Michel Barnier 's decision to increase his offer to the British , amid a surprise Brussels pushback against the chief negotiator .
The mayor of the biggest French fishing port Boulogne Sur Mer told France24 that it was right to `` stand firm '' against the British demands .
Frederic Cuvellier said that the UK `` depends on EU consumers and not just for its fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So the EU is right to stand firm in these negotiations .
It has to go both ways . ''

Brexit: French mayor says EU is 'right to stand firm' on fisheries
With less than a month until the end of the transition period on December 31, both sides have been stuck on issues including fishing, governance and the so-called level playing field. But now the EU's chief Brexit negotiator has said the EU remains “committed” to a “fair, reciprocal and balanced” agreement.
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Mr Barnier tweeted today: “In this crucial moment for the negotiations, we continue to work hard with @DavidGHFrost and his team. “The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal & balanced agreement. We respect the sovereignty of the UK. And we expect the same. “Both EU and UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. “And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake.”
Barnier warns of ‘crucial moment’ as EU demands 'sovereignty respected'
The two sides have yet to break the impasse ahead of the transition period ending on December 31. Talks are continuing in Brussels this weekend but UK sources say it is increasingly likely that an agreement will not be reached in time. A Government source said there will not be a deal unless there is a “substantial shift” from Brussels in the coming days. The European Parliament has said there must be a deal by Sunday evening to allow time for it to be ratified before the end of the transition period. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
10.35pm update: Britons lash out at EU as Brexit trade talks left in chaos - ‘Barnier can’t negotiate!' Britons have lashed out at both the EU and Michel Barnier after Brexit trade talks fell into chaos as no deal was agreed by Sunday's deadline. The EU is refusing to back down over hard-line demands on fishing and rules covering industrial subsidies. Negotiations are expected to continue through this week and beyond. MEPs passed a deadline claiming EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier must present them with the trade agreement by December 21. 9.35pm update: MEP to hold urgent meeting to 'assess the situation' David McAllister to hold meeting tomorrow to “assess the situation” of Brexit negotiations The MEP tweeted: “1.After intensive negotiations this week, there is still no clarity whether an agreement for the future UK-EU relations will be reached or not. “2: The European Parliament‘s Conference of Presidents expressed its readiness to organise an extraordinary plenary session for Parliament's consent, provided that an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday 20 Dec. “3: We have just learned that there will be no agreement today. Therefore, the European Parliament will not be in a position to grant consent to an agreement this year. “4: I am convening an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament‘s UK Coordination Group tomorrow morning at 9:45 to assess the situation and discuss the next steps.” 8.25pm update: Both sides urge each other to back down on negotiations Britain insisted on Sunday that the European Union should shift position to open the way to a post-Brexit trade pact, drawing a swift response from the bloc's negotiator defending the union's right to protect its interests. Negotiations are expected to continue on Monday, beyond a Sunday deadline set by the European Parliament, and a senior British government source described them as "difficult" because of the "significant differences" in position. With less than two weeks before Britain leaves the EU's orbit, both sides are calling on the other to move to secure a deal and safeguard annual trade in goods from tariffs and quotas but so far, neither has budged far enough for a breakthrough. Talks to reach a deal have been largely hamstrung over two issues - the bloc's fishing rights in British waters and creating a so-called level playing field providing fair competition rules for both sides. British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday morning the bloc should drop its "unreasonable demands". "We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion, of course I want a deal, I think everybody wants a deal," Hancock told Sky News. "Unfortunately, the EU have put in some unreasonable demands ... I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side." Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 and has been in a status-quo transition period since then. That expires at the end of the year when Britain will leave the bloc's customs union and single market. EU negotiator Michel Barnier said talks with UK counterpart David Frost were at a "crucial" point on Sunday. "The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement. We respect the sovereignty of the UK. And we expect the same," he said. "Both the EU and the UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake." The EU wants to be able to impose trade barriers in the event that Britain changes its regulations in the future and undercuts the bloc's market of 450 million consumers.
