thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--SNP backlash: Boris warned by 40 mayors over plot to destroy UK - 'Time running out!'

Last month , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to press ahead with a second independence referendum in 2021 if the SNP can secure a majority in next May ’ s election in Scotland .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has continued to slap down calls for another referendum , insisting the result from the vote in 2014 must be honoured .
He has insisted the coronavirus pandemic has shown the strength of the Union , in particular highlighting the support made available across the whole of the UK to protect jobs and incomes .
However , Mr Johnson is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians wrote to the Prime Minister to call on him to launch a review of how power is distributed .
Signatories of the letter , led by South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis and including Greater Manchester 's Andy Burnham along with counterparts in London , Liverpool City Region and Sheffield City region , as well as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-Lib Dem leader Lord Campbell , warned the break-up of the 300-year-old Union is now a strong possibility .
They said while the `` common danger '' from the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ties '' between Scotland , England , Wales and Northern Ireland , they actually warn the ongoing crisis may have exacerbated `` pervasive pessimism about our national unity and national decline '' .
The group wrote in their letter : `` Time is fast running out .
We can still save our country , but we need to act now .
`` Recent polls show a clear trend towards Scots losing faith in the Union , and a majority of Britons believe the UK is heading for break-up .
That should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examine the status quo .
`` The Union in your care is important and precious , and we need you to protect it . ''
The letter from the group also calls for a people 's assembly or constitutional convention to look at what can be done to ensure a `` free and equal partnership '' between all four nations in the UK , with powers `` brought closer to the people '' .
They added : `` We have seen the huge potential of devolution first hand , but also its weaknesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris told 'EU want to lock us in ' as he goes to Brussels '' Especially in England , it is constrained by a lack of adequate powers and funding .
Overall , we are still more centralised , and more regionally unequal , than any comparable country . ''
The group warned without any changes being introduced , `` the current relationship between our central government and the constituent parts of the UK is incoherent , often unjust , and ultimately unsustainable '' .
The local leaders also claimed the ongoing row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which areas of England should be placed into which coronavirus restriction tiers , as well as the level of financial help each should receive , showed England had devolution in `` name only '' .
In response to the letter , a Downing Street spokesperson said : `` This Government is committed to levelling up all areas of the country , strengthening our Union and empowering our regions by devolving more money , resources and control away from Westminster . ''
DO N'T MISS Iain Duncan Smith warns Leave voters 'trade deal ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC 's Laura Kuenssberg warns now 'easier for Boris to walk away ' [ COMMENT ] No deal Brexit ready !
UK assembles secretive crisis squad [ INSIGHT ] Last month , Scotland 's First Minister Ms Sturgeon reignited her bid for a break from the rest of the UK at the SNP 's annual conference .
She told supporters “ independence is in clear sight ” and boldly declared Scotland is “ now a nation on the cusp of making history ” .
The SNP leader believes a second vote on independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May 2021 - if her party is able to win and secure a majority .
She said : `` Since our last conference , we have won a landslide victory in a UK general election .
And support for independence has risen .
`` It has become the sustained and majority view in public opinion this year .

Gordon Brown: Independence calls from SNP are ‘out of touch’
Last month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to press ahead with a second independence referendum in 2021 if the SNP can secure a majority in next May’s election in Scotland. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has continued to slap down calls for another referendum, insisting the result from the vote in 2014 must be honoured. He has insisted the coronavirus pandemic has shown the strength of the Union, in particular highlighting the support made available across the whole of the UK to protect jobs and incomes.
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However, Mr Johnson is now facing a new crisis after several politicians wrote to the Prime Minister to call on him to launch a review of how power is distributed. Signatories of the letter, led by South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis and including Greater Manchester's Andy Burnham along with counterparts in London, Liverpool City Region and Sheffield City region, as well as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-Lib Dem leader Lord Campbell, warned the break-up of the 300-year-old Union is now a strong possibility. They said while the "common danger" from the coronavirus pandemic "might have been hoped to reinforce the ties" between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, they actually warn the ongoing crisis may have exacerbated "pervasive pessimism about our national unity and national decline". The group wrote in their letter: "Time is fast running out. We can still save our country, but we need to act now.
SNP news: Boris Johnson has been warned over the growing calls for Scottish independence
SNP news: The Prime minister has insisted the result from the independence referendum in 2014 must be honoured
"Recent polls show a clear trend towards Scots losing faith in the Union, and a majority of Britons believe the UK is heading for break-up. That should be a clamorous wake-up call for us to examine the status quo. "The Union in your care is important and precious, and we need you to protect it." The letter from the group also calls for a people's assembly or constitutional convention to look at what can be done to ensure a "free and equal partnership" between all four nations in the UK, with powers "brought closer to the people". They added: "We have seen the huge potential of devolution first hand, but also its weaknesses. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris told 'EU want to lock us in' as he goes to Brussels
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SNP news: Nicola Sturgeon is oushing for a secoind Scottish independence referendum to take place in 2021
"Especially in England, it is constrained by a lack of adequate powers and funding. Overall, we are still more centralised, and more regionally unequal, than any comparable country." The group warned without any changes being introduced, "the current relationship between our central government and the constituent parts of the UK is incoherent, often unjust, and ultimately unsustainable". The local leaders also claimed the ongoing row with the Government and scientific advisers over which areas of England should be placed into which coronavirus restriction tiers, as well as the level of financial help each should receive, showed England had devolution in "name only". In response to the letter, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "This Government is committed to levelling up all areas of the country, strengthening our Union and empowering our regions by devolving more money, resources and control away from Westminster." DON'T MISS
Iain Duncan Smith warns Leave voters 'trade deal' is an EU trap [INTERVIEW]
BBC's Laura Kuenssberg warns now 'easier for Boris to walk away' [COMMENT]
No deal Brexit ready! UK assembles secretive crisis squad [INSIGHT]
SNP news: Andy Burnham was one of the signatories of the letter
SNP news: Nicola Sturgeon revealed her independence plans at the SNP conference
Last month, Scotland's First Minister Ms Sturgeon reignited her bid for a break from the rest of the UK at the SNP's annual conference. She told supporters “independence is in clear sight” and boldly declared Scotland is “now a nation on the cusp of making history”. The SNP leader believes a second vote on independence can take place after the Scottish elections in May 2021 - if her party is able to win and secure a majority. She said: "Since our last conference, we have won a landslide victory in a UK general election. And support for independence has risen. "It has become the sustained and majority view in public opinion this year.
SNP news: Should Scotland be an independent country?


thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--Keir Starmer flustered as Boris ridicules him with middle-class jibe 'Your spiritual home'

The leader of the Opposition asked Boris Johnson during Prime Minister 's Questions `` how is Brexit going '' in an attempt to get him to update the House on the latest developments in the negotiations with Brussels .
Sir Keir Starmer said : `` A year ago the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised the country - these were his words - ' a permanent break from talking about Brexit ' .
Can the Prime Minister tell us , how is that going ? ''
But the probe backfired when Mr Johnson took the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was appearing virtually as self-isolating from coronavirus .
The Prime Minister said : `` I 'm delighted to welcome the Right Honourable Gentleman from his point of exile in Islington , his spiritual home , and wish him all the best in his self-isolation .
`` But I can tell him that his own silence on this matter has been sphynx-like and I wonder quite what it is that has kept him from asking this question for so long .
`` We delivered Brexit on January the 31 , in case he failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` 12 months ago he told the British people that he had an oven-ready deal .
He did n't say he had half a deal , he did n't say the next stage will be very , very difficult .
`` In fact he told the British people - this was before the election - he faced them and he told them , these were his words , that 'the chances of no deal were absolutely zero ' . ''
Mr Johnson told MPs that `` a good deal is there to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ursula von der Leyen but the EU was currently insisting on terms which no prime minister could accept .
But Sir Keir questioned why anyone should believe what Boris Johnson says about Brexit .
He told the Commons : `` So , a year on , why should anyone who trusted the Prime Minister when he said he had a deal - including his Chancellor apparently - believe a word that he says now ? ''
Boris Johnson replied : `` I hesitate to accuse Sir Keir of deliberately trying to mislead people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt that we had an oven-ready deal which was the Withdrawal Agreement by which the people voted for , as he rightly points out , by which this country left the customs union and left the single market and delivered on our promise .
`` I can tell him that whatever happens , and you know he must know this , that whatever happens from January 1 , this country will be able to get on with our points-based immigration system which we have put into law in fulfilment of our manifesto commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on with instituting free ports , low tax free ports , in places where jobs and growth are most needed around the country .
`` We 'll be able to honour our promise to the British people and institute higher animal welfare standards , and we 'll be able to do free trade deals and we 'll get our money back as well . ''
DO N'T MISS : Iain Duncan Smith warns Leave voters 'trade deal ' is an EU trap [ VIDEO ] BBC 's Laura Kuenssberg warns now 'easier for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Brexit : How to secure your finances ahead of the important deadline [ ANALYSIS ] The Labour leader hit back saying `` it would the British people who pay the price '' if there is no trade deal with the EU .
He added : `` Last September the Prime Minister actually hit the nail on the head when he said that leaving without a deal would be , in his words , ' a failure of statecraft ' .
`` It would .
It would be a total failure and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price .
`` Does the Prime Minister agree with his own spending watchdog the OBR ( Office for Budget Responsibility ) that the cost of that failure of leaving the EU with no deal would be higher unemployment , higher inflation and a smaller economy ? ''
The Prime Minister replied : `` The more he talks about Brexit , the more I can see why he tried to avoid the subject for the last year . ''

