thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--'Four years putting up with EU threats is national disgrace' Brits furious at Brexit farce

Boris Johnson has warned Britain is likely to leave the European Union on December 31 without a trade deal in place .
Both sides insist they want an agreement to cover around £700billion in annual trade but negotiations continue to be at a standstill .
The Prime Minister and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have given their negotiating teams until Sunday to break the deadlock over fishing rights and EU demands for Britain to face consequences if in the future it diverges from the bloc 's rules .
On Friday evening , EU leaders had also rejected a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday , EU officials said .
Mr Macron has been particularly vocal on the periphery of negotiations , with his French government threatening to veto any deal that does n't meet the red lines they have set out - particularly around fishing right 's in UK waters for his country 's fishermen .
Britons have exploded with fury over what they say have been constant threats from the EU and various leaders during the tense and often bitter post-Brexit trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Johnson has reached the point of no return .
`` He either comes out a hero or will destroy his career and for the second time ( May was the forerunner ) any chance the Tories have of a long tenure .
`` Four-and-a half-years putting up with the threats and criticism is a national disgrace . ''
A second person commented : `` They ( the EU ) clearly do n't care about having the European equivalent of Singapore on their back doorstep .
So let 's just get on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories and we owe them nothing .
In fact , the reverse is true . ''
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘ financial support ’ for deal Another reader wrote : `` Proof , if needed , that the EU seeks ( and usually does ) control the countries who belong to it rather than the other way around .
`` We are well out of this horrid club . ''
A fourth person added : How can you negotiate with people who do not understand sovereignty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU sovereignty .
The EU is not a sovereignty .
It is a collection of sovereignties . ''
DO N'T MISS Brexit trade deal warning : 'China won ’ t hesitate to punish UK [ COMMENT ] Lord West insists the UK should protect its waters in a no deal Brexit [ VIDEO ] BBC 's Kuenssberg humiliates Labour 's Starmer in Brexit fact-check [ OPINION ] On Friday evening , Mr Johnson admitted it is `` very , very likely '' there will not be a trade deal with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an agreement and have it ratified before the transition period expires at the end of this year .
But he insisted regardless of the outcome of talk this weekend , `` we 'll be able to do exactly what we want from January 1 '' .
The Prime Minister said : `` It 's looking very , very likely we 'll have to go for a solution that I think will be wonderful for the UK .
“ We 'll be able to do exactly what we want from Jan. 1 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out to achieve , '' Johnson told reporters .
`` If there 's a big offer , a big change in what they 're saying then I must say that I 'm yet to see it . ''

Brexit: Nigel Farage labels EU fishing proposals ‘insulting’
Boris Johnson has warned Britain is likely to leave the European Union on December 31 without a trade deal in place. Both sides insist they want an agreement to cover around £700billion in annual trade but negotiations continue to be at a standstill. The Prime Minister and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have given their negotiating teams until Sunday to break the deadlock over fishing rights and EU demands for Britain to face consequences if in the future it diverges from the bloc's rules.
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On Friday evening, EU leaders had also rejected a proposal from Mr Johnson for a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, EU officials said. Mr Macron has been particularly vocal on the periphery of negotiations, with his French government threatening to veto any deal that doesn't meet the red lines they have set out - particularly around fishing right's in UK waters for his country's fishermen. Britons have exploded with fury over what they say have been constant threats from the EU and various leaders during the tense and often bitter post-Brexit trade deal negotiations. One Express.co.uk reader said: "Johnson has reached the point of no return.
Brexit news: Britons have reacted furiously towards the EU
Brexit news: Talks between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen failed to make a breakthrough
"He either comes out a hero or will destroy his career and for the second time (May was the forerunner) any chance the Tories have of a long tenure. "Four-and-a half-years putting up with the threats and criticism is a national disgrace." A second person commented: "They (the EU) clearly don't care about having the European equivalent of Singapore on their back doorstep. So let's just get on and do it. "They have short memories and we owe them nothing. In fact, the reverse is true." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris to offer EU fishermen ‘financial support’ for deal
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Brexit news: Boris Johnson has refused to bow to demands from the EU
Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen was more downbeat over the prospect of a trade deal
Brexit news: Emmanuel Macron is coming under pressure from French fishermen
On Friday evening, Mr Johnson admitted it is "very, very likely" there will not be a trade deal with the EU as time quickly runs out to strike an agreement and have it ratified before the transition period expires at the end of this year. But he insisted regardless of the outcome of talk this weekend, "we'll be able to do exactly what we want from January 1". The Prime Minister said: "It's looking very, very likely we'll have to go for a solution that I think will be wonderful for the UK. “We'll be able to do exactly what we want from Jan. 1. It will obviously be different from what we set out to achieve," Johnson told reporters. "If there's a big offer, a big change in what they're saying then I must say that I'm yet to see it."
Brexit news: The UK is edging closer to cutting all ties with the EU
Downing Street later confirmed Mr Johnson had also held a meeting with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and several other senior officials to assess the UK's preparedness for a no-deal departure. Ms von der Leyen was quoted by an EU official as telling leaders from the 27 remaining member states attending the latest summit in Brussels that the prospects of a trade deal with the UK had deteriorated significantly. The official said: "The probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal." Mr Macron faces huge pressure from France, with the country's fishermen urging him to ensure the EU defends their fishing rights.


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--'We voted to leave!' Starmer's Brexit attack on Boris sparks furious backlash

Sir Keir criticised the Prime Minister for attempting to `` dress up '' no deal as an Australian-style arrangement - Downing Street shorthand for reverting to World Trade Organisation rules with the UK 's largest trading partner - under which Britain could prosper .
He tweeted : `` There ’ s no point dressing it up as an Australian deal .
It ’ s no deal and that would be a complete failure of statecraft .
`` Boris Johnson promised a deal .
He needs to get on and deliver it . ''
But his comments prompted a swift backlash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I do n't think delivering what the country voted for can be described as a failure to be honest . ''
Another said : `` We voted to leave !
The ballot paper did not say leave with a deal or leave without a deal .
`` It was Leave the EU or Remain in the EU . ''
Another said : `` It takes two to make a deal .
Your criticism of Boris Johnson may be fair but I have not seen you criticise the EU .
`` Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they want ?
`` No PM should accede to regulatory alignment in the future to changes made without our input . ''
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : 48 hours until Boris and VDL deadline And another said : `` If ‘ statecraft ’ means entering a negotiation obliged to accept the terms offered by the other side .
`` With that kind of approach to trade , you really should buy my house . ''
Sir Keir even came under fire from Labour supporters who criticised the party leader 's position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think you are a weak opposition leader when it comes to the current Brexit situation .
`` You hardly say anything - it 's almost like you do n't want to have an opinion .
I 'm not impressed by your approach . ''
Sir Keir , who is self-isolating until Tuesday after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus , has also given further indication that Labour would back any fresh terms agreed by the Government .
According to reports , the issue of whether Labour should vote for a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a split at the top of the party .
DO N'T MISS Brexit POLL : Should Boris deploy the Royal Navy to protect UK waters ?
[ POLL ] EU will attack own workers just to HURT UK , says CAROLE MALONE [ COMMENT ] Global Britain ALREADY attracting skilled workers from around world [ SPOTLIGHT ]

Brexit: EU states want to 'punish' UK warns Lord Digby Jones
Sir Keir criticised the Prime Minister for attempting to "dress up" no deal as an Australian-style arrangement - Downing Street shorthand for reverting to World Trade Organisation rules with the UK's largest trading partner - under which Britain could prosper.
Boris Johnson promised a deal. He needs to get on and deliver it Sir Keir Starmer
He tweeted: "There’s no point dressing it up as an Australian deal. It’s no deal and that would be a complete failure of statecraft. "Boris Johnson promised a deal. He needs to get on and deliver it." But his comments prompted a swift backlash on social media.
Sir Keir Starmer's Brexit attack on Boris Johnson sparked a furious backlash
One critic said: "I don't think delivering what the country voted for can be described as a failure to be honest." Another said: "We voted to leave! The ballot paper did not say leave with a deal or leave without a deal. "It was Leave the EU or Remain in the EU." Another said: "It takes two to make a deal. Your criticism of Boris Johnson may be fair but I have not seen you criticise the EU. "Are you saying we should just give them what they want? "No PM should accede to regulatory alignment in the future to changes made without our input." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: 48 hours until Boris and VDL deadline
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Boris Johnson has warned a Brexit deal is unlikely
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen have both predicted a no deal Brexit
And another said: "If ‘statecraft’ means entering a negotiation obliged to accept the terms offered by the other side. "With that kind of approach to trade, you really should buy my house." Sir Keir even came under fire from Labour supporters who criticised the party leader's position on Brexit. One tweeted: "I think you are a weak opposition leader when it comes to the current Brexit situation. "You hardly say anything - it's almost like you don't want to have an opinion. I'm not impressed by your approach."
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Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Boris Johnson ordered not to cave on Brexit level playing field -'NEVER be independent'

