thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Sturgeon sabotaged Brexit talks! Furious Gove fumes at SNP for meddling in leaked letter

Talks between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier continue virtually this week as officials on both sides hope to secure a deal before next week .
But Cabinet Office Minister Mr Gove warned the First Minister of Scotland the talks were being undermined as a result of her and Scottish officials intervention .
In a letter to Scotland ’ s Constitution Secretary Michael Russell , Mr Gove said the First Minister and the Scottish Government ’ s contacts with the EU chief negotiator were “ detrimental ” on the UK stance on fisheries .
In the letter , seen by Express.co.uk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the contact Edinburgh had .
He claimed Edinburgh generated an impression the fishing industry supported EU demands for UK waters .
Mr Gove made clear the UK Government represented “ the interests of people right across the country , including in Scotland , and is negotiating with the EU on a UK-wide basis ” .
He added : “ The Scottish Government accepts that international relations , including with the EU , is a reserved matter , and remains the sole responsibility of the UK Government .
“ For this reason , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed by the political level contacts that the Scottish Government , including the First Minister , have had during the period of the negotiations with the EU ’ s UK Task Force and specifically the EU ’ s Chief Negotiator.
” Mr Gove said in the eyes of UK officials “ this kind of contact and specifically the discussion of sensitive issues under negotiation ” had negatively “ affected the negotiating dynamic ” .
He concluded : “ In particular , the EU appears to have concluded from these contacts that EU offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the permanent maintenance of the status quo on unfair Common Fisheries Policy quotas ) are outcomes the Scottish Government , and perhaps even more damagingly , Scottish stakeholders , support .
Mr Russell said the Scottish Government along , with other devolved administrations , had been “ simply ignored ” by the ministers in London as they `` recklessly decided to end the transition period at great cost to Scotland and indeed the UK as a whole '' .
Edinburgh remains concerned about the lack of progress on fisheries , a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding regular talks with Brussels on fisheries and agricultural related matters .
The UK leaves the EU 's single market and customs union at the end of the year , and without an agreement there could be tariffs and quotas imposed on trade with the bloc .
Any deal would need to be approved by the EU 's leaders and MEPs , and it is understood an emergency session of the European Parliament could be held as late as December 28 to vote on it .

Nicola Sturgeon: Brexit is making Scottish population angry
Talks between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier continue virtually this week as officials on both sides hope to secure a deal before next week. But Cabinet Office Minister Mr Gove warned the First Minister of Scotland the talks were being undermined as a result of her and Scottish officials intervention.
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In a letter to Scotland’s Constitution Secretary Michael Russell, Mr Gove said the First Minister and the Scottish Government’s contacts with the EU chief negotiator were “detrimental” on the UK stance on fisheries. In the letter, seen by Express.co.uk, Mr Gove expressed “disappointment” of the contact Edinburgh had. He claimed Edinburgh generated an impression the fishing industry supported EU demands for UK waters. Mr Gove made clear the UK Government represented “the interests of people right across the country, including in Scotland, and is negotiating with the EU on a UK-wide basis”.
Mr Gove wrote to the Scottish Government
Trade talks are ongoing currently
He added: “The Scottish Government accepts that international relations, including with the EU, is a reserved matter, and remains the sole responsibility of the UK Government. “For this reason, I should record that we have been disappointed by the political level contacts that the Scottish Government, including the First Minister, have had during the period of the negotiations with the EU’s UK Task Force and specifically the EU’s Chief Negotiator.” Mr Gove said in the eyes of UK officials “this kind of contact and specifically the discussion of sensitive issues under negotiation” had negatively “affected the negotiating dynamic”. He concluded: “In particular, the EU appears to have concluded from these contacts that EU offensive asks (for example on fisheries access and the permanent maintenance of the status quo on unfair Common Fisheries Policy quotas) are outcomes the Scottish Government, and perhaps even more damagingly, Scottish stakeholders, support. READ MORE: Ian Blackford demands £98 BILLION in outrageous letter
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Michael Russell wrote a letter to Mr Gove
Michael Gove
Mr Russell said the Scottish Government along, with other devolved administrations, had been “simply ignored” by the ministers in London as they "recklessly decided to end the transition period at great cost to Scotland and indeed the UK as a whole". Edinburgh remains concerned about the lack of progress on fisheries, a major economic sector in Scotland and have been holding regular talks with Brussels on fisheries and agricultural related matters. The UK leaves the EU's single market and customs union at the end of the year, and without an agreement there could be tariffs and quotas imposed on trade with the bloc. Any deal would need to be approved by the EU's leaders and MEPs, and it is understood an emergency session of the European Parliament could be held as late as December 28 to vote on it.
Brexit: EU ‘doesn’t want a big rival’ says expert


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--We MUST give in! Senior MEP breaks cover to admit fishing defeat - UK set for huge victory

Christophe Hansen , an EU Parliament Brexit sherpa , said the bloc would have to meet the Prime Minister ’ s demands to clinch an agreement .
His warning comes as senior figures in Brussels brace for a last-minute trade-off between access to Britain ’ s waters and the bloc ’ s demand for a level playing field .
Mr Hansen told an event : `` There will be compromises to be made on fisheries .
The status quo , that is somewhere we 're not going to land . ''
Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief negotiator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the trade talks if there is to be an agreement before the end of the year .
But hardline coastal states , led by France , have rejected any potential climb-downs tabled by the Brussels diplomat .
French President Emmanuel Macron wants near-parity access to Britain ’ s coastal waters as the price of any Brexit trade deal .
Despite being set to lose out on vital opportunities in the UK ’ s fishing grounds , French fishermen have backed a compromise .
They have warned that a no-deal Brexit would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chairman of the northern French fishermen 's association , urged the two sides to broker a sensible compromise .
He said : “ Boulogne absolutely needs an agreement .
We are the largest fishing port in France with a turnover of 450,000 tonnes , including 300,000 tonnes of our own catch .
French fishermen need further access to British waters , then the traders and processors come ashore .
`` If there was a hard Brexit without an agreement on fish rights , it would be catastrophic.
” The industry chief has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small boats he represents exclusively fish in British waters .
Mr Lepretre claimed fishermen have already been forced to scale back their operations because of a lack of investment since Brexit .
Losing access to UK fishing grounds would be the final nail in the coffin for many of them , he added .
MUST READ : Britons furious as Biden picks Brexit-hater for top US job

Brexit: Johnson urged to abandon EU policy by fisherman
Christophe Hansen, an EU Parliament Brexit sherpa, said the bloc would have to meet the Prime Minister’s demands to clinch an agreement. His warning comes as senior figures in Brussels brace for a last-minute trade-off between access to Britain’s waters and the bloc’s demand for a level playing field. Mr Hansen told an event: "There will be compromises to be made on fisheries. The status quo, that is somewhere we're not going to land."
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Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, has discussed the need to compromise in the trade talks if there is to be an agreement before the end of the year. But hardline coastal states, led by France, have rejected any potential climb-downs tabled by the Brussels diplomat. French President Emmanuel Macron wants near-parity access to Britain’s coastal waters as the price of any Brexit trade deal. Despite being set to lose out on vital opportunities in the UK’s fishing grounds, French fishermen have backed a compromise.
Michel Barnier must offer concessions on fishing to secure Brexit deal, says MEP
Michel Barnier is currently virtually haggling with Lord Frost
They have warned that a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for their industry. Olivier Lepretre, chairman of the northern French fishermen's association, urged the two sides to broker a sensible compromise. He said: “Boulogne absolutely needs an agreement. We are the largest fishing port in France with a turnover of 450,000 tonnes, including 300,000 tonnes of our own catch. French fishermen need further access to British waters, then the traders and processors come ashore. "If there was a hard Brexit without an agreement on fish rights, it would be catastrophic.”
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European Union fishing boats are set to lose access to Britain's coastal waters
The industry chief has claimed 60 to 80 percent of the small boats he represents exclusively fish in British waters. Mr Lepretre claimed fishermen have already been forced to scale back their operations because of a lack of investment since Brexit. Losing access to UK fishing grounds would be the final nail in the coffin for many of them, he added. MUST READ: Britons furious as Biden picks Brexit-hater for top US job
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Brexit: French fishermen on 'catastrophe' of losing UK waters


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Listen up, Michel! MEPs threaten to BLOCK Brexit deal even if Barnier approves it