PMQs: Boris Johnson mocks Starmer over his 'spiritual home'
The leader of the Opposition asked Boris Johnson during Prime Minister's Questions "how is Brexit going" in an attempt to get him to update the House on the latest developments in the negotiations with Brussels. Sir Keir Starmer said: "A year ago the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised the country - these were his words - 'a permanent break from talking about Brexit'. Can the Prime Minister tell us, how is that going?"
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But the probe backfired when Mr Johnson took the opportunity to mock Sir Keir Starmer who was appearing virtually as self-isolating from coronavirus. The Prime Minister said: "I'm delighted to welcome the Right Honourable Gentleman from his point of exile in Islington, his spiritual home, and wish him all the best in his self-isolation. "But I can tell him that his own silence on this matter has been sphynx-like and I wonder quite what it is that has kept him from asking this question for so long. "We delivered Brexit on January the 31, in case he failed to notice." READ MORE: Brexit breakthrough: UK and EU agree major goods deal
Keir Starmer mocked by Boris Johnson during PMQs
PMQs: Boris Johnson told MPs that 'a good Brexit deal is there to be done'
Sir Keir added: "12 months ago he told the British people that he had an oven-ready deal. He didn't say he had half a deal, he didn't say the next stage will be very, very difficult. "In fact he told the British people - this was before the election - he faced them and he told them, these were his words, that 'the chances of no deal were absolutely zero'." Mr Johnson told MPs that "a good deal is there to be done" ahead of talks with Ursula von der Leyen but the EU was currently insisting on terms which no prime minister could accept. But Sir Keir questioned why anyone should believe what Boris Johnson says about Brexit. He told the Commons: "So, a year on, why should anyone who trusted the Prime Minister when he said he had a deal - including his Chancellor apparently - believe a word that he says now?"
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PMQs: Boris Johnson says EU ‘want to punish us’
Boris Johnson replied: "I hesitate to accuse Sir Keir of deliberately trying to mislead people, but let's be in no doubt that we had an oven-ready deal which was the Withdrawal Agreement by which the people voted for, as he rightly points out, by which this country left the customs union and left the single market and delivered on our promise. "I can tell him that whatever happens, and you know he must know this, that whatever happens from January 1, this country will be able to get on with our points-based immigration system which we have put into law in fulfilment of our manifesto commitment, we'll be able to get on with instituting free ports, low tax free ports, in places where jobs and growth are most needed around the country. "We'll be able to honour our promise to the British people and institute higher animal welfare standards, and we'll be able to do free trade deals and we'll get our money back as well." DON'T MISS:
Iain Duncan Smith warns Leave voters 'trade deal' is an EU trap [VIDEO]
BBC's Laura Kuenssberg warns now 'easier for Boris to walk away' [INSIGHT]
Brexit: How to secure your finances ahead of the important deadline [ANALYSIS]


thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--EU supertrawler hell as dolphins killed - Boris MUST use Brexit to end chaos in Channel

And one of the vessels , the Netherlands-registered Dirk Dirk , was previously the subject of an investigation into claims it caused the deaths of fur seals , albatross and dolphins , and that it even netted an enormous whale shark at one point .
The huge factory vessels , variously flagged in Germany , France and the Netherlands , are regular visitors to UK waters .
And while there is no indication they are operating illegally , conservationists claim they are responsible for record numbers of cetaceans washing up on Britain 's beaches , especially in Sussex .
Thea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project ( BDP ) , which was set up to celebrate the cultural heritage which Brighton has with dolphins , said : “ There are currently nine supertrawlers in the Channel off Sussex .
The first arrived on November 18th and there have been at least two factory ships in the Channel ever since , fishing legally .
`` One supertrawler can catch hundreds of tonnes of fish per day , using nets a mile long .
The biggest vessel has a carrying capacity of 6400 tonnes ( dwt ) .
`` Between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught masses of their target fish species but tonnes of fish and marine life that they do not want , including marine mammals .
`` These are usually ground down for animal feed or thrown back dead as bycatch .
We see a surge in dead dolphins on Sussex beaches when the Supertrawlers are here or during the weeks after .
`` Although the UK Government already recognises cetacean species to be protected by law , bycatch caused by factory trawlers continues and requires a global response to sustainably manage fish resources and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opportunity to lead a worldwide change . ''
A separate Facebook post by the Blue Planet Society added : `` There are now an unprecedented NINE wildlife-killing supertrawlers off the UK south coast .
Factory vessel Helen Mary joined Alida , Carolien , Frank Bonefaas , Scombrus , Annie Hillina , Afrika , Dirk Dirk and Prins Bernhard in the confines of the English Channel today .
`` Is this some kind of Brexit statement ?
`` These pelagic trawlers carry NO onboard observers , NO remote CCTV and to our knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fisheries authorities .
How on earth do we know what these floating factories are catching in their nets ? ''
The post added : `` A land-based industry would not be allowed to operate with so little oversight , let alone an industry that kills and processes wild animals .
`` We do KNOW that these massive vessels kill huge amounts of wildlife .
JUST IN : Boris must think before signing deal – Leave voters will not forgive '' Supertrawler Dirk Dirk , formerly known as Geelong Star , was forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured protected dolphins , seals , albatrosses and a whale shark in its nets .
Enough is enough . ''
The BDA also shared an analysis indicating 13 instances in which dolphins found washed up on Sussex beaches had coincided with the presence of supertrawlers in the area since October 2019 .
The only one of the named vessels which is flagged in the UK is the Frank Bonefaas .
Like the Dirk Dirk , the Alida , the Carolien and the Afrika are Dutch-flagged , the Helen Mary and Annie Hillina are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prins Bernhard are flagged to France .
The Pelagic Fishing Association ( PFA ) , which represents many of the supertrawlers , disputes accusations it is responsible for the wildlife deaths , stressing a lack of proof .
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : At long last Remainers are realising BIGGEST mistake [ LIVE ] Coronavirus symptoms update : The 'serious ' sign in your speech [ INSIGHT ] BBC Weather : Britons brace for scorching hot air from Africa [ FORECAST ] In a statement issued in March , PFA President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year we have introduced the latest generation pingers on part of our fleet to test their effectiveness .
`` In light of the results so far , we have decided to apply these pingers on the entire PFA-fleet aiming at the avoidance of any incidental bycatch of dolphins to the highest possible extent . ''
Matthew Cox , CEO of the North Atlantic Fishing Company , which owns the Frank Bonefaas , told Express.co.uk : `` The North Atlantic Fishing Company has an excellent record of avoiding catches of dolphins , however we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest standards of maritime sustainability .
`` We are have also issued an invitation to the Marine Management Organisation ( MMO ) to witness our fishing practices and to learn more about the cetacean avoidance mechanisms that we are using . ''
Nevertheless , environmental campaigners Greenpeace have also highlighted the operations of supertrawlers , many of them from EU countries , as well as others from Russia , this year .
A Greenpeace analysis indicates in the first six months of 2020 , 23 vessels spent 5590 hours fishing in 19 protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaigner at Greenpeace UK , told Express.co.uk today : `` Our Government promised that on the 1st of January , we would leave the Common Fisheries Policy and ‘ take back control ’ of our seas , letting us put in place new world-leading marine protection standards .
`` January the 1st is now just weeks away and the situation in the English Channel is a world away from this promise .
Some of the biggest supertrawlers on earth are stalking the Channel right now , hoovering up vast quantities of fish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blessings of our Government .
Is this what taking back control looks like ?
`` These vast , destructive fishing vessels have no place operating in our most important and sensitive marine areas .
Even the presence of one is too many , let alone nine operating in the confines of the Channel .
`` Our Government must use its new post-Brexit powers to ban supertrawlers from operating in all of the UK ’ s protected areas , no matter what flag they fly , and it should also take a long hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all with healthy oceans here in the UK.
” A Defra spokesman said : `` The UK is a global leader in the fight to protect our seas with our ‘ Blue Belt ’ of protected waters nearly twice the size of England .
`` The Common Fisheries Policy currently restricts our ability to implement tougher protection , but leaving the EU and taking back control of our waters as an independent coastal state means we can introduce stronger measures . ''

