thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--'Game playing!' Tory MP erupts at Starmer's Labour 'diktat' on Covid tier vote abstention

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Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again A strengthened tiered system of coronavirus restrictions has replaced England 's second national lockdown after Boris Johnson suffered the largest Tory rebellion of this Parliament .
The measures passed after Labour ordered its MPs to abstain , with party leader Sir Keir Starmer warning the plans pose a `` significant '' health risk .
Speaking on BBC Politics Live , Tory MP Sabiq Bhatti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He blasted : `` This was incredibly important as a vote .
I know that a lot of good people made their decisions based on what they thought was right for their area .
`` But I think we had a good view that this would carry last night .
`` Obviously there are those who abstained from our side .
It 's a tool that 's used when MPs are concerned about certain situations .
`` But I was surprised by the Labour position on this because quite frankly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really an abdication of the duty Labour had to their Labour voters , really . ''
He added : `` Not taking a position on this and having a diktat from the leader I thought it was really questionable politics , to be honest .
READ MORE : 'You could n't be bothered ! '
Boris Johnson savages Keir Starmer

A strengthened tiered system of coronavirus restrictions has replaced England's second national lockdown after Boris Johnson suffered the largest Tory rebellion of this Parliament. The measures passed after Labour ordered its MPs to abstain, with party leader Sir Keir Starmer warning the plans pose a "significant" health risk. Speaking on BBC Politics Live, Tory MP Sabiq Bhatti claimed Labour's decision was "questionable".
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He blasted: "This was incredibly important as a vote. I know that a lot of good people made their decisions based on what they thought was right for their area. "But I think we had a good view that this would carry last night. "Obviously there are those who abstained from our side. It's a tool that's used when MPs are concerned about certain situations. "But I was surprised by the Labour position on this because quite frankly to have a diktat from the Labour leader is really an abdication of the duty Labour had to their Labour voters, really." He added: "Not taking a position on this and having a diktat from the leader I thought it was really questionable politics, to be honest. READ MORE: 'You couldn't be bothered!' Boris Johnson savages Keir Starmer
Coronavirus tiers: Labour's abstention was an 'abdication of duty', says Sabiq Bhatti MP
Coronavirus tiers: Sir Keir Starmer told Labour MP to abstain in the vote on Tuesday
"I think most people would look at that as game playing. "And frankly, there was no alternative plan really." MPs backed the curbs by 291 votes to 78 - a Government majority of 213 - on Tuesday evening, paving the way for 55 million people to remain unable to mix indoors with those from other households. But 55 Conservatives rebelled, with 52 voting against the Government, a further two acting as tellers for the noes and one formally abstaining. Rebel leader Mark Harper, a Conservative former chief whip, said "we very much regret" that "so many of us felt forced to vote against the measures" during a national crisis, adding "we must find a way to end this devastating cycle of repeated restrictions".
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A Government spokesman welcomed the Commons' backing, which the House of Lords later approved, but said ministers would "continue to work with MPs who have expressed concerns in recent days". The scale of the revolt was a significant increase on the 34 Tories who rebelled against the second lockdown during a vote last month and the 44 who defied the Government on the 10pm hospitality curfew. A further 16 Conservative MPs did not have a vote recorded for them on Tuesday. While some will be abstentions, others may have had valid reasons for being unable to vote. Former Cabinet ministers Damian Green, David Davis and Jeremy Wright were among the Tories to vote against the Government, as did Conservative former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Fifteen Labour MPs also defied party orders and voted against the regulations, including allies of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who also voted against the measures as an independent. DON'T MISS:
PMQs LIVE: Boris taunts 'Captain Hindsight' Keir Starmer [LIVE BLOG]
Ed Miliband squirms as BBC host shames Labour over Covid abstention [VIDEO]
Keir Starmer CRISIS: Labour leader’s satisfaction rating PLUNGES [DATA]
Coronavirus three tier lockdown rules


thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--Who needs the EU! Global Britain diverts business away from Brussels bloc - new research

With less than a month to go before the end of the Brexit transition period , EU negotiator Michel Barnier and UK counterpart Lord David Frost are working feverishly to try and thrash out a trade deal .
However , with such an agreement hanging in the balance , the study - undertaken by Lloyds Bank and Aston Business School - indicates nearly one in five companies which export goods overseas has diverted business away from the EU since the 2016 referendum result .
The research also indicates that firms are actively looking for new export markets as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exports worth an estimated £50billion have been diverted since June 2016 , according to the report , based on an analysis of 340,000 quarterly export transactions made by a total of 26,000 UK exporters .
Over the course of the last five years , growth in export values towards EU countries have fallen by an average of 8.7 percent a year , the report added .
Separate polling of 1,200 British businesses indicated nearly one third of exporters had made changes to their supply chain because of Brexit .
Export Minister at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` 90 percent of global growth is expected to be outside Europe over the next few years .
`` So it is great to see UK firms aligning their sales with the fastest growing parts of the world .
JUST IN : Falkland Islands demands urgent UK fishing intervention with EU '' UK exports performed strongly , and last year we were the only top 10 exporting nation to see its overseas sales increase .
`` We have already signed continuity trade agreements with more than 50 countries .
`` Through these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government is laying strong foundations for exporters to thrive in the high growth markets of the future . ''
READ MORE Trade deal secured !
Boris Johnson to announce post-Brexit Canada pact [ INSIGHT ] EU summit 2020 : Why the Brexit deal will not be completed today [ UPDATE ] EU threatens no-deal Brexit in bid to jolt PM into making concessions [ REPORT ] Gwynne Master , of Lloyds Bank , said : `` While the clock is counting down to the end of the UK 's post-EU transition period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and forging new opportunities around the world .
`` These findings are the start of a new chapter in the story of global British business and trade . ''
Jun Du , Professor of Economics at Aston Business School , said : `` From the referendum through to today we see exporters exploring new trading partners around the world .
`` Our concern lies with the vulnerabilities faced by businesses that export less , forging these paths while lacking the infrastructure and scale of multinational firms as this reverse in trade gravity typically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` More needs to be done to help British businesses of all sizes navigate the future of international trade . ''
With the end of the year looming , Britain has already secured trade deals with major economies including Japan and Canada .

Liz Truss shuts down Emily Thornberry over Japan deal criticism
With less than a month to go before the end of the Brexit transition period, EU negotiator Michel Barnier and UK counterpart Lord David Frost are working feverishly to try and thrash out a trade deal. However, with such an agreement hanging in the balance, the study - undertaken by Lloyds Bank and Aston Business School - indicates nearly one in five companies which export goods overseas has diverted business away from the EU since the 2016 referendum result.
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The research also indicates that firms are actively looking for new export markets as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Exports worth an estimated £50billion have been diverted since June 2016, according to the report, based on an analysis of 340,000 quarterly export transactions made by a total of 26,000 UK exporters. Over the course of the last five years, growth in export values towards EU countries have fallen by an average of 8.7 percent a year, the report added.
Boris Johnson's UK is targeting new markets outside of the EU
Liz Truss and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi
Separate polling of 1,200 British businesses indicated nearly one third of exporters had made changes to their supply chain because of Brexit. Export Minister at the Department for International Trade Graham Stuart said: "90 percent of global growth is expected to be outside Europe over the next few years. "So it is great to see UK firms aligning their sales with the fastest growing parts of the world. JUST IN: Falkland Islands demands urgent UK fishing intervention with EU
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Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau signed a trade deal in principle earlier this month
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier
David Frost, leading the UK's team
Gwynne Master, of Lloyds Bank, said: "While the clock is counting down to the end of the UK's post-EU transition period, British businesses are building toward the future and forging new opportunities around the world. "These findings are the start of a new chapter in the story of global British business and trade." Jun Du, Professor of Economics at Aston Business School, said: "From the referendum through to today we see exporters exploring new trading partners around the world.
Brexit endgame
"Our concern lies with the vulnerabilities faced by businesses that export less, forging these paths while lacking the infrastructure and scale of multinational firms as this reverse in trade gravity typically means higher costs and greater risk exposure. "More needs to be done to help British businesses of all sizes navigate the future of international trade." With the end of the year looming, Britain has already secured trade deals with major economies including Japan and Canada.
Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary


thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--Lords inflict defeat on Boris’ Brexit plans as plot to ditch EU state aid rules HALTED