Senior members of the European Parliament have hinted they are still prepared to veto the free-trade agreement if the Brussels diplomat doesn ’ t present a “ sufficiently balanced ” compromise .
Their warning comes as Mr Barnier is locked in intensive online negotiations with UK counterpart Lord Frost as time runs out to secure a future relationship pact .
Talks resumed online yesterday after they were brought to a halt last week when an EU official tested positive for coronavirus .
The Frenchman is expected to travel to London for face-to-face talks later this week .
Disputes over future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and common standards , including state aid rules , are holding up a significant breakthrough .
With EU sources expecting a last-gasp trade-off between fisheries and the level playing field , some are now worried Mr Barnier will go too far in order to secure a deal and preserve his legacy .
EU Parliament Brexit sherpa Christophe Hansen said : “ If there is a deal , I believe it will be sufficiently balanced that the European Parliament can give its consent .
“ Otherwise , there will be no deal .
Michel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from him .
And that is the reason why consent will be given.
” Boris Johnson is expected to personally intervene in the trade talks amid rising hope a deal can be secured in the coming days .
Downing Street said there are still issues that need to be resolved as talks resumed yesterday .
But the Prime Minister and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are to talk to push an agreement over the line .
No10 said Parliament has shown that it can `` act at pace '' when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hoping to have a pact signed off by Monday to allow a law to be passed in the European Parliament on December 28 .
Mr Hansen said the bloc would have to meet Mr Johnson 's fisheries demands for an agreement .
MUST READ : Ireland Brexit panic : UK and EU in talks to prevent meat ban disaster The Luxembourger MEP said : `` There will be compromises to be made on fisheries .
The status quo , that is somewhere we 're not going to land . ''
Bernd Lange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` It 's already five past midnight .
We need a text , otherwise ratification and democratic scrutiny by the European Parliament will be a farce . ''
A No10 spokesman said : `` We will take back control of access to our waters . ''
He insisted there will no extension to the transition period .
DO N'T MISS Brexit fisheries row : EU fishermen fear 'we will go bankrupt ' [ INSIGHT ] Pound to euro exchange rate 'gains ground ' amid Brexit talks [ FORECAST ] EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands with ONE week to go [ UPDATES ]

Brexit: Johnson urged to abandon EU policy by fisherman
Senior members of the European Parliament have hinted they are still prepared to veto the free-trade agreement if the Brussels diplomat doesn’t present a “sufficiently balanced” compromise. Their warning comes as Mr Barnier is locked in intensive online negotiations with UK counterpart Lord Frost as time runs out to secure a future relationship pact. Talks resumed online yesterday after they were brought to a halt last week when an EU official tested positive for coronavirus.
Trending
The Frenchman is expected to travel to London for face-to-face talks later this week. Disputes over future access to Britain’s fishing waters and common standards, including state aid rules, are holding up a significant breakthrough. With EU sources expecting a last-gasp trade-off between fisheries and the level playing field, some are now worried Mr Barnier will go too far in order to secure a deal and preserve his legacy. EU Parliament Brexit sherpa Christophe Hansen said: “If there is a deal, I believe it will be sufficiently balanced that the European Parliament can give its consent.
Michel Barnier is under pressure from the EU Parliament not to concede in Brexit talks
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
“Otherwise, there will be no deal. Michel Barnier knows very well what we expect from him. And that is the reason why consent will be given.” Boris Johnson is expected to personally intervene in the trade talks amid rising hope a deal can be secured in the coming days. Downing Street said there are still issues that need to be resolved as talks resumed yesterday. But the Prime Minister and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are to talk to push an agreement over the line.
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The EU Parliament must sign off on any Brexit trade deal before it's enforced
No10 said Parliament has shown that it can "act at pace" when it needs to pass legislation swiftly. Brussels is hoping to have a pact signed off by Monday to allow a law to be passed in the European Parliament on December 28. Mr Hansen said the bloc would have to meet Mr Johnson's fisheries demands for an agreement. MUST READ: Ireland Brexit panic: UK and EU in talks to prevent meat ban disaster
Brexit: What needs to be done to get the trade deal over the line?
Brexit: No deal could lead to ‘bankruptcy’ says French fisherman


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Ian Blackford demands £98 BILLION in outrageous letter - 'Scotland shouldn't have to wait'

In a letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor , the SNP Westminster leader said the UK Government must ditch plans to impose a public sector pay freeze - and instead deliver a major investment package to `` protect our public services and put money in people 's pockets '' .
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has also written to Mr Sunak and warned against returning to the austerity policies put in place by his Conservative predecessors during the 2008 financial crash , instead lobbying for him to `` invest for recovery , rather than balance the books '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory austerity '' would starve `` the economy of cash at the worst possible time . ''
A £98 billion financial stimulus , the Scottish Government has said , would bring the UK in line with France , Germany and New Zealand where similar packages amounting to 5 % of GDP have been announced .
Ms Forbes and Mr Blackford also said it was vital to continue with the uplift of Universal Credit , which was increased by £20 per week at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic , beyond April next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major cash injection for the NHS and social care across the four UK nations which would result in an extra £4billion for NHS Scotland and enabling a pay increase for workers across the UK .
This , the nationalist politicians said , could be achieved by increasing the level of spending on Health and Social Care in England to at least the higher per capita level in Scotland .
Westminster and Edinburgh have regularly been at odds with the Treasury throughout the pandemic over the timing of the UK budget and clarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give proportional levels of public expenditure to Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales to reflect public service funding in England .
Ms Forbes has also repeatedly called for more borrowing powers for the Scottish Government which she raised with the Chancellor again in her response .
Mr Blackford said : `` At a time when the UK faces a devastating extreme Brexit and a growing Tory unemployment crisis , it is crucial that the Chancellor uses the Spending Review to deliver a major fiscal stimulus package , and the devolution of financial powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put money in people 's pockets , and kickstart a strong economic recovery .
READ MORE : SNP set for another embarrassing U-turn after hate crime law shamed '' Scotland should n't have to wait for Westminster to act .
`` By withholding investment and blocking the devolution of financial powers , the Tory government has hindered Scotland 's ability to respond to this crisis .
It must not jeopardise Scotland 's recovery too . ''
However , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted the uplift would not continue beyond April 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can do is to ensure that we get people into work and support families to get the jobs they need . ''
In response , a HM Treasury spokeswoman said : `` All nations and regions of the UK have benefited from our unprecedented £200 billion coronavirus support package .
DO N'T MISS : SNP accused of 'not learning lessons ' from COVID-19 chaos in care homes [ REVEAL ] SNP could hold indyref2 vote IMMEDIATELY after 2021 elections [ INSIGHT ] Scottish fishermen hit out at EU over demands to concede @ @ @ @ @

Question Time: Blackford quizzed on Sturgeon’s announcements
In a letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, the SNP Westminster leader said the UK Government must ditch plans to impose a public sector pay freeze - and instead deliver a major investment package to "protect our public services and put money in people's pockets". Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has also written to Mr Sunak and warned against returning to the austerity policies put in place by his Conservative predecessors during the 2008 financial crash, instead lobbying for him to "invest for recovery, rather than balance the books".
Trending
Mr Blackford claimed any form of "Tory austerity" would starve "the economy of cash at the worst possible time." A £98 billion financial stimulus, the Scottish Government has said, would bring the UK in line with France, Germany and New Zealand where similar packages amounting to 5% of GDP have been announced. Ms Forbes and Mr Blackford also said it was vital to continue with the uplift of Universal Credit, which was increased by £20 per week at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, beyond April next year. The SNP politicians also called for a major cash injection for the NHS and social care across the four UK nations which would result in an extra £4billion for NHS Scotland and enabling a pay increase for workers across the UK.
Ian Blackford sent the letter to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak
Kate Forbes has backed Mr Blackford's calls
This, the nationalist politicians said, could be achieved by increasing the level of spending on Health and Social Care in England to at least the higher per capita level in Scotland. Westminster and Edinburgh have regularly been at odds with the Treasury throughout the pandemic over the timing of the UK budget and clarity over Barnett consequentials, a mechanism to give proportional levels of public expenditure to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to reflect public service funding in England. Ms Forbes has also repeatedly called for more borrowing powers for the Scottish Government which she raised with the Chancellor again in her response. Mr Blackford said: "At a time when the UK faces a devastating extreme Brexit and a growing Tory unemployment crisis, it is crucial that the Chancellor uses the Spending Review to deliver a major fiscal stimulus package, and the devolution of financial powers - to protect our public services, put money in people's pockets, and kickstart a strong economic recovery. READ MORE: SNP set for another embarrassing U-turn after hate crime law shamed
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Rishi Sunak is set to announce this spending review tomorrow
"Scotland shouldn't have to wait for Westminster to act. "By withholding investment and blocking the devolution of financial powers, the Tory government has hindered Scotland's ability to respond to this crisis. It must not jeopardise Scotland's recovery too." However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted the uplift would not continue beyond April 2021, saying: "The most important thing we can do is to ensure that we get people into work and support families to get the jobs they need." In response, a HM Treasury spokeswoman said: "All nations and regions of the UK have benefited from our unprecedented £200 billion coronavirus support package. DON'T MISS:
SNP accused of 'not learning lessons' from COVID-19 chaos in care homes [REVEAL]
SNP could hold indyref2 vote IMMEDIATELY after 2021 elections [INSIGHT]
Scottish fishermen hit out at EU over demands to concede to Barnier [LATEST]
Mr Blackford also wrote to Boris Johnson


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--POLL: Should MPs be blocked from getting £3,300 pay rise during coronavirus pandemic?