Fishing: Super trawler Margiris roams the English Channel
And one of the vessels, the Netherlands-registered Dirk Dirk, was previously the subject of an investigation into claims it caused the deaths of fur seals, albatross and dolphins, and that it even netted an enormous whale shark at one point. The huge factory vessels, variously flagged in Germany, France and the Netherlands, are regular visitors to UK waters. And while there is no indication they are operating illegally, conservationists claim they are responsible for record numbers of cetaceans washing up on Britain's beaches, especially in Sussex.
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We have the opportunity to lead a worldwide change Thea Taylor
Thea Taylor, co-lead of the Brighton Dolphin Project (BDP), which was set up to celebrate the cultural heritage which Brighton has with dolphins, said: “There are currently nine supertrawlers in the Channel off Sussex. The first arrived on November 18th and there have been at least two factory ships in the Channel ever since, fishing legally. "One supertrawler can catch hundreds of tonnes of fish per day, using nets a mile long. The biggest vessel has a carrying capacity of 6400 tonnes (dwt). "Between them, these supertrawlers have not only caught masses of their target fish species but tonnes of fish and marine life that they do not want, including marine mammals. "These are usually ground down for animal feed or thrown back dead as bycatch. We see a surge in dead dolphins on Sussex beaches when the Supertrawlers are here or during the weeks after. "Although the UK Government already recognises cetacean species to be protected by law, bycatch caused by factory trawlers continues and requires a global response to sustainably manage fish resources and reduce destructive marine activity. We have the opportunity to lead a worldwide change."
A dolphin washed up on a Sussex beach earlier this year
Boris Johnson has been urged to act
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A separate Facebook post by the Blue Planet Society added: "There are now an unprecedented NINE wildlife-killing supertrawlers off the UK south coast. Factory vessel Helen Mary joined Alida, Carolien, Frank Bonefaas, Scombrus, Annie Hillina, Afrika, Dirk Dirk and Prins Bernhard in the confines of the English Channel today. "Is this some kind of Brexit statement? "These pelagic trawlers carry NO onboard observers, NO remote CCTV and to our knowledge, they have NOT been inspected by fisheries authorities. How on earth do we know what these floating factories are catching in their nets?" The post added: "A land-based industry would not be allowed to operate with so little oversight, let alone an industry that kills and processes wild animals. "We do KNOW that these massive vessels kill huge amounts of wildlife. JUST IN: Boris must think before signing deal – Leave voters will not forgive
Carolien, also under a Netherlands flag, is another vessel in UK waters
"Supertrawler Dirk Dirk, formerly known as Geelong Star, was forced to leave Australian waters after it killed and injured protected dolphins, seals, albatrosses and a whale shark in its nets. Enough is enough." The BDA also shared an analysis indicating 13 instances in which dolphins found washed up on Sussex beaches had coincided with the presence of supertrawlers in the area since October 2019. The only one of the named vessels which is flagged in the UK is the Frank Bonefaas. Like the Dirk Dirk, the Alida, the Carolien and the Afrika are Dutch-flagged, the Helen Mary and Annie Hillina are flagged to Germany while the Scombrus and the Prins Bernhard are flagged to France. The Pelagic Fishing Association (PFA), which represents many of the supertrawlers, disputes accusations it is responsible for the wildlife deaths, stressing a lack of proof. DON'T MISS
Brexit LIVE: At long last Remainers are realising BIGGEST mistake [LIVE]
Coronavirus symptoms update: The 'serious' sign in your speech [INSIGHT]
BBC Weather: Britons brace for scorching hot air from Africa [FORECAST]
A Greenpeace analysis of the Afrika in 2019
In a statement issued in March, PFA President Gerard van Balsfoort said: "Last year we have introduced the latest generation pingers on part of our fleet to test their effectiveness. "In light of the results so far, we have decided to apply these pingers on the entire PFA-fleet aiming at the avoidance of any incidental bycatch of dolphins to the highest possible extent." Matthew Cox, CEO of the North Atlantic Fishing Company, which owns the Frank Bonefaas, told Express.co.uk: "The North Atlantic Fishing Company has an excellent record of avoiding catches of dolphins, however we continue to work towards the best and highest standards of maritime sustainability. "We are have also issued an invitation to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to witness our fishing practices and to learn more about the cetacean avoidance mechanisms that we are using."
This dolphin was washed up a few miles up the coast in Devon this week
Nevertheless, environmental campaigners Greenpeace have also highlighted the operations of supertrawlers, many of them from EU countries, as well as others from Russia, this year. A Greenpeace analysis indicates in the first six months of 2020, 23 vessels spent 5590 hours fishing in 19 protected areas. Chris Thorne, an Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace UK, told Express.co.uk today: "Our Government promised that on the 1st of January, we would leave the Common Fisheries Policy and ‘take back control’ of our seas, letting us put in place new world-leading marine protection standards. "January the 1st is now just weeks away and the situation in the English Channel is a world away from this promise. Some of the biggest supertrawlers on earth are stalking the Channel right now, hoovering up vast quantities of fish, including in protected areas, with the blessings of our Government. Is this what taking back control looks like?


thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--PMQs LIVE: Boris Johnson rages at EU’s ridiculous demands: ‘They want right to PUNISH us!’

Following the weekly grilling , the Prime Minister will this evening head to Brussels for dinner with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .
The pair are hoping to find a breakthrough on fishing rights , governance and fair competition in a bid to secure a trade pact .
Negotiations have been the centre of attention all week , with chances of securing a deal on a knife-edge .
The Prime Minister used PMQs to attack the EU 's demands , accusing it of wanting to 'punish ' the UK .
There are just days left to secure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be implemented before the end of the transition period on December 31 .
Sir Keir is yet to say whether the Labour Party will back any trade agreement brokered by the Conservatives with the EU .
The Prime Minister used today 's clash to mock his opposite number for his silence on the issue .
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM EXPRESS.CO.UK : That 's it !
Lindsay Hoyle has drawn PMQs to an end and suspended the chamber for three minutes to allow MPs to enter and leave safely , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be the last PMQs showdown between Mr Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer before Christmas .
12.35pm update : Richard Burgon demands taxes are ramped up on 'super-rich ' Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon has criticised the Government for implementing a public sector pay freeze to pay for the response to the pandemic .
He demands a `` windfall tax on the super-rich , and those who have made profit from the coronavirus crisis '' .
The Prime Minister says everyone on the Tory benches were happy with the way the country had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't criticise the private sector 's part in helping the UK through the crisis .
The SNP 's Pete Wishart sarcastically thanks Mr Johnson for being the best `` recruiting sergeant '' for his party .
He says : `` For that , we mightily thank him .
`` Can I ask him , on behalf of all of us who want to see an independent Scotland , could he please take a bow and accept our many thanks . ''
Mr Johnson turns the tables in his response , saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and the Scottish Nationalist Party that we 've been able to keep our wonderful United Kingdom together .
`` It is the sheer incoherence of their position , their refusal to address the tough questions of what breaking up the UK really means .
`` It is their manifest inability to explain what they mean .
`` The people in 2014 voted to remain in the UK .
They were right then and they 'll be right in the future to stay . ''
12.22pm update : Ian Blackford demands Scotland get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the SNP 's Westminster leader , has accused Boris Johnson of `` double-dealing '' .
He says the deal brokered by Michael Gove with the EU in Brussels yesterday to ensure there was no border on the island of Ireland gave Northern Ireland an advantage not given the other parts of the UK .
He says Northern Ireland was getting `` the best of both worlds '' due to continuing EU access .
He asks : `` What is good enough for Northern Ireland is surely good enough for Scotland .
Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
In response , the Prime Minister accused Mr Blackford of being too negative and says : `` Scotland will take back control of colossal quantities of fish , which I think is something the people of Scotland deserve to be able to exploit for the advantage of their communities . ''
12.18pm update : Labour backbencher demands the PM get a deal on Twitter Rachel Reeves of Labour has given her instant verdict to PMQs on Twitter .
She said : `` Completely absurd claim by the PM that he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole country is still waiting .
`` @ Keir_Starmer is absolutely right : a deal with the EU - the oven ready one the PM promised - is fundamentally in the national interest .
# PMQs '' Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has been left furious by Labour MP Chris Bryant .
The Prime Minister 's answer to Sir Keir Starmer 's final question has been interrupted for the Speaker to tell off Rhondda MP .
He 's demanded the Labour whip have a word with his MP for his `` disgraceful '' behaviour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons but it remains unclear what he has done .
12.10pm update : Labour leader accuses the PM of only doing half a job Sir Keir Starmer , appearing on live stream from Camden , has said the `` get Brexit done '' clearly referred to just half the job .
He says `` Apparently 'get Brexit done ' just meant the first part of it , the easy bit .
I do n't remember that being on the bulldozer at the time .
`` Last September the PM actually hit the nail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a deal would be a failure of statecraft .
`` It would .
It would be a total failure .
And it will be the British people who pay the price .
`` Does the Prime Minister agree with his own spending watchdog that the cost of that failure would be higher unemployment , higher inflation and a smaller economy ? ''
Mr Johnson mocks the Opposition leader in his response , saying the question makes it clear why Sir Keir Starmer has remained silent on the issue of Brexit .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Brexit the more I can see why he tried to ignore the subject for the last year .
`` We did leave with a very good deal and under any circumstances this country will prosper mightily . ''
Sir Keir Starmer has said Mr Johnson promised an `` oven ready '' Brexit deal in 2019 but was now unable to say with certainly a trade deal would be in place beyond the end of the year .
He says : `` 12 months ago he told the British people that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say he had half a deal , he did n't say the next stage will be very , very difficult .
`` In fact he told the British people - this was before the election - he faced them and he told them the chances of no deal are absolutely zero .
`` The now Chancellor obviously took him at his word , because the Chancellor said in the run-up to the election 'we wo n't need to plan for no deal because we have a deal ' .
`` A year on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM when he said he had a deal , including the Chancellor apparently , believe a word he says now . ''
The Prime Minister responds saying he had an `` oven ready '' deal and that is has already been implemented .
He says : `` Let 's be in no doubt that we had an oven-ready deal , which was the Withdrawal Agreement , which the people voted for and by which this country left the customs union , left the single market and delivered on our promises . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of his election .
Sir Keir , who is self-isolating after a Covid scare , said : `` A year ago the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised - these are his words - we 'd have a break from talking about Brexit .
`` Can the Prime Minister tell us : how 's that going ? ''
The Prime Minister responds by criticising the Opposition 's previous silence on the matter and says the UK left the EU in January .
He says : `` His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sphinx-like and I wonder quite what it is that has kept him from asking this question for so long .
`` We delivered Brexit on January 31 , if he failed to notice . ''
Edward Leigh MP has said to the Prime Minister the Tory Party will back Mr Johnson all the way if he decides to walk away from EU negotiations if he is forced to compromise on his red lines .
In response , Mr Johnson has said the current terms being offered by the EU are not terms that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` Our friends in the EU are currently insisting that if they pass a new law in the future with which we in this country do n't comply or follow suit , then they want the right to punish us and retaliate .
And secondly they 're saying they want the UK to be the only country in the world not to have sovereign control over its fishing waters and I do n't believe those are terms that any Prime Minister in this country should accept . ''
11.58am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Prime Minister has entered the House of Commons ready for PMQs .
He is currently standing behind the Speaker 's chair , waiting for the former session to end before taking his place on the frontbench .
11.45am update : Another day of history in the Commons History was made in the House of Commons last month when the Prime Minister was forced to give his answers at PMQs virtually due to coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 .
It was the first time in the history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions at the weekly session while not actually present in the chamber .
Today marks the first time a Leader of the Opposition has quizzed the Prime Minister questions at 12pm on a Wednesday via video link .
11.30am update : Half an hour to go In 30 minutes Boris Johnson will enter the Commons for his weekly clash with Keir Starmer and take questions from MPs .
Prime Ministers usually spend hours practising for the occasion , going over the detail of any questions that could be asked and coming up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's expense .
But with a crunch meeting on Brexit in Brussels this evening , Mr Johnson might have been a bit pre-occupied today when prepping for sparring in the Commons .