Peers backed the regret motion by 278 votes to 258 in a ballot in the upper chamber on Wednesday evening .
The vote marks an embarrassing defeat for the Government over a move to ditch EU state aid rules in the absence of an agreed new post-Brexit subsidy regime for the UK .
The vote comes just four weeks from the end of the Brexit transition period .
Ministers had argued with the ending of the period , Brussels would no longer have any jurisdiction in the UK and so `` makes no sense to leave these rules on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lords came about in response to a Government regulation , which would see the UK from January 1 follow World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) rules on subsidies and other international commitments agreed in free trade agreements , with the option to legislate for a home-grown system .
The rumblings came after a Lords watchdog raised concerns over the plan to revoke the EU ’ s rules on state aid .
The group said the planned move appeared to be a shift from the previous Government 's position which had sought continuity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned the use of a ministerial order , known as a statutory instrument , to introduce the changes in policy on such important issues rather than primary legislation .
In a statement the Lords select committee said : `` We take the view that this is neither a welcome nor acceptable use of secondary legislation.
” The vote comes amid intense post-Brexit trade talks between Michel Barnier and Lord Frost in London .
With just weeks to go until the Brexit transition period deadline , both sides are battling it out to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MISS PMQs LIVE : Boris taunts 'Captain Hindsight ' Keir Starmer [ BLOG ] Italy ’ s PM broke ranks with Barnier calling for Brexit trade deal [ EXPLAINED ] Brexit news : Boris Johnson 'will get a kicking ' for fisheries failure [ ANALYSIS ] Labour frontbencher Lord Stevenson of Balmacara said the WTO rules the Government is seeking to usher in are “ widely discredited ” .
He said : `` We have no sense of where the Government want to take their policy on state aid other than it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been under the EU .
`` Removing a well understood policy framework that has been in place for half a century and replacing it with a reliance on WTO rules , which are widely discredited seems a perverse way of making policy , even if the Government need more time before deciding what to do . ''
He went on to argue there was a “ powerful case ” for delaying No10 ’ s planned move .
He added : `` This pause for reflection is what this regret motion in my name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liddle , a former Europe adviser to Tony Blair , insisted the WTO rules did not amount to a “ credible state aid regime ” .

Brexit: House of Lords 'out to thwart' process says Redwood
Peers backed the regret motion by 278 votes to 258 in a ballot in the upper chamber on Wednesday evening. The vote marks an embarrassing defeat for the Government over a move to ditch EU state aid rules in the absence of an agreed new post-Brexit subsidy regime for the UK.
Trending
The vote comes just four weeks from the end of the Brexit transition period. Ministers had argued with the ending of the period, Brussels would no longer have any jurisdiction in the UK and so "makes no sense to leave these rules on our statute book". Fierce criticism in the Lords came about in response to a Government regulation, which would see the UK from January 1 follow World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules on subsidies and other international commitments agreed in free trade agreements, with the option to legislate for a home-grown system.
The House of Lords has inflicted a blow to Boris Johnson's Brexit plan
One peer called the proposed move a 'typical Brexit act'
The rumblings came after a Lords watchdog raised concerns over the plan to revoke the EU’s rules on state aid. The group said the planned move appeared to be a shift from the previous Government's position which had sought continuity. The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee also questioned the use of a ministerial order, known as a statutory instrument, to introduce the changes in policy on such important issues rather than primary legislation. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Michel Barnier's 'huge miscalculation' - no deal panic
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An anti-Brexit campaigner calls for the transition period to be extended
The Prime Minister suffered a humiliating defeat in the Lords
Boris Johnson suffered the defeat in the upper chamber on Wednesday night
Labour frontbencher Lord Stevenson of Balmacara said the WTO rules the Government is seeking to usher in are “widely discredited”. He said: "We have no sense of where the Government want to take their policy on state aid other than it cannot be the same as it has been under the EU. "Removing a well understood policy framework that has been in place for half a century and replacing it with a reliance on WTO rules, which are widely discredited seems a perverse way of making policy, even if the Government need more time before deciding what to do."
Britain's constitution explained
The vote in the Lords comes as Lord Frost holds talks with Michel Barnier
He went on to argue there was a “powerful case” for delaying No10’s planned move. He added: "This pause for reflection is what this regret motion in my name would achieve." Labour's Lord Liddle, a former Europe adviser to Tony Blair, insisted the WTO rules did not amount to a “credible state aid regime”.
Michel Barnier pictured heading to Brexit trade talks in London


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Sir Keir Starmer’s brutal Covid attack on Boris picked apart - 'Wanted lockdown sooner!'

The opposition leader drew widespread scorn over his decision to not take part in a major Commons vote on the new tier system of restrictions for England .
During Prime Minister ’ s Questions on Wednesday , Sir Keir touched on the collapse of the Arcadia Group and Debenhams and pressed Mr Johnson on whether there would be Government support for those who have lost their jobs during the epidemic .
Sir Keir said : “ What is he going to do now to protect the jobs and the pensions of all those affected by the closures ?
” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had asked the Insolvency Service to look at the conduct of the Arcadia fashion group and added : `` We will do everything we can to restore the high street.
” The Prime Minister then went on to attack his opponent for abstaining on Tuesday night ’ s vote .
He said : `` I think it is a bit much that he should attack the economic consequence of coronavirus when neither he or his troops could be bothered to vote for measures that would open up the economy.
” Brexit campaigner and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson on Twitter .
He said it was a bit rich for Sir Keir to rip apart the impact of the Tory Government ’ s lockdown when he himself had wanted the shutdown to happen sooner .
Mr Grimes tweeted : “ I just do n't understand Sir Keir Starmer 's line of attack here on the joblessness caused by the lockdown strategy .
READ MORE : Gary Neville rages at Starmer for Labour vote abstention “ At each point Labour has called for the UK to lockdown harder and sooner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction of businesses and livelihoods.
” Sir Keir could force Mr Johnson to make public a dossier outlining the devastating economic impact of the two national lockdowns .
The Labour leader has challenged the Prime Minister to release the secret documents or Labour will force a vote and appeal to Tory rebels to help `` flushing out the evidence '' .
DO N'T MISS Tory MP erupts at Labour for 'diktat ' on Covid tier vote abstention [ ANALYSIS ] 'Absolutely fuming ! '
Lifelong Labour voter warns party made 'mistake ' [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! '
Boris Johnson savages Keir Starmer [ REACTION ] He showed no signs of laying off the pressure on Mr Johnson after the Tory leader faced a major revolt from members of his own party in the Commons on Tuesday .
But despite the rebellion , he won the vote on the post-lockdown tier system by 291 votes to 78 .
Sir Keir is now considering using a parliamentary device to compel ministers to release the dossier if they do not make it public this week .
According to a report in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dashboard prepared by Whitehall officials rates a dozen sectors `` red '' and facing significant job cuts and revenue losses .
The report confounded the anger among Conservative MPs who were disappointed by the lack of detail in the Government 's impact assessment of the tiered system ushered in on Wednesday as the lockdown expired .
Writing in the same newspaper , Sir Keir said it is `` alarming '' that the Government is `` trying to suppress the evidence of what is actually going on in the economy '' .

The opposition leader drew widespread scorn over his decision to not take part in a major Commons vote on the new tier system of restrictions for England. During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir touched on the collapse of the Arcadia Group and Debenhams and pressed Mr Johnson on whether there would be Government support for those who have lost their jobs during the epidemic.
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Sir Keir said: “What is he going to do now to protect the jobs and the pensions of all those affected by the closures?” Mr Johnson replied by saying the business secretary had asked the Insolvency Service to look at the conduct of the Arcadia fashion group and added: "We will do everything we can to restore the high street.” The Prime Minister then went on to attack his opponent for abstaining on Tuesday night’s vote. He said: "I think it is a bit much that he should attack the economic consequence of coronavirus when neither he or his troops could be bothered to vote for measures that would open up the economy.”
Sir Keir's argument against the Government's lockdown has been picked apart
Boris Johnson hit out at Sir Keir for abstaining from voting
Brexit campaigner and political commentator Darren Grimes also backed up Mr Johnson on Twitter. He said it was a bit rich for Sir Keir to rip apart the impact of the Tory Government’s lockdown when he himself had wanted the shutdown to happen sooner. Mr Grimes tweeted: “I just don't understand Sir Keir Starmer's line of attack here on the joblessness caused by the lockdown strategy. READ MORE: Gary Neville rages at Starmer for Labour vote abstention
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Sir Keir has been highly critical of the PM's handling of the pandemic
“At each point Labour has called for the UK to lockdown harder and sooner, which would only serve to exacerbate the destruction of businesses and livelihoods.” Sir Keir could force Mr Johnson to make public a dossier outlining the devastating economic impact of the two national lockdowns. The Labour leader has challenged the Prime Minister to release the secret documents or Labour will force a vote and appeal to Tory rebels to help "flushing out the evidence". DON'T MISS
Tory MP erupts at Labour for 'diktat' on Covid tier vote abstention [ANALYSIS]
'Absolutely fuming!' Lifelong Labour voter warns party made 'mistake' [VIDEO]
'You couldn't be bothered!' Boris Johnson savages Keir Starmer [REACTION]
Sir Keir asked the Government about possible help for workers who would lose their jobs due to the collapse of Arcadia
He showed no signs of laying off the pressure on Mr Johnson after the Tory leader faced a major revolt from members of his own party in the Commons on Tuesday. But despite the rebellion, he won the vote on the post-lockdown tier system by 291 votes to 78. Sir Keir is now considering using a parliamentary device to compel ministers to release the dossier if they do not make it public this week.
UK coronavirus map
According to a report in The Times, a COVID-19 sectoral impacts dashboard prepared by Whitehall officials rates a dozen sectors "red" and facing significant job cuts and revenue losses. The report confounded the anger among Conservative MPs who were disappointed by the lack of detail in the Government's impact assessment of the tiered system ushered in on Wednesday as the lockdown expired. Writing in the same newspaper, Sir Keir said it is "alarming" that the Government is "trying to suppress the evidence of what is actually going on in the economy".
Sir Keir took over from Jeremy Corbyn in April