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Brexit negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier
7.50pm update: Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are expected to continue on Monday, a UK Government source has said. The source said the discussions in Brussels had been "difficult" and that "significant differences" remained between the two sides on fisheries and state aid rules. "Teams have been negotiating throughout the day and expect to continue tomorrow. Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain," the source said. "We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations." 6.30pm update: Brexit deadline MISSED: EU trade talks in chaos and could now stretch through Christmas Deadlocked Brexit trade talks are set to run into the Christmas holidays after negotiators missed another deadline for wrapping up the treaty talks. British and Brussels diplomats remained at loggerhead with the EU refusing to back down over hard-line demands on fishing and rules covering industrial subsidies. The epic wrangle is now expected to continue throughout this week and beyond after the two sides look set to fail to come to an agreement in time for tonight's deadline set by MEPs for ratifying a deal by the end of the year.
AC Grayling calls for Brexit extension
6pm update: Brexit breakthrough: Barnier finally admits UK needs to ‘control OWN waters’ - EU to cave? The EU has hinted it could be about to cave in Brexit talks as chief negotiator Michel Barnier admitted the UK needs to "control own waters" as trade talks are set to reach a crucial moment today. Mr Barnier said today the EU remained committed to achieving "a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement" but said both sides needed to be able to act when their interests were at stake. His comments came after a UK Government source warned that the negotiations would fail unless there was a "substantial shift" in the EU's position in the remaining days of the talks. The British side has accused the EU of making "unreasonable demands" by not backing down over fishing rights and fair competition rules amid the end of the transition period ending on December 31. 5.50pm update: AC Grayling says Brexit should be extended a year Philosopher AC Grayling has called for Brexit to be “put on hold for a year”. He tweeted: "Brexit needs to be put on hold for a year - and in that time we need another referendum on whether we continue with this madness. "Covid had proved definitively - as if proof were needed - that Brexit is lunacy."
Brexit news: Fishing remains a topic of contention in the trade talks
5.15pm update: Britain insists the EU should budge to open way to new trade pact Britain insisted on Sunday that the European Union should budge to open the way to a new, post-Brexit trade pact, drawing a swift response from the bloc's negotiator defending the union's right to protect its interests. With less than two weeks before Britain leaves the EU's orbit, both sides are calling on the other to move to secure a deal and safeguard almost a trillion dollars worth of annual trade from tariffs and quotas. Talks to reach a trade deal have been largely hamstrung over two issues - the bloc's fishing rights in British waters and creating a so-called level playing field providing fair competition rules for both sides. British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday the bloc should drop its "unreasonable demands". "We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion, of course I want a deal, I think everybody wants a deal," Hancock told Sky News. "Unfortunately, the EU have put in some unreasonable demands ... I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side." 4.10pm update: EU fishing chairman lashes out at Barnier’s deal Michel Barnier has been told by the chairman of the European Fisheries Alliance his latest offer to the UK would be unacceptable. Gerard van Balsfoort, the chairman of the European Fisheries Alliance, representing the industry in coastal states such as France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, said the terms already offered would involve “unprecedented” and unacceptable cuts. He said: “The shape of a deal, as currently stands, would give a huge blow to the European seafood sector which is made up more than 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels with an annual turnover of €20.7bn. “Our industry is literally and metaphorically on the brink and in spite of repeated promises made, we are in the throes of being sold down the river with the offer made to the United Kingdom by the European commission. “The more so when the fisheries negotiations with the UK are intended to start all over again after only six or seven years.”
3.30pm update: EU poised to trigger no deal TONIGHT: Brexit talks to collapse over Brussels' deadline The European Union is poised to trigger a no deal tonight as Brexit talks collapse over Brussels’ deadline. The UK formally left the EU back in January and negotiations have been ongoing in order to secure a deal before the end of the transition period on December 31. But both sides are still unable to come to an agreement on fishing, governance and the level playing field. But now, a UK source has said the EU has a deadline today which could trigger a no deal outcome. One UK source told Express.co.uk: “No deal remains the likeliest outcome.” They added: “The EU have said that they have a deadline today. “For our part, we are prepared to keep talking while it remains possible to agree a deal this year." 3pm update: Steven Brown takes over from Emily Ferguson 2.37pm update: Labour hints it will back a Brexit deal Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said that Labour "would be minded" to support a Brexit deal but that the Government needed to "get its act together". She told Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "We'd be minded to back it but we don't know what will be in it. We want to see that deal first. "We don't trust that the Prime Minister will come back with a deal that's in the national interest, but we've always said that we think a deal is absolutely essential and no deal would be a disaster. "What we hope is that the Government gets its act together in these last 11 days and make sure there is a deal - making sure people aren't waking up on January 1 in the middle of a global pandemic with all of the chaos a no-deal Brexit would bring.”