PMQs: Boris Johnson says EU ‘want to punish us’
The Labour leader quizzed the Prime Minister remotely after he came into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. The exchange comes on the same day Mr Johnson will discuss the deadlock in trade negotiations with the EU.
Following the weekly grilling, the Prime Minister will this evening head to Brussels for dinner with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The pair are hoping to find a breakthrough on fishing rights, governance and fair competition in a bid to secure a trade pact. Negotiations have been the centre of attention all week, with chances of securing a deal on a knife-edge. The Prime Minister used PMQs to attack the EU's demands, accusing it of wanting to 'punish' the UK. There are just days left to secure a deal if it is to have time to be implemented before the end of the transition period on December 31. Sir Keir is yet to say whether the Labour Party will back any trade agreement brokered by the Conservatives with the EU. The Prime Minister used today's clash to mock his opposite number for his silence on the issue. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM EXPRESS.CO.UK:
Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer are clashing ahead of the Prime Minister's dash to Brussels
12.40pm update: PMQs draws to a close That's it! Lindsay Hoyle has drawn PMQs to an end and suspended the chamber for three minutes to allow MPs to enter and leave safely, in accordance with coronavirus guidelines. Next week will be the last PMQs showdown between Mr Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer before Christmas. 12.35pm update: Richard Burgon demands taxes are ramped up on 'super-rich' Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon has criticised the Government for implementing a public sector pay freeze to pay for the response to the pandemic. He demands a "windfall tax on the super-rich, and those who have made profit from the coronavirus crisis". The Prime Minister says everyone on the Tory benches were happy with the way the country had come together during the pandemic and he wouldn't criticise the private sector's part in helping the UK through the crisis. 12.26pm update: SNP MP sarcastically thanks Boris Johnson The SNP's Pete Wishart sarcastically thanks Mr Johnson for being the best "recruiting sergeant" for his party. He says: "For that, we mightily thank him. "Can I ask him, on behalf of all of us who want to see an independent Scotland, could he please take a bow and accept our many thanks." Mr Johnson turns the tables in his response, saying: "I think it's due to him and the Scottish Nationalist Party that we've been able to keep our wonderful United Kingdom together. "It is the sheer incoherence of their position, their refusal to address the tough questions of what breaking up the UK really means. "It is their manifest inability to explain what they mean. "The people in 2014 voted to remain in the UK. They were right then and they'll be right in the future to stay."
Boris Johnson says the SNP are the greatest gift to Unionists
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12.22pm update: Ian Blackford demands Scotland get same deal as Northern Ireland Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, has accused Boris Johnson of "double-dealing". He says the deal brokered by Michael Gove with the EU in Brussels yesterday to ensure there was no border on the island of Ireland gave Northern Ireland an advantage not given the other parts of the UK. He says Northern Ireland was getting "the best of both worlds" due to continuing EU access. He asks: "What is good enough for Northern Ireland is surely good enough for Scotland. Why is Scotland being shafted by this double-dealing?" In response, the Prime Minister accused Mr Blackford of being too negative and says: "Scotland will take back control of colossal quantities of fish, which I think is something the people of Scotland deserve to be able to exploit for the advantage of their communities."
PMQs: Boris Johnson shuts down Blackford for Brexit ‘negativity’
12.18pm update: Labour backbencher demands the PM get a deal on Twitter Rachel Reeves of Labour has given her instant verdict to PMQs on Twitter. She said: "Completely absurd claim by the PM that he's delivered the 'oven-ready deal'. The whole country is still waiting. "@Keir_Starmer is absolutely right: a deal with the EU - the oven ready one the PM promised - is fundamentally in the national interest. #PMQs" 12.15pm update: Drama in the Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has been left furious by Labour MP Chris Bryant. The Prime Minister's answer to Sir Keir Starmer's final question has been interrupted for the Speaker to tell off Rhondda MP. He's demanded the Labour whip have a word with his MP for his "disgraceful" behaviour. The MP appears to have left the Commons but it remains unclear what he has done.
PMQs: Speaker stops Boris Johnson as Chris Bryant interrupts
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has been left furious by Christ Bryant
12.10pm update: Labour leader accuses the PM of only doing half a job Sir Keir Starmer, appearing on live stream from Camden, has said the "get Brexit done" clearly referred to just half the job. He says "Apparently 'get Brexit done' just meant the first part of it, the easy bit. I don't remember that being on the bulldozer at the time. "Last September the PM actually hit the nail on the head when he said leaving without a deal would be a failure of statecraft. "It would. It would be a total failure. And it will be the British people who pay the price. "Does the Prime Minister agree with his own spending watchdog that the cost of that failure would be higher unemployment, higher inflation and a smaller economy?" Mr Johnson mocks the Opposition leader in his response, saying the question makes it clear why Sir Keir Starmer has remained silent on the issue of Brexit. He says: "The more he talks about Brexit the more I can see why he tried to ignore the subject for the last year. "We did leave with a very good deal and under any circumstances this country will prosper mightily."
Keir Starmer is quizzing the Prime Minister on Brexit virtually from Camden
12.07pm update: Starmer attacks Boris Johnson's 'oven ready' Brexit deal Sir Keir Starmer has said Mr Johnson promised an "oven ready" Brexit deal in 2019 but was now unable to say with certainly a trade deal would be in place beyond the end of the year. He says: "12 months ago he told the British people that he had an oven-ready deal. He didn't say he had half a deal, he didn't say the next stage will be very, very difficult. "In fact he told the British people - this was before the election - he faced them and he told them the chances of no deal are absolutely zero. "The now Chancellor obviously took him at his word, because the Chancellor said in the run-up to the election 'we won't need to plan for no deal because we have a deal'. "A year on, why should anyone who trusted the PM when he said he had a deal, including the Chancellor apparently, believe a word he says now." The Prime Minister responds saying he had an "oven ready" deal and that is has already been implemented. He says: "Let's be in no doubt that we had an oven-ready deal, which was the Withdrawal Agreement, which the people voted for and by which this country left the customs union, left the single market and delivered on our promises."
PMQs: Boris Johnson mocks Starmer over his 'spiritual home'
Boris Johnson tells Keir Starmer the UK left the EU in January
12.05pm update: We've already left the EU, PM tells Starmer Sir Keir Starmer began by welcoming the "fantastic" coronavirus vaccine rollout news. He then turned on Mr Johnson on the anniversary of his election. Sir Keir, who is self-isolating after a Covid scare, said: "A year ago the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised - these are his words - we'd have a break from talking about Brexit. "Can the Prime Minister tell us: how's that going?" The Prime Minister responds by criticising the Opposition's previous silence on the matter and says the UK left the EU in January. He says: "His own silence on this matter has been sphinx-like and I wonder quite what it is that has kept him from asking this question for so long. "We delivered Brexit on January 31, if he failed to notice." 12.02pm update: Boris Johnson hits out at EU's unreasonable demands Edward Leigh MP has said to the Prime Minister the Tory Party will back Mr Johnson all the way if he decides to walk away from EU negotiations if he is forced to compromise on his red lines. In response, Mr Johnson has said the current terms being offered by the EU are not terms that "any Prime Minister" could accept. He said: "Our friends in the EU are currently insisting that if they pass a new law in the future with which we in this country don't comply or follow suit, then they want the right to punish us and retaliate. And secondly they're saying they want the UK to be the only country in the world not to have sovereign control over its fishing waters and I don't believe those are terms that any Prime Minister in this country should accept."
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--Now or never! Merkel sends Brexit message to negotiators ahead of vital Boris meeting