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Scottish Indy support soars - but row erupts as Sturgeon sitting on £1BN UK taxpayer cash

However , critics have today lambasted an SNP plan for a tax-free £500 coronavirus bonus for NHS and care staff - with the Fraser of Allander Institute think tank dismissing it as a political gimmick which would reward the rich more than the poor .
Meanwhile Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie accusing the First Minister of using NHS staff as a `` battering ram on the constitution '' - pointing to the think tank 's estimate that the First Minister 's government was sitting on £1billion in unallocated cash .
The Ipsos MORI poll was based on interviews with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between November 20 and 26 .
It suggests if there was a second independence referendum tomorrow , 56 percent would vote yes , compared with 44 percent who would vote no - a resounding 12 point lead .
With the Holyrood elections being held next May , the SNP is on 55 percent ( down three points compared with early October , while the Tories at on 22 percent ( up three ) .
Labour is on 14 percent ( up one ) and the Liberal Democrats are on six points ( up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` one-off thank you payment '' in her speech to her party 's annual conference yesterday .
The £180m plan will reward more than 300,000 staff , including nurses and doctors .
During her speech , Mrs Sturgeon also issued a plea to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to make the bonus tax-exempt - although the idea was swiftly rejected by the Treasury .
A Fraser of Allander Institute spokesman subsequently said : `` Exempting any bonuses from tax is not widely regarded as a good use of tax policy .
`` There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they weren ’ t , everyone would want paid in bonuses rather than regular pay .
`` Making an exception to the rule once opens the possibility of endless future lobbying for tax-exempt bonuses – which is not something any government should be keen to encourage . ''
READ MORE : Boris Johnson warned he faces HUGE struggle to keep 'no taxes ' promise The Institute suggested the `` inevitable rejection '' of Mrs Sturgeon 's pleas `` served up exactly what the Scottish Government had really wanted : another example of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In a blog post , Fraser of Allander Institute ’ s director Graeme Roy and Scottish budget expert David Eiser added : `` Exempting the bonus from tax would gift higher rate taxpayers a significantly larger tax break than basic rate taxpayers .
`` It is really not clear what the rationale for this would be .
`` It is perfectly legitimate – and indeed desirable – to want to recognise and reward NHS/care workers for their efforts in recent months .
`` But if policymakers want those employees to benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to pay a higher gross bonus . ''
DO N'T MISS Nicola Sturgeon outlines how she plans to secure independence [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon faces backlash from own members as SNP divided over indy plan [ LATEST ] Eustice rocks SNP over Brexit plans to keep Scotland tied to EU [ INSIGHT ] Mr Rennie said : `` SNP ministers should show more respect to NHS and care workers .
`` They should get them the money they believe should be paid and not use them as a battering ram on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute estimated last week that the SNP has a billion pounds unallocated .
`` It is important for Scottish ministers to set out quickly which other sectors they will support using that money . ''
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross added : “ The SNP have all the funding and powers they need to top up this payment today .
`` Any extra income tax would go to the Scottish , not the UK Government , so if they increase it , no-one misses out .
`` Why is it that the SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS ‘ thank you ’ payment and stoke up division with such a clearly political move , all to provoke a fight with the UK Government ? ''
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said : `` Frontline health and care workers are not political footballs for the SNP and Tories to score cheap points with .
`` The payment announced is welcome , but it is clear that the SNP could not resist another constitutional row rather than simply helping working people .
`` The Scottish Government can gross up the payment if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on with it . ''
SNP MSP Tom Arthur said : “ It is the SNP who are giving health and care workers in Scotland a thank you bonus so far unmatched anywhere else in the UK – and it is Boris Johnson who is outrageously threatening to snatch as much of it as he can away from them in tax .
`` Instead of defending the indefensible , the Scottish Tories should be trying to use whatever dwindling influence they think they have on the Prime Minister to tell him to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax is devolved , the tax on this bonus wouldn ’ t be paid back to Scotland until 2023-24 – and National Insurance contributions would just be swallowed by the Tory Treasury and would never come back to Scotland . ''

Nicola Sturgeon tells EU 'we will return as an independent state'
However, critics have today lambasted an SNP plan for a tax-free £500 coronavirus bonus for NHS and care staff - with the Fraser of Allander Institute think tank dismissing it as a political gimmick which would reward the rich more than the poor. Meanwhile Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie accusing the First Minister of using NHS staff as a "battering ram on the constitution" - pointing to the think tank's estimate that the First Minister's government was sitting on £1billion in unallocated cash.
Trending
The Ipsos MORI poll was based on interviews with 1,000 Scottish adults aged 16 and over between November 20 and 26. It suggests if there was a second independence referendum tomorrow, 56 percent would vote yes, compared with 44 percent who would vote no - a resounding 12 point lead. With the Holyrood elections being held next May, the SNP is on 55 percent (down three points compared with early October, while the Tories at on 22 percent (up three). Labour is on 14 percent (up one) and the Liberal Democrats are on six points (up two). Mrs Sturgeon announced the "one-off thank you payment" in her speech to her party's annual conference yesterday.
Nicola Sturgeon delivers her speech via videolink on Monday
The poll indicates high levels of support for the SNP across a broad range of issues
The £180m plan will reward more than 300,000 staff, including nurses and doctors. During her speech, Mrs Sturgeon also issued a plea to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to make the bonus tax-exempt - although the idea was swiftly rejected by the Treasury. A Fraser of Allander Institute spokesman subsequently said: "Exempting any bonuses from tax is not widely regarded as a good use of tax policy. "There’s a reason bonuses are taxed; if they weren’t, everyone would want paid in bonuses rather than regular pay. "Making an exception to the rule once opens the possibility of endless future lobbying for tax-exempt bonuses – which is not something any government should be keen to encourage." READ MORE: Boris Johnson warned he faces HUGE struggle to keep 'no taxes' promise
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Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
The Institute suggested the "inevitable rejection" of Mrs Sturgeon's pleas "served up exactly what the Scottish Government had really wanted: another example of the devolved fiscal framework apparently not working". In a blog post, Fraser of Allander Institute’s director Graeme Roy and Scottish budget expert David Eiser added: "Exempting the bonus from tax would gift higher rate taxpayers a significantly larger tax break than basic rate taxpayers. "It is really not clear what the rationale for this would be. "It is perfectly legitimate – and indeed desirable – to want to recognise and reward NHS/care workers for their efforts in recent months. "But if policymakers want those employees to benefit by £500 after tax, the solution is to pay a higher gross bonus." DON'T MISS
Nicola Sturgeon outlines how she plans to secure independence [REVEAL]
Sturgeon faces backlash from own members as SNP divided over indy plan [LATEST]
Eustice rocks SNP over Brexit plans to keep Scotland tied to EU [INSIGHT]
Scottish Tories leader Douglas Ross
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie
The Fraser of Allander Institute estimated last week that the SNP has a billion pounds unallocated Willie Rennie
Mr Rennie said: "SNP ministers should show more respect to NHS and care workers. "They should get them the money they believe should be paid and not use them as a battering ram on the constitution. "The Fraser of Allander Institute estimated last week that the SNP has a billion pounds unallocated. "It is important for Scottish ministers to set out quickly which other sectors they will support using that money." Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross added: “The SNP have all the funding and powers they need to top up this payment today.
Coronavirus cases in the UK as of yesterday
"Any extra income tax would go to the Scottish, not the UK Government, so if they increase it, no-one misses out. "Why is it that the SNP feel the need to take a £500 NHS ‘thank you’ payment and stoke up division with such a clearly political move, all to provoke a fight with the UK Government?" Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: "Frontline health and care workers are not political footballs for the SNP and Tories to score cheap points with. "The payment announced is welcome, but it is clear that the SNP could not resist another constitutional row rather than simply helping working people. "The Scottish Government can gross up the payment if it wishes to: it should just get on with it."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Meanwhile, with respect to the poll, Emily Gray, Managing Director of Ipsos MORI Scotland, said: "Our latest polling results are clearly very favourable for the SNP, with support both for the party and for an independent Scotland remaining high. "The party’s record on key issues such as the economy, education and public services has been much criticised by the Conservatives in recent months. "However, those messages do not appear to be cutting through with Scottish voters, who trust the SNP much more on the economy, education and the NHS than they do any other political party." A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: "This poll shows yet again that only the Scottish Conservatives have the strength and determination to stand up to the SNP. "While the SNP focus on dividing the country all over again with their push for a second independence referendum as early as next year, the Scottish Conservatives priorities are rebuilding Scotland’s economy, fighting the pandemic, protecting jobs, improving schools, and restoring power to local communities."
The SNP's Tom Arthur


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Van-Tam slaps down 'completely unfair' Covid vaccine delay criticism: 'It's not a yogurt!'