Brexit news: A trade deal has still not been reached
2pm update: Britain insists EU should move in Brexit trade talks Britain insisted on Sunday that the European Union should shift position to open the way for a breakthrough in post-Brexit trade talks, with health minister Matt Hancock saying on Sunday the bloc should drop its "unreasonable demands". The Health Secretary told SkyNews: "We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion, of course I want a deal, I think everybody wants a deal. "Unfortunately, the EU have put in some unreasonable demands ... They do not respect the result of the referendum ... I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side." 12.43pm update: Meddling MEP uses Brexit debate in Brussels to call for Scotland to break away from UK An MEP used the European Parliament's Brexit debate on Friday to call for an accelerated pathway to enable Scotland to join the EU. The MEP Clara Ponsati Obiols told the European Parliament on Friday that Scotland should be given an accelerated pathway to join the EU. The stunning remarks from the Catalan MEP came during a debate on in the Brussels Parliament on the Future Relations between the EU and the UK. Ms Obiols said that she hopes to see an independent Scottish nation break off from the UK and join the EU "soon" as the SNP ramps up calls for another referendum. She said: "The difficulty to get this agreement should be a lesson for us in the future. "If the EU is convinced of its own potential and strength, we should see no fear in becoming more open and flexible, both to enter and to leave. "The EU needs a clarity act to lay the ground for an orderly exit of any member-states with a mandate to leave, and establish clear paths into the EU. "A path that we hope our fellow Scottish friends will follow soon." 12pm update: Brexit POLL: Should MPs cancel Christmas break to ensure Brexit legislation is ready? Brexit negotiations have now reached a critical point with the end of the transition period fast approaching. Should MPs end their Christmas break early in order to prepare Brexit legislation? Downing Street has also warned MPs to be ready to cut their Christmas recess short in order to return to the House of Commons to vote on a deal. House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs on Thursday: "Subject to the House's decision later, we will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business today but MPs will recognise that talks with the European Union continue. "Should a deal be secured, it is the Government's intention to request a recall in order that Parliament may pass the necessary legislation. "Parliament has and continues to do its duty, and has long shown it can act quickly and decisively when needed. "I'm sure the whole House will agree the country would expect nothing less."
Brexit talks have gone down to the wire with just a few days left to agree a deal
11.05am update: ‘Brexit is DONE’ Remainer Adonis sparks backlash after calling for EU exit to be cancelled A Labour peer has been ridiculed after saying the UK’s exit from the EU “should be cancelled” nearly 11 months after the country actually left the bloc. Lord Andrew Adonis’ intervention came as the UK and the EU entered a crucial stage of trade negotiations. MEPs have said they would need to see the terms of any trade pact by Sunday evening if they are going to be able to ratify it before December 31, when the Brexit transition ends. As the talks dragged on without a deal in sight, Lord Adonis argued that Brexit should be scrapped completely, seemingly ignoring the fact that it happened on January 31. Shortly after Boris Johnson cancelled Christmas gatherings for millions of Britons, Lord Adonis tweeted: “We should now be cancelling Brexit.” The peer’s words were ripped apart by social media users. One person responded: “The UK left the EU on 31-Jan-2020. It is no longer a member state. Brexit has happened, time cannot be rewritten. You know this. Why continue the deceit?” A second person pointed out that Britain would need to reapply for membership if it wanted to get back into the club. 10.29am update: France naval war threats mocked after fishermen threaten no deal block France’s fishermen threatening to launch a blockade against British vessels in the event of a no deal Brexit saw their warning ridiculed and thrashed as former MEP June Mummery insisted "we will defend our waters." Continental trawlermen and fishermen have threatened to impose a blockade on their British counterparts should the negotiations conclude in a no deal scenario and leave them without any right of access to UK waters. But former Brexit Party MEP mocked threats from the French and insisted any illegal attempts to bloc UK vessels will be punished by law. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ms Mummery said: "There's laws of the seas, aren't there? "They might just stick their chests out for a couple of weeks and they try. But there are laws and there are rules. "That's just idle...just blowing off like they usually do. They won't take us on." 9.37am update: Boris Johnson issued last-minute fishing warning from ‘terrified' skippers Boris Johnson has been urged to soften his negotiating tactics with the EU as trade talks entered a crucial phase, with a fishing boss warning that shellfish exporters are “terrified” of the prospect of being pushed under by the effects of a no deal Brexit. Jerry Percy, chief executive of New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association (NUTFA), said many members who export their live catch to the continent would suffer heavily in the event of a no deal outcome. The group represents small-scale fishermen - specifically those who operate vessels under 10m – across the length and breadth of the UK. Mr Percy urged Mr Johnson to strike a deal with Brussels which would ensure continued access to the European market for fish exporters, which he admitted would require a level of compromise on fishing rights in UK seas. The fishing boss told Express.co.uk: “The concern we have is that thousands of small boats are reliant on those EU markets for live shellfish. “If we play hardball right to the end and yes, we might be able to kick all the European boats out, but we then lose our markets for thousands of boats big and small that rely on getting our live catch over to Europe. “There’s got to be some sort of negotiation here that seeks to find a common cause between everybody. “We need to rebalance our access to our own resources quite significantly and if we get more, that means Europeans get less. I think there needs to be a level of compromise here.”
Brexit news: How a trade deal will be signed off


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--Brussels infighting explodes as EU fishing chiefs lash out at Barnier's Brexit 'sell-out'

EU fishing chiefs are furious at Michel Barnier 's decision to increase his offer to the British , amid a surprise Brussels pushback against the chief negotiator .
The mayor of the biggest French fishing port Boulogne Sur Mer told France24 that it was right to `` stand firm '' against the British demands .
Frederic Cuvellier said that the UK `` depends on EU consumers and not just for its fish , actually '' .
He added : `` So the EU is right to stand firm in these negotiations .
It has to go both ways . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing sector said the EU was going too far in its efforts to reach a deal .
The European Fisheries Alliance , a group representing fleets from coastal nations such as Belgium , France , and the Netherlands , said : “ The shape of a deal , as it currently stands would give a huge blow to the European seafood sector . ''
The Alliance 's chairman Gerard van Balsfoort added : “ In spite of repeated promises made , we are in the throes of being sold down the river with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the European Commission . ''
JUST IN : UK urged to stamp out ‘ ILLEGAL ' fishing in British waters This comes after Michel Barnier appears to have offered to return around 25 percent of the current EU fishing catch in British waters to the UK .
This marks a 7 percent increase from the previous 18 percent offer - but it is still `` a long way '' from the UK 's demand of 60 percent .
Other French fishermen spoke out about their concerns of being shut out from British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks .
Pierre-Marc Caoloin told France24 : `` We spend 60 to 70 percent of our time fishing in British waters .
If it 's a hard Brexit , it is going to be really tough for us . ''
Another French fisherman Hugo LePretre added : `` There are scores and scores of boats , foreigns ones from Belgium or Holland , and the local boats .
`` The French waters are completely scrapped out .
The little we haul in , we catch in British waters .
`` And now they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What are we going to do ?
Honestly , we are dead . ''
The France24 report claimed that a no deal Brexit could lead to a `` full-blown crisis '' among EU fishing vessels .
This comes as a government source told the BBC that will be no post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU unless there is a `` substantial shift '' from Brussels in the coming days .
Polling guru John Curtice claims SNP support faces 'nosedive ' in polls [ POLL ] EU punishment : Tim Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK [ INTERVIEW ] Peter Bone urges UK to stop EU talks immediately in Brexit outrage [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: French mayor says EU is 'right to stand firm' on fisheries
EU fishing chiefs are furious at Michel Barnier's decision to increase his offer to the British, amid a surprise Brussels pushback against the chief negotiator. The mayor of the biggest French fishing port Boulogne Sur Mer told France24 that it was right to "stand firm" against the British demands. Frederic Cuvellier said that the UK "depends on EU consumers and not just for its fish, actually".