The German Chancellor told the Bundestag the bloc still has a chance to secure a Brexit trade deal despite a recent spate of gloomy assessments of the talks by EU dealmaker Michel Barnier .
She said the so-called level playing field and fair competition clauses were a much bigger issue than securing future access to Britain ’ s fishing grounds as the wrangling over the future relationship pact enters the endgame .
In her pre-summit speech , Mrs Merkel said : “ Of course we will talk about Great Britain ’ s exit from the EU and the contractual basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet with the president of the Commission this evening , the commission is leading the negotiations for us and we have full confidence .
“ There is still a chance there will be a deal .
I don ’ t think we will know by tomorrow if this will happen or not , at least I can ’ t promise this but we are still working on it .
“ But we are also prepared for conditions we can not accept .
So if there are conditions coming from the British side which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go our own way without an exit agreement .
Because one thing is certain : the integrity of the single market has to be maintained.
” With the EU and UK still deadlocked over the issue of future common standards , Mrs Merkel hinted towards a potential compromise .
She said Britain should be allowed to have a managed divergence away from the bloc ’ s rules for environmental , health and workers ’ rights standards .
Mrs Merkel said : “ We currently more or less have the same legal system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years the legal systems will diverge regarding environment law , labour law , health legislation , everywhere .
“ And how will the respective other side react to this , when the legal situation either in the EU or in Great Britain will change ?
” Mrs Merkel hinted that this would be the trickier issue to solve when Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen tonight attempt to thrash out a solution to end the impasse .
`` This is the big difficult issue which is still on the table , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar things .
But this issue of fair competition between two diverging legal systems , this is the actual big issue for which we need satisfying solutions , '' the German Chancellor said .
He added : '' '' Is Boris Johnson willing to make concessions in those areas ?
I think he probably is .
`` I think he wants Britain to be part of the world .
I think he wants Britain to be seen as a country that is a first actor , one with high standards .
`` However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sovereignty point and I think any set of common minimum standards , any set of level playing field rules , would have to be ones that the UK would n't feel are imposed on them . ''

Brexit: Johnson hoping Merkel will ‘step in’ says Gordon Brown
The German Chancellor told the Bundestag the bloc still has a chance to secure a Brexit trade deal despite a recent spate of gloomy assessments of the talks by EU dealmaker Michel Barnier, providing competition red lines were respected. She said the so-called level playing field and fair competition clauses were a much bigger issue than securing future access to Britain’s fishing grounds as the wrangling over the future relationship pact enters the endgame. In her pre-summit speech, Mrs Merkel said: “Of course we will talk about Great Britain’s exit from the EU and the contractual basis.
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“The British Prime Minister will meet with the president of the Commission this evening, the commission is leading the negotiations for us and we have full confidence. “There is still a chance there will be a deal. I don’t think we will know by tomorrow if this will happen or not, at least I can’t promise this but we are still working on it. “But we are also prepared for conditions we cannot accept. So if there are conditions coming from the British side which we cannot accept, to then go our own way without an exit agreement. Because one thing is certain: the integrity of the single market has to be maintained.”
Angela Merkel addressed the Bundestag on Brexit talks
With the EU and UK still deadlocked over the issue of future common standards, Mrs Merkel hinted towards a potential compromise. She said Britain should be allowed to have a managed divergence away from the bloc’s rules for environmental, health and workers’ rights standards. Mrs Merkel said: “We currently more or less have the same legal system, a harmonised legal system, but over the years the legal systems will diverge regarding environment law, labour law, health legislation, everywhere.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Brussels for an EU summit tomorrow
“And how will the respective other side react to this, when the legal situation either in the EU or in Great Britain will change?” Mrs Merkel hinted that this would be the trickier issue to solve when Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen tonight attempt to thrash out a solution to end the impasse. "This is the big difficult issue which is still on the table, next to questions about fishing quotas and similar things. But this issue of fair competition between two diverging legal systems, this is the actual big issue for which we need satisfying solutions," the German Chancellor said. MUST READ: Brexit fishing chaos: French warned UK 'will pay price'
What needs to be done by the EU and UK to secure a Brexit trade deal?
Brexit: Gove says there’s ‘scope for compromise’ on fishing


thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--Ian Blackford blasted by Boris for Brexit ‘negativity’ - ‘A gross injustice to Scotland!’

SNP Westminster Ian Blackford argued that Boris Johnson had contempt for Scottish interests in the Brexit trade talks .
Mr Blackford insisted that it was unfair Northern Ireland was getting access to the single market and customs union due to its land border with an EU nation when Scotland does not .
The Prime Minister quickly snapped back at Mr Blackford and accused him of Brexit negativity .
He argued that Scotland , as well as the rest of the UK , would benefit greatly from a good Brexit trading arrangement with the EU .
Mr Blackford said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he likes but everyone can now see the total contempt this UK Government has for the interests of Scotland .
`` Northern Ireland gets the single market and customs union and we get nothing .
`` Members of his Scottish branch office told them how unfair and damaging it would be to deny Scotland 's access to the EU 's single market and customs union whilst at the same time delivering it for Northern Ireland .
`` Ruth Davidson even said that such an act would undermine the integrity of the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said it would be the end of the Union .
`` They along with the former Scottish Secretary said if this were to happen , they would all resign .
`` So since the Prime Minister is ready to sell out Scotland ’ s interests with his Brexit deal , does he expect to receive these resignation letters from Baroness Davidson or her cohorts before or after he travels to Brussels tonight ?
” SNP : Mr Blackford insisted that it was unfair Northern Ireland was getting access to the single market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border with an EU nation when Scotland does not Mr Johnson claimed that these resignations were unlikely to happen and he defended the Government 's actions .
He said : `` The only reasonable answer to that question is that I think it is highly unlikely that those letters will arrive .
`` I think he does gross injustice to Scotland , to the future of Scotland of which will be assured in the single market of the United Kingdom .
`` I believe that , in spite of the slight negativity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland , as well as the rest of the UK , will benefit from a very strong trading relationship .
'It 's a border ' Trade expert dismantles Gove 's claim on N.I compromise [ VIDEO ] Brexit LIVE : Boris told 'EU want to lock us in ' as he goes to Brussels [ LIVE BLOG ] Lord Ashcroft warns Boris Johnson 'grip your marbles tight ' [ COMMENT ]

PMQs: Boris Johnson shuts down Blackford for Brexit ‘negativity’
SNP Westminster Ian Blackford argued that Boris Johnson had contempt for Scottish interests in the Brexit trade talks. Mr Blackford insisted that it was unfair Northern Ireland was getting access to the single market and customs union due to its land border with an EU nation when Scotland does not. The Prime Minister quickly snapped back at Mr Blackford and accused him of Brexit negativity.
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He argued that Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK, would benefit greatly from a good Brexit trading arrangement with the EU. Mr Blackford said: "The Prime Minister can spin all that he likes but everyone can now see the total contempt this UK Government has for the interests of Scotland. "Northern Ireland gets the single market and customs union and we get nothing. "Members of his Scottish branch office told them how unfair and damaging it would be to deny Scotland's access to the EU's single market and customs union whilst at the same time delivering it for Northern Ireland. DON'T MISS: Brexit sell-out warning: Gove hints UK open to compromise on fishing
Ian Blackford blasted by Boris for Brexit ‘negativity’ - ‘A gross injustice to Scotland!’
SNP: He argued that Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK, would benefit greatly from a good Brexit trading arrangement with the EU.
"Ruth Davidson even said that such an act would undermine the integrity of the United Kingdom. "The former Tory Scottish constitution spokesperson said it would be the end of the Union. "They along with the former Scottish Secretary said if this were to happen, they would all resign. "So since the Prime Minister is ready to sell out Scotland’s interests with his Brexit deal, does he expect to receive these resignation letters from Baroness Davidson or her cohorts before or after he travels to Brussels tonight?”
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SNP: Mr Blackford insisted that it was unfair Northern Ireland was getting access to the single market and customs union due to its land border with an EU nation when Scotland does not
Brexit: Gove says there’s ‘scope for compromise’ on fishing
Mr Johnson claimed that these resignations were unlikely to happen and he defended the Government's actions. He said: "The only reasonable answer to that question is that I think it is highly unlikely that those letters will arrive. "I think he does gross injustice to Scotland, to the future of Scotland of which will be assured in the single market of the United Kingdom. "I believe that, in spite of the slight negativity that I detect from him, I believe Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK, will benefit from a very strong trading relationship. READ MORE: 'It's a border' Trade expert dismantles Gove's claim on N.I compromise [VIDEO]
Brexit LIVE: Boris told 'EU want to lock us in' as he goes to Brussels [LIVE BLOG]
Lord Ashcroft warns Boris Johnson 'grip your marbles tight' [COMMENT]
SNP: Boris Johnson is set to meet with European Commissioner President Ursula von der Leyen tonight in Brussels to resolve Brexit talks.


thedailyexpress--2020-12-09--Covid patients to get 'rationed' treatment as Wales on brink of CRITCON4 'we're desperate'