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England erupted when a reporter claimed Boris Johnson was `` failing '' to get a coronavirus vaccine to care home residents .
ITV 's Emily Morgan asked the panel : `` Your scientists have said care home residents should be the first people to get this vaccine .
Are you confirming then that they wo n't be and if not , are n't you failing to protect our most vulnerable ? ''
Professor Van-Tam said : `` Emily I think your remarks about failure are extremely unfair when one considers that a new virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we already have our first vaccine .
`` Professor Stevens has been very clear that as soon as it is legally and technically possible to get the vaccine into care homes , we will do so .
`` But this is a complex product with a very fragile cold train .
`` It 's not a yogurt that can be taken out of the fridge and put back in multiple times .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson could receive Covid vaccine LIVE on TV '' It 's really tricky to handle and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast as we can and we are trying extremely hard . ''
Prof Van-Tam added : `` I do n't think we are going to eradicate coronavirus ever .
`` I think it 's going to be with humankind forever .
`` I think we may get to a point where coronavirus becomes a seasonal problem .
`` I do n't want to draw too many parallels with 'flu , but , possibly , that is the kind of way we would learn to live with it . ''
The Government adviser issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid vaccine when it was offered to them in order to end lockdown measures as quickly as possible .
He told the press conference : `` Everyone wants social distancing to come to an end – we are fed-up with it .
`` Nobody wants lockdowns and to see the damage they do .
`` But if you want that dream to come true as quickly as it can come true , then you have to take the vaccine when it is offered to you .
`` Low uptake will almost certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn ’ s brother Piers found GUILTY of breaching Covid rules [ BREAKING ] Coronavirus vaccine : Boris Johnson outlines 'first phase ' recipients [ INSIGHT ] Long-term effects of Covid vaccine : Are there any side effects ?
[ ANALYSIS ]

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England erupted when a reporter claimed Boris Johnson was "failing" to get a coronavirus vaccine to care home residents. ITV's Emily Morgan asked the panel: "Your scientists have said care home residents should be the first people to get this vaccine. Are you confirming then that they won't be and if not, aren't you failing to protect our most vulnerable?"
Trending
Professor Van-Tam said: "Emily I think your remarks about failure are extremely unfair when one considers that a new virus emerged less than 12 months ago and we already have our first vaccine. "Professor Stevens has been very clear that as soon as it is legally and technically possible to get the vaccine into care homes, we will do so. "But this is a complex product with a very fragile cold train. "It's not a yogurt that can be taken out of the fridge and put back in multiple times. READ MORE: Boris Johnson could receive Covid vaccine LIVE on TV
Jonathan Van-tam erupted at a reporter during the press briefing
Boris Johnson warned the pandemic was not over yet as he urged caution
"It's really tricky to handle and so I think we'll get there as fast as we can and we are trying extremely hard." Prof Van-Tam added: "I don't think we are going to eradicate coronavirus ever. "I think it's going to be with humankind forever. "I think we may get to a point where coronavirus becomes a seasonal problem. "I don't want to draw too many parallels with 'flu, but, possibly, that is the kind of way we would learn to live with it."
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Professor Van-Tam erupted at the ITV reporter
The Government adviser issued an urgent plea for Britons to take the Covid vaccine when it was offered to them in order to end lockdown measures as quickly as possible. He told the press conference: "Everyone wants social distancing to come to an end – we are fed-up with it. "Nobody wants lockdowns and to see the damage they do. "But if you want that dream to come true as quickly as it can come true, then you have to take the vaccine when it is offered to you. "Low uptake will almost certainly make restrictions last longer." DON'T MISS Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers found GUILTY of breaching Covid rules [BREAKING]
Coronavirus vaccine: Boris Johnson outlines 'first phase' recipients [INSIGHT]
Long-term effects of Covid vaccine: Are there any side effects? [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus vaccine


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Just like the UK! Ireland is being ‘robbed’ by EU’s fisheries policy, says ex-diplomat

Ray Bassett , a former Irish ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , made his remarks against a backdrop on ongoing wrangling on the subject of access to British waters , with significant doubts about whether the UK and the EU can resolve their differences on the subject .
Eurosceptic Mr Bassett , who wrote about the issue in his recent book , Ireland and the EU Post Brexit , told Express.co.uk the Irish fishing industry was currently allocated somewhere between 16 and 20 percent of the fish catch in Irish territorial waters .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eliminate national interests so Ireland is partly compensated by getting some fish in British waters .
`` If they had a much bigger share of the total allowable catch in their own waters , they would be less in need of fishing in the UK waters .
`` For instance , Ireland was given no bluefin tuna quota in its own waters .
`` The quota was given to French and Spanish boats .
`` Tuna is a very lucrative species and one which is rapidly increasing in our seas .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which move between Irish and British waters , should operate under an internationally accepted mechanism whereby quotas can be divided , depending on spawning grounds and the time the species spend in each jurisdiction .
`` The EU refuses to use this mechanism with the UK .
However it does use it with Norway and the Faroe Islands . ''
Outside of the CFP , Ireland and Britain could easily have a bilateral arrangement on such species , Mr Bassett stressed .
He explained : `` It is true that Ireland has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on fishing than it has with continental Europe .
JUST IN : SNP surge - Independence support at 56 % amid Sturgeon 's £1bn warning '' It is staggering that Irish politicians , especially Foreign Minister Simon Coveney , are such big defenders of the CFP .
`` It is an excellent example of them putting EU interests in rubbing out national boundaries before the interests of the industry in Ireland . ''
Mr Bassett said : `` Ireland should be leading the call for the ending of the CFP which was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Norway of their fishing resources at accession .
`` As you know Norway refused to go along with the robbery and Greenland withdrew from the EU over fisheries .
DO N'T MISS EU warned UK Brexit red lines unchanged as Brussels to 'make progress ' [ INSIGHT ] Pound euro exchange rate driven by 'speculation ' following Brexit [ FORECAST ] Should Boris walk out of EU talks this week and trigger no deal ?
[ POLL ] '' It has been historically a very divisive policy as I outline in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bassett , the Killybegs Fishermen 's Organisation is very much in Brussels ' corner when it comes to fishing rights .
In response to a request for a comment , Express.co.uk was referred to remarks by KFO chief executive Sean O'Donoghue last month .
He said : “ When you leave a club , you relinquish the privileges that were afforded to you when you were a member .
It ’ s a simple as that .
`` It is crystal clear , the 26 percent increase in fishing opportunities which was granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end with UK membership .
`` With Britain now playing hardball on fisheries and fighting to doubling its catch , the EU negotiators must clearly spell out that the starting point in any fisheries negotiations has to exclude any additional catches it obtained , as part of the EU .
`` On top of this , the UK was also in receipt of another inducement in the shape of 'Hague Preferences ' which amounts to an additional increase in volume in certain stocks . ''
Speaking last week , Mr Coveney warned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any possible agreement .

Brexit: Ireland's Micheál Martin calls for 'fair' fisheries deal
Ray Bassett, a former Irish ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, made his remarks against a backdrop on ongoing wrangling on the subject of access to British waters, with significant doubts about whether the UK and the EU can resolve their differences on the subject. Eurosceptic Mr Bassett, who wrote about the issue in his recent book, Ireland and the EU Post Brexit, told Express.co.uk the Irish fishing industry was currently allocated somewhere between 16 and 20 percent of the fish catch in Irish territorial waters.
Trending
He said: "The EU has a policy of trying to eliminate national interests so Ireland is partly compensated by getting some fish in British waters. "If they had a much bigger share of the total allowable catch in their own waters, they would be less in need of fishing in the UK waters. "For instance, Ireland was given no bluefin tuna quota in its own waters. "The quota was given to French and Spanish boats. "Tuna is a very lucrative species and one which is rapidly increasing in our seas.
Micheal Martin's Ireland should see common cause with the UK on fishing, said Mr Bassett
Fishing boats in Cork on Ireland's south coast
Mr Bassett added: "Species like mackerel, which move between Irish and British waters, should operate under an internationally accepted mechanism whereby quotas can be divided, depending on spawning grounds and the time the species spend in each jurisdiction. "The EU refuses to use this mechanism with the UK. However it does use it with Norway and the Faroe Islands." Outside of the CFP, Ireland and Britain could easily have a bilateral arrangement on such species, Mr Bassett stressed. He explained: "It is true that Ireland has much more in common with the UK on fishing than it has with continental Europe. JUST IN: SNP surge - Independence support at 56% amid Sturgeon's £1bn warning
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Simon Coveney, Ireland's Foreign Minister
Ireland should be leading the call for the ending of the CFP which was only introduced to rob the UK, Ireland and Norway Ray Bassett
"It is staggering that Irish politicians, especially Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, are such big defenders of the CFP. "It is an excellent example of them putting EU interests in rubbing out national boundaries before the interests of the industry in Ireland." Mr Bassett said: "Ireland should be leading the call for the ending of the CFP which was only introduced to rob the UK, Ireland and Norway of their fishing resources at accession. "As you know Norway refused to go along with the robbery and Greenland withdrew from the EU over fisheries. DON'T MISS
EU warned UK Brexit red lines unchanged as Brussels to 'make progress' [INSIGHT]
Pound euro exchange rate driven by 'speculation' following Brexit [FORECAST]
Should Boris walk out of EU talks this week and trigger no deal? [POLL]
Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
"It has been historically a very divisive policy as I outline in my book." In contrast to Mr Bassett, the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation is very much in Brussels' corner when it comes to fishing rights. In response to a request for a comment, Express.co.uk was referred to remarks by KFO chief executive Sean O'Donoghue last month. He said: “When you leave a club, you relinquish the privileges that were afforded to you when you were a member. It’s a simple as that.
Countries dependent on UK waters
"It is crystal clear, the 26 percent increase in fishing opportunities which was granted by the EU to the UK should end with UK membership. "With Britain now playing hardball on fisheries and fighting to doubling its catch, the EU negotiators must clearly spell out that the starting point in any fisheries negotiations has to exclude any additional catches it obtained, as part of the EU. "On top of this, the UK was also in receipt of another inducement in the shape of 'Hague Preferences' which amounts to an additional increase in volume in certain stocks." Speaking last week, Mr Coveney warned the issue had the potential to be fatal for any possible agreement.
Time is running out for David Frost and Michel Barnier to reach an agreement