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MPs are due to get a 4.1 percent salary increase this year , worth £3,300 .
The pay rise would boost their salaries from £81,932 to £85,232 - almost three times medium annual pay in the UK , which stands at £31,461 , according to official figures .
The pay rise has been recommended by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( IPSA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They recommend the increase should come into effect from next April .
Boris Johnson has opposed the pay rise however , and said he doesn ’ t think MPs should get a salary increase this year .
His official spokesman said : “ MPs ’ salaries are obviously decided by an independent body but given the circumstances , the PM doesn ’ t believe MPs should be receiving a pay rise.
” The Prime Minister ’ s spokesman added Mr Johnson had already acted within his power to block salary increases , by @ @ @ @

Matt Hancock grilled by Piers Morgan on accepting MP pay rise
THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED. SEE THE RESULTS HERE. MPs are due to get a 4.1 percent salary increase this year, worth £3,300. The pay rise would boost their salaries from £81,932 to £85,232 - almost three times medium annual pay in the UK, which stands at £31,461, according to official figures.
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The pay rise has been recommended by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which sets MPs’ salaries. They recommend the increase should come into effect from next April. Boris Johnson has opposed the pay rise however, and said he doesn’t think MPs should get a salary increase this year. His official spokesman said: “MPs’ salaries are obviously decided by an independent body but given the circumstances, the PM doesn’t believe MPs should be receiving a pay rise.” The Prime Minister’s spokesman added Mr Johnson had already acted within his power to block salary increases, by freezing ministerial pay.
Should MPs be blocked from getting £3,300 pay rise during coronavirus pandemic?
Boris Johnson has opposed the pay rise
Mr Johnson’s opposition to the pay rise comes as Britons continue to feel the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of people have been affected by the crisis, either by losing their jobs, being put on furlough or seeing their hours slashed. The median annual pay for full-time employees stood at £31,461 for the tax year ending April 5, 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics. The experts said this was a 3.6 percent increase on the previous year, but warned annual pay estimates have been largely unaffected by the pandemic. JUST IN: Boris hints he's ready to change the law to BAN pay rises for MPs
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MP's are due to receive a salary increase of £3,300
IPSA proposed the pay increase in a report last month, where they continued to link parliamentarians' pay to wage growth in the public sector and using October's three-month average public sector wage growth as the benchmark. The independent body, which was set up in the wake of 2009 MPs expenses scandal, has a statutory duty to review MPs’ pay in the first year of a Parliament. It will announce its final decision next month. Dozens of MPs have voiced their opposition to the proposed pay rise.
UK coronavirus map live


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Brexit LIVE: They're FINALLY caving! EU 'set to give in' as standoff goes to the wire

With a week to go until the deadline to reach an agreement , Michel Barnier said during virtual talks yesterday negotiators were running out of time , stressing `` fundamental divergences still remain . ''
Both sides have indicated that to reach an agreement on key issues , including fisheries , governance and the level playing field , the negotiators need to meet in person .
Express.co.uk understands the EU is expected to shift slightly and argee to Boris Johnson ’ s demands , which are seen by several EU coastal states as disadvantaging their fishermen .
A Whitehall source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' this week as Michel Barnier is expected to attend London for face to face discussions with Lord Frost when he comes out of self-isolation .
The source close to the negotiations added : `` After months of resistance and try to get there own way for fisheries , there seems to be a shift of tone from the EU .
“ This is a key part of the talks , we are an independent coastal state and will be so going forward.
” Cabinet Office permanent secretary Alex Chisholm told the Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is still `` undoubtedly '' time for a deal to be agreed , adding some of the `` apparently hard and fast time constraints '' have not been so strict after all .
The UK leaves the EU 's single market and customs union at the end of the year , and without an agreement there could be tariffs and quotas imposed on trade with the bloc .
Peers have meddled in Brexit Johnson ’ s post-Brexit trade plan after backing a Labour plot aimed at forcing Westminster to consult on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A controversial vote in the House of Lords saw Peers back a Labour motion aimed at ensuring the devolved administrations are involved in the future operation of the UK internal market .
The UK internal market Bill is Boris Johnson ’ s solution to creating a secure platform for UK trade after the transition period ends .
Michael Gove has claimed Nicola Sturgeon undermined Brexit negotiations by holding talks with EU officials as negotiations come down to the wire .
Talks between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier continue virtually this week as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal before next week .
But Cabinet Office Minister Mr Gove warned the First Minister of Scotland the talks were being undermined as a result of her and Scottish officials intervention .
A reunified Ireland offers the best opportunity to tackle Brexit and economically recover from the coronavirus pandemic , Sinn Fein has claimed .
A new policy paper by the party , the Economic Benefits of a United Ireland , contends that Westminster decisions have been to the `` economic detriment '' of Northern Ireland , describing it as the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It advocates the potential of renewable energy across the island and points to the example of the reunification of Germany as how integration and investment , including from the EU , can `` substantially improve economic conditions in the smaller jurisdiction involved in transition '' .
11am update : UK to remain a 'global leader ' in Asset management despite Brexit Rishi Sunak has said he was determined that the United Kingdom would remain a global leader for asset management after Brexit .
Mr Sunak said in comments to a conference organised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group : `` We 're beginning a new relationship with the EU .
And as we do so , we are determined that the UK will remain a global leader for asset management . ''
A top civil servant has said he is confident the UK will be ready for Brexit by the end of the year , but the head of Parliament 's financial watchdog said it all feels like Groundhog Day .
Cabinet Office permanent secretary Alex Chisholm told the Commons Public Accounts Committee ( PAC ) that there will `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trader readiness `` needs to improve further '' .
He said there is still `` undoubtedly '' time for a deal to be agreed , adding that some of the `` apparently hard and fast time constraints '' have not been so strict after all .
Ministers in the Scottish and Welsh administrations have called for the UK Government to respect devolution when it comes to replacing EU funding .
Both devolved governments published proposals for the Shared Prosperity Fund last week with the Scottish Government 's Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister , expressing frustration at no such publication from Westminster thus far .
Ms Forbes has also called on the UK Government to use Wednesday 's Spending Review to prioritise public services in a new , UK-wide package worth £98 billion .
German MEP Bernd Lange , who heads the EU parliament 's trade commission , claimed Boris Johnson caused delays in implementing a Brexit trade deal .
Mr Lange said : `` It is already five past 12 .
`` We need a text , otherwise ratification and democratic scrutiny by European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The gambling of Boris Johnson has brought us where we are now .
We wo n't pay the price for that ! ''
8am update : No-deal Brexit would harm UK economy says Bank of England boss The long-term harm to the economy will likely be greater from a no-deal Brexit than from the Covid-19 crisis , the country 's top banker has said .
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said the effects of crashing out of the EU on World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms would last for longer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bailey told MPs on the Treasury Select Committee : `` I think the long-term effect would be larger than the long-term effect of COVID . ''