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He added: "So the EU is right to stand firm in these negotiations. It has to go both ways." On Saturday, representatives of the European fishing sector said the EU was going too far in its efforts to reach a deal. The European Fisheries Alliance, a group representing fleets from coastal nations such as Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, said: “The shape of a deal, as it currently stands would give a huge blow to the European seafood sector." The Alliance's chairman Gerard van Balsfoort added: “In spite of repeated promises made, we are in the throes of being sold down the river with the offer made to the United Kingdom by the European Commission." JUST IN: UK urged to stamp out ‘ILLEGAL' fishing in British waters
EU fishing chiefs are furious at Michel Barnier's decision to increase his offer to the British
Fishing chiefs claim the EU has compromised too much already on fisheries
This comes after Michel Barnier appears to have offered to return around 25 percent of the current EU fishing catch in British waters to the UK. This marks a 7 percent increase from the previous 18 percent offer - but it is still "a long way" from the UK's demand of 60 percent. Other French fishermen spoke out about their concerns of being shut out from British waters if Britain walks away from the talks. Pierre-Marc Caoloin told France24: "We spend 60 to 70 percent of our time fishing in British waters. If it's a hard Brexit, it is going to be really tough for us." Another French fisherman Hugo LePretre added: "There are scores and scores of boats, foreigns ones from Belgium or Holland, and the local boats. "The French waters are completely scrapped out. The little we haul in, we catch in British waters.
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French fishermen spoke out about their concerns of being shut out from British waters
Brexit: SNP MP calls for 'grace period' for UK businesses
It is understood there is likely to be a decision before Christmas on whether or not a deal can be reached


thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--BBC licence fee must go! Boris told Red Wall voters will stick with Tories if action taken

During the election 2019 election campaign , the Conservative leader said prosecution for the non-payment of the licence fee was `` heavy-handed '' and he was `` looking at the possibility of decriminalising '' .
In February this year a consultation was announced on the proposal .
A decision on the matter had been expected this autumn , but is thought to have been delayed until the new year due to the coronavirus pandemic .
And while the BBC 's current funding model is protected until 2027 , there are calls for the Prime Minister to commit to getting rid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime now available the licence fee model has been described as out-dated .
Pressure group Defund the BBC has said scrapping the model would be a vote winner in Red Wall constituencies won by the Tories for the first time in 2019 .
READ MORE : BBC Licence should replaced with subscription , says Brexiteer Campaign Director Rebecca Ryan told Express.co.uk : `` The people who support Defund the BBC and scrapping the licence feee are very much the voters who have given the Conservatives an 80-seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licence fee must currently be paid by anyone who accesses BBC programmes on TV or iPlayer .
Failure to pay can result in a hefty fine or even a prison sentence .
Ms Ryan said a failure to follow through on the decriminalisation of the licence fee would go down badly among those looking for longer-term change in the funding model .
She said : `` Voters can say , 'look , if you do n't deliver on what we believed you committed at the election , then we wo n't give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE : BBC can 'challenge ' No10 in negotiations on future TV licence funding Ms Ryan warned voters were currently unable to tell whether the Government was serious on the issue of decriminalisation as it keeps giving mixed messages .
`` At the moment I think it is very hard to tell if they 're going to seriously think about it .
`` There are briefings it 's going to happen and then briefings it 's not going to happen , but it has n't happened so far .
`` There 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will . ''

BBC are ‘chasing the elderly for licence fee’ says campaigner
During the election 2019 election campaign, the Conservative leader said prosecution for the non-payment of the licence fee was "heavy-handed" and he was "looking at the possibility of decriminalising". In February this year a consultation was announced on the proposal.