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Sturgeon independence bid shattered as she CAN'T join EU with Pound 'something must give'

Kevin Hague , chairman of the political think-tank These Islands , has dismantled the SNP ’ s arguments for breaking-up the Union by pointing out the people of Scotland would be economically worse off and less safe .
Britain is yet to agree a free trade deal with the EU ahead of the transition deadline of December 31 - much to the anger of parliamentarians north of the border .
But , Mr Hague explained the Scottish nationalists should be much more concerned about losing internal trade within the UK if the SNP presses ahead with its grand plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you believe that leaving the EU will be economically damaging , leaving the far older , deeper and closer union that is the UK would be so much worse : two wrongs don ’ t make a right.
” The entrepreneur explained Scotland currently enjoys barrier-free trade with the rest of the UK which accounts for 60 percent of all exports – compared to just 21 percent going to Europe .
Mr Hague claimed calls for a second independence referendum are based on “ opportunism , not principle ” .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP had not fully assessed the implications of leaving the UK , including how an independent Scotland would operate without the Sterling currency union and shared defence resources .
Writing in the Spectator , Mr Hague highlighted a piece of legislation which pointed out Scotland would be unable to join the bloc and continue using the Pound as its currency .
He wrote : “ Chapter 17 of the EU ’ s Acquis Communautaire specifies that any country wishing to join the EU ‘ shall treat their exchange rates as a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland can ’ t join the EU while using Sterling , so something has to give .
“ It appears that the SNP strategy is to pitch a narrative of 'keep the pound and join the EU ' in the hope that people won ’ t realise that this kicks the prospect of EU membership into the far distant future.
” The SNP has long argued Scotland would be in a better financial place if it took central powers away from Westminster .
But , Mr Hague also dismissed this argument and pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland is currently 12 per cent higher than the UK average .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : We 're in charge !
Barnier put in place ahead of summit Ms Sturgeon has said she will use next May 's Holyrood election to try to win a mandate to hold an independence referendum `` in the early part of the new Parliament '' .
The SNP chief claimed independence is `` essential '' to help with the task of rebuilding Scotland after coronavirus .
Speaking at the SNP conference , Ms Sturgeon warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a second vote .
'It 's the LAW ! '
Hancock hits back at Kay Burley over new Covid rules [ VIDEO ] Kate Middleton ring beats Meghan Markle 's to new 'most popular ' title [ INSIGHT ] BBC Weather : Carol Kirkwood warns 10cm of snow [ FORECAST ]

Nicola Sturgeon tells EU 'we will return as an independent state'
Kevin Hague, chairman of the political think-tank These Islands, has dismantled the SNP’s arguments for breaking-up the Union by pointing out the people of Scotland would be economically worse off and less safe. Britain is yet to agree a free trade deal with the EU ahead of the transition deadline of December 31 - much to the anger of parliamentarians north of the border.
Trending
But, Mr Hague explained the Scottish nationalists should be much more concerned about losing internal trade within the UK if the SNP presses ahead with its grand plan to re-join the EU. He said: “If you believe that leaving the EU will be economically damaging, leaving the far older, deeper and closer union that is the UK would be so much worse: two wrongs don’t make a right.” The entrepreneur explained Scotland currently enjoys barrier-free trade with the rest of the UK which accounts for 60 percent of all exports – compared to just 21 percent going to Europe. Mr Hague claimed calls for a second independence referendum are based on “opportunism, not principle”.
Nicola Sturgeon has been issued a warning over Scottish Independence
Nicola Sturgeon has been told independence will hurt Scotland more than Brexit
In a scathing assessment, he added the SNP had not fully assessed the implications of leaving the UK, including how an independent Scotland would operate without the Sterling currency union and shared defence resources. Writing in the Spectator, Mr Hague highlighted a piece of legislation which pointed out Scotland would be unable to join the bloc and continue using the Pound as its currency. He wrote: “Chapter 17 of the EU’s Acquis Communautaire specifies that any country wishing to join the EU ‘shall treat their exchange rates as a matter of common concern'. “This means Scotland can’t join the EU while using Sterling, so something has to give.
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Boris Johnson has constantly rejected calls for a second vote
“It appears that the SNP strategy is to pitch a narrative of 'keep the pound and join the EU' in the hope that people won’t realise that this kicks the prospect of EU membership into the far distant future.” The SNP has long argued Scotland would be in a better financial place if it took central powers away from Westminster. But, Mr Hague also dismissed this argument and pointed out public health spending per person in Scotland is currently 12 per cent higher than the UK average. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: We're in charge! Barnier put in place ahead of summit
The SNP want to hold IndyRef2 next year
A profile of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Sturgeon undermining Brexit talks by forcing Scottish fishermen back into hated EU policy

The First Minister insisted Scotland wants to return to the EU during the SNP conference on Monday .
Her message came after Brexit negotiations continued over the weekend as the transition period edges alarmingly close on December 31 .
The main obstacle in the talks has been over future fishing rights , as the automatic rights for EU vessels to fish in British waters will stop for the first time since 1973 once the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy ( CFP ) .
The UK is seeking annual catch negotiations but the EU wants a longer-term perspective for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Ross has criticised the SNP leader for `` undermining '' Brexit talks at such a crucial stage for her own agenda .
He told Express.co.uk : “ At every turn during the Brexit negotiations , the SNP has sought to undermine them rather than look at the opportunities , particularly for our fishermen .
“ Instead , the SNP want to take our fishermen back into the hated Common Fisheries policy , which has completely failed to deliver for them.
” From January , fish caught in Scotland will need to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be signed off by an environmental health officer .
Speaking at the SNP conference , Ms Sturgeon said : `` Here in the UK the threat of Brexit looms .
`` In just a month 's time Scotland will be forced against our will to a much more distant relationship with our friends across the European Union .
`` Before we go any further , I want to send this message to our European friends and neighbours .
READ MORE : Sturgeon left mad as EU figures dismiss dream of joining bloc Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary , said he had called for compromise on both sides .
His spokesman said : “ The Tories sold out Scotland ’ s coastal communities on the way into Europe and now they are poised to sell them out on the way out .
“ Either the UK Government reneges on its promises regarding access to fishing waters – or it forces a situation which will see devastating tariff and other export barriers placed on our seafood sector.
” A statement on the SNP 's website said the party will oppose the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` bargaining chip '' in talks .

Nicola Sturgeon tells EU 'we will return as an independent state'
The First Minister insisted Scotland wants to return to the EU during the SNP conference on Monday. Her message came after Brexit negotiations continued over the weekend as the transition period edges alarmingly close on December 31. The main obstacle in the talks has been over future fishing rights, as the automatic rights for EU vessels to fish in British waters will stop for the first time since 1973 once the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Trending
The UK is seeking annual catch negotiations but the EU wants a longer-term perspective for its fishing industry. Scottish Conservative Party leader Douglas Ross has criticised the SNP leader for "undermining" Brexit talks at such a crucial stage for her own agenda. He told Express.co.uk: “At every turn during the Brexit negotiations, the SNP has sought to undermine them rather than look at the opportunities, particularly for our fishermen. “Instead, the SNP want to take our fishermen back into the hated Common Fisheries policy, which has completely failed to deliver for them.”
Nicola Sturgeon has been criticised over her plan for Scotland to hold ties with the EU
From January, fish caught in Scotland will need to have an environmental health certificate that has to be signed off by an environmental health officer. Speaking at the SNP conference, Ms Sturgeon said: "Here in the UK the threat of Brexit looms. "In just a month's time Scotland will be forced against our will to a much more distant relationship with our friends across the European Union. "Before we go any further, I want to send this message to our European friends and neighbours. READ MORE: Sturgeon left mad as EU figures dismiss dream of joining bloc
The SNP said it will oppose the Government using the fishing industry as a "bargaining chip"
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The EU does not want to lose access to the UK's fishing waters
Mike Russell, the SNP’s constitution secretary, said he had called for compromise on both sides. His spokesman said: “The Tories sold out Scotland’s coastal communities on the way into Europe and now they are poised to sell them out on the way out. “Either the UK Government reneges on its promises regarding access to fishing waters – or it forces a situation which will see devastating tariff and other export barriers placed on our seafood sector.” A statement on the SNP's website said the party will oppose the Government using the fishing industry as a "bargaining chip" in talks.
Michel Barnier admitted there were still sticking points with trade talks
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--'Yet another blow for care homes!' Nicola Sturgeon shamed over Covid vaccination plan