Brexit: Scottish 'prosperity' depends on UK trade says Miklinski
Elsewhere, JPMorgan has raised its odds of a Brexit trade deal to 80 percent, up from two-thirds, as negotiators from Britain and the European Union try to clinch an accord. With a week to go until the deadline to reach an agreement, Brexit talks are expected to go "down to the wire" this week as Brussels look set to compromise on Boris's Johnson's demands for fishing rights.
Trending
JPMorgan said in a note to clients this afternoon: "Since the summer we have put the odds of a deal at about two-thirds, and no-deal at a third." "Given the recent newsflow, the likelihood of a deal is clearly growing, and hence we shift our assessment to 80-20 in favour of a deal." The pound sterling also stayed close to the two-month high it reached the day before, with investors hoping that this week's Brexit talks will result in a deal. Marshall Gittler, head of investment research at BDSwiss Group, said: "I think the pound could continue the gains next month, depending of course on how the Brexit talks go."
The EU looks set to compramise on fishing
Michel Barnier said during virtual talks yesterday negotiators were running out of time, stressing "fundamental divergences still remain." Both sides have indicated that to reach an agreement on key issues, including fisheries, governance and the level playing field, the negotiators need to meet in person. Express.co.uk understands the EU is expected to shift slightly and argee to Boris Johnson’s demands, which are seen by several EU coastal states as disadvantaging their fishermen. A Whitehall source said the EU could "give in" this week as Michel Barnier is expected to attend London for face to face discussions with Lord Frost when he comes out of self-isolation. The source close to the negotiations added: "After months of resistance and try to get there own way for fisheries, there seems to be a shift of tone from the EU. “This is a key part of the talks, we are an independent coastal state and will be so going forward.” The UK leaves the EU's single market and customs union at the end of the year, and without an agreement, there could be tariffs and quotas imposed on trade with the bloc. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit: UK 'can strike a deal if EU moves on fishing' says expert
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Rory Stewart grilled by Simon Clarke over 'stymying' democracy
5.58pm update: 'Did everything to stop Brexit!' Remainer Rory Stewart sparks fury over 'preaching' to UK Rory Stewart's warnings over the future of democracy in the West were slapped down by a Conservative MP. Former Treasury minister Simon Clarke attacked the former Tory leadership candidate over his "preaching". Speaking on BBC Politics Live, Mr Clarke accused Mr Stewart of attempting to "prevent" Brexit for years. He said: "I'm very fond of Rory personally, he's obviously an immensely accomplished person but there is a 'but' here. "In the end, we won that election doing what the people asked us to do. "Something which Rory and some of his colleagues had attempted to prevent. "It's that fundamental frustration that shone through." 4.29pm update: Ireland Brexit panic: UK and EU in last-minute talks to prevent meat ban disaster Certain meat products, including sausages, mince and prepared meals, from outside the European Union are governed by rules from the bloc. This means they would not be able to enter Northern Ireland from Britain as they would still be locked to EU food safety rules under the Northern Ireland Protocol when the UK begins life outside the bloc from January 31. But in a further blow, the UK has indicated it will also apply reciprocal restrictions on such foods coming from Ireland as London has vowed to replicate the EU's food safety regime. The issue, which has yet to be resolved by UK and EU negotiating teams, could trigger major disruption for existing meat supply chains between Ireland and Britain. EU food safety rules currently state any animal-based products coming from outside the EU must be frozen, meaning certain meat products would be banned from entering Northern Ireland from Britain under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Food that would fall under this bracket includes chilled minced beef, minced pork or sausages, as well as poultry that is either frozen or chilled.
Brexit: Johnson urged to abandon EU policy by fisherman
3.53pm update: Portugal calls for EU states to be frozen out of bloc for speaking out like Britain Prime minister Antonio Costa proposed a two-speed Europe with member states supportive of free-spending and joint debt at its core. He said countries that reject the bloc’s values and principles of democratic and media freedom, as well as solidarity in times of crisis, should be shunned to the periphery. In a speech at the Catholic University in Lisbon, Mr Costa said there were EU states who want “common values” and others are simply members for economic gain. His proposal would see frugal countries – Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands – who rejected larger budget contributions turned into outcast members. Rule-breakers, such as Hungary and Poland, which are under investigation for alleged abuses of judicial and media freedoms, as well as a crackdown on non-governmental organisations, would also be kept at a distance from the central members. EU capitals would have to sign up to the Brussels diktat before being allowed to participate in the very centre of the bloc’s plans. 3.29pm update: We MUST give in! Senior MEP breaks cover to admit fishing defeat - UK set for huge victory Christophe Hansen, an EU Parliament Brexit sherpa, said the bloc would have to meet the Prime Minister’s demands to clinch an agreement. His warning comes as senior figures in Brussels brace for a last-minute trade-off between access to Britain’s waters and the bloc’s demand for a level playing field. Mr Hansen told an event: "There will be compromises to be made on fisheries. The status quo, that is somewhere we're not going to land." 3.06pm update: Brexiteer John Redwood fears ‘never ending talks’ urging Boris to ‘take back control’ NOW The prominent Tory backbencher said Britons voted to leave “not for an agreement” and it was time for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to push back against the EU’s attempts to keep the nation as “a colony”. In a rallying cry, he said the UK didn’t want a “bad agreement” but wanted to finally unshackle from the Union after four years since voting to leave. Mr Redwood told his more than 89,000 Twitter followers: “We don’t want a bad agreement with never ending talks and the hope of improvement years later. “We voted to leave, not for an agreement. Take back control. “Reject any EU proposal to keep us as a colony.”
Chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier
2:45pm update: Car body warns of a no-deal Brexit Britain's car industry body has warned called on Brexit negotiators to clinch a deal by the end of 2020, saying failure to do so could cost the sector £55.4 billion in tariffs by 2025 and undercut its ability to develop the next generation of zero-emission vehicles. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said a "no-deal" Brexit would cut UK vehicle production by two million units over the next five years. 2pm update: UK prepared for 'wide range of scenarios' after Brexit The Government continues to prepare for "a wide range of scenarios" in case the UK does not reach a trade deal with the EU, Foreign minister Wendy Morton has said. In response to Conservative MP Simon Baynes' (Clwyd South) question about how the Government is ensuring everyone is prepared for the end of the Brexit transition period, Ms Morton replied: "While it remains our intention and hope to reach an agreement with the EU, as a responsible Government we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios. "The FCDO is leading communication campaigns aimed at UK nationals living in the EU and UK travellers to the EU to help ensure they take the actions they need to be ready for the transition period." 1:15pm update: Meddling Brexit-bashing peers in Labour plot against Boris's Brexit trade plan Peers have meddled in Brexit Johnson’s post-Brexit trade plan after backing a Labour plot aimed at forcing Westminster to consult on the devolved nations on any future trade decisions. A controversial vote in the House of Lords saw Peers back a Labour motion aimed at ensuring the devolved administrations are involved in the future operation of the UK internal market. The UK internal market Bill is Boris Johnson’s solution to creating a secure platform for UK trade after the transition period ends. 12:30pm update: Nicola Sturgeon undermined Brexit talks, claims Gove Michael Gove has claimed Nicola Sturgeon undermined Brexit negotiations by holding talks with EU officials as negotiations come down to the wire. Talks between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier continue virtually this week as officials on both sides hope to secure a deal before next week. But Cabinet Office Minister Mr Gove warned the First Minister of Scotland the talks were being undermined as a result of her and Scottish officials intervention.
Boris Johnson stressed the importance of a deal
11:45am update: United Ireland offers chance to 'tackle Brexit', says Sinn Fein A reunified Ireland offers the best opportunity to tackle Brexit and economically recover from the coronavirus pandemic, Sinn Fein has claimed. A new policy paper by the party, the Economic Benefits of a United Ireland, contends that Westminster decisions have been to the "economic detriment" of Northern Ireland, describing it as the "slowest growing economy on these islands". It advocates the potential of renewable energy across the island and points to the example of the reunification of Germany as how integration and investment, including from the EU, can "substantially improve economic conditions in the smaller jurisdiction involved in transition". 11am update: UK to remain a 'global leader' in Asset management despite Brexit Rishi Sunak has said he was determined that the United Kingdom would remain a global leader for asset management after Brexit. Mr Sunak said in comments to a conference organised by The Investment Association, an industry group: "We're beginning a new relationship with the EU. And as we do so, we are determined that the UK will remain a global leader for asset management." 10:15am update: Whitehall ready for Brexit A top civil servant has said he is confident the UK will be ready for Brexit by the end of the year, but the head of Parliament's financial watchdog said it all feels like Groundhog Day. Cabinet Office permanent secretary Alex Chisholm told the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that there will "inevitably" be some disruption and that trader readiness "needs to improve further". He said there is still "undoubtedly" time for a deal to be agreed, adding that some of the "apparently hard and fast time constraints" have not been so strict after all.
Brexit negotiating timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Guy Verhofstadt TORN APART after aiming childish dig at Donald Trump - 'Time to move on!'

Boris Johnson is facing a huge uphill battle to build the type of relationship with the new US President that he had with Mr Trump , who had been a vocal supporter of Brexit and continued critic of the European Union throughout his presidency .
This comes at a time when the UK attempts to sign as many lucrative trade deals with major countries , including the US , as it prepares for life outside the EU from January 1 , 2021 .
But in a significant blow , Anthony Blinken , the man Mr Biden wants as his new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit as a `` total mess '' .
He told the podcast Pod Save The World , which is hosted by former Obama White House staffers , in 2019 : “ This is not just the dog that caught the car , this is the dog that caught the car and the car goes into reverse and runs over the dog .
It ’ s a total mess.
” Mr Blinken , who also served as Deputy National Security Adviser in President Barack Obama 's administration , added the preferred option from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership of the EU to continue .
However , this viewpoint goes totally against that of Mr Trump , who had been a vocal supporter of Brexit throughout his presidency and has often launched scathing attacks against the EU .
Now Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt has taken a dig at the outgoing President and while retweeting an article detailing last year 's comments from Mr Blinken , simply wrote : `` Sanity returns to the White House . ''
But the outspoken Eurocrat has again sparked another furious response over his continued attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year .
One person tweeted : `` You really need to move on hun .
That decision was made four years ago by a free and fair election . ''
A second Twitter user wrote : `` If EU is so strong , why are you so worried about little old Britain ?
`` The Lady doth protest too much , methinks . ''
READ MORE : EU could 'give in ' to Boris fishing demands with ONE week to go Another person commented : `` Hilarious , man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view to follow democratic decisions , is it ?
Got it .
`` That is why you will do all you can to prevent other EU countries to express their EU views in referendums , dismissing those as 'insane ' ? ''
A fourth Twitter user mocked : `` Brexit is more like a dog who jumped on a submarine just as it was about to submerge . ''
Mr Blinken had made his comments last year at a time when former Prime Minister Theresa May tried - but failed to get her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons by MPs .
DO N'T MISS Brexit deal done in DAYS as Boris phones Von der Leyen to secure pact [ LATEST ] EU chief praises Biden ’ s 'CLEAR support ' for bloc over Brexit spat [ COMMENT ] EUROPE NEEDS BRITAIN even after Brexit and here 's why – COMMENT [ OPINION ] She eventually bowed to increasing pressure , before tearfully announcing her resignation to the world outside 10 Downing Street .
He had also said during the same interview in 2019 : “ It ’ s awful tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone else ’ s politics but also standing up for your own interests and our interests clearly would have been in keeping Britain in .
“ Whether we could actually put our nose in this in a way that would have an effect and wouldn ’ t be counterproductive is a pretty tough question.
” Mr Biden has also been extremely critical of the UK Government 's Internal Market Bill , which seeks to override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement signed with Brussels last year , thus breaking international law .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocol of the treaty that seeks to avoid a physical customs border between the British province and EU-member Ireland .