COVID-19 infections have spiked again across Wales , with some areas experiencing over 300 cases per 100,000 residents .
Local health boards have warned the risk of a new wave of coronavirus could wash over the nation over the coming months , with NHS staff admitting they could soon begin to ration treatment .
Dr Dave Jones , the clinical director of the Intensive Care Unite at Prince Charles Hospital , suggested the UK may soon have to put the pandemic alert level up to CRITCON 4 and `` triage '' who gets treatment .
Speaking to Channel 4 News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry next is that the numbers in the community that are coming into the hospital , the demand of intensive care will go on increasing .
`` And we do n't have the resources to deal with that .
At that point , we will move from being in CRITCON 3B into CRITCON 4 , and CRITCON 4 is the most extreme level which is triage of treatment .
`` Rationing is one of the parts of CRITCON 4 and , once you get to that level , it 's rationing of treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're extremely close to that right now .
JUST IN : EU warned attempt to punish UK over Brexit will backfire with threat to bloc 's security '' It 's not a decision we 'd make at a local level , it would have to come from the national level but we ca n't see a way out of this at the moment if the numbers are increasing as they are . ''
Wales emerged from a 17-day breakdown between October and November but saw its case rate overtake England 's at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Welsh Government 's scientific advisory body TAG : `` Wales has seen a greater increase in confirmed cases and mobility since the firebreak which suggests that hospital admissions and deaths may increase in the next 2-3 weeks depending on the age structure of cases .
`` Deaths are currently as high as May , with the excess death rate in Wales higher than in England and Scotland over recent weeks , and tracking above our reasonable worst case . ''
READ MORE : France helicopter crash : Macron speaks out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Alps Wales currently has the worst infection rate across the four nations , with the latest weekly figures from the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) reporting 218 coronavirus-related deaths in the region .
Dr Gill Richardson , the chair of the Government 's COVID-19 vaccine programme board , admitted she is `` very definitely '' concerned about a third wave of the pandemic washing over Wales .
Dr Richardson said : `` We are all concerned .
`` As we see cases rise , we know that the next thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then ITU admissions and , of course , very sadly , deaths .
Prince William praises Britain ’ s V-Day after keeping Covid case secret [ ROYAL ] Coronavirus HOPE : Joe Biden pledges 100 million vaccines in 100 days [ USA ] Joe Biden will force ALL Americans to ‘ mask up ’ in brutal announcement [ REVEAL ]

Wales: Doctor outlines 'worry' on increased treatment demand
COVID-19 infections have spiked again across Wales, with some areas experiencing over 300 cases per 100,000 residents. Local health boards have warned the risk of a new wave of coronavirus could wash over the nation over the coming months, with NHS staff admitting they could soon begin to ration treatment. Dr Dave Jones, the clinical director of the Intensive Care Unite at Prince Charles Hospital, suggested the UK may soon have to put the pandemic alert level up to CRITCON 4 and "triage" who gets treatment.
Trending
Speaking to Channel 4 News, Dr Jones said: "My worry next is that the numbers in the community that are coming into the hospital, the demand of intensive care will go on increasing. "And we don't have the resources to deal with that. At that point, we will move from being in CRITCON 3B into CRITCON 4, and CRITCON 4 is the most extreme level which is triage of treatment. "Rationing is one of the parts of CRITCON 4 and, once you get to that level, it's rationing of treatment." The physician added: "We're extremely close to that right now. JUST IN: EU warned attempt to punish UK over Brexit will backfire with threat to bloc's security
COVID-19 cases in Wales have been putting the nation on brink of CRITCON 4
Coronavirus has now over 300 cases per 100,000 residents in many areas
"It's not a decision we'd make at a local level, it would have to come from the national level but we can't see a way out of this at the moment if the numbers are increasing as they are." Wales emerged from a 17-day breakdown between October and November but saw its case rate overtake England's at the end of last month. According to the Welsh Government's scientific advisory body TAG: "Wales has seen a greater increase in confirmed cases and mobility since the firebreak which suggests that hospital admissions and deaths may increase in the next 2-3 weeks depending on the age structure of cases. "Deaths are currently as high as May, with the excess death rate in Wales higher than in England and Scotland over recent weeks, and tracking above our reasonable worst case." READ MORE: France helicopter crash: Macron speaks out on 'fight for survival' with five dead in Alps
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Vaughn Gething fires warning over Covid breaker in Wales
Coronavirus infections have hit over 600 cases per 100,000 in Neath Port Talbot
Wales currently has the worst infection rate across the four nations, with the latest weekly figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reporting 218 coronavirus-related deaths in the region. Dr Gill Richardson, the chair of the Government's COVID-19 vaccine programme board, admitted she is "very definitely" concerned about a third wave of the pandemic washing over Wales. Dr Richardson said: "We are all concerned. "As we see cases rise, we know that the next thing that will happen will be hospital admissions and then ITU admissions and, of course, very sadly, deaths. DON'T MISS Prince William praises Britain’s V-Day after keeping Covid case secret [ROYAL]
Coronavirus HOPE: Joe Biden pledges 100 million vaccines in 100 days [USA]
Joe Biden will force ALL Americans to ‘mask up’ in brutal announcement [REVEAL]


thedailyexpress--2020-12-10--POLL: Should Keir Starmer force the Labour Party to back Boris's Brexit deal? VOTE HERE

The Prime Minister met Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday night in order to break the current Brexit deadlock .
If the two sides agree a trade deal , the Prime Minister will bring it back to Parliament for MPs to vote on .
Ahead of that , some within the Shadow Cabinet have warned the party must not support any deal brought back to the Commons by the Prime Minister .
During Prime Minister ’ s Question on Wednesday , the leader of the Opposition indicated Labour may support the deal amid his concerns over the damage of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split within the party , Express.co.uk is asking readers in today ’ s exclusive poll , “ Should Keir Starmer force the Labour Party to back Boris 's Brexit deal ?
” MPs such as Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds and Shadow Trade Secretary Emily Thornberry , are thought to be anxious over supporting a deal , The Guardian reports .
However , influential MPs such as Hilary Benn and West Streeting are now in favour of voting for any deal Mr Johnson presents to the Commons .
Stella Creasy , the MP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s majority the size that it is , the choice Labour faces is whether we endorse Boris ’ s deal or not .
“ For me to want to support any deal he makes it has to meet the needs of the British people on security , jobs protection , trade and climate change – without seeing it no one can judge if it does that and time is running out.
” Sir Keir said today : “ I 'll say this : if there is a deal , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my party will vote in the national interest - not on party political lines , as he is doing . ''
As well as avoiding a no deal Brexit , Sir Keir is also attempting to win back Labour voters who voted to Leave in 2016 .
JUST IN : Brexit : What will Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen discuss ?
Due to the party ’ s Brexit position in the lead up to the 2019 general election , the party lost heartland seats in the North and Midlands .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised to negotiate a Brexit deal within three months of the election before then holding a referendum on the deal .
In order to reclaim these voters , Sir Keir may see support for a Brexit as an opportunity to repair bridges with Leave voters .
Despite this possible plan for the Labour Party , Mr Johnson is yet to agree a deal with the EU .
House of Lords inflict ANOTHER defeat on Boris 's Brexit proposals [ Latest ] Boris enters the lion 's den : PM arrives to confront von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final insult EXPOSED : Brussels chiefs mock Boris Johnson [ Insight ] EU leaders have become increasingly concerned over the lessening time for any possible deal to be ratified by MEPs .
Due to its nature , national governments will also need to ratify the agreement , although it is thought officials could postpone this procedure in order for it to be implemented in time .
The EU ’ s coordination group is now looking at changing the legislative timeline for this reason .
Ahead of his trip on Wednesday evening , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done .
He said : “ Our friends in the EU are currently insisting that if they pass a new law in the future with which we in this country do not comply or do n't follow suit , then they want the automatic right to punish us and to retaliate .
`` Secondly , they are saying that the UK should be the only country in the world not to have sovereign control over its fishing waters .

Boris Johnson arrives in Brussels for final Brexit talks
The Prime Minister met Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday night in order to break the current Brexit deadlock. If the two sides agree a trade deal, the Prime Minister will bring it back to Parliament for MPs to vote on. Ahead of that, some within the Shadow Cabinet have warned the party must not support any deal brought back to the Commons by the Prime Minister. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED - PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESULTS.
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During Prime Minister’s Question on Wednesday, the leader of the Opposition indicated Labour may support the deal amid his concerns over the damage of a no deal Brexit. Amid the potential split within the party, Express.co.uk is asking readers in today’s exclusive poll, “Should Keir Starmer force the Labour Party to back Boris's Brexit deal?” MPs such as Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds and Shadow Trade Secretary Emily Thornberry, are thought to be anxious over supporting a deal, The Guardian reports. However, influential MPs such as Hilary Benn and West Streeting are now in favour of voting for any deal Mr Johnson presents to the Commons.
Brexit poll: Should Labour back Boris's deal?
Brexit news: Keir Starmer faces a party split
Stella Creasy, the MP for Walthamstow, said: “With the government’s majority the size that it is, the choice Labour faces is whether we endorse Boris’s deal or not. “For me to want to support any deal he makes it has to meet the needs of the British people on security, jobs protection, trade and climate change – without seeing it no one can judge if it does that and time is running out.” Sir Keir said today: “I'll say this: if there is a deal, and I hope there's a deal, then my party will vote in the national interest - not on party political lines, as he is doing." As well as avoiding a no deal Brexit, Sir Keir is also attempting to win back Labour voters who voted to Leave in 2016. JUST IN: Brexit: What will Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen discuss?
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Brexit news: Keir Starmer
Due to the party’s Brexit position in the lead up to the 2019 general election, the party lost heartland seats in the North and Midlands. In the party’s manifesto, it promised to negotiate a Brexit deal within three months of the election before then holding a referendum on the deal. In order to reclaim these voters, Sir Keir may see support for a Brexit as an opportunity to repair bridges with Leave voters. Despite this possible plan for the Labour Party, Mr Johnson is yet to agree a deal with the EU. DON'T MISS House of Lords inflict ANOTHER defeat on Boris's Brexit proposals [Latest]
Boris enters the lion's den: PM arrives to confront von der Leyen [Update]
EU's final insult EXPOSED: Brussels chiefs mock Boris Johnson [Insight]
Brexit news: Mr Johnson met the EU official on Wednesday
Brexit news: Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer
EU leaders have become increasingly concerned over the lessening time for any possible deal to be ratified by MEPs. Due to its nature, national governments will also need to ratify the agreement, although it is thought officials could postpone this procedure in order for it to be implemented in time. The EU’s coordination group is now looking at changing the legislative timeline for this reason. Ahead of his trip on Wednesday evening, Mr Johnson had declared belief a deal could be done.
Consequences of a hard Brexit
He said: “Our friends in the EU are currently insisting that if they pass a new law in the future with which we in this country do not comply or don't follow suit, then they want the automatic right to punish us and to retaliate. "Secondly, they are saying that the UK should be the only country in the world not to have sovereign control over its fishing waters.
Brexit news: Boris Johnson said a deal could be done


thedailyexpress--2020-12-10--Sturgeon plot: SNP considers reaching out to EU behind Boris' back as Brexit deal on brink