A decision on the matter had been expected this autumn, but is thought to have been delayed until the new year due to the coronavirus pandemic. And while the BBC's current funding model is protected until 2027, there are calls for the Prime Minister to commit to getting rid of the licence fee altogether. With streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime now available the licence fee model has been described as out-dated. Pressure group Defund the BBC has said scrapping the model would be a vote winner in Red Wall constituencies won by the Tories for the first time in 2019. READ MORE: BBC Licence should replaced with subscription, says Brexiteer
Boris Johnson has been told to scrap the BBC licence fee
Campaign Director Rebecca Ryan told Express.co.uk: "The people who support Defund the BBC and scrapping the licence feee are very much the voters who have given the Conservatives an 80-seat majority." The £157.50 a year licence fee must currently be paid by anyone who accesses BBC programmes on TV or iPlayer. Failure to pay can result in a hefty fine or even a prison sentence. Ms Ryan said a failure to follow through on the decriminalisation of the licence fee would go down badly among those looking for longer-term change in the funding model. She said: "Voters can say, 'look, if you don't deliver on what we believed you committed at the election, then we won't give you our support next time'. READ MORE: BBC can 'challenge' No10 in negotiations on future TV licence funding
At the last election Boris Johnson said he would 'look into' decriminalising the licence fee
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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is against decriminalising the licence fee
Ms Ryan warned voters were currently unable to tell whether the Government was serious on the issue of decriminalisation as it keeps giving mixed messages. "At the moment I think it is very hard to tell if they're going to seriously think about it. "There are briefings it's going to happen and then briefings it's not going to happen, but it hasn't happened so far. "There's not a huge amount of faith that it will."
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-20--German mayor shows Merkel how to tackle Covid crisis after 'failure' to protect citizens

Boris Palmer , mayor of Tübingen , just south of Stuttgart , has adopted an approach to the epidemic which is a far cry from the tactics employed by the German Chancellor .
His policies have achieved the very feat governments have been trying for months to pull off – to protect the elderly and most vulnerable from the virus without the need for a lockdown .
Mr Palmer introduced a set of rules in the town of about 89,000 aimed at protecting high risk groups from the disease without completely shutting them off from society .
Free taxi and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ferry them back and forth to shops , which ran an exclusive hour and a half slot for high-risk people only .
The town ’ s council also introduced free FFP respirator masks to over 65s weeks before Mrs Merkel adopted the policy .
And the university town ’ s nine retirement homes remained Covid-free for months due to strict testing rules .
Staff , residents and visitors were tested for the disease twice a week .
Up until two weeks ago , not a single case of coronavirus was recorded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It 's impossible to eradicate the virus , so we have to prevent it getting to those for whom it is dangerous.
” READ MORE : Party ally demands German Chancellor be ‘ very first to be vaccinated ’ Despite the town ’ s success in protecting its most vulnerable from being infected without shutting down the local economy , it has since gone into lockdown .
Last week Germany started its nationwide Christmas lockdown after the Chancellor said the previous “ lockdown light ” in place had not done enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Palmer hit out at Mrs Merkel and regional leaders for their approach to the crisis .
DO N'T MISS EU threatened with Hungary exit : 'UK shows there ’ s life outside EU ' [ ANALYSIS ] Angela Merkel humiliation : Vaccine delay sparks EU WAR [ INSIGHT ] Brexit talks collapse 'not that important ' to Merkel 's Germany [ WARNING ] He said : `` General lockdowns can only be the last resort .
“ They failed to protect those most at risk . ''
After the Christmas plans of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the latest lockdown , Mrs Merkel told them to see their loved ones by video call over the festive season .
Germany is struggling with a rise in coronavirus infections and deaths .
The country recorded more than 31,000 new infections and 702 deaths on Saturday , the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases said .
That was double the number of infections reported on December 15 , one day before Germany went into a hard lockdown that is expected to last until at least January 10 .

Angela Merkel outlines plans for European Health Union
Boris Palmer, mayor of Tübingen, just south of Stuttgart, has adopted an approach to the epidemic which is a far cry from the tactics employed by the German Chancellor. His policies have achieved the very feat governments have been trying for months to pull off – to protect the elderly and most vulnerable from the virus without the need for a lockdown.
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Mr Palmer introduced a set of rules in the town of about 89,000 aimed at protecting high risk groups from the disease without completely shutting them off from society. Free taxi and minibus services were offered to senior citizens to ferry them back and forth to shops, which ran an exclusive hour and a half slot for high-risk people only. The town’s council also introduced free FFP respirator masks to over 65s weeks before Mrs Merkel adopted the policy. And the university town’s nine retirement homes remained Covid-free for months due to strict testing rules.