Conservative peer Lord Moylan argued that Boris Johnson should make some compromises in the Brexit talks with the EU .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , he claimed compromises would be beneficial for the UK in some areas such as fishing .
However , he insisted that the Prime Minister should not concede on the level playing field .
He noted this was how the EU was able to keep surrounding nations under their control and he warned the UK would never be independent .
Lord Moylan said : `` Well the fishing issue is inherently subject to compromise .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise that it is our waters because we ca n't take all the fish as we do n't have the fleet to do it .
`` A transition period of some sort be it over three years or the European Union might say 10 years .
DO N'T MISS : EU confident UK will be 'back begging for a new Brexit deal ' in 2021 '' Some sort of transition period in exchange for a trade deal or as part of a trade deal makes sense . ''
Lord Moylan warned of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contentious issues in the Brexit trade deal talks .
He said : `` The real compromise that he must not make is to do with the governance of the level playing field .
`` What the European Union wants is an arrangement very similar to what they call an association agreement , so it is all tied up in one package .
`` So if we stray on one thing , they can hit us in this part of the woods and then they can hit us over there in the other part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is all one package and that is how they keep the countries around them under control .
`` That is what they are trying to impose on Switzerland now because they have 450 agreements with them but what they really want is one big agreement so that they can make sure Switzerland stays in line . ''
Boris 's Brexit rebellion : MPs furious at PM Navy threat on France [ INSIGHT ] Macron 'tones down ' demands on UK fishing waters [ ANALYSIS ] Lorries queue for miles at Calais @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PICTURES ]

Brexit: UK will ‘never be independent’ says Lord Moylan
Conservative peer Lord Moylan argued that Boris Johnson should make some compromises in the Brexit talks with the EU. During an interview with Express.co.uk, he claimed compromises would be beneficial for the UK in some areas such as fishing. However, he insisted that the Prime Minister should not concede on the level playing field.
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He noted this was how the EU was able to keep surrounding nations under their control and he warned the UK would never be independent. Lord Moylan said: "Well the fishing issue is inherently subject to compromise. "This is as long as they recognise that it is our waters because we can't take all the fish as we don't have the fleet to do it. "A transition period of some sort be it over three years or the European Union might say 10 years. DON'T MISS: EU confident UK will be 'back begging for a new Brexit deal' in 2021
Boris Johnson ordered not to cave on Brexit level playing field -'NEVER be independent'
Brexit news: Lord Moylan insisted that the Prime Minister should not concede on the level playing field.
"Some sort of transition period in exchange for a trade deal or as part of a trade deal makes sense." Lord Moylan warned of the dangers of Boris Johnson compromising on other contentious issues in the Brexit trade deal talks. He said: "The real compromise that he must not make is to do with the governance of the level playing field. "What the European Union wants is an arrangement very similar to what they call an association agreement, so it is all tied up in one package.
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Brexit news: Negotiations on EU-UK relationship explained
Brexit: Naval intervention over fishing backed by Lord West
"So if we stray on one thing, they can hit us in this part of the woods and then they can hit us over there in the other part of the woods on something else. "It is all one package and that is how they keep the countries around them under control. "That is what they are trying to impose on Switzerland now because they have 450 agreements with them but what they really want is one big agreement so that they can make sure Switzerland stays in line." READ MORE: Boris's Brexit rebellion: MPs furious at PM Navy threat on France [INSIGHT]
Macron 'tones down' demands on UK fishing waters [ANALYSIS]
Lorries queue for miles at Calais as UK suppliers rush to stockpile [PICTURES]
Brexit news: Brexit timeline explained


thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Brexit warning: EU orders member states not to do side deals with UK if trade talks fail

Brussels reportedly ordered member states in a meeting of diplomats on Thursday to remain united to force Britain back into negotiations after January 1 .
With just three weeks to go until the transition period ends , the UK and the EU are yet to strike a post-Brexit trade deal .
According to a diplomatic note seen by the Financial Times , EU member states were told not to do anything that would reduce the impact of no deal .
A Brussels official told the diplomats that an “ incentive must be maintained ” for the UK to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible ” if talks fail this year .
Chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are continuing talks in Brussels in a bid to reach a breakthrough .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have agreed to make a decision on the future of the negotiations by the end of the weekend .
Mr Johnson warned on Friday that no deal is `` very , very likely '' .
The Prime Minister admitted the UK and EU are still at odds over fisheries and the so-called level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was `` hopeful '' there could be progress .
Speaking during a visit to Blyth in Northumberland , Mr Johnson said : `` Unfortunately at the moment , as you know , there are two key things where we just ca n't seem to make progress .
`` And that 's this kind of ratchet clause they 've got in to keep the UK locked in to whatever they want to do in terms of legislation , which obviously does n't work .
READ MORE : 'Four years putting up with EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the whole issue of fish where we 've got to be able to take back control of our waters .
`` So there is a way to go - we 're hopeful that progress can be made .
`` But I 've got to tell that from where I stand now , here in Blyth , it is looking very , very likely that we will have to go for a solution that I think would be wonderful for the UK , and we 'd be able to do exactly what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laura Kuenssberg : Why all may not be as it seems in EU No Deal stance [ INSIGHT ] Macron does n't believe Boris will quit without deal [ ANALYSIS ] Macron 'tones down ' demands on UK fishing waters [ VIDEO ] '' It obviously would be different from what we 'd set out to achieve but I have no doubt this country can get ready and , as I say , come out on World Trade terms . ''
Meanwhile , Ms von der Leyen said the two sides remained apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the UK would be free to decide whether to follow each time the EU changes its regulations - though if it refused the bloc would adapt the conditions for access to its markets .
The so-called level playing field , aimed at preventing Britain undercutting Brussels on standards and state subsidies , has proved to be a major stumbling block in talks .

Brexit: Boris Johnson criticises ‘ratchet clause’ from EU
Brussels reportedly ordered member states in a meeting of diplomats on Thursday to remain united to force Britain back into negotiations after January 1. With just three weeks to go until the transition period ends, the UK and the EU are yet to strike a post-Brexit trade deal.
According to a diplomatic note seen by the Financial Times, EU member states were told not to do anything that would reduce the impact of no deal. A Brussels official told the diplomats that an “incentive must be maintained” for the UK to return to the negotiating table “as soon as possible” if talks fail this year. Chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost are continuing talks in Brussels in a bid to reach a breakthrough. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have agreed to make a decision on the future of the negotiations by the end of the weekend.
The EU has reportedly told member states not to break ranks if Brexit trade talks fail
EU member states were reportedly told not to do anything that would reduce the impact of no deal
Mr Johnson warned on Friday that no deal is "very, very likely". The Prime Minister admitted the UK and EU are still at odds over fisheries and the so-called level playing field, but he added that he was "hopeful" there could be progress. Speaking during a visit to Blyth in Northumberland, Mr Johnson said: "Unfortunately at the moment, as you know, there are two key things where we just can't seem to make progress. "And that's this kind of ratchet clause they've got in to keep the UK locked in to whatever they want to do in terms of legislation, which obviously doesn't work. READ MORE: 'Four years putting up with EU threats is national disgrace'
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With just three weeks to go until the transition period ends, the UK and the EU are yet to strike a post-Brexit trade deal
Mr Johnson warned on Friday that no deal is "very, very likely"
"It obviously would be different from what we'd set out to achieve but I have no doubt this country can get ready and, as I say, come out on World Trade terms." Meanwhile, Ms von der Leyen said the two sides remained apart on "fundamental issues". She said the UK would be free to decide whether to follow each time the EU changes its regulations - though if it refused the bloc would adapt the conditions for access to its markets. The so-called level playing field, aimed at preventing Britain undercutting Brussels on standards and state subsidies, has proved to be a major stumbling block in talks.
Brexit endgame
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-12--Ann Widdecombe savages Boris Johnson's 'Brexit theatrics' and predicts 'fudged' deal

Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe argued that the UK was set to get a `` fudged '' Brexit deal from Boris Johnson .
While speaking to Ben Habib and Martin Daubney of Brexit Unlocked , Ms Widdecombe argued that she remained severely pessimistic about the future .
She argued that despite the comments that a no deal Brexit is more unlikely , this was not going to happen because Boris Johnson would have already walked away from the talks if this was true .
Ms Widdecombe said : `` My message at the moment is , calm down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hype and gloom and doom from the point of view from those who want a deal and a lot of hope from those of us that do n't .
`` But we still have until Sunday and if I had to put money on it , I would bet on a fudged deal .
`` I do n't think we are going to get a good deal .
I do n't think we are going to get no deal .
I think we are going to get a fudged deal .
DO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be 'back begging for a new Brexit deal ' in 2021