Brexit: EU ‘doesn’t want a big rival’ says expert
Boris Johnson is facing a huge uphill battle to build the type of relationship with new US President Joe Biden that he had with Donald Trump, who had been a vocal supporter of Brexit and continued critic of the European Union throughout his presidency. This comes at a time when the UK attempts to sign as many lucrative trade deals with major countries, including the US, as it prepares for life outside the EU from January 1, 2021. But in a significant blow, Anthony Blinken, the man Mr Biden wants as his new Secretary of State, previously referred to Brexit as a "total mess".
Trending
He told the podcast Pod Save The World, which is hosted by former Obama White House staffers, in 2019: “This is not just the dog that caught the car, this is the dog that caught the car and the car goes into reverse and runs over the dog. It’s a total mess.” Mr Blinken, who also served as Deputy National Security Adviser in President Barack Obama's administration, added the preferred option from the US would have been for Britain's membership of the EU to continue. However, this viewpoint goes totally against that of Mr Trump, who had been a vocal supporter of Brexit throughout his presidency and has often launched scathing attacks against the EU. Now Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt has taken a dig at the outgoing President and while retweeting an article detailing last year's comments from Mr Blinken, simply wrote: "Sanity returns to the White House."
Brexit news: Giy Verhofstadt has sparked another furious reaction on Twitter
Brexit news: Guy Verhofstadt has continued to criticise the UK's departure from the EU
But the outspoken Eurocrat has again sparked another furious response over his continued attacks on the UK leaving the EU at the end of the year. One person tweeted: "You really need to move on hun. That decision was made four years ago by a free and fair election." A second Twitter user wrote: "If EU is so strong, why are you so worried about little old Britain? "The Lady doth protest too much, methinks." READ MORE: EU could 'give in' to Boris fishing demands with ONE week to go
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Brexit news: Guy Verhofstadt aimed a sig at Donald Trump
Another person commented: "Hilarious, man. So it is insane in your view to follow democratic decisions, is it? Got it. "That is why you will do all you can to prevent other EU countries to express their EU views in referendums, dismissing those as 'insane'?" A fourth Twitter user mocked: "Brexit is more like a dog who jumped on a submarine just as it was about to submerge." Mr Blinken had made his comments last year at a time when former Prime Minister Theresa May tried - but failed to get her Brexit deal voted through the House of Commons by MPs. DON'T MISS
Brexit deal done in DAYS as Boris phones Von der Leyen to secure pact [LATEST]
EU chief praises Biden’s 'CLEAR support' for bloc over Brexit spat [COMMENT]
EUROPE NEEDS BRITAIN even after Brexit and here's why – COMMENT [OPINION]
Brexit news: Anthony Blinken compred Brexit to a 'total mess'
Brexit news: Joe Biden has been critical of the UK Government's Internal Market Bill
She eventually bowed to increasing pressure, before tearfully announcing her resignation to the world outside 10 Downing Street. He had also said during the same interview in 2019: “It’s awful tough to walk that line between interfering in someone else’s politics but also standing up for your own interests and our interests clearly would have been in keeping Britain in. “Whether we could actually put our nose in this in a way that would have an effect and wouldn’t be counterproductive is a pretty tough question.” Mr Biden has also been extremely critical of the UK Government's Internal Market Bill, which seeks to override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement signed with Brussels last year, thus breaking international law. The proposed legislation would break the Northern Ireland protocol of the treaty that seeks to avoid a physical customs border between the British province and EU-member Ireland.
Brexit news: The UK is edging closer to leaving the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Lockdown rebellion: Brexiteer attacks tier system and urges UK to 'live with coronavirus'

Richard Tice , Chairman of Reform UK , criticised the Prime Minister 's new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 over the winter months .
He said the UK should focus on protecting those who need it as many people can `` survive quite happily '' .
Speaking to talkRADIO , Mr Tice said : `` We 're the only political party that had the courage to stand up and say this approach to coronavirus is fundamentally unnecessary .
`` We should focus protection on those who need protection .
The vulnerable , those who need shielding , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of people survive it quite happily and we 're got to learn to live with this virus .
`` We must n't hide behind the sofa in fear . ''
It comes as the Government announced travellers arriving in England will be able to end their quarantine period with a negative coronavirus test after five days from December 15 .
READ MORE : Iain Duncan Smith warns PM over coronavirus police powers at Christmas Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said passengers who arrive from a destination not on the Government 's travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by paying for a test from a private firm after five days at a cost of £65-£120 .
In a press conference on Monday evening , Mr Johnson said `` we 're not out of the woods yet '' despite a breakthrough with a British vaccine , warning the UK faced a `` hard '' start to 2021 but he expected `` things will look and feel very different '' after Easter .
He said with a `` favourable wind '' the majority of people most in need of vaccination might be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oxford-AstraZeneca team said its jab had proved up to 90 percent effective .
It follows positive results from Pfizer and Moderna , but none of the jabs have yet been approved for use .
Mr Johnson , speaking via videolink at a Downing Street press conference as he continues his self-isolation , said : `` We can hear the drumming hooves of the cavalry coming over the brow of the hill but they are not here yet .
`` Even if all three vaccines are approved , even if the production timetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind in their production timetables - it will be months before we can be sure we have inoculated everyone that needs a vaccine . ''
He warned it is `` not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties '' , saying : `` Tis the season to be jolly , but it is also the season to be jolly careful , especially with elderly relatives . ''
UK school closures : Huge U-turn over plans to shut early for Christmas [ INSIGHT ] You NEED to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 [ ANALYSIS ] Boris Johnson ordered to overhaul foreign aid stategy post-Covid [ VIDEO ]

Tice says Tier system is ‘fundamentally wrong and unnecessary’
Richard Tice, Chairman of Reform UK, criticised the Prime Minister's new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 over the winter months. He said the UK should focus on protecting those who need it as many people can "survive quite happily". Speaking to talkRADIO, Mr Tice said: "We're the only political party that had the courage to stand up and say this approach to coronavirus is fundamentally unnecessary.
Trending
"We should focus protection on those who need protection. The vulnerable, those who need shielding, the elderly that want protecting. "The vast majority of people survive it quite happily and we're got to learn to live with this virus. "We mustn't hide behind the sofa in fear." It comes as the Government announced travellers arriving in England will be able to end their quarantine period with a negative coronavirus test after five days from December 15. READ MORE: Iain Duncan Smith warns PM over coronavirus police powers at Christmas
Richard Tice has hit out at Boris Johnson's reintroduction of the coronavirus Tier system
Mr Tice urged Brits to 'live with' the virus
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said passengers who arrive from a destination not on the Government's travel corridors list can reduce the 14-day period by paying for a test from a private firm after five days at a cost of £65-£120. In a press conference on Monday evening, Mr Johnson said "we're not out of the woods yet" despite a breakthrough with a British vaccine, warning the UK faced a "hard" start to 2021 but he expected "things will look and feel very different" after Easter. He said with a "favourable wind" the majority of people most in need of vaccination might be able to get one by April, as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team said its jab had proved up to 90 percent effective. It follows positive results from Pfizer and Moderna, but none of the jabs have yet been approved for use.
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Boris Johnson insisted the lockdown will lift on December 2
Boris Johnson warned against 'severe' lockdown rules by IDS
Mr Johnson, speaking via videolink at a Downing Street press conference as he continues his self-isolation, said: "We can hear the drumming hooves of the cavalry coming over the brow of the hill but they are not here yet. "Even if all three vaccines are approved, even if the production timetables are met - and vaccines notoriously fall behind in their production timetables - it will be months before we can be sure we have inoculated everyone that needs a vaccine." He warned it is "not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties", saying: "Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be jolly careful, especially with elderly relatives." DON'T MISS UK school closures: Huge U-turn over plans to shut early for Christmas [INSIGHT]
You NEED to take Vitamin D - Dr Chris on tackling COVID-19 [ANALYSIS]
Boris Johnson ordered to overhaul foreign aid stategy post-Covid [VIDEO]
Coronavirus vaccine


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Iain Duncan Smith warns PM over coronavirus police powers at Christmas - 'It's a mistake'