The Scottish Tory MSP grilled the First Minister over the impossibility of care home residents to travel to vaccination hubs to get their anti-Covid jabs - something Nicola Sturgeon has admitted might have to be organised .
The Pfizer vaccine approved by UK regulators this week must be stored at -70C , but most care homes will not have the facilities to accommodate this requirement .
Ruth Davidson blasted : `` The way in which this vaccine is stored and transported means that it will be extremely difficult to bring it to individual care homes - a point acknowledged by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister just a moment ago .
`` But the head of Scottish Care is warning that many care home residents are too frail or vulnerable to be transported to the hubs where the vaccines are .
`` Care home residents and their families have suffered enough through this pandemic and the possibility that a promised vaccine could now be delayed is yet another blow .
`` So what now is the plan for Scottish care home residents who were promised they would be the first in the queue to receive this vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning the battle against COVID-19 , say vaccine developers The SNP leader replied : `` I think it 's really important to understand the issues here and I heard the Prime Minister talk about exactly what I 'm going to talk about .
`` This is not something that is in any way unique to Scotland .
This is about the particular characteristics of the Pfizer/BionTech vaccine .
`` She 's right to point out this is about the ultra-low temperature it has to be stored at .
`` This is something for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We will use vaccines as soon as they become available as closely as possible in line with the order of prioritisation set out .
`` If for the first period it is difficult to get vaccines to care homes , obviously we will use these supplies for NHS and staff who work in care homes . ''
News of vaccinations beginning in Scotland next week should spur Scots to stick to the current restrictions , Nicola Sturgeon said .
Speaking ahead of First Minister 's Questions on Thursday , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming months should be an `` incentive '' for following current rules .
She said : `` The prospect of vaccination , and with it a return to something more like normality , should also give us a further incentive in the weeks ahead to keep ourselves and loved ones safe .
`` As ever , all of us can play our part by sticking to the current rules and guidelines . ''
DO N'T MISS : Coronavirus vaccine : BioNTech co-founder 'will take the vaccine ' [ VIDEO ] UK will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' , says Van-Tam [ INSIGHT ] Van-Tam in brutal swipe at global regulators over attacks against UK [ INTERVIEW ]

The Scottish Tory MSP grilled the First Minister over the impossibility of care home residents to travel to vaccination hubs to get their anti-Covid jabs - something Nicola Sturgeon has admitted might have to be organised. The Pfizer vaccine approved by UK regulators this week must be stored at -70C, but most care homes will not have the facilities to accommodate this requirement.
Trending
Ruth Davidson blasted: "The way in which this vaccine is stored and transported means that it will be extremely difficult to bring it to individual care homes - a point acknowledged by the Health Secretary this morning and the First Minister just a moment ago. "But the head of Scottish Care is warning that many care home residents are too frail or vulnerable to be transported to the hubs where the vaccines are. "Care home residents and their families have suffered enough through this pandemic and the possibility that a promised vaccine could now be delayed is yet another blow. "So what now is the plan for Scottish care home residents who were promised they would be the first in the queue to receive this vaccine?" READ MORE: Science is winning the battle against COVID-19, say vaccine developers
Nicola Sturgeon said vaccines may not be brought to care homes
Nicola Sturgeon was grilled by Ruth Davidson over vaccination plans in Scoltand
The SNP leader replied: "I think it's really important to understand the issues here and I heard the Prime Minister talk about exactly what I'm going to talk about. "This is not something that is in any way unique to Scotland. This is about the particular characteristics of the Pfizer/BionTech vaccine. "She's right to point out this is about the ultra-low temperature it has to be stored at. "This is something for all four nations." She added: "We will use vaccines as soon as they become available as closely as possible in line with the order of prioritisation set out. "If for the first period it is difficult to get vaccines to care homes, obviously we will use these supplies for NHS and staff who work in care homes."
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News of vaccinations beginning in Scotland next week should spur Scots to stick to the current restrictions, Nicola Sturgeon said. Speaking ahead of First Minister's Questions on Thursday, she said the prospect of returning to normality in the coming months should be an "incentive" for following current rules. She said: "The prospect of vaccination, and with it a return to something more like normality, should also give us a further incentive in the weeks ahead to keep ourselves and loved ones safe. "As ever, all of us can play our part by sticking to the current rules and guidelines." DON'T MISS:
Coronavirus vaccine: BioNTech co-founder 'will take the vaccine' [VIDEO]
UK will get Covid vaccine in 'hours not days', says Van-Tam [INSIGHT]
Van-Tam in brutal swipe at global regulators over attacks against UK [INTERVIEW]
Covid vaccine UK: Who will get it first?


thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--EU trembling as Frost pushes Barnier 'millimetres' from fishing red line

EU chiefs are worried their negotiator has little room to manoeuvre as the wrangling over future access to Britain ’ s coastal waters goes to the wire .
Senior Brussels sources have warned they are unsure whether an acceptable solution for member states will emerge from the currency discussions .
An EU diplomat said : “ We are millimetres away from the bottom line of the mandate and we have to really look at the details of what is now being negotiated .
“ Fish is a very important factor because of the way it plays into domestic politics in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think there is a need or a desire by leaders to really change the mandate .
It includes our bottom line and we are not prepared to cross it.
” The UK and EU teams were locked in late-night talks in London last night in a bid to get the Brexit trade deal over the line .
A mountain of takeaway pizzas were pictured being delivered to the Westminster conference centre being used to host the wrangling .
Chief negotiators Mr Barnier and Lord Frost are expected to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after almost a week of intense negotiations .
If there is “ positive noise ” , the pair could decide to draft in Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen to decide on a final compromise .
But the diplomat played down chances of a deal being finalised within `` hours '' .
The insider said : `` I do not have the impression that we are hours away from a deal .
The gaps to be bridged are still quite substantial . ''
Mr Barnier is under pressure by EU capitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the talks unless Boris Johnson makes significant concessions in disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and common standards .
At a briefing of EU27 envoys yesterday , the Frenchman was told he has until the end of the week to decide whether Britain had offered enough concessions , according to a diplomatic note seen by Express.co.uk .
MUST READ : Panicked Ireland hits out at Macron 's 'very dangerous ' no deal threat Emmanuel Macron is trying to collapse negotiations to force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the `` time pressure '' of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31 .
An EU source said : “ We are quickly approaching a make or break moment in the Brexit talks .
“ It is still unclear whether negotiators can bridge the gaps on issues like level playing field , governance and fisheries.
” DO N'T MISS Rees-Mogg praises UK as Brussels drags feet on vaccine : 'We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal on brink as Macron to 'block progress at eleventh-hour ' [ ANALYSIS ] Barnier will LEAVE before deal done if not agreed this week [ REVEALED ]

EU chiefs are worried their negotiator has little room to manoeuvre as the wrangling over future access to Britain’s coastal waters goes to the wire. Senior Brussels sources have warned they are unsure whether an acceptable solution for member states will emerge from the currency discussions. An EU diplomat said: “We are millimetres away from the bottom line of the mandate and we have to really look at the details of what is now being negotiated.
Trending
“Fish is a very important factor because of the way it plays into domestic politics in France and other member states. “I don’t think there is a need or a desire by leaders to really change the mandate. It includes our bottom line and we are not prepared to cross it.” The UK and EU teams were locked in late-night talks in London last night in a bid to get the Brexit trade deal over the line. A mountain of takeaway pizzas were pictured being delivered to the Westminster conference centre being used to host the wrangling.
Michel Barnier has been forced within inches of his mandate by Lord Frost
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Chief negotiators Mr Barnier and Lord Frost are expected to meet later today to “take stock” after almost a week of intense negotiations. If there is “positive noise”, the pair could decide to draft in Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen to decide on a final compromise. But the diplomat played down chances of a deal being finalised within "hours".
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Lord Frost and his negotiating team during a recent trip to Brussels
The insider said: "I do not have the impression that we are hours away from a deal. The gaps to be bridged are still quite substantial." Mr Barnier is under pressure by EU capitals, led by France, to walk away from the talks unless Boris Johnson makes significant concessions in disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and common standards. At a briefing of EU27 envoys yesterday, the Frenchman was told he has until the end of the week to decide whether Britain had offered enough concessions, according to a diplomatic note seen by Express.co.uk. MUST READ: Panicked Ireland hits out at Macron's 'very dangerous' no deal threat
What needs to be done to secure a Brexit deal?
Emmanuel Macron is trying to collapse negotiations to force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing waters. The French President wants the EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the "time pressure" of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31. An EU source said: “We are quickly approaching a make or break moment in the Brexit talks. “It is still unclear whether negotiators can bridge the gaps on issues like level playing field, governance and fisheries.” DON'T MISS
Rees-Mogg praises UK as Brussels drags feet on vaccine: 'We are FREE!' [INSIGHT]
Brexit deal on brink as Macron to 'block progress at eleventh-hour' [ANALYSIS]
Barnier will LEAVE before deal done if not agreed this week [REVEALED]


thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--Panicked Ireland hits out at Emmanuel Macron's 'very dangerous' no deal Brexit threat