Ann Widdecombe predicts ‘we are going to get a fudged deal’
Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe argued that the UK was set to get a "fudged" Brexit deal from Boris Johnson. While speaking to Ben Habib and Martin Daubney of Brexit Unlocked, Ms Widdecombe argued that she remained severely pessimistic about the future. She argued that despite the comments that a no deal Brexit is more unlikely, this was not going to happen because Boris Johnson would have already walked away from the talks if this was true.
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Ms Widdecombe said: "My message at the moment is, calm down. "We are hearing an awful lot of hype and gloom and doom from the point of view from those who want a deal and a lot of hope from those of us that don't. "But we still have until Sunday and if I had to put money on it, I would bet on a fudged deal. "I don't think we are going to get a good deal. I don't think we are going to get no deal. I think we are going to get a fudged deal. DON'T MISS: EU confident UK will be 'back begging for a new Brexit deal' in 2021
Ann Widdecombe savages Boris Johnson's 'Brexit theatrics' and predicts 'fudged'deal
Ann Widdecombe argued that the UK was set to get a "fudged" Brexit deal from Boris Johnson
"I am very sorry if that is disappointing but that is how I see us heading." Ms Widdecombe argued why Boris Johnson's actions made her more sceptical that a no deal could be happening on Brexit. She continued: "I just don't believe if Boris Johnson really believed that we weren't going to get a deal. He would have walked by now. "This is because the issues remaining are so big but they are not going to be solved in three or four days without massive fudging.
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Ann Widdecombe: Ms Widdecombe argued why Boris Johnson's actions made her more sceptical that a no deal could be happening on Brexit.
Brexit: Macron has 'toned down' fishing demands says Xafa
Ann Widdecombe: Brexit endgame explained


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--No Deal Brexit IMMINENT: PM tells Brits to prepare for WTO rules from January 1

The Prime Minister said the UK would not yet walk away from talks with the EU , despite being `` very far apart '' on key issues .
He spoke to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen today and they agreed to extend the deadline for negotiations to continue .
But Mr Johnson implied a final no deal decision was just days away .
He said : `` When we went out [ to Brussels ] on Wednesday the hope was that we going to be able to finish things off today if there was a deal to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm afraid we 're still very far apart on some key things .
`` But where there 's light , there 's hope .
We 're going to keep on talking to see what we can do .
`` The UK certainly wo n't be walking away from the talks .
I think people can expect us to go the extra mile .
`` The Commission are very determined to keep the negotiations on the way that we 've been done .
READ MORE : Sturgeon 'to exploit no deal ' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' I 've got to repeat that the most likely thing now is of course that we have to get ready for WTO terms .
`` Do n't forget everybody , we 've made huge preparations for this .
We 've now been at this for four and a half years .
`` We 've got ready and the UK will do very , very well . ''
Asked if no deal is slightly less likely , he said : `` Look , if Ursula is optimistic then that is great but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some serious and very , very difficult issues that currently separate the UK from the EU and the best thing to do now for everybody is to follow up all the work that has been done over the last four-and-a-half years , a colossal amount of preparation at our ports , everywhere across the UK , get ready to trade on WTO terms .
`` And there is a clarity and a simplicity in that approach that has its own advantages .
`` It is not where we wanted to get to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that solution , the UK is more than prepared . ''
British shoppers have been urged to avoid stockpiling food in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
The British Retail Consortium said retailers are increasing stocks to ensure a `` sufficient supply of essential products '' and that any impact to the food chain is likely to affect fresh produce like fruit and vegetables , which can not be stored for long .
Boris SHOULD deploy Royal Navy to protect UK fishing waters [ POLL ] EU CIVIL WAR !
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing clash [ INSIGHT ] Brexit BOMBSHELL : Merkel branded ‘ root of the problem ’ [ ANALYSIS ] Without a deal , after January 1 the public will face more than £3 billion in food tariffs and higher prices throughout 2021 , the trade body said , adding that the uncertainty is making it harder for businesses to prepare .
Chief executive Helen Dickinson said : `` Retailers would have no choice but to pass on some of these additional costs to their customers , who would see higher prices filter through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks and red tape that will apply from January 1 will create an additional burden for retailers and their customers .
`` Retailers are doing everything they can to prepare for all eventualities , increasing the stock of tins , toilet rolls and other longer life products so there will be sufficient supply of essential products .
`` While no amount of preparation by retailers can entirely prevent disruption , there is no need for the public to buy more food than usual as the main impact will be on imported fresh produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which can not be stored for long periods by either retailers or consumers . ''

Brexit: Johnson urges UK to prepare for ‘likely’ no deal scenario
The Prime Minister said the UK would not yet walk away from talks with the EU, despite being "very far apart" on key issues. He spoke to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen today and they agreed to extend the deadline for negotiations to continue. But Mr Johnson implied a final no deal decision was just days away. He said: "When we went out [to Brussels] on Wednesday the hope was that we going to be able to finish things off today if there was a deal to be done.
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"As things stand, I'm afraid we're still very far apart on some key things. "But where there's light, there's hope. We're going to keep on talking to see what we can do. "The UK certainly won't be walking away from the talks. I think people can expect us to go the extra mile. "The Commission are very determined to keep the negotiations on the way that we've been done. READ MORE: Sturgeon 'to exploit no deal' as SNP plots to defy No10 with vote
Boris Johnson has said a no deal is 'most likely'
Boris Johnson said the UK would not yet walk away from talks with the EU
"I've got to repeat that the most likely thing now is of course that we have to get ready for WTO terms. "Don't forget everybody, we've made huge preparations for this. We've now been at this for four and a half years. "We've got ready and the UK will do very, very well." Asked if no deal is slightly less likely, he said: "Look, if Ursula is optimistic then that is great but as far as I can see there are some serious and very, very difficult issues that currently separate the UK from the EU and the best thing to do now for everybody is to follow up all the work that has been done over the last four-and-a-half years, a colossal amount of preparation at our ports, everywhere across the UK, get ready to trade on WTO terms.
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Mr Johnson spoke to Ursula on der Leyen to extend the deadline
Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen announces extension to talks
Hardest hit by Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Nicola Sturgeon 'to exploit no deal' as SNP plots to defy No10 with breakaway referendum

The SNP are plotting to exploit any chaos that erupts from a no deal Brexit by charging forward with an @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon is under pressure to hold an informal referendum on independence if Boris Johnson continues @ @ @ @ @ legal vote to Scotland .
Former foreign secretary Jack Straw told LBC this morning that @ @ @ @ @ up if the UK fail to reach a Brexit deal by the end of December @ @ @ @ @ no deal Brexit may break up the UK , as time runs out before the @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Straw : `` If Boris Johnson fails to land a deal , this @ @ @ @ @ Scottish nationalism .
`` We could end up in five months time , with the @ @ @ @ @ the SNP having an absolutely majority in the Scottish Parliament .
`` They could then @ @ @ @ @ will have a referendum . ''
JUST IN : SNP plot to wreck no deal @ @ @ @ @ warships

Brexit: Jack Straw warns of impact on Scottish nationalism
The SNP are plotting to exploit any chaos that erupts from a no deal Brexit by charging forward with an illegal referendum vote. Nicola Sturgeon is under pressure to hold an informal referendum on independence if Boris Johnson continues to refuse to grant a legal vote to Scotland. Former foreign secretary Jack Straw told LBC this morning that these plans will be sped up if the UK fail to reach a Brexit deal by the end of December.
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He warned that a no deal Brexit may break up the UK, as time runs out before the end of the transition period. Mr Straw: "If Boris Johnson fails to land a deal, this is going to wholly exasperate Scottish nationalism. "We could end up in five months time, with the elections in Scotland, with the SNP having an absolutely majority in the Scottish Parliament. "They could then pass a resolution saying they will have a referendum." JUST IN: SNP plot to wreck no deal Brexit by banning Royal Navy warships
The SNP are plotting to exploit any chaos that erupts from a no deal Brexit
Jack Straw warned that a no deal Brexit may break up the UK, as time runs out before the end of the transition period
He continued: "Now Mr Johnson could say, 'we won't a approve a referendum,' which is Westminster's right. "Nicola Sturgeon said six years ago that this was a decision for a generation, and it's not been a generation. "But that ignores the dynamics of this, so we could even have the SNP organising their own informal referendum. "We would be faced with a serious constitutional crisis and if Scotland was to leave the UK, that would seriously weaken us internationally."
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Sturgeon is under pressure to hold an informal referendum on independence
Brexit: Raab says UK 'can't close the door' on continued talks
Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused demands from the SNP for an independence vote


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Boris and VDL extend Brexit talks 'extra mile' in last ditch attempt to secure deal