Angela Merkel's response to Covid has been torn apart by a German mayor
Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel's Covid measures have resulted in widespread protests
Staff, residents and visitors were tested for the disease twice a week. Up until two weeks ago, not a single case of coronavirus was recorded in the nine care homes in the town. Mr Palmer told The Telegraph: “Death statistics prompted our approach. “It's impossible to eradicate the virus, so we have to prevent it getting to those for whom it is dangerous.” READ MORE: Party ally demands German Chancellor be ‘very first to be vaccinated’
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Angela Merkel has come under fire from Boris Palmer for her Covid strategy
Germans on a street in Berlin ahead of the lockdown
Germany's 'lockdown lite' has been followed by a full lockdown
He said: "General lockdowns can only be the last resort. “They failed to protect those most at risk." After the Christmas plans of millions of Germans were left in tatters by the latest lockdown, Mrs Merkel told them to see their loved ones by video call over the festive season.
Angela Merkel key facts
Germany is struggling with a rise in coronavirus infections and deaths. The country recorded more than 31,000 new infections and 702 deaths on Saturday, the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases said. That was double the number of infections reported on December 15, one day before Germany went into a hard lockdown that is expected to last until at least January 10.
Germans cycling in Berlin as the city went into a Christmas lockdown


thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--EU cracks under pressure: No deal Brexit 'INEVITABLE' as trade talks deadline missed

The UK formally left the European Union back in January and negotiations are still ongoing despite the end of the @ @ @ @ @ looming closer .
Issues on fishing , governance and the so-called level playing field have @ @ @ @ @ MEPs passed a deadline claiming EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier must present them with the @ @ @ @ @ , but this did not happen .
Earlier , German MEP Bernd Lange warned a @ @ @ @ @ likely to be on the horizon without an agreement being signed at the end of @ @ @ @ @ : “ The consequence of no deal tonight is obvious : the EP does not @ @ @ @ @ is not in a position to scrutinise before the end of the transition period .
@ @ @ @ @ for a no deal period and agree emergency measures with UK .
”

Brexit: Heidi Hautala says talk of sovereignty is 'pathetic'
The UK formally left the European Union back in January and negotiations are still ongoing despite the end of the transition period on December 31 looming closer. Issues on fishing, governance and the so-called level playing field have remained.
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This week, MEPs passed a deadline claiming EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier must present them with the trade agreement by December 21, but this did not happen. Earlier, German MEP Bernd Lange warned a no deal Brexit period is likely to be on the horizon without an agreement being signed at the end of Sunday evening. He tweeted: “The consequence of no deal tonight is obvious: the EP does not know the consolidated text, is not in a position to scrutinise before the end of the transition period. “So make preparations now for a no deal period and agree emergency measures with UK.”
MEP admits no deal is inevitable if deal not agreed
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The BBC’s Europe editor Katya Adler retweeted Mr Lange’s tweet and added a no deal period could now be "inevitable". Ms Adler tweeted: “Influential MEP warns a no deal period is inevitable come January 1 if deal not agreed today because European Parliament couldn’t scrutinise the text in time. “But EU law says ratification by EU Parliament is not imperative. “Deal - if agreed - could be applied provisionally.” READ MORE: Brexit breakthrough: Barnier admits UK needs to 'control own waters'
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EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
Brexit endgame timeline
EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, also said the bloc remains “committed” to a “fair, reciprocal and balanced” agreement. He tweeted: “In this crucial moment for the negotiations, we continue to work hard with @DavidGHFrost and his team. “The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement. “We respect the sovereignty of the UK. And we expect the same.
Bernd Lange tweets no deal Brexit claims
“Both EU and UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. “And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake.” Negotiations being led by the EU Commission but some diplomats have warned the December 21 deadline may be disregarded in pursuit of a deal. National governments could apply the deal provisionally before it is ratified next year by MEPs.
UK Brexit negotiator David Frost
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-21--Brexit breakthrough: Barnier finally admits UK needs to 'control OWN waters'- EU to cave?

Mr Barnier said today the EU remained committed to achieving `` a fair , reciprocal and balanced agreement '' but said both sides needed to be able to act when their interests were at stake .
His comments came after a UK Government source warned that the negotiations would fail unless there was a `` substantial shift '' in the EU 's position in the remaining days of the talks .