The SNP led administration has become increasingly frustrated of being left out of Brexit negotiations with officials fearing a “ last-minute shady deal ” would be struck .
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen admitted there were still difference after meeting in Brussels tonight .
The two leaders agreed the UK and EU will continue talks on a post-Brexit trade deal the end of the transition period looms closer .
A further firm decision would be taken about the future of the decisions on Sunday , according to a No10 insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express.co.uk on Wednesday night the Tory approach to the talks had been a “ shambles ” .
The source told this website : “ The talks are being dragged on and on , no progress is being made.
” The insider made clear the Scottish Government could liaise with whomever they wished including Michel Barnier and senior EU officials .
“ All options are on the table ” , the source said when clarifying their relationship with Brussels .
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford , tweeted : `` A no-deal would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson has to take ownership of .
`` On top of the health & economic impact of Covid this is self induced self harm .
`` Disruption to trade , tariffs , higher prices and lost jobs is never a price worth paying . ''
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing claimed Westminster ’ s approach to talks with Brussels has been rather “ foolish ” .
READ MORE : Panicked EU states to call for no-deal Brexit planning He said : “ The risk in the next couple of weeks is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Frost or whoever on the UK side without reference to Scotland and with unforeseen and unintended adverse consequences for Scotland.
” The SNP Rural Economy Secretary claimed Scotland was also left out of vital talks over fisheries , a sticking point of the current negotiations .
He made clear the Scottish Government team had been “ kept out of the room ” .
The MSP concluded : “ I think that that is a missed opportunity in terms of getting the best deal for Scotland.
” But a UK Government spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Scottish Government is not meaningful ” .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit talks on precipice of collapse - Ireland admits no deal likely [ INSIGHT ] Brexit victory as EU DROPS demands for embassy in Northern Ireland [ LATEST ] Merkel sends Brexit message to negotiatiors ahead of Boris meeting [ REVEAL ] He added : `` Ministers from the Scottish Government are invited to regular meetings of the Exit Operations ( XO ) Cabinet Committee ” As well as fisheries , talks have faltered on the `` level playing field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercutting the EU on standards and state subsidies , and the way that any deal would be governed .
In a statement following a three-hour-long dinner in Brussels , a senior Number 10 source said : “ The PM and VDL had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations .
`` Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged .
`` The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams @ @

Boris Johnson arrives in Brussels for final Brexit talks
The SNP led administration has become increasingly frustrated of being left out of Brexit negotiations with officials fearing a “last-minute shady deal” would be struck. It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen admitted there were still difference after meeting in Brussels tonight.
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The two leaders agreed the UK and EU will continue talks on a post-Brexit trade deal the end of the transition period looms closer. A further firm decision would be taken about the future of the decisions on Sunday, according to a No10 insider. A senior Scottish Government source told Express.co.uk on Wednesday night the Tory approach to the talks had been a “shambles”. The source told this website: “The talks are being dragged on and on, no progress is being made.” The insider made clear the Scottish Government could liaise with whomever they wished including Michel Barnier and senior EU officials.
Nicola Sturgeon has been left out of Brexit talks
EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
“All options are on the table”, the source said when clarifying their relationship with Brussels. SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, tweeted: "A no-deal would be a massive failure of diplomacy and leadership which Boris Johnson has to take ownership of. "On top of the health & economic impact of Covid this is self induced self harm. "Disruption to trade, tariffs, higher prices and lost jobs is never a price worth paying." Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing claimed Westminster’s approach to talks with Brussels has been rather “foolish”. READ MORE: Panicked EU states to call for no-deal Brexit planning
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Brexit negotiations continue in Brussels tonight
He said: “The risk in the next couple of weeks is that some last-minute shady deal is done by Mr Frost or whoever on the UK side without reference to Scotland and with unforeseen and unintended adverse consequences for Scotland.” The SNP Rural Economy Secretary claimed Scotland was also left out of vital talks over fisheries, a sticking point of the current negotiations. He made clear the Scottish Government team had been “kept out of the room”. The MSP concluded: “I think that that is a missed opportunity in terms of getting the best deal for Scotland.” But a UK Government spokesman said it was “untrue that our engagement with the Scottish Government is not meaningful”. DON'T MISS:
Brexit talks on precipice of collapse - Ireland admits no deal likely [INSIGHT]
Brexit victory as EU DROPS demands for embassy in Northern Ireland [LATEST]
Merkel sends Brexit message to negotiatiors ahead of Boris meeting [REVEAL]
The PM is meeting von der Leyen tonight for post-Brexit talks
He added: "Ministers from the Scottish Government are invited to regular meetings of the Exit Operations (XO) Cabinet Committee” As well as fisheries, talks have faltered on the "level playing field" measures aimed at preventing the UK undercutting the EU on standards and state subsidies, and the way that any deal would be governed. In a statement following a three-hour-long dinner in Brussels, a senior Number 10 source said: “The PM and VDL had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations. "Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged. "The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams.”
Boris Johnson met with Ursula von der Leyen today


thedailyexpress--2020-12-10--Boris Johnson refuses to cave to EU – Brexit talks to go down to wire after VDL dinner

During a tense three-hour stand-off , the Prime Minister warned he would quit the trade and security talks unless Brussels drops its attempts to keep Britain wrapped up in red tape .
The wrangling over the future relationship pact now teeters on the brink of collapse with “ very large gaps ” between the two sides on future fishing rights and common standards .
They met tonight at the EU executive 's Berlaymont building in the Belgian capital .
A Senior No10 source said : “ The Prime Minister and von der Leyen had a frank discussion about the significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged .
The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams .
“ The PM does not want to leave any route to a possible deal untested .
The PM and von der Leyen agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks.
” Commission president Ms von der Leyen said : “ We had a lively and interesting discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of outstanding issues .
“ We gained a clear understanding of each others ' positions .
They remain far apart .
“ We agreed that the teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these essential issues .
“ We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend.
” One EU source said the Mrs von der Leyen and Mr Johnson were in “ good spirits ” during the dinner .
They said both sides accept there is a long way to go before they can clinch a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still possible .
As Mrs von der Leyen posed for pictures with Mr Johnson , the Commission boss ticked off the Prime Minister , warning him to “ keep distance ” and respect local Covid rules .
After asking the Prime Minister to remove his mask , she added : “ Then we have to put it back on .
You have to put it back on immediately.
” “ You run a tight ship here , Ursula , and quite right too , ” Mr Johnson responded .
Earlier Brussels sources said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to break the deadlock as the bloc was plunged into a no deal planning panic .
EU insiders said the Prime Minister was invited to Brussels after `` deep disagreements '' flared between the two leaders in a phone call on Monday .
Officials said leaders would demand the immediate publication of their contingency measures with the Brexit trade talks teetering on the brink of collapse .
Before setting off for Brussels , Mr Johnson insisted he would not accept any deal that would allow EU bureaucrats to maintain a grip over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister told MPs the bloc was demanding the ability to slap the UK with crippling trade tariffs if the Government chooses to move away from the bloc ’ s rulebook .
“ I do not believe that those are terms that any Prime Minister of this country should accept , ” Mr Johnson told MPs yesterday .
“ I must tell the House that , whether our new trading arrangements resemble those of Australia ’ s with the EU or whether they are like those of Canada with the EU , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 1 , this country is going to prosper mightily .
MUST READ : Are you watching EU ?
Brexit Britain nears completion of ANOTHER deal Officials are now preparing emergency procedures for capitals to sign off on any agreement after leaders were told a draft legal text would not be ready in time for the gathering .
Hardline EU states have demanded “ time to read ” the Brexit trade deal before they can rubber-stamp the pact , a senior official said .
The bloc is now expected to ratify the agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between UK and EU negotiators before the end of the year .
Some EU leaders are pressing for Brussels to ramp up preparations for a no-deal Brexit amid growing fears Mr Johnson will not agree to their demands for the so-called level playing field .
DO N'T MISS Bernard Jenkin warns EU can still torpedo Michael Gove 's Brexit 'break [ VIDEO ] As UK 's EU press man I had to try to defend the indefensible [ COMMENT ] Panicked EU states to call for no-deal Brexit planning [ INSIGHT ] The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been asking for contingency measures because some are more exposed because of their trading relationship with Britain and time is pressing.
” Angela Merkel was yesterday ready for the Prime Minister to propose “ conditions we can not accept ” and warned colleagues to brace for a no-deal outcome .
The German Chancellor said the EU would continue to demand the ability to retaliate with trade tariffs if Britain moves away from the bloc ’ s rulebook .
She said : “ We need to have a level playing field not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the day after that .
Otherwise the result will be unfair terms of competition , which we can not impose upon our businesses.
” She added : “ There is still a chance there will be a deal.
” French officials were last night pessimistic about the chances of a deal .
One said : “ We can ’ t exclude von der Leyen and Johnson seeking to negotiate but positions are so far away that an agreement is unlikely during the night .
“ More than likely the mandate will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the likelihood of no deal is growing.
” Ahead of last night ’ s dinner Irish premier Micheal Martin said the trade talks between the EU and UK were on the “ on the precipice ” of collapse .
He told the Irish parliament : “ At the moment we are on the precipice of a no-deal .
`` It remains to be seen how the principals - Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President of Commission Ursula von der Leyen - can rescue the situation in their talks this evening . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen used “ all of the charm available to woo the British Prime Minister into changing his position ” .
They expect chief negotiators Lord Frost and Mr Barnier to take their wrangling over the future relationship pact right up to Christmas day .
One senior EU diplomat tonight said : “ Miracles usually happen later this month .
“ It ’ s clear we ’ ve made some substantial movement over the past couple of months , so let ’ s hope the British Prime Minister brings some energised movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Even if it brings something positive , there ’ s so much work still to be done .
`` So the only thing Ursula von der Leyen can tell the leaders tomorrow is that Michel Barnier will continue work , but that certainly will require some further time .
”