The Prime Minister warned there were still “ major unresolved topics ” but vowed to go the `` extra mile '' to find a deal as it emerged his chief negotiator Lord Frost was closing in on an agreement .
Lord Frost has a few more days to establish whether an agreement can be reached .
Mr Johnson agreed to continue the talks wrangling over a post-Brexit trade deal during a phone call with European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen this morning .
In a joint statement , they said : “ We had a useful phone call this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been working day and night over recent days .
“ And despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations , despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile .
“ We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached.
” Chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier , and their teams , will continue the talks immediately .
It is understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the so-called level playing field after Mr Johnson complained the EU was seeking to `` punish '' Britain for moving away from the EU 's rulebook .
EU and UK officials are said to be working on future plans for “ managed divergence ” .
Under the plan , Britain would be able to move away from the bloc ’ s environmental and workers ’ rights standards but Brussels would have the power to impose trade tariffs to combat potential competitive advantages by UK firms .
But in a move that seemingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would only be able to issue corrective measures after a joint consultation between Brussels and Downing Street .
MUST READ : Brussels wilfully self-harming to bully UK no deal will hurt Europe Angela Merkel insisted both sides should use “ every opportunity ” to broker a Brexit trade deal .
The German Chancellor told a news conference : “ Every opportunity to reach a deal is highly welcome.
” Earlier this morning Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the EU would have to shift on a number of issues before a deal becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be treated like any other independent self-respecting democracy .
DO N'T MISS Merkel and Macron could step in at the last-minute if deadlock remains [ INSIGHT ] BBC 's Andrew Marr shames Labour 's Ed Miliband over fishing betrayal [ VIDEO ] Raab admits Royal Navy set to board French trawlers 'Could get nasty ' [ REVEALED ]

Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen announces extension to talks
The Prime Minister warned there were still “major unresolved topics” but vowed to go the "extra mile" to find a deal as it emerged his chief negotiator Lord Frost was closing in on an agreement. Lord Frost has a few more days to establish whether an agreement can be reached. Mr Johnson agreed to continue the talks wrangling over a post-Brexit trade deal during a phone call with European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen this morning.
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In a joint statement, they said: “We had a useful phone call this morning. “We discussed the major unresolved topics. “Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days. “And despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations, despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen extend Brexit talks
Ursula von der Leyen is the EU Commission's president
“We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached.” Chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier, and their teams, will continue the talks immediately. It is understood the pair were able to make progress on the so-called level playing field after Mr Johnson complained the EU was seeking to "punish" Britain for moving away from the EU's rulebook.
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Boris Johnson said his Cabinet was readying for a WTO exit from the EU
EU and UK officials are said to be working on future plans for “managed divergence”. Under the plan, Britain would be able to move away from the bloc’s environmental and workers’ rights standards but Brussels would have the power to impose trade tariffs to combat potential competitive advantages by UK firms. But in a move that seemingly unblocked the talks, the EU agreed it would only be able to issue corrective measures after a joint consultation between Brussels and Downing Street. MUST READ: Brussels wilfully self-harming to bully UK no deal will hurt Europe
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen met in Brussels last week
Brexit: Johnson urges UK to prepare for ‘likely’ no deal scenario


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Brexit: UK to be ‘junior partner’ with US as it ‘competes with EU for American attention’

The UK had hoped to secure a Free Trade Agreement ( FTA ) with the US after Brexit , with closer trading arrangements with Britain ’ s partner across the Atlantic long being one of the main selling points of Brexit , including Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who said the UK was “ first in line to do a great trade deal ” with the Trump administration .
But those hopes seem to have been dashed by the election of Democrat President Joe Biden , who will take office on January 20 alongside his Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with Mr Trump , who is fiercely opposed to the European Union ( EU ) and strongly in favour of Brexit .
But Mr Biden said in an interview his priorities will be to improve investment in US manufacturing and the protection of American workers , rather than diving into an FTA with the UK .
President-elect Biden said : “ I ’ m not going to enter any new trade agreement with anybody until we have made major investments here at home and in our workers and in education.
” And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Derby , the UK will continue to be a “ junior partner ” to the US despite hopes of a strengthened , equalised relationship with its American counterpart .
READ MORE : No Deal Brexit to see UK bow down to China

Brexit: US-UK trade prospects questioned by former negotiator
The UK had hoped to secure a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US after Brexit, with closer trading arrangements with Britain’s partner across the Atlantic long being one of the main selling points of Brexit, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said the UK was “first in line to do a great trade deal” with the Trump administration. But those hopes seem to have been dashed by the election of Democrat President Joe Biden, who will take office on January 20 alongside his Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris.
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The UK had been closing in on a deal with Mr Trump, who is fiercely opposed to the European Union (EU) and strongly in favour of Brexit. But Mr Biden said in an interview his priorities will be to improve investment in US manufacturing and the protection of American workers, rather than diving into an FTA with the UK. President-elect Biden said: “I’m not going to enter any new trade agreement with anybody until we have made major investments here at home and in our workers and in education.” And according to Dr Tom Neuhaus from the University of Derby, the UK will continue to be a “junior partner” to the US despite hopes of a strengthened, equalised relationship with its American counterpart. READ MORE: No Deal Brexit to see UK bow down to China
Brexit: UK to be ‘junior partner’ with US as it ‘competes with EU for American attention’
Brexit: Boris Johnson used an FTA with the US as a main selling point of Brexit
READ MORE How Von Der Leyen has taken command of Barnier's Brexit team Speaking to Express.co.uk, Dr Neuhaus said: “There has been a ‘special relationship’ between the US and the UK for at least a century, which has meant that the two countries have been regarded as particularly close. “However, this relationship has almost always been much more important to the UK than the US. “Since the end of the Second World War, Britain has always been the ‘junior partner’ in this relationship.” In addition, President-elect Biden is likely to be on better terms with the European Union and seek to trade with the 27-state Bloc than he is with the UK.
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Brexit: Brexit timeline
Brexit: Joe Biden is likely to favour a trade deal with the EU
Mr Trump’s support for Brexit and lack of concern for the Good Friday Agreement gave the UK a boost to adopt a hardline approach with the EU, relying on a deal with the US instead. But Mr Biden clearly takes a very different view, as he showed during his election campaign when he backed the Irish Government following the revelation of the controversial Internal Market Bill. The President-elect and Democrat Party warned they would not support a UK-US Trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was maintained, therefore safeguarding Irish domestic interests. It is also worth noting the strength of the ‘special relationship’ between the US and UK has often been over-exaggerated. DON'T MISS
What is an Australia style Brexit trade deal? [EXPLAINED]
Joe Biden will have ‘significant impact’ on US UK relationship [INSIGHT]
No-Deal Brexit could see UK’s reputation ‘trashed’ [ANALYSIS]
Brexit: Trump has always been pro-Brexit
READ MORE SNP Brexit vote: Could Nicola Sturgeon's SNP block Brexit deal? Until Mr Trump, US policy favoured EU multilateralism over bilateral preferences, which, ironically, was a determining factor in Britain’s decision to join the EU in 1963. But it’s not to say Mr Biden will completely abandon the UK in its plight to secure an FTA. Former American ambassador to the EU Anthony Gardner recently told an audience in Germany that while Brexit was bad, Mr Biden valued the transatlantic relationship between America and Britain. Mr Gardner said: “Donald Trump has only believed the US-UK link was important, he was a cheerleader for Brexit. Joe Biden believes the triangle of relationships, US-UK, UK-EU, US and EU, all have to work together.”


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--IDS brilliantly lectures EU bullies minutes after Spanish FM attacks sovereignty demand

Iain Duncan Smith schooled the EU this morning , declaring that `` when people voted to leave the EU , they did so to be a sovereign nation '' .
Speaking to Sky News , the former Conservative party leader hit back at Spain ’ s foreign minister , Arancha González-Laya , who appeared earlier in the programme .
Ms González-Laya told Sky News ' Niall Paterson that the Brexit trade deal was `` about managing our interdependence , and not about asserting sovereignty or independence '' .
Mr Smith said : `` We will have a trade deal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no deal is a misnomer .
`` It will be WTO [ World Trade Organisation ] .
It 'll be an Australia-style deal .
`` It wo n't be the deal we quite wanted to strike with EU .
`` But , as you pointed out in your questioning earlier on , when people voted to leave the EU , they did so to be a sovereign nation controlling its own laws , its own powers and its own water .
JUST IN : Boris ’ s EU showdown : Prime Minister and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued : `` The European Union is determined to stop that .
`` At the moment , their proposals would be unacceptable to any sovereign nation . ''
`` The Spanish Foreign Minister earlier referred to the Brexit deal as similar to NAFTA [ the North American Free Trade Agreement ] .
`` It is not !
Not one of them in NAFTA are expected to accept the rulings of courts in each other 's countries .
`` The US , Canada and Mexico would not accept that .
Nor do they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That is what the UK is asking for , and the EU refuses to grant it . ''
He insisted that trade will carry on , as it has with countries outside the EU , even in the event of a no-deal .
The Tory Brexiteer added : `` People talk as though the day after the 31st all trade will cease .
`` Not at all !
This wo n't be Armageddon . ''
BBC 's Andrew Marr shames Labour 's Ed Miliband over fishing betrayal [ VIDEO ] It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's foreign minister furious at UK [ INTERVIEW ] Kate crowned 2020 's most popular royal as she narrowly beats Queen [ POLL ]

Brexit: IDS claims EU 'determined to stop' UK sovereignty
Iain Duncan Smith schooled the EU this morning, declaring that "when people voted to leave the EU, they did so to be a sovereign nation". Speaking to Sky News, the former Conservative party leader hit back at Spain’s foreign minister, Arancha González-Laya, who appeared earlier in the programme. Ms González-Laya told Sky News' Niall Paterson that the Brexit trade deal was "about managing our interdependence, and not about asserting sovereignty or independence".
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Mr Smith said: "We will have a trade deal. I always thought this idea of a no deal is a misnomer. "It will be WTO [World Trade Organisation]. It'll be an Australia-style deal. "It won't be the deal we quite wanted to strike with EU. "But, as you pointed out in your questioning earlier on, when people voted to leave the EU, they did so to be a sovereign nation controlling its own laws, its own powers and its own water. JUST IN: Boris’s EU showdown: Prime Minister and VDL to hold crunch Brexit call
Iain Duncan Smith brilliantly schooled the EU this morning
If talks breakdown the UK and EU will trade on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms from January 1
He continued: "The European Union is determined to stop that. "At the moment, their proposals would be unacceptable to any sovereign nation." "The Spanish Foreign Minister earlier referred to the Brexit deal as similar to NAFTA [the North American Free Trade Agreement]. "It is not! Not one of them in NAFTA are expected to accept the rulings of courts in each other's countries.
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Brexit: Ed Miliband clashes with Marr in trade deal discussion
Iain Duncan Smith corrected Spain's Foreign minister this morning, after she insisted that the Brexit trade deal was 'not about independence'
"The US, Canada and Mexico would not accept that. Nor do they have to sign up to the same rules. "That is what the UK is asking for, and the EU refuses to grant it." He insisted that trade will carry on, as it has with countries outside the EU, even in the event of a no-deal. The Tory Brexiteer added: "People talk as though the day after the 31st all trade will cease. "Not at all! This won't be Armageddon." DON'T MISS: BBC's Andrew Marr shames Labour's Ed Miliband over fishing betrayal [VIDEO]
It's NOT about sovereignty!' Spain's foreign minister furious at UK [INTERVIEW]
Kate crowned 2020's most popular royal as she narrowly beats Queen [POLL]
González-Laya told Sky News' Niall Paterson that the Brexit trade deal was 'about managing our interdependence, and not about asserting sovereignty or independence'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--Boris’s EU showdown: Prime Minister and VDL to hold crunch Brexit call at lunchtime

Mr Mamer posted : `` Update to the agenda of President @ vonderleyen : phone call with UK Prime Minister @ BorisJohnson around noon on the EU/GB negotiations .
( Brussels time ) '' With the transition period coming to an end on December 31 , time is now desperately short for the two side to reach an agreement .
After their meeting in the week , Mr Johnson floated the idea of direct talks with Germany 's Chancellor , Angela Merkel , and Emmanuel Macron , France 's President .
However , the Commission swiftly poured cold water on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson had already been told all negotiations had to go through it .
Mrs Merkel said today that `` everything possible '' must be done to secure a deal .
Both sides have acknowledged they are some way apart on the three key issues - fishing , state aid and the role of the European Court of Justice .
Negotiators met in Brussels on Saturday , and they talked through the night .
JUST IN : Brexit live - Boris Johnson kicks off £4bn No Deal Brexit operation But the talks were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable '' , a UK government source said on Saturday .
They added : `` The Prime Minister will leave no stone unturned in this process , but he is absolutely clear : any agreement must be fair and respect the fundamental position that the UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks ' time . ''
Nevertheless , EU insiders are expecting the EU and UK will agree to continue talks after the phone call in a possible indication that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DO N'T MISS It 's NOT about sovereignty ! '
Spain 's foreign minister furious at UK [ INTERVIEW ] John Redwood dismantles EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit [ VIDEO ] Kate crowned 2020 's most popular royal as she narrowly beats Queen [ POLL ] Speaking this morning , EU sources said `` some inroads '' had been made - but warned no breakthrough had been made on fishing or the level playing field .
Speaking today to the BBC 's Andrew Marr , Foreign Secretary Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the chance of the trade talks with the European Union continuing past the Sunday deadline .
The Cabinet minister said `` never say never '' and highlighted that negotiations with Brussels have a tendency to `` drag and drift '' .
He said there is `` a long way to go '' to find a resolution on the two outstanding issues of fisheries and so-called level playing field `` ratchet '' clause which would tie the UK to future EU standards .
But the former Brexit secretary stressed that discussions could continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's top official were able to break the deadlock during their conversation .
The Cabinet minister said : `` The bar is quite high for us to be able to keep talking .

Boris Johnson meets Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels
The European Commission president's spokesman, Eric Mamer, confirmed the news via Twitter. Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen previously met on Wednesday in Brussels over dinner, but their talks ended in stalemate.
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Mr Mamer posted: "Update to the agenda of President @vonderleyen: phone call with UK Prime Minister @BorisJohnson around noon on the EU/GB negotiations. (Brussels time)" With the transition period coming to an end on December 31, time is now desperately short for the two side to reach an agreement. After their meeting in the week, Mr Johnson floated the idea of direct talks with Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and Emmanuel Macron, France's President.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen are set for a high noon showdown, according to reports
Lord David Frost arrives at the European Commission this morning
However, the Commission swiftly poured cold water on the idea, with an official saying Mr Johnson had already been told all negotiations had to go through it. Mrs Merkel said today that "everything possible" must be done to secure a deal. Both sides have acknowledged they are some way apart on the three key issues - fishing, state aid and the role of the European Court of Justice. Negotiators met in Brussels on Saturday, and they talked through the night. JUST IN: Brexit live - Boris Johnson kicks off £4bn No Deal Brexit operation
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Brexit: Dominic Raab addresses plans to defend UK fisheries
But the talks were very difficult and "as things stand, the offer on the table from the EU remains unacceptable", a UK government source said on Saturday. They added: "The Prime Minister will leave no stone unturned in this process, but he is absolutely clear: any agreement must be fair and respect the fundamental position that the UK will be a sovereign nation in three weeks' time." Nevertheless, EU insiders are expecting the EU and UK will agree to continue talks after the phone call in a possible indication that they believe a deal can still be struck. DON'T MISS
It's NOT about sovereignty!' Spain's foreign minister furious at UK [INTERVIEW]
John Redwood dismantles EU's 'empty threats' over no deal Brexit [VIDEO]
Kate crowned 2020's most popular royal as she narrowly beats Queen [POLL]
Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator
Eric Mamer's tweet
Speaking this morning, EU sources said "some inroads" had been made - but warned no breakthrough had been made on fishing or the level playing field. Speaking today to the BBC's Andrew Marr, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has refused to close the door on the chance of the trade talks with the European Union continuing past the Sunday deadline. The Cabinet minister said "never say never" and highlighted that negotiations with Brussels have a tendency to "drag and drift".
Trade talks timetable
He said there is "a long way to go" to find a resolution on the two outstanding issues of fisheries and so-called level playing field "ratchet" clause which would tie the UK to future EU standards. But the former Brexit secretary stressed that discussions could continue past Sunday if Mr Johnson and Europe's top official were able to break the deadlock during their conversation. The Cabinet minister said: "The bar is quite high for us to be able to keep talking.
Dominic Raab left the door ajar for yet more talks


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--BBC's Marr shames panicking Ed Miliband over fishing betrayal as Labour BEGS EU for deal

The former Labour leader suggested Britain should accept EU demands in order to avoid a no deal Brexit .
A clearly panicking Mr Miliband said that `` no deal is the worst possible outcome '' as he declared that Britain `` needs a deal '' .
The BBC 's Andrew Marr grilled the MP on whether Labour would accept giving up British fishing waters in order to appease EU negotiators and strike an agreement before the end of the transition period .
The BBC host said : `` You know to get a deal Britain would have to give way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you accept that ? ''
Mr Miliband responded : `` Both sides have to compromise , I do n't accept that logic .
It 's give and take .
`` We have to be tough in relation to fish .
We have to get the best deal we possibly can .
`` But our fishing fleets rely on selling into the EU markets .
It would be a disaster for them to get a no deal .
Let 's get a deal . ''
JUST IN : It 's NOT about sovereignty !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK

Brexit: Ed Miliband clashes with Marr in trade deal discussion
The former Labour leader suggested Britain should accept EU demands in order to avoid a no deal Brexit. A clearly panicking Mr Miliband said that "no deal is the worst possible outcome" as he declared that Britain "needs a deal". The BBC's Andrew Marr grilled the MP on whether Labour would accept giving up British fishing waters in order to appease EU negotiators and strike an agreement before the end of the transition period.
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The BBC host said: "You know to get a deal Britain would have to give way on its territorial fishing waters. Would you accept that?" Mr Miliband responded: "Both sides have to compromise, I don't accept that logic. It's give and take. "We have to be tough in relation to fish. We have to get the best deal we possibly can. "But our fishing fleets rely on selling into the EU markets. It would be a disaster for them to get a no deal. Let's get a deal." JUST IN: It's NOT about sovereignty!' Spain's foreign minister furious at UK
The BBC's Andrew Marr shamed Labour's Ed Miliband over claims that Labour could accept EU demands
The former Labour leader suggested Britain should accept EU demands in order to avoid a no deal Brexit
Mr Marr followed up: "Would you accept being tied to the single market in perpetuity in order to get a deal today?" The senior Labour MP said: "I want us to have high minimum standards on workers rights and the environment. What do we have to fear?" The BBC host fired back: "You sound as if you would accept the EU demands on the so-called ratchet clauses. "That means if the UK diverges from the EU on standards, there would be fast, punitive tariffs piled onto us."
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Boris Johnson warned a breakdown in trade talks is now 'very, very likely'
Brexit: Michael Martin grilled by Marr on EU approach
UK government sources suggest that they terms on offer from the European Union continue to be 'unacceptable'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--'It's NOT about sovereignty!' Spain's foreign minister furious at UK taking back control

Spain 's Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya dismissed Britain 's claims its Brexit trade deal with the EU was about `` asserting independence and sovereignty '' .
Ms González Laya rejected this , claiming that trade deals are about `` managing our interdependence '' .
The furious Spanish minister went on to rip into claims the UK could be `` bound to EU rules '' after the end of the transition period .
She told Sky News : `` I have done many trade deals in my life , and trade deals are not made to assert one 's independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our interdependence .
This is what is at stake here .
`` This trade deal we are building is not about asserting sovereignty , trade deals are not made to do that .
`` The UK and EU are interdependent , so let 's build a deal that reflects that interdependence . ''
JUST IN : John Redwood dismantles EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit She continued : `` This will have a stark consequence to our economies if there is no deal .
The costs will be high if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do n't want that .
`` We want to make sure we not going to lower standards .
Let 's come up with a mechanism to make sure of that .
`` Let 's agree that we are not competing unfairly with each other . ''
Ms Gonzalez Laya admitted it will be `` very difficult '' to see how the negotiations could go up to the absolutely deadline of 31 December .
The furious Spanish minister went on to rip into claims the UK could be 'bound to EU rules ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She told Sky News : `` It 's going to be very difficult .
The date of 1 January was set by the UK .
`` If there was n't an agreement it would leave it without an agreement .
The ball is in the UK 's court . ''
The Spanish Foreign Minister later became infuriated when Mr Paterson brought up UK threats of deploying the Navy in the channel to tackle EU fishing .
She said : `` This is not serious or needed .
I just think this is @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Laya says trade talks shouldn't 'assert sovereignty'
Spain's Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya dismissed Britain's claims its Brexit trade deal with the EU was about "asserting independence and sovereignty". Ms González Laya rejected this, claiming that trade deals are about "managing our interdependence". The furious Spanish minister went on to rip into claims the UK could be "bound to EU rules" after the end of the transition period.
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She told Sky News: "I have done many trade deals in my life, and trade deals are not made to assert one's independence. "They are made to manage our interdependence. This is what is at stake here. "This trade deal we are building is not about asserting sovereignty, trade deals are not made to do that. "The UK and EU are interdependent, so let's build a deal that reflects that interdependence." JUST IN: John Redwood dismantles EU's 'empty threats' over no deal Brexit
Spain's Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya hit back at UK claims about the trade deal
The Spanish Foreign Minister later became infuriated when Mr Paterson brought up UK threats of deploying the Navy
She continued: "This will have a stark consequence to our economies if there is no deal. The costs will be high if we do not have an agreement. We don't want that. "We want to make sure we not going to lower standards. Let's come up with a mechanism to make sure of that. "Let's agree that we are not competing unfairly with each other." Ms Gonzalez Laya admitted it will be "very difficult" to see how the negotiations could go up to the absolutely deadline of 31 December.
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The furious Spanish minister went on to rip into claims the UK could be 'bound to EU rules' after the end of the transition period.
Brexit: Ed Miliband clashes with Marr in trade deal discussion
She told Sky News: "It's going to be very difficult. The date of 1 January was set by the UK. "If there wasn't an agreement it would leave it without an agreement. The ball is in the UK's court." The Spanish Foreign Minister later became infuriated when Mr Paterson brought up UK threats of deploying the Navy in the channel to tackle EU fishing. She said: "This is not serious or needed. I just think this is all for the gallery."
UK government sources suggest that they terms on offer from the European Union continue to be 'unacceptable'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--'This could get nasty' Raab admits Royal Navy could board French trawlers in fishing rows

When asked whether the Royal Navy will board fishing boats in the event of a no deal Brexit , Mr Raab admitted the UK has `` always had the ability to take enforcement action '' on foreign vessels .
He noted extra vessels have been agreed in no deal planning .
The Ministry of Defence said four Royal Navy patrol ships will be ready on January 1 to help protect Britain 's fishing waters in the event of no deal .
Speaking to BBC 's Andrew Marr show , Mr Raab said : `` We will adhere to all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others rules that apply to make sure we can enforce in a proportionate way our fisheries .
`` That 's why for the French this is crazy to end up without a trade deal when they 're making such aggressive demands on fisheries .
`` If we leave without a trade deal , they will have zero assured access to our fisheries . ''
Mr Marr interjected : `` This could get quite nasty , could n't it ? ''
READ MORE : Brexit fishing row : UK 'must defend its waters ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued : `` I do n't think on our side .
`` We are quite pragmatic in the Northern Ireland context , we want to resolve things .
`` The Prime Minister has shown the leadership , our team are hard at it .
`` But it 's the EU that has been politically very aggressive about this . ''
Post-Brexit trade talks have entered their final day with the UK and European Union continuing last ditch efforts to find a breakthrough on a deal before the weekend deadline .
Negotiators were set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours while Boris Johnson will again speak with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday , despite pessimism from both sides .
Sources in the British Government warned the offer on the table from the EU was still `` unacceptable '' to the UK , with the country teetering on the edge of a no-deal Brexit that is predicted to cost jobs and force food prices to increase .
The trade talks continue to be deadlocked over the thorny issues of fishing rights and the so-called level playing field `` ratchet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future EU standards .
Boris ’ s EU showdown : Prime Minister and VDL to hold crunch Brexit call [ BREAKING ] BBC 's Andrew Marr shames Labour 's Ed Miliband over fishing betrayal [ VIDEO ] 'We voted to leave ! '
Starmer 's Brexit attack on Boris sparks backlash [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: Dominic Raab addresses plans to defend UK fisheries
When asked whether the Royal Navy will board fishing boats in the event of a no deal Brexit, Mr Raab admitted the UK has "always had the ability to take enforcement action" on foreign vessels. He noted extra vessels have been agreed in no deal planning. The Ministry of Defence said four Royal Navy patrol ships will be ready on January 1 to help protect Britain's fishing waters in the event of no deal.
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Speaking to BBC's Andrew Marr show, Mr Raab said: "We will adhere to all the rules in the international law and the others rules that apply to make sure we can enforce in a proportionate way our fisheries. "That's why for the French this is crazy to end up without a trade deal when they're making such aggressive demands on fisheries. "If we leave without a trade deal, they will have zero assured access to our fisheries." Mr Marr interjected: "This could get quite nasty, couldn't it?" READ MORE: Brexit fishing row: UK 'must defend its waters' as MEP turns on EU
Dominic Raab has admitted the UK will "exercise full control" over its fishing waters
Mr Raab admitted the UK has "always had the ability to take enforcement action"
Mr Raab continued: "I don't think on our side. "We are quite pragmatic in the Northern Ireland context, we want to resolve things. "The Prime Minister has shown the leadership, our team are hard at it. "But it's the EU that has been politically very aggressive about this."
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Four Royal Navy patrol ships will be ready on January 1 to help protect Britain's fishing waters
Brexit: Ed Miliband clashes with Marr in trade deal discussion
Post-Brexit trade talks have entered their final day with the UK and European Union continuing last ditch efforts to find a breakthrough on a deal before the weekend deadline. Negotiators were set to carry on discussions into the early hours while Boris Johnson will again speak with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, despite pessimism from both sides. Sources in the British Government warned the offer on the table from the EU was still "unacceptable" to the UK, with the country teetering on the edge of a no-deal Brexit that is predicted to cost jobs and force food prices to increase. The trade talks continue to be deadlocked over the thorny issues of fishing rights and the so-called level playing field "ratchet" that would tie the UK to future EU standards. DON'T MISS Boris’s EU showdown: Prime Minister and VDL to hold crunch Brexit call [BREAKING]
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European dependance on fishing waters