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Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again Foreign minister Simon Coveney said his country would be caught in the “ crossfire ” between acrimonious exchanges between Brussels and London if the trade talks end in failure .
Speaking ahead of a trip to Paris , he warned a no-deal Brexit would “ mean significant disruption , costs , stress and blame games between Brussels and London ” .
The minister added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get caught in the cross-fires there.
” Emmanuel Macron is trying to collapse negotiations to force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing waters .
The French President wants the EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the `` time pressure '' of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31 .
Michel Barnier , the bloc ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , is under pressure by EU capitals , led by France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson makes significant concessions in disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and common standards .
The Brussels diplomat yesterday warned EU27 ambassadors that he was not certain whether a deal can be reached before the end of the year .

Foreign minister Simon Coveney said his country would be caught in the “crossfire” between acrimonious exchanges between Brussels and London if the trade talks end in failure. Speaking ahead of a trip to Paris, he warned a no-deal Brexit would “mean significant disruption, costs, stress and blame games between Brussels and London”. The minister added: “From an Irish perspective, we get caught in the cross-fires there.”
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Emmanuel Macron is trying to collapse negotiations to force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing waters. The French President wants the EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the "time pressure" of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31. Michel Barnier, the bloc’s chief Brexit negotiator, is under pressure by EU capitals, led by France, to walk away from the talks unless Boris Johnson makes significant concessions in disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and common standards. The Brussels diplomat yesterday warned EU27 ambassadors that he was not certain whether a deal can be reached before the end of the year.
Simon Coveney has lashed out at no-deal Brexit threats from hardline EU states
Simon Coveney is Ireland's foreign minister
Mr Coveney revealed they were told the issues of fisheries, level playing field and governance continue to block significant progress. He added: “The Irish government will be doing everything we can to try to find a way with the EU and UK teams to get a deal that Ireland can live with. “That means getting a fair deal for both sides on fisheries, which has proven really, really difficult.” Mr Coveney will meet French Europe minister Clement Beaune later today.
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Emmanuel Macron is happy to walk away from Brexit talks without a deal
In a dig at France’s no deal push, the Irish foreign minister added: “There’s a good chance we can get a deal across the line in the next few days. “Closing out a negotiation as complex as this one is never going to be easy.” Hardline states, led by Mr Macron, are concerned Mr Barnier could compromise in order to clinch a last minute agreement and protect his legacy. MUST READ: Brexit deal on brink as Macron to 'block progress at eleventh-hour'
What needs to be done to seal a Brexit deal?
EU fishing states, such as France, Belgium and Denmark, fear they face being largely shut out of the UK’s coastal waters. British officials rubbished claims by Mr Barnier in a separate briefing to MEPs that Downing Street had watered down its fishing demands. The Brussels diplomat said No10 was now ready to accept 60 percent of the value of the stocks in UK fishing grounds. DON'T MISS
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--EU makes desperate Brexit demand to fish only SIX miles from UK coast

Britain wants to be responsible for managing its territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from shore following its momentous departure from the bloc .
But as the clock continues to tick , EU officials have asked for access to waters six miles to 12 miles from Britain ’ s coast .
Bloomberg reports : `` The EU is also asking to include access to waters six miles to 12 miles from Britain ’ s coast in the agreement .
“ And a landing zone has yet to be identified on quotas and how to divide up the more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s waters.
” This is despite the UK ’ s bid to manage its seas out to 200 nautical miles in a so-called exclusive economic zone , or out to a median line between the British coast and the costs of other states .
Britain has vowed it will become an “ independent coastal nation ” after the transition period ends , enabling it to control its own waters , and who fishes in them , and to increase the British catch .
Fishing contributed just 0.03 percent of British economic output @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it as a symbol of the regained sovereignty and ay fishing grounds in British waters should be primarily for British fishing crews .
Combined with fish and shellfish processing , the sector makes up 0.1 percent of Britain ’ s GDP .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Boris 'sadly mistaken ' if he thinks he can 'betray fishermen' The UK unshackled itself from the Union in January but both sides are still trying to clinch a deal that would govern nearly 1 trillion dollars in annual trade before transitional arrangements end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues remain to unlock a deal : respectful enforcement mechanisms , guarantees of fair competition , and stable access to markets including fishing .
Officials on both sides have said there has been some progress on technical aspects of the talks on fisheries , including on quota sharing and a list of stocks , but London says the EU has not accepted that Britain will become an independent coastal state .
Under one proposal described by the EU sources , the sides could agree to a “ phasing-out mechanism ” for fish quotas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time , rather than overnight from January 1 , 2021 .

Brexit: Expert discusses possible ‘transition’ for fishermen
Britain wants to be responsible for managing its territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from shore following its momentous departure from the bloc. But as the clock continues to tick, EU officials have asked for access to waters six miles to 12 miles from Britain’s coast.
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Bloomberg reports: "The EU is also asking to include access to waters six miles to 12 miles from Britain’s coast in the agreement. “And a landing zone has yet to be identified on quotas and how to divide up the more than 100 species that are caught in Britain’s waters.” This is despite the UK’s bid to manage its seas out to 200 nautical miles in a so-called exclusive economic zone, or out to a median line between the British coast and the costs of other states.
The EU has made demands for its fisherman to catch just six miles from the UK coast
Britain wants to be responsible for managing its territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from shore following its momentous departure from the bloc
Britain has vowed it will become an “independent coastal nation” after the transition period ends, enabling it to control its own waters, and who fishes in them, and to increase the British catch. Fishing contributed just 0.03 percent of British economic output in 2019, but many Brexit supporters see it as a symbol of the regained sovereignty and ay fishing grounds in British waters should be primarily for British fishing crews. Combined with fish and shellfish processing, the sector makes up 0.1 percent of Britain’s GDP. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris 'sadly mistaken' if he thinks he can 'betray fishermen'
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EU officials have asked for access to waters six miles to 12 miles from Britain’s coast
Brexit supporters see fishing as a symbol of the regained sovereignty
Britain has vowed it will become an “independent coastal nation” after the transition period ends
The UK unshackled itself from the Union in January but both sides are still trying to clinch a deal that would govern nearly 1 trillion dollars in annual trade before transitional arrangements end on December 31. But three key issues remain to unlock a deal: respectful enforcement mechanisms, guarantees of fair competition, and stable access to markets including fishing.
EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters
Officials on both sides have said there has been some progress on technical aspects of the talks on fisheries, including on quota sharing and a list of stocks, but London says the EU has not accepted that Britain will become an independent coastal state. Under one proposal described by the EU sources, the sides could agree to a “phasing-out mechanism” for fish quotas that would increase Britain’s share in time, rather than overnight from January 1, 2021.


thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--Labour rebellion: Keir Starmer faces revolt of 60 MPs if he backs Brexit trade deal

As many as 60 Labour MPs on the front and backbenches could defy their leader if he insists the party back a deal negotiated by Lord Frost on behalf of Boris Johnson .
But Sir Keir is wary failure to support a deal could have a devastating impact on the party 's attempts to win back former Labour voters who backed the Tories at the 2019 general election .
The leader faces not only the risk of a major backbench rebellion if he tries to force his MPs to vote for a deal , but also decent number within his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what stance to take on any agreement already brewing .
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds , who is a former MEP and represents the ultra-Remain seat of Oxford East - is understood to be one of the voices at the top table uncomfortable with backing a deal .
In a speech at Bloomberg yesterday , she said : `` It is not a foregone conclusion that we will emerge with a deal .
`` If we do obtain a deal , media reports suggest it will be as thin as gruel - it won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exporting industry .
READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG '' And along the way , having threatened to break international law as a negotiating tactic , the government has trashed our reputation with other potential trading partners . ''
Negotiations between the UK and the EU are ongoing , with Brussels ' chief negotiator , Michel Barnier , describing this week as a `` make or break moment '' for the talks .
A trade deal would likely have to be secured this week if there is to be time for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their Parliaments before the end of the transition period on December 31 .
Deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy are both thought to support voting with the Government if a deal is agreed .
Admitting there were disagreements in the shadow cabinet on the issue , a source told The Guardian : `` There have been healthy discussions about how we proceed from here .
`` Ultimately , no one disagrees that the divide between Leave and Remain is over – but we ’ ve got to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a party and as a nation . ''
READ MORE : Lords inflict defeat on Boris ’ Brexit plan over plot to ditch EU rules Dozens of backbench MPs confronted the labour leader on the issue at a private meeting yesterday , angry at the idea they could be forced to back a deal whey ideologically disagree with .
Sir Keir Starmer was shadow Brexit secretary under Jeremy Corbyn 's leadership and was responsible for the party 's fudged stance on whether it supported leaving the EU .
The party 's 2019 manifesto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels before putting it to a referendum , with an option for Brits to chose to remain in the EU .
Voters in former so-called 'Red Wall ' seats abandoned the party in their droves at the ballot box in favour of Mr Johnson 's Conservatives , who ran with the slogan `` Get Brexit done '' .
DO N'T MISS : Should Boris Johnson walk away if EU insists on taking 40 % of UK fish ?
[ POLL ] Brexit Britain just approved ‘ a EUROPEAN vaccine ’ : Germans lash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent backing for British farming : 'We need more ' [ VIDEO ] Polling has found as many as one in five former Labour voters may have rejected the party last December as a result of its botched Brexit policy .
Eager to avoid a civil war between the party 's MPs and angering voters , Sir Keir Starmer is thought to be now considering whether to tell his party to abstain in any upcoming Commons vote on a deal .
The Labour leader has ordered his MPs to abstain on several major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid the political consequences .
Sir Keir faced frontbenchers resignations in October when he told Labour MPs to abstain on new legislation increasing the power of the UK 's security services .