Boris Johnson arrives in Brussels for final Brexit talks
During a tense three-hour stand-off, the Prime Minister warned he would quit the trade and security talks unless Brussels drops its attempts to keep Britain wrapped up in red tape. The wrangling over the future relationship pact now teeters on the brink of collapse with “very large gaps” between the two sides on future fishing rights and common standards. They met tonight at the EU executive's Berlaymont building in the Belgian capital.
Trending
A Senior No10 source said: “The Prime Minister and von der Leyen had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations. “Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged. The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams. “The PM does not want to leave any route to a possible deal untested. The PM and von der Leyen agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks.” Commission president Ms von der Leyen said: “We had a lively and interesting discussion on the state of play across the list of outstanding issues. “We gained a clear understanding of each others' positions. They remain far apart. “We agreed that the teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these essential issues. “We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend.”
Ursula von der Leyen welcomes Boris Johnson to her Berlaymont headquarters
They wrangled over so-called level playing field demands and post-Brexit fishing rights
One EU source said the Mrs von der Leyen and Mr Johnson were in “good spirits” during the dinner. They said both sides accept there is a long way to go before they can clinch a deal but both sides believe it’s still possible. As Mrs von der Leyen posed for pictures with Mr Johnson, the Commission boss ticked off the Prime Minister, warning him to “keep distance” and respect local Covid rules. After asking the Prime Minister to remove his mask, she added: “Then we have to put it back on. You have to put it back on immediately.” “You run a tight ship here, Ursula, and quite right too,” Mr Johnson responded. Earlier Brussels sources said it would take a “Christmas miracle” to break the deadlock as the bloc was plunged into a no deal planning panic.
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Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels
EU insiders said the Prime Minister was invited to Brussels after "deep disagreements" flared between the two leaders in a phone call on Monday. Officials said leaders would demand the immediate publication of their contingency measures with the Brexit trade talks teetering on the brink of collapse. Before setting off for Brussels, Mr Johnson insisted he would not accept any deal that would allow EU bureaucrats to maintain a grip over Britain’s decision-making powers. The Prime Minister told MPs the bloc was demanding the ability to slap the UK with crippling trade tariffs if the Government chooses to move away from the bloc’s rulebook. “I do not believe that those are terms that any Prime Minister of this country should accept,” Mr Johnson told MPs yesterday. “I must tell the House that, whether our new trading arrangements resemble those of Australia’s with the EU or whether they are like those of Canada with the EU, I have absolutely no doubt that, from January 1, this country is going to prosper mightily. MUST READ: Are you watching EU? Brexit Britain nears completion of ANOTHER deal
Brexit end game: What needs to be done to get a trade and security deal across the line
Officials are now preparing emergency procedures for capitals to sign off on any agreement after leaders were told a draft legal text would not be ready in time for the gathering. Hardline EU states have demanded “time to read” the Brexit trade deal before they can rubber-stamp the pact, a senior official said. The bloc is now expected to ratify the agreement by email if a deal is reached between UK and EU negotiators before the end of the year. Some EU leaders are pressing for Brussels to ramp up preparations for a no-deal Brexit amid growing fears Mr Johnson will not agree to their demands for the so-called level playing field. DON'T MISS
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As UK's EU press man I had to try to defend the indefensible [COMMENT]
Panicked EU states to call for no-deal Brexit planning [INSIGHT]
Brexit: Jeremy Vine caller claims EU should be 'terrified'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-10--Boris fights back in response to SNP grip on power as Whitehall moves north to Edinburgh

Express.co.uk can reveal Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack is moving more UK officials to Edinburgh amid rising support for the SNP .
The plans will see 10 Whitehall Departments draw up blueprints for having some form of presence in Scotland .
Mr Jack and Downing Street want to increase the UK Government 's identity with the new plans which includes creating a new Scottish Home Office migration unit .
Mr Jack told Express.co.uk : `` The Prime Minister has been very clear that he wants to see more ministers visiting Scotland .
`` We are asking those [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Queen Elizabeth House , the new hub that we have in Edinburgh .
When pressed on examples , Mr Jack referenced the Home Office and said : `` If you take the Home Office , a migration team will be there making sure we get migration relevant to Scotland 's needs . ''
He stressed those decisions were being taken currently .
Under the plans , new UK officials would be based at the UK Government ’ s HQ at Queen Elizabeth House , which will house 3,000 civil servants from multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is home of the Office of the Advocate General , HMRC , HM Treasury , Cabinet Office , the Office for Statistics Regulation , the Information Commissioner ’ s Office , and the Government Actuary ’ s Department It comes following visits by UK Government ministers including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ministers , Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma north of the border .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon outlines how she plans to secure independence Mr Jack stressed the increased presence of Westminster ministers in Scotland was a reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` retreated a bit over the years '' .
At the same time , the UK Government is boosting its PR strategy in a bid to increase the profile of the Union .
Part of this , Express.co.uk understands , will involve a new team in the Cabinet Office led by Michael Gove to counter significant backing of the SNP led administration in Scotland .
A Whitehall source said : “ It ’ s extremely important for the UK to have a wider presence in Scotland and a greater focus in Whitehall north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Sturgeon threatened with legal action over tough Covid restrictions [ INSIGHT ] SNP issued warning as report shows poor state of Scotland 's economy [ LATEST ] SNP branded 'loonies ' - Tories attacked by Sturgeon ’ s Brexit Secretary [ REVEAL ] “ Scotland is dominated by the SNP with many policy comments often going unchallenged so we will aim to respond more efficiently .
” The Cabinet Office has begun hiring new communications officers this month as part of this move .
In response , an SNP policy source claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” over rising support for independence and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon .
The source said the strategy shows how “ out-of-touch the Tories are with the Scottish people.
” It comes after more than 15 polls showed support for Scottish independence with the latest Ipsos Mori poll conducted between November 20th and 26th showing record support for Nicola Sturgeon ’ s administration .
Emily Gray , managing director of Ipsos MORI Scotland , said the research also points to high levels of trust in the SNP .
She said : `` The party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy , education and public services has been much criticised by the Conservatives in recent months .
`` However , those messages do not appear to be cutting through with Scottish voters , who trust the SNP much more on the economy , education and the NHS than they do any other political party . ''

Boris Johnson hits out at SNP’s handling of devolution
Express.co.uk can reveal Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack is moving more UK officials to Edinburgh amid rising support for the SNP. The plans will see 10 Whitehall Departments draw up blueprints for having some form of presence in Scotland.
Trending
Mr Jack and Downing Street want to increase the UK Government's identity with the new plans which includes creating a new Scottish Home Office migration unit. Mr Jack told Express.co.uk: "The Prime Minister has been very clear that he wants to see more ministers visiting Scotland. "We are asking those [Whitehall] departments to put key people into Queen Elizabeth House, the new hub that we have in Edinburgh. When pressed on examples, Mr Jack referenced the Home Office and said: "If you take the Home Office, a migration team will be there making sure we get migration relevant to Scotland's needs."
Whitehall officials are set to move to Edinburgh
The new UK Government Hub in Edinburgh
He stressed those decisions were being taken currently. Under the plans, new UK officials would be based at the UK Government’s HQ at Queen Elizabeth House, which will house 3,000 civil servants from multiple departments. So far, the property is home of the Office of the Advocate General, HMRC, HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Office for Statistics Regulation, the Information Commissioner’s Office, and the Government Actuary’s Department It comes following visits by UK Government ministers including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ministers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma north of the border. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon outlines how she plans to secure independence
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Westminster has been accused of meddling with devolved Scotland's business
Mr Jack stressed the increased presence of Westminster ministers in Scotland was a reaction to the impression the UK Government had "retreated a bit over the years". At the same time, the UK Government is boosting its PR strategy in a bid to increase the profile of the Union. Part of this, Express.co.uk understands, will involve a new team in the Cabinet Office led by Michael Gove to counter significant backing of the SNP led administration in Scotland. A Whitehall source said: “It’s extremely important for the UK to have a wider presence in Scotland and a greater focus in Whitehall north of the border. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon threatened with legal action over tough Covid restrictions [INSIGHT]
SNP issued warning as report shows poor state of Scotland's economy [LATEST]
SNP branded 'loonies' - Tories attacked by Sturgeon’s Brexit Secretary [REVEAL]
Alister Jack has said that the PM ''wholeheartedly supports devolution''