thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Nicola Sturgeon tables Europe motion to counter Brexit deal and pushes forward EU ties

The First Minister will lead a debate in Holyrood this afternoon on whether to support Boris Johnson ’ s trade agreement .
Tensions between Edinburgh and London are running high over the Brexit deal as the SNP accuse Boris Johnson of taking Scotland “ out of the EU ” against their will .
Ms Sturgeon said the SNP led Scottish Government has recommended that consent is not given to the UK Government ’ s “ inadequate and damaging ” Brexit deal with the EU , which is currently being debated in the Commons .
A Legislative Consent Memorandum ( LCM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the people of Scotland have never given their backing to Brexit and says that the Future Relationship Bill fails to protect Scottish and UK interests .
The consent motion , seen by Express.co.uk , adds : “ The Scottish Government continues to believe that the best future for Scotland is to become