The former Conservative leader told TalkRADIO he is worried about the new set of coronavirus winter rules proposed by the Government to replace the current lockdown .
The Prime Minister is expected to outline restrictions that will apply to the Christmas period on Thursday as well as announcing which rule will apply to which part of the country from December 3 .
Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned the new rules could see local authorities receive unproportionate powers to police the country .
He said : `` Most people will make a rational decision , you will always get groups of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't make a rational decision .
`` So I guess if the Government wants to make this sort of clear , then guidelines are very important .
`` My slight worry is that there is now a very strong set of rules now being applied in what 's called the winter rules .
`` These have just been published and they are very , very severe .
It 's given huge power to local authorities to intervene , to fine and to basically try to get inside normal people 's lives .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 2 ?
`` I think that is a mistake .
I do n't think that 's necessary .
I think it certain areas , you still have enough power to deal with people who wo n't help and wo n't deal with this in a proper way .
`` But generally , most people are going to try to deal with this sensibly .
`` Otherwise we have n't got enough police in the world to be able to police with people if they do n't behave sensibly and the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything .
`` So we go along with policing by consent , Government by consent and the moment we start to abandon that then the public themselves will start to abandon reasonableness as well .
`` So we need to balance that carefully as much as we need to balance the economy . ''
Christmas will be the season to be `` jolly careful '' , Boris Johnson has warned , as he continues to thrash out a plan with the leaders of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland which will allow families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable on Monday to confirm details of how people across the UK would be able to spend the festive period as talks continue between the devolved administrations .
However , he confirmed that England will return to a regional tier system from December 2 , though details of which areas will be in which tiers will not be set out until Thursday .
The Government has also announced that travellers arriving in England will be able to end their quarantine period with a negative coronavirus test after five days from December 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrive from a destination not on the Government 's travel corridors list can reduce the 14-day period by paying for a test from a private firm after five days at a cost of £65-£120 .
DO N'T MISS : Christmas travel havoc : Shapps warns of nightmare journeys home [ VIDEO ] Oxford vaccine will see MILLIONS available by Christmas [ INSIGHT ] Christmas rules : What you can and can ’ t do this festive period [ ANALYSIS ] In a press conference on Monday evening , Mr Johnson said `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' despite a breakthrough with a British vaccine , warning that the UK faced a `` hard '' start to 2021 but that he expected `` things will look and feel very different '' after Easter .
He said that with a `` favourable wind '' the majority of people most in need of a vaccination might be able to get one by April , as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team said its jab had proved up to 90 % effective .
It follows positive results from Pfizer and Moderna , but none of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson , speaking via videolink at a Downing Street press conference as he continues his self-isolation , said : `` We can hear the drumming hooves of the cavalry coming over the brow of the hill but they are not here yet .
`` Even if all three vaccines are approved , even if the production timetables are met - and vaccines notoriously fall behind in their production timetables - it will be months before we can be sure we have inoculated everyone that needs a vaccine . ''

Boris Johnson warned against 'severe' lockdown rules by IDS
The former Conservative leader told TalkRADIO he is worried about the new set of coronavirus winter rules proposed by the Government to replace the current lockdown. The Prime Minister is expected to outline restrictions that will apply to the Christmas period on Thursday as well as announcing which rule will apply to which part of the country from December 3. Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned the new rules could see local authorities receive unproportionate powers to police the country.
Trending
He said: "Most people will make a rational decision, you will always get groups of people that don't care and won't make a rational decision. "So I guess if the Government wants to make this sort of clear, then guidelines are very important. "My slight worry is that there is now a very strong set of rules now being applied in what's called the winter rules. "These have just been published and they are very, very severe. It's given huge power to local authorities to intervene, to fine and to basically try to get inside normal people's lives. READ MORE: What time does lockdown end on December 2?
Iain Duncan Smith warns against strict coronavirus rules
Coronavirus rules should not allow major powers to police, says IDS
"I think that is a mistake. I don't think that's necessary. I think it certain areas, you still have enough power to deal with people who won't help and won't deal with this in a proper way. "But generally, most people are going to try to deal with this sensibly. "Otherwise we haven't got enough police in the world to be able to police with people if they don't behave sensibly and the local authorities won't be able to impose anything. "So we go along with policing by consent, Government by consent and the moment we start to abandon that then the public themselves will start to abandon reasonableness as well. "So we need to balance that carefully as much as we need to balance the economy."
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Christmas travel: Grant Shapps issues warning about journeys
Christmas will be the season to be "jolly careful", Boris Johnson has warned, as he continues to thrash out a plan with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which will allow families to reunite. The Prime Minister was unable on Monday to confirm details of how people across the UK would be able to spend the festive period as talks continue between the devolved administrations. However, he confirmed that England will return to a regional tier system from December 2, though details of which areas will be in which tiers will not be set out until Thursday. The Government has also announced that travellers arriving in England will be able to end their quarantine period with a negative coronavirus test after five days from December 15. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said passengers who arrive from a destination not on the Government's travel corridors list can reduce the 14-day period by paying for a test from a private firm after five days at a cost of £65-£120. DON'T MISS:
Christmas travel havoc: Shapps warns of nightmare journeys home [VIDEO]
Oxford vaccine will see MILLIONS available by Christmas [INSIGHT]
Christmas rules: What you can and can’t do this festive period [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus three tier lockdown rules


thedailyexpress--2020-11-24--Matt Hancock snaps at SNP MP in COVID inquiry 'It has nothing to do with SAGE!'

Matt Hancock erupted at an MP 's question during a committee meeting about coronavirus .
The Health Secretary argued that SAGE advised the Government early on but the number of test kits had `` nothing to do them '' during a heated clash with Carol Monaghan .
She asked : `` One of the reasons for lack of capability was limited numbers of test kits so it was these very people who could advise how we could increase capacity in those areas .
I 'm finding it strange they were not part of the advice early on . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee : `` Of course they formed part of the advice , it was just nothing to do with SAGE . ''
He also defended the Test and Trace programme to MPs .
Mr Hancock said : `` The Test and Trace programme , ahead of the second lockdown , was functioning to reduce transmission enormously .
`` By the time of the second lockdown it had already broken the chain of transmission hundreds of thousands of times .
READ MORE : UK school closures : Huge U-turn over plans to shut early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as happened in so many other European countries , that the overall number of cases was going up .
`` I do n't lay that at the door of Test and Trace at all because they 'd expanded unbelievably fast in the circumstances .
And , as we will see , we 're constantly improving the testing and tracing . ''
He added : `` There were so many other things that were leading to upward pressure on the number of cases .
`` That 's why we had to bring in stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to look at what Test and Trace was doing in totality , as opposed to the very specific part that that you mentioned , so in totality we would n't have had the ability to test the people that we did unless we built the capacity , we would n't now be in a position of being able to roll out the very widespread community testing , unless we taken the action that we did . ''
He insisted that testing was not `` stopped '' at the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asked about the strategy to move away from community testing .
Burnham speechless as host says your procrastination let Covid spread [ INSIGHT ] Is lockdown failing ?
UK hit by most deaths since MAY [ VIDEO ] Travel quarantine : Test to release could cost Britons 'hundreds ' [ ANALYSIS ]

Matt Hancock: Engineers on SAGE wouldn’t be right
Matt Hancock erupted at an MP's question during a committee meeting about coronavirus. The Health Secretary argued that SAGE advised the Government early on but the number of test kits had "nothing to do them" during a heated clash with Carol Monaghan. She asked: "One of the reasons for lack of capability was limited numbers of test kits so it was these very people who could advise how we could increase capacity in those areas. I'm finding it strange they were not part of the advice early on."
Trending
Mr Hancock told the Health and Social Care Committee: "Of course they formed part of the advice, it was just nothing to do with SAGE." He also defended the Test and Trace programme to MPs. Mr Hancock said: "The Test and Trace programme, ahead of the second lockdown, was functioning to reduce transmission enormously. "By the time of the second lockdown it had already broken the chain of transmission hundreds of thousands of times. READ MORE: UK school closures: Huge U-turn over plans to shut early for Christmas
Matt Hancock snapped at an SNP MP during a committee meeting
Matt Hancock erupted at an MP's question during a committee meeting about coronavirus
"The problem was, as happened in so many other European countries, that the overall number of cases was going up. "I don't lay that at the door of Test and Trace at all because they'd expanded unbelievably fast in the circumstances. And, as we will see, we're constantly improving the testing and tracing." He added: "There were so many other things that were leading to upward pressure on the number of cases. "That's why we had to bring in stronger social distancing measures.
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Matt Hancock argued that SAGE advised the government early on
Coronavirus: Lifting lockdown at Christmas is 'stupid' says caller
"You've got to look at what Test and Trace was doing in totality, as opposed to the very specific part that that you mentioned, so in totality we wouldn't have had the ability to test the people that we did unless we built the capacity, we wouldn't now be in a position of being able to roll out the very widespread community testing, unless we taken the action that we did." He insisted that testing was not "stopped" at the start of the pandemic but focused on hospitals. Mr Hancock was asked about the strategy to move away from community testing. DON'T MISS Burnham speechless as host says your procrastination let Covid spread [INSIGHT]
Is lockdown failing? UK hit by most deaths since MAY [VIDEO]
Travel quarantine: Test to release could cost Britons 'hundreds' [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus vaccine


thedailyexpress--2020-11-26--Disaster for Boris as furious Tory rebels could BLOCK foreign aid spending cut