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--John Redwood dismantles EU's 'empty threats' as Boris' defiance leaves Brussels 'rattled'

Sir John Redwood has urged Boris Johnson to end the Brexit talks immediately , as he called the EU 's bluff on their no deal threats .
Speaking to Unlocked , the Tory MP for Wokingham said that the Brussels ' latest scaremongering about border chaos shows `` they are rattled , they are worried '' .
This comes as UK government sources suggest that they terms on offer from the European Union continue to be `` unacceptable '' .
Earlier this week Boris Johnson warned a breakdown in trade talks is now “ very , very likely ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline for further progress .
Sir John said : `` We have another set of Project Scares coming out of the EU this week about all the ways they think they can disrupt the borders .
`` I just do n't buy it .
I think they are rattled , I think they are worried .
`` They ca n't mess around with the borders because they are bound to the world trade rules and they obey those rules .
`` They would also have enormous pressure from their exporters because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They sell us a lot more than we sell them , and I do n't think all those exporters in the EU would want their market damaged with nonsense at the Calais border . ''
JUST IN : No deal Brexit chances SURGE to 80 percent as negotiations stall

Brexit: John Redwood claims European Union is 'rattled'
Sir John Redwood has urged Boris Johnson to end the Brexit talks immediately, as he called the EU's bluff on their no deal threats. Speaking to Unlocked, the Tory MP for Wokingham said that the Brussels' latest scaremongering about border chaos shows "they are rattled, they are worried". This comes as UK government sources suggest that they terms on offer from the European Union continue to be "unacceptable".
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Earlier this week Boris Johnson warned a breakdown in trade talks is now “very, very likely” and set the end of Sunday as a deadline for further progress. Sir John said: "We have another set of Project Scares coming out of the EU this week about all the ways they think they can disrupt the borders. "I just don't buy it. I think they are rattled, I think they are worried. "They can't mess around with the borders because they are bound to the world trade rules and they obey those rules. "They would also have enormous pressure from their exporters because it is mainly an import trade into Britain. "They sell us a lot more than we sell them, and I don't think all those exporters in the EU would want their market damaged with nonsense at the Calais border." JUST IN: No deal Brexit chances SURGE to 80 percent as negotiations stall
Sir John Redwood has urged Boris Johnson to end the Brexit talks immediately
The Tory MP for Wokingham said that the Brussels' latest scaremongering about border chaos shows 'they are rattled'
Unlocked co-host Ben Habib remarked: "We were told that airplanes would cease to fly, but they've volunteered air slots. "They said that trucks wouldn't be able to go across the Channel, but they've volunteered that up too. "Although, they have added that they wanted to continue to fish in our waters for a year." Sir John responded: "It seems to be Macron wanting to have our cake and eat it! "For years we have had our fish taken, usually against our will. At last we have a government that has stood up to the EU."
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Boris Johnson warned a breakdown in trade talks is now 'very, very likely'
Brexit: Scottish Minister slams Royal Navy fisheries plans
He later tweeted: "The EU issues hollow threats on trade. They will have to follow World Trade Organisation rules on imports to allow smooth passage of goods at borders. Their exporters also have rights in EU and international law. "EU industrial trawlers have been hoovering up fish in UK waters in the last days under EU control. Glad we will patrol our waters as we have been doing, but this time to enforce our rules. We can have a fishing policy kinder to our industry and marine environment. "End the talks. The EU wants to stop us being independent. They cannot stop our trade. People and businesses buy and sell under WTO rules. The EU just makes empty threats." DON'T MISS: SNP plot to wreck no deal Brexit by banning Royal Navy warships [VIDEO]
BBC's Kuenssberg humiliates Labour's Starmer in Brexit fact-check [INSIGHT]
Brexit POLL: With Sunday deadline, do you think there will be a deal? [POLL]
Government sources claim the chances of negotiations breaking down has risen to 80 percent


thedailyexpress--2020-12-14--Brexit breakthrough: EU CAVES to Boris sovereignty demands as 'progress' made in talks

The Daily Express understands that UK officials believe they have a better chance of a breakthrough with Brussels now showing a “ greater appreciation ” for our position .
The dramatic turnaround came as Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen agreed that negotiations will continue this week having previously suggested that Sunday was a hard deadline for progress to be made .
This leaves both sides a fortnight to find a way to break the deadlock before the Brexit transition period ends on December 31 .
If no trade deal is agreed by then , Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and begin trading on World Trade Organisation terms from January 1 .
Sources close to the talks said both sides had made “ progress ” on the level playing field issue - one of the key differences between the sides - after the EU dropped its “ ratchet clause ” demand for Britain to be permanently tied to the bloc ’ s regulations .
The two teams are now exploring how the UK can be allowed a “ managed divergence ” from the EU ’ s rulebook without eurocrats having free rein to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short notice .
Negotiators were said to be working on a solution that would take future trade disputes to an independent committee if either side believed a rule change creates an unfair competitive advantage for the other ’ s businesses .
Signalling a significant concession , a senior EU source said : “ The defence of the single market is a red line for the European Union .
What we have proposed to the United Kingdom respects British sovereignty .
It could be the basis for an agreement.
” Another source close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact the talks are continuing means there is still hope of a resolution .
“ They have moved and there is a chink of light but there is more work to do , ” they said .
Speaking after his showdown call with Ms Von Der Leyen and then holding an emergency Cabinet meeting , Mr Johnson said both sides will try “ with all our hearts ” to strike a deal .
But keeping the pressure on the EU , he warned the UK should get ready to trade on WTO terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most-likely ” outcome .
“ As things stand , and this is what Ursula and I agreed , I 'm afraid we are still very far apart on some key things , ” he said .
“ But where there is life , there 's hope .
We are going to keep talking to see what we can do .
“ The UK certainly wo n't be walking away from the talks .
I think people will expect us to go the extra mile.
” He added : “ What we ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what Brexit is all about , which is us being able to control our laws , control our fisheries .
It 's very very simple - I think our friends get it . ''
DO N'T MISS No-Deal Chaos : Supermarkets told 'to stockpile food ' by UK officials [ COMMENT ] SNP Brexit panic : Boris told to take no deal off the table [ INTERVIEW ] 'It must be NO-DEAL ! '
Boris told to walk away from EU talks [ POLL ] The Prime Minister also said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Angela Merkel reportedly rebuffed talks .
A joint statement by Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen said : `` We had a useful phone call this morning .
We discussed the major unresolved topics .
Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days .
`` And despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations , despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile .
`` We have accordingly mandated our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached . ''
Trade talks between chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier will continue on Monday following a frantic weekend with issues over fishing rights , the level playing field - how closely we follow EU rules in the future - and governance still needing to be ironed out .
In a further boost European Council President Charles Michel said the EU was ready to accept Britain as an independent state .
He said : “ We want open economies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the UK decides to deploy massive state aid in certain economic sectors it 's their right , it 's their sovereignty .
“ But it 's the European sovereignty and the right to not accept unfair competition for European businesses and therefore indirectly for the men and women of Europe who work in these companies .
It 's common sense .
“ We do not want an agreement at all costs , what we want is a good agreement , an agreement which respects the principles of economic fair play.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capitals , seen by this newspaper , EU officials welcomed the news that the wrangling over a Brexit trade deal had been extended .
“ We welcome the update from the negotiations that progress and that negotiations will continue .
The next days will be important , ” it says .
Meanwhile , European officials and diplomats are working on plans for any free trade deal to be ratified at the last-minute - possibly as late as December 28 - if an agreement is struck in the coming days .
Earlier , Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing - in which it reportedly demanded a 10-year transition to UK sovereignty over its own waters - were `` outlandish '' .
And Mr Raab failed to rule out trade talks continuing into 2021 .
`` Of course if we 're 99 per cent there on the outstanding issues you would n't want to leave any stone unturned but I think it 's quite a high bar , '' he said .
But Labour 's Ed Miliband said `` both sides have to compromise '' and urged the PM to `` stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Shadow Business Secretary told the BBC : `` He is playing Russian roulette with the jobs and livelihoods of people up and down the country .
How dare he say [ no deal ] would be a wonderful outcome when we know the impact on our farmers . ''
A Labour spokesman said : `` The Conservatives promised the British people that they had an oven-ready deal and that they would get Brexit done .
The Government needs to deliver on that promise , get us the deal and allow us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen announces extension to talks
The Daily Express understands that UK officials believe they have a better chance of a breakthrough with Brussels now showing a “greater appreciation” for our position. The dramatic turnaround came as Mr Johnson and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen agreed that negotiations will continue this week having previously suggested that Sunday was a hard deadline for progress to be made. This leaves both sides a fortnight to find a way to break the deadlock before the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
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If no trade deal is agreed by then, Britain will walk away from the European Union and begin trading on World Trade Organisation terms from January 1. Sources close to the talks said both sides had made “progress” on the level playing field issue - one of the key differences between the sides - after the EU dropped its “ratchet clause” demand for Britain to be permanently tied to the bloc’s regulations. The two teams are now exploring how the UK can be allowed a “managed divergence” from the EU’s rulebook without eurocrats having free rein to slap Britain with punitive trade tariffs at short notice. Negotiators were said to be working on a solution that would take future trade disputes to an independent committee if either side believed a rule change creates an unfair competitive advantage for the other’s businesses.
Brexit news: The EU appears to have caved to Boris Johnson's UK sovereignty demands
Brexit news: The Prime Minister said the UK and EU remain 'very far apart' in some areas
Signalling a significant concession, a senior EU source said: “The defence of the single market is a red line for the European Union. What we have proposed to the United Kingdom respects British sovereignty. It could be the basis for an agreement.” Another source close to the UK negotiating team signalled that the fact the talks are continuing means there is still hope of a resolution. “They have moved and there is a chink of light but there is more work to do,” they said. Speaking after his showdown call with Ms Von Der Leyen and then holding an emergency Cabinet meeting, Mr Johnson said both sides will try “with all our hearts” to strike a deal. But keeping the pressure on the EU, he warned the UK should get ready to trade on WTO terms as a no-deal exit remains the “most-likely” outcome. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Brexiteer fury as Boris extends EU talks
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Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen said trade talks with the UK would continue
“As things stand, and this is what Ursula and I agreed, I'm afraid we are still very far apart on some key things,” he said. “But where there is life, there's hope. We are going to keep talking to see what we can do. “The UK certainly won't be walking away from the talks. I think people will expect us to go the extra mile.” He added: “What we can't do is compromise on that fundamental nature of what Brexit is all about, which is us being able to control our laws, control our fisheries. It's very very simple - I think our friends get it." DON'T MISS
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Brexit news: Michel Barnier will meet Lord Frost to continue talks
Brexit news: Boris Johnson spoke to Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday
The Prime Minister also said he was willing to talk directly to EU leaders after Angela Merkel reportedly rebuffed talks. A joint statement by Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen said: "We had a useful phone call this morning. We discussed the major unresolved topics. Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days. "And despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations, despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile. "We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached." Trade talks between chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier will continue on Monday following a frantic weekend with issues over fishing rights, the level playing field - how closely we follow EU rules in the future - and governance still needing to be ironed out. In a further boost European Council President Charles Michel said the EU was ready to accept Britain as an independent state.
Brexit news: The UK is edging closer to cutting all ties with the EU
He said: “We want open economies, but based on fairness, on reciprocity. If the UK decides to deploy massive state aid in certain economic sectors it's their right, it's their sovereignty. “But it's the European sovereignty and the right to not accept unfair competition for European businesses and therefore indirectly for the men and women of Europe who work in these companies. It's common sense. “We do not want an agreement at all costs, what we want is a good agreement, an agreement which respects the principles of economic fair play.” And in a private memo to European capitals, seen by this newspaper, EU officials welcomed the news that the wrangling over a Brexit trade deal had been extended. “We welcome the update from the negotiations that progress and that negotiations will continue. The next days will be important,” it says. Meanwhile, European officials and diplomats are working on plans for any free trade deal to be ratified at the last-minute - possibly as late as December 28 - if an agreement is struck in the coming days.
Brexit news: Dominic Raab claimed the EU''s demands on fishing were 'outlandish'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-13--'It must be NO-DEAL!' Boris Johnson told to walk away from EU trade talks NOW - poll