As many as 60 Labour MPs on the front and backbenches could defy their leader if he insists the party back a deal negotiated by Lord Frost on behalf of Boris Johnson. But Sir Keir is wary failure to support a deal could have a devastating impact on the party's attempts to win back former Labour voters who backed the Tories at the 2019 general election.
The leader faces not only the risk of a major backbench rebellion if he tries to force his MPs to vote for a deal, but also decent number within his top team, with a row over what stance to take on any agreement already brewing. Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, who is a former MEP and represents the ultra-Remain seat of Oxford East - is understood to be one of the voices at the top table uncomfortable with backing a deal. In a speech at Bloomberg yesterday, she said: "It is not a foregone conclusion that we will emerge with a deal. "If we do obtain a deal, media reports suggest it will be as thin as gruel - it won’t contain anything for our largest exporting industry. READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
Keir Starmer is facing revolt from his top team and backbenches
"And along the way, having threatened to break international law as a negotiating tactic, the government has trashed our reputation with other potential trading partners." Negotiations between the UK and the EU are ongoing, with Brussels' chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, describing this week as a "make or break moment" for the talks. A trade deal would likely have to be secured this week if there is to be time for both the UK and EU to ratify it in their Parliaments before the end of the transition period on December 31. Deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy are both thought to support voting with the Government if a deal is agreed. Admitting there were disagreements in the shadow cabinet on the issue, a source told The Guardian: "There have been healthy discussions about how we proceed from here. "Ultimately, no one disagrees that the divide between Leave and Remain is over – but we’ve got to show we are serious about moving forward as a party and as a nation." READ MORE: Lords inflict defeat on Boris’ Brexit plan over plot to ditch EU rules
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds is one of those thought to be pushing for Labour to reject the deal
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Michel Barnier and David Frost are still trying to agree a deal
Dozens of backbench MPs confronted the labour leader on the issue at a private meeting yesterday, angry at the idea they could be forced to back a deal whey ideologically disagree with. Sir Keir Starmer was shadow Brexit secretary under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and was responsible for the party's fudged stance on whether it supported leaving the EU. The party's 2019 manifesto pledged to negotiate a Brexit deal with Brussels before putting it to a referendum, with an option for Brits to chose to remain in the EU. Voters in former so-called 'Red Wall' seats abandoned the party in their droves at the ballot box in favour of Mr Johnson's Conservatives, who ran with the slogan "Get Brexit done". DON'T MISS:
Should Boris Johnson walk away if EU insists on taking 40% of UK fish? [POLL]
Brexit Britain just approved ‘a EUROPEAN vaccine’: Germans lash out [REACTION]
John Redwood demands urgent backing for British farming: 'We need more' [VIDEO]
Keir Starmer has ordered his MPs to abstain in several crunch votes of late including on new Covid tiers
Polling has found as many as one in five former Labour voters may have rejected the party last December as a result of its botched Brexit policy. Eager to avoid a civil war between the party's MPs and angering voters, Sir Keir Starmer is thought to be now considering whether to tell his party to abstain in any upcoming Commons vote on a deal. The Labour leader has ordered his MPs to abstain on several major votes in recent weeks in order to avoid the political consequences. Sir Keir faced frontbenchers resignations in October when he told Labour MPs to abstain on new legislation increasing the power of the UK's security services.
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-03--EU's Brexit team in crisis – Barnier will LEAVE before deal done if not agreed this week

The Brussels diplomat insisted he was leaving his role as head of the European Commission ’ s Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom at the end of the year .
He is under pressure by EU capitals , led by France , to walk away from the talks unless Boris Johnson makes significant concessions in disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and common standards .
Mr Barnier was told he has until the end of the week to decide whether Britain had offered enough concessions , according to a diplomatic note seen by Express.co.uk .
The UK and EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London last night in a bid to get the Brexit trade deal over the line .
A mountain of takeaway pizzas were pictured being delivered to the Westminster conference centre being used to host the wrangling .
Chief negotiators Mr Barnier and Lord Frost are expected to meet later today to “ take stock ” after almost a week of intense negotiations .
If there is “ positive noise ” , the pair could decide to draft in Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen to decide on a final compromise .
Emmanuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing waters .
The French President wants the EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the `` time pressure '' of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31 .
Mr Barnier has previously said he will leave his current role at the end of the year – whether there is a deal or not .
He yesterday briefed EU ambassadors on the latest state of play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat said : “ We are quickly approaching a make or break moment in the Brexit talks .
“ It is still unclear whether negotiators can bridge the gaps on issues like level playing field , governance and fisheries.
” Hardline states , led by Mr Macron , are concerned Mr Barnier could compromise in order to clinch a last minute agreement and protect his legacy .
EU fishing states , such as France , Belgium and Denmark , fear they face being largely shut out of the UK ’ s coastal waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier in a separate briefing to MEPs that Downing Street had watered down its fishing demands .
The Brussels diplomat said No10 was now ready to accept 60 percent of the value of the stocks in UK fishing grounds .
Despite the tensions , Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said : “ There ’ s a good chance we can get a deal across the line in the next few days.
” DO N'T MISS Self-sacrifice and resilience have unified Britain says LEO MCKINSTRY [ COMMENT ] UK ditches EU rules to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as France demands changes to EU rules [ INSIGHT ]

The Brussels diplomat insisted he was leaving his role as head of the European Commission’s Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom at the end of the year. He is under pressure by EU capitals, led by France, to walk away from the talks unless Boris Johnson makes significant concessions in disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and common standards. Mr Barnier was told he has until the end of the week to decide whether Britain had offered enough concessions, according to a diplomatic note seen by Express.co.uk.
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The UK and EU teams were locked in late-night talks in London last night in a bid to get the Brexit trade deal over the line. A mountain of takeaway pizzas were pictured being delivered to the Westminster conference centre being used to host the wrangling. Chief negotiators Mr Barnier and Lord Frost are expected to meet later today to “take stock” after almost a week of intense negotiations. If there is “positive noise”, the pair could decide to draft in Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen to decide on a final compromise.
Michel Barnier has warned he will leave his post if France forces through no-deal Brexit
Michel Barnier is in London for Brexit trade talks
Emmanuel Macron is trying to collapse negotiations to force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing waters. The French President wants the EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the "time pressure" of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31. Mr Barnier has previously said he will leave his current role at the end of the year – whether there is a deal or not. He yesterday briefed EU ambassadors on the latest state of play in the Brexit trade talks.
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French President Emmanuel Macron
An EU diplomat said: “We are quickly approaching a make or break moment in the Brexit talks. “It is still unclear whether negotiators can bridge the gaps on issues like level playing field, governance and fisheries.” Hardline states, led by Mr Macron, are concerned Mr Barnier could compromise in order to clinch a last minute agreement and protect his legacy. EU fishing states, such as France, Belgium and Denmark, fear they face being largely shut out of the UK’s coastal waters. MUST READ: Brexit 'helped UK' win race to approve COVID-19 vaccine - pharma boss
Brexit: What needs to be done to get a trade and security deal over the line
British officials rubbished claims by Mr Barnier in a separate briefing to MEPs that Downing Street had watered down its fishing demands. The Brussels diplomat said No10 was now ready to accept 60 percent of the value of the stocks in UK fishing grounds. A senior UK source said: “It’s a non-starter.” Despite the tensions, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said: “There’s a good chance we can get a deal across the line in the next few days.” DON'T MISS
Self-sacrifice and resilience have unified Britain says LEO MCKINSTRY [COMMENT]
UK ditches EU rules to improve animal welfare [REVEALED]
Macron TERRIFIED as France demands changes to EU rules [INSIGHT]