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Angry Conservative MPs , predominantly from the party ’ s liberal wing , are understood to be organising ahead of a vote in Parliament on the proposal .
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and Tobias Ellwood , chairman of the Commons defence committee , have criticised the budget cut , which amounts to around £4bn less for aid spending .
Mr Hunt said : “ To cut our aid budget by a third , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into extreme poverty , will make not just them poorer but us poorer in the eyes of the world because people will worry that we are abandoning a noble idea that we in this country have done more to champion than anyone else .
Mr Ellwood warned cutting the budget will “ leave vacuums in some of the poorest parts of the world that will further poverty and instability ” .
Andrew Mitchell , a former international development secretary , said the reduction in foreign aid “ will be the cause of 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : “ This is a choice I for one am not prepared to make and none of us in this house will be able to look our children in the eye and claim we did not know what we were voting for .
”

Foreign aid: David Cameron says cuts are 'breaking a promise'
Angry Conservative MPs, predominantly from the party’s liberal wing, are understood to be organising ahead of a vote in Parliament on the proposal. Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons defence committee, have criticised the budget cut, which amounts to around £4bn less for aid spending.
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Mr Hunt said: “To cut our aid budget by a third, in a year when millions more will fall into extreme poverty, will make not just them poorer but us poorer in the eyes of the world because people will worry that we are abandoning a noble idea that we in this country have done more to champion than anyone else. Mr Ellwood warned cutting the budget will “leave vacuums in some of the poorest parts of the world that will further poverty and instability”. Andrew Mitchell, a former international development secretary, said the reduction in foreign aid “will be the cause of 100,000 preventable deaths, mainly among children”. He added: “This is a choice I for one am not prepared to make and none of us in this house will be able to look our children in the eye and claim we did not know what we were voting for.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the spending cut on Wednesday
Jeremy Hunt is among MPs to criticise the move
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the reduction in foreign aid on Wednesday. He said the budget would be reduced to 0.5 percent of gross domestic product from 0.7 percent, prompting the resignation of Baroness Sugg, minister for sustainable development. Mr Sunak said: “During a domestic fiscal emergency, when we need to prioritise our limited resources on jobs and public services, sticking rigidly to spending 0.7 percent of our national income on overseas aid is difficult to justify to the British people, especially when we’re seeing the highest peacetime levels of borrowing on record. “At a time of unprecedented crisis, the Government must make tough choices.” READ MORE: Foreign aid budget cut was right thing to do, say Express readers
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Andrew Mitchell also voiced disapproval of the cuts
Tobisa Ellwood said cuts will “leave vacuums in some of the poorest parts of the world"
The Archbishop of Canterbury branded the move “shameful and wrong"
Backbenchers Pauline Latham and Peter Bottomley have also criticised the move. Ms Latham said it could cause “more child marriages, more instances of early child birth, more FGM, more domestic violence”. However other Tory MPs, including the Conservative Party deputy chair Lee Rowley, supported the move. Speaking to BBC Newsnight he commented: “0.5% remains a substantial amount of money, supporting the poorest around the world and helping them to grow.”
Baroness Sugg resigns after announcement of cut to foreign aid


thedailyexpress--2020-11-26--Sturgeon breaks ranks! Scottish leader splits from Boris’s Christmas coronavirus rules

The UK Government and devolved administrations agreed a joint plan to relax social distancing rules over the festive period , allowing friends and family to hug for the first time in months .
A joint statement issued by the four UK governments said they had been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other , recognising it must be `` limited and cautious '' .
Each Christmas bubble can meet at home , at a place of worship or an outdoor public location , but existing , more restrictive rules on hospitality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
But the Scottish First Minister has broken ranks to declare that the existing “ bubbles ” would not be treated as one household in Scotland over the festive season .
She said mixing of bubbles would be “ going too far ” as it could see up to six households mingling in one place .
And in a sign of possible tougher rules to come , the SNP leader said Scots should send gift vouchers to their loved ones this Christmas instead of presents .
The SNP-led government is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas on Thursday .
Ms Sturgeon warned the advice would “ look to tighten around the edges rather than further expand.
” She also said anyone heading to the Scottish islands to celebrate Christmas would not be granted extra days to travel .
Her proposed plan is in stark contrast the festive rules set to be rolled out across Northern Ireland , England and Wales .
READ MORE : Can I stay in a hotel over Christmas ?
Families are set to be reunited for five days over the Christmas period , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in “ bubbles ” between December 23 and 27 .
Northern Ireland has adopted a common approach to the festive period with the rest of the UK that will allow people to celebrate with their loved ones .
People going between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK will be permitted to travel for an extra day on either side of the window .
Ministers from across the UK agreed to temporarily relax coronavirus rules for Christmas , which will be celebrated nine months after the pandemic took hold .
DO N'T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what tier we 're in ?
[ ANSWERED ] How far can you travel for Christmas ?
[ REVEALED ] 'Tighter January ' coronavirus restrictions inevitable after Christmas [ WARNING ] Ms Sturgeon 's warning comes after Boris Johnson said up to three households can gather indoors for celebrations over the Christmas period .
As part of a five-day temporarily easing of some restrictions , the prime minister said people will be allowed to mix in homes and places of worship from December 23 to 27 .
He also said travel restrictions would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families they must make a `` personal judgment '' about the risks of coronavirus to vulnerable loved ones when forming a Christmas bubble and urged them to “ think carefully ” .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the decision to agree a relaxing of restrictions over Christmas was to avoid a `` free for all '' .
Mr Drakeford told Good Morning Britain : `` I think it was very clear to us from the advice we received at the Cobra meeting , but also from what we hear in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that allowed people to get together over Christmas , people were very unlikely to be willing to stick to the current level of restrictions that we have here in Wales .
`` So the choice was between a guided form of meeting over Christmas or people simply making their own solutions . ''

Nicola Sturgeon issues warning about socialising at Christmas
The UK Government and devolved administrations agreed a joint plan to relax social distancing rules over the festive period, allowing friends and family to hug for the first time in months. A joint statement issued by the four UK governments said they had been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other, recognising it must be "limited and cautious".
Trending
Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public location, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and other venues will be maintained throughout the period. But the Scottish First Minister has broken ranks to declare that the existing “bubbles” would not be treated as one household in Scotland over the festive season. She said mixing of bubbles would be “going too far” as it could see up to six households mingling in one place. And in a sign of possible tougher rules to come, the SNP leader said Scots should send gift vouchers to their loved ones this Christmas instead of presents.
Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scots to brace for possible tougher rules over Christmas
Nicola Sturgeon has broken ranks with other parts of the UK on Christmas lockdown rules
The SNP-led government is expected to issue guidance on how Scots should celebrate Christmas on Thursday. Ms Sturgeon warned the advice would “look to tighten around the edges rather than further expand.” She also said anyone heading to the Scottish islands to celebrate Christmas would not be granted extra days to travel. Her proposed plan is in stark contrast the festive rules set to be rolled out across Northern Ireland, England and Wales. READ MORE: Can I stay in a hotel over Christmas?
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The SNP-led Government will announce Christmas lockdown rules on Thursday
Families are set to be reunited for five days over the Christmas period, with up to three households allowed to mix in “bubbles” between December 23 and 27. Northern Ireland has adopted a common approach to the festive period with the rest of the UK that will allow people to celebrate with their loved ones. People going between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK will be permitted to travel for an extra day on either side of the window. Ministers from across the UK agreed to temporarily relax coronavirus rules for Christmas, which will be celebrated nine months after the pandemic took hold. DON'T MISS
What time will we find out what tier we're in? [ANSWERED]
How far can you travel for Christmas? [REVEALED]
'Tighter January' coronavirus restrictions inevitable after Christmas [WARNING]
Mrs Sturgeon said Scots should send gift vouchers to each other instead of presents
Ms Sturgeon warned the Christmas guidance would 'look to tighten around the edges rather than further expand'
Ms Sturgeon's warning comes after Boris Johnson said up to three households can gather indoors for celebrations over the Christmas period. As part of a five-day temporarily easing of some restrictions, the prime minister said people will be allowed to mix in homes and places of worship from December 23 to 27. He also said travel restrictions would be rolled back. Mr Johnson told families they must make a "personal judgment" about the risks of coronavirus to vulnerable loved ones when forming a Christmas bubble and urged them to “think carefully”.
Coronavirus map UK
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the decision to agree a relaxing of restrictions over Christmas was to avoid a "free for all". Mr Drakeford told Good Morning Britain: "I think it was very clear to us from the advice we received at the Cobra meeting, but also from what we hear in Wales, that unless we found a formula that allowed people to get together over Christmas, people were very unlikely to be willing to stick to the current level of restrictions that we have here in Wales. "So the choice was between a guided form of meeting over Christmas or people simply making their own solutions."
Up to three households in England will be allowed to meet over Christmas


thedailyexpress--2020-11-25--Katya Adler warns Brexit talks 'NOT going well' as von der Leyen drops major no deal hint