On Sunday , the UK and EU agreed to extend post-Brexit trade deal talks in a last-ditch attempt to reach an agreement .
The Prime Minister had met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday , with the leaders announcing a decision on negotiations would be made by the end of the weekend .
But following a phone call earlier on Sunday , they issued a joint statement to say go the UK and EU would `` go the extra mile '' and continue talks on a post-Brexit trade deal into this week .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ useful phone call this morning .
We discussed the major unresolved topics .
`` Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days .
`` And despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations , despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile .
`` We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached . ''
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readers have told Mr Johnson to walk away from trade deal negotiations with the EU immediately .
The poll , which ran from 6.30pm until 10.30pm on Sunday December 13 and saw 15,054 votes cast , asked : `` The UK and EU extend trade talks , but should Boris walk away now ? ''
A huge 92 percent ( 13,883 readers ) said the Prime Minister should now leave EU talks and take the UK out of the bloc without a deal in place .
The remaining eight percent ( 1,064 readers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent ( 107 readers ) were undecided .
One Express.co.uk reader said : `` Do not break our red lines Boris .
`` Whenever the final deadline is before 31 December 2020 , it must be no-deal .
Total clean start for the UK . ''
A second person commented : `` Don ’ t walk away , run away !
“ The companies in the EU will come knocking at the UK 's doors .
The EU can not afford a no-deal Brexit .
DO N'T MISS Richard Tice reveals the 'load @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK [ VIDEO ] Guy Verhofstadt blasted by Brexiteers over Royal Navy tweet [ COMMENT ] EU savaged for 'intransigents ' and plot to 'bleed UK dry ' over Brexit [ OPINION ] Another reader wrote : `` The EU will extend talks into infinity .
Walk away now would be better . ''
A fourth reader added : `` Boris should 'negotiate ' until the last moment and when there is no-deal , he can state the EU is not willing to give the UK the same deal as Canada , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith .
`` Then he can cancel the Withdrawal Agreement and the UK , including Northern Ireland , can get rid of EU forever . ''
Following his call with Ms von der Leyen on Sunday , Mr Johnson updated his Cabinet on the latest situation .
But the Prime Minister then struck a downbeat tone and while suggesting a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU could still be agreed , the two sides still remain `` very far apart '' .
He said : `` We 're going to continue to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all our hearts and be as creative as we possibly can , but what we ca n't do is compromise on that fundamental nature of what Brexit is all about which is us being able to control our laws , control our fisheries , it 's very , very simple .
`` I think our friends get it , and we remain willing to talk and will continue to do so .
`` But in the meantime let 's get ready for the WTO option , and that 's what I told the @ @ @

Brexit: Johnson urges UK to prepare for ‘likely’ no deal scenario
On Sunday, the UK and EU agreed to extend post-Brexit trade deal talks in a last-ditch attempt to reach an agreement. The Prime Minister had met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday, with the leaders announcing a decision on negotiations would be made by the end of the weekend. But following a phone call earlier on Sunday, they issued a joint statement to say go the UK and EU would "go the extra mile" and continue talks on a post-Brexit trade deal into this week.
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The two leaders said: "We had a useful phone call this morning. We discussed the major unresolved topics. "Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days. "And despite the exhaustion after almost a year of negotiations, despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over we think it is responsible at this point to go the extra mile. "We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached."
Brexit news: Express.co.uk readrs have told Boris Johnson to leave the EU with no-deal
Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen said trade talks would continue beyond Sunday
But in the latest Express.co.uk poll, thousands of readers have told Mr Johnson to walk away from trade deal negotiations with the EU immediately. The poll, which ran from 6.30pm until 10.30pm on Sunday December 13 and saw 15,054 votes cast, asked: "The UK and EU extend trade talks, but should Boris walk away now?" A huge 92 percent (13,883 readers) said the Prime Minister should now leave EU talks and take the UK out of the bloc without a deal in place. The remaining eight percent (1,064 readers) disagreed, while less than one percent (107 readers) were undecided. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Brexiteer fury as Boris extends EU talks
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Brexit news: A huge 92 percent of Express.co.uk readers backed the Prime Minister to walk away from talks
Brexit news: Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen spoke on Sunday
Brexit news: The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier will resume talks with UK counterpart David Frost
Another reader wrote: "The EU will extend talks into infinity. Walk away now would be better." A fourth reader added: "Boris should 'negotiate' until the last moment and when there is no-deal, he can state the EU is not willing to give the UK the same deal as Canada, so they have not been acting in good faith. "Then he can cancel the Withdrawal Agreement and the UK, including Northern Ireland, can get rid of EU forever." Following his call with Ms von der Leyen on Sunday, Mr Johnson updated his Cabinet on the latest situation.
Brexit news: The UK is edging closer to cutting all ties with the EU