The British side has accused the EU of making `` unreasonable demands '' by not backing down over fishing rights and fair competition rules amid the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Barnier appeared to be showing a sign of weakness as he said the talks with the UK 's chief negotiator Lord Frost were at a `` crucial moment '' , but added the UK .
He tweeted : `` The EU remains committed to a fair , reciprocal and balanced agreement .
We respect the sovereignty of the UK .
And we expect the same .
`` Both the EU and the UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters .
And we should both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at stake . ''
His comments sparked a flurry of debate on social media about whether this showed the EU could back down .
One person tweeted : `` The UK fish in its waters and the eu fish in their waters , there is nothing that respects sovereignty more . ''
Another added : `` The EU have never negotiated in good faith ! ''
A third social media user said the UK should have its own independent rules .
They posted : `` If they are British waters we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
READ MORE : EU poised to trigger no deal TONIGHT : Brexit talks to collapse And another person added they thought the EU could be starting to soften as it `` desperately needs '' a deal .
They said : `` They desperately need a deal or they would have walked . ''
Talks have been continuing in Brussels over the weekend but UK sources said it was looking increasingly likely the Brexit transition period will end on December 31 without an agreement .
A Government source said : `` Unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence .
DO N'T MISS Senior EU leader brutally mocks UK 's sovereignty demands [ VIDEO ] ‘ Brexit is DONE ’ Remainer Adonis sparks backlash from Brexiteers [ REACTION ] Brexit : Brussels leaves UK with little hope of a deal [ INSIGHT ] '' We can not accept a deal that does n't leave us in control of our own laws or waters .
`` We 're continuing to try every possible path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift from the Commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms on December 31 . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he believed a deal was still possible but said it would require movement on the EU side .
`` We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion .
I think everybody wants a deal .
Unfortunately , the EU have put in some unreasonable demands , '' he told Sky News 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme .

Brexit: Michel Barnier gives update on state of negotiations
Mr Barnier said today the EU remained committed to achieving "a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement" but said both sides needed to be able to act when their interests were at stake. His comments came after a UK Government source warned that the negotiations would fail unless there was a "substantial shift" in the EU's position in the remaining days of the talks. The British side has accused the EU of making "unreasonable demands" by not backing down over fishing rights and fair competition rules amid the end of the transition period ending on December 31.
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Mr Barnier appeared to be showing a sign of weakness as he said the talks with the UK's chief negotiator Lord Frost were at a "crucial moment", but added the UK . He tweeted: "The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement. We respect the sovereignty of the UK. And we expect the same. "Both the EU and the UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake." His comments sparked a flurry of debate on social media about whether this showed the EU could back down.
Brexit news: Michel Barnier has been continuing Brexit talks this weekend
One person tweeted: "The UK fish in its waters and the eu fish in their waters, there is nothing that respects sovereignty more." Another added: "The EU have never negotiated in good faith!" A third social media user said the UK should have its own independent rules. They posted: "If they are British waters we have the right to do what we like." READ MORE: EU poised to trigger no deal TONIGHT: Brexit talks to collapse
Brexit news: Time is running out for the UK and EU to strike a deal
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And another person added they thought the EU could be starting to soften as it "desperately needs" a deal. They said: "They desperately need a deal or they would have walked." Talks have been continuing in Brussels over the weekend but UK sources said it was looking increasingly likely the Brexit transition period will end on December 31 without an agreement. A Government source said: "Unfortunately, the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence. DON'T MISS
Senior EU leader brutally mocks UK's sovereignty demands [VIDEO]
‘Brexit is DONE’ Remainer Adonis sparks backlash from Brexiteers [REACTION]
Brexit: Brussels leaves UK with little hope of a deal [INSIGHT]
Brexit news: The UK's transition period will end on December 31
"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters. "We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement but without a substantial shift from the Commission we will be leaving on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms on December 31." Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he believed a deal was still possible but said it would require movement on the EU side. "We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion. I think everybody wants a deal. Unfortunately, the EU have put in some unreasonable demands," he told Sky News's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme.
Brexit news: The UK has remained firm over its demands on future fishing arrangements
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