The European Commission President 's comments today suggested that trade negotiations are still not reaching a breakthrough as the bloc appears to be refusing to back down over its demands .
Negotiators have so far agreed on goods and services , as well as on transport .
But Ms von der Leyen said there are still issues , including fishing agreements , that are blocking a deal being agreed fully .
The UK is seeking annual catch negotiations but the EU wants a longer-term perspective for its fishing industry .
Ms von der Leyon told the European Parliament : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisive .
`` The European Union is well prepared for a no-deal-scenario , but of course we prefer to have an agreement . ''
BBC Europe Editor Ms Adler also warned the EU is deliberating whether to carry on with “ pointless negotiations '' as there are no plans for talks to resume in person this week .
She tweeted : “ EU sources tell me that no decision has yet been formally taken about Michel Barnier ’ s movements once he comes out of # COVID19 quarantine ( Friday ) .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London to continue negotiations but this is not confirmed .
“ Talks are not going well , say EU sources .
“ EU sources describe as ‘ very serious ’ the fact that -so late in November - the European Commission President stood before Parliament as she did today and said she couldn ’ t say for sure if there would be a deal with UK or not .
READ MORE : Keir Starmer 's plot to use Brexit to win back the North “ EU sources say there ’ s no point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why Mr Barnier ’ s travel plans have not been confirmed but his expected travel to London hasn ’ t officially been cancelled , either .
“ Interesting to see if UK chief negotiator David Frost makes statement.
” France 's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian accused the UK of `` dragging its feet '' in the last-ditch Brexit negotiations .
He added Paris would not back down on the fisheries issues .
DO N'T MISS Barnier orders Frost to budge or EU chief will CANCEL London talks [ REVEALED ] Macron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – hand French boats access [ INSIGHT ] PMQs LIVE : Boris sends ferocious fishing warning to EU [ LIVE BLOG ] He told a parliamentary hearing : `` The outcome is uncertain .
British overtures remain insufficient on the most sensitive matters .
`` At this time , Britain is dragging its feet on secondary matters and is playing with the calendar .
`` I say this to our British friends , we wo n't let the calendar take priority over the content of the accord . ''
During Prime Minister 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear the Government will not be extending the Brexit transition period .
Northern Irish Alliance MP Stephen Farry for North Down asked : `` The Northern Ireland business community is extremely concerned that it is now impossible to be ready to fully implement the protocol from January 1 .
`` Their top priority is to ask the EU for an adjustment or grace period .
`` This request is based on respect for the protocol and is not about an extension to the transition period .

Brexit: UK 'can strike a deal if EU moves on fishing' says expert
The European Commission President's comments today suggested that trade negotiations are still not reaching a breakthrough as the bloc appears to be refusing to back down over its demands. Negotiators have so far agreed on goods and services, as well as on transport. But Ms von der Leyen said there are still issues, including fishing agreements, that are blocking a deal being agreed fully .
Trending
The UK is seeking annual catch negotiations but the EU wants a longer-term perspective for its fishing industry. Ms von der Leyon told the European Parliament: "The next days are going to be decisive. "The European Union is well prepared for a no-deal-scenario, but of course we prefer to have an agreement." BBC Europe Editor Ms Adler also warned the EU is deliberating whether to carry on with “pointless negotiations" as there are no plans for talks to resume in person this week.
Ursula von der Leyen warned the EU is prepared for no deal
She tweeted: “EU sources tell me that no decision has yet been formally taken about Michel Barnier’s movements once he comes out of #COVID19 quarantine (Friday). “He had been expected to go to London to continue negotiations but this is not confirmed. “Talks are not going well, say EU sources. “EU sources describe as ‘very serious’ the fact that -so late in November - the European Commission President stood before Parliament as she did today and said she couldn’t say for sure if there would be a deal with UK or not. READ MORE: Keir Starmer's plot to use Brexit to win back the North
Brexit trade talks may not resume in person this week
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Ursula von der Leyen sent a stark warning over the UK's future relationship with the EU
He told a parliamentary hearing: "The outcome is uncertain. British overtures remain insufficient on the most sensitive matters. "At this time, Britain is dragging its feet on secondary matters and is playing with the calendar. "I say this to our British friends, we won't let the calendar take priority over the content of the accord." During Prime Minister's Questions today, Boris Johnson made it clear the Government will not be extending the Brexit transition period.
Brexit trade talks have failed to reach a breakthrough
Northern Irish Alliance MP Stephen Farry for North Down asked: "The Northern Ireland business community is extremely concerned that it is now impossible to be ready to fully implement the protocol from January 1. "Their top priority is to ask the EU for an adjustment or grace period. "This request is based on respect for the protocol and is not about an extension to the transition period.
Boris Johnson made it clear the UK will not extend the transition period
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thedailyexpress--2020-11-25--Corbyn brilliantly shut down by Sunak as ex-Labour chief demands Civil Service pay rise

The Chancellor of Exchequer dismantled the former Labour Party leader 's demand for a 10 percent pay increase for civil servants .
Mr Sunak outlined that prior to the coronavirus pandemic the gap between the public sector wages and private sector wages was 7 percent and that this will have increased during 2020 .
Mr Corbyn said : `` Throughout the coronavirus crisis , public sector workers in all areas have delivered brilliantly and helped to save lives and look after all our communities .
`` Civil servants have lost 19 percent in wages over the past 10 years due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 percent gender pay gap that affects civil servants .
`` So will the Chancellor recognise the importance of their work and participation by giving an increase of 10 percent to begin to make up for the ground we have lost over the last 10 years ?
READ MORE : Barnier orders Frost to budge or EU chief will CANCEL crunch Brexit meeting in London '' And instead of saying to them as thanks for their work , they are going to get a maximum of £5 a week for the lowest-paid instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all civil servants so that those people that deliver for us are seen to be treated properly and fairly as we come out of the coronavirus crisis ? ''
Mr Sunak replied : `` I am glad I have been given an opportunity to thank my fantastic team of civil servants in the Treasury who have been extraordinary in their hard work and creativity throughout this crisis .
`` Unsurprisingly my numbers are slightly different from those of the Honourable Gentlemen .
`` According to the ONS before this crisis even started in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premium between the public and private sectors after accounting for characteristics and pensions that gap has no doubt been exacerbated and widened over the last 6 to 12 months .
`` That is why I believe it is fair to take the approach that we have done .
`` But I do share a desire to protect those on lower incomes which is why those 2.1 million people that earn less than 24,000 will receive a pay raise of £250 . ''
During the spending review , the Chancellor outlined that signs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be visible until 2022 because of the grave impact of the coronavirus crisis .
Attendance Allowance : Britons could receive over £4,600 in yearly support [ GUIDE ] Martin Lewis urges thousands of women to check their state pension [ VIDEO ] Mr Sunak said : `` The OBR forecast the economy will contract this year by 11.3 percent , the largest fall in output for more than 300 years .
`` As the restrictions are eased , we expect the economy to start recovering , growing by 5.5 percent next year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.3 , 1.7 and 1.8 percent in the following years .
`` Even with growth returning , our economic output is not expected to return to pre-crisis level until the fourth quarter of 2022 .
`` And the economic damage is likely to be lasting .
Long-time scarring means in 2025 , the economy will be around 3 percent smaller than expected in the March Budget . ''

Rishi Sunak hits back at Corbyn over comments on civil service
The Chancellor of Exchequer dismantled the former Labour Party leader's demand for a 10 percent pay increase for civil servants. Mr Sunak outlined that prior to the coronavirus pandemic the gap between the public sector wages and private sector wages was 7 percent and that this will have increased during 2020.
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Mr Corbyn said: "Throughout the coronavirus crisis, public sector workers in all areas have delivered brilliantly and helped to save lives and look after all our communities. "Civil servants have lost 19 percent in wages over the past 10 years due to austerity. "There is a 12 percent gender pay gap that affects civil servants. "So will the Chancellor recognise the importance of their work and participation by giving an increase of 10 percent to begin to make up for the ground we have lost over the last 10 years? READ MORE: Barnier orders Frost to budge or EU chief will CANCEL crunch Brexit meeting in London
Jeremy Corbyn was replaced the leader of the Labour Party in April 2020
Rishi Sunak was appointed Chancellor in February 2020
"And instead of saying to them as thanks for their work, they are going to get a maximum of £5 a week for the lowest-paid instead return to proper national pay bargaining for all civil servants so that those people that deliver for us are seen to be treated properly and fairly as we come out of the coronavirus crisis?" Mr Sunak replied: "I am glad I have been given an opportunity to thank my fantastic team of civil servants in the Treasury who have been extraordinary in their hard work and creativity throughout this crisis. "Unsurprisingly my numbers are slightly different from those of the Honourable Gentlemen. "According to the ONS before this crisis even started in 2019 there existed a 7 percent pay premium between the public and private sectors after accounting for characteristics and pensions that gap has no doubt been exacerbated and widened over the last 6 to 12 months.
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Spending Review: Rishi Sunak predicts no normality until 2022
"That is why I believe it is fair to take the approach that we have done. "But I do share a desire to protect those on lower incomes which is why those 2.1 million people that earn less than 24,000 will receive a pay raise of £250." During the spending review, the Chancellor outlined that signs of economic normality across the UK will not be visible until 2022 because of the grave impact of the coronavirus crisis. DON'T MISS Attendance Allowance: Britons could receive over £4,600 in yearly support [GUIDE] Pension UK: Britons urged to track down lost arrangements [WARNING] Martin Lewis urges thousands of women to check their state pension [VIDEO]
Changes to the furlough scheme through the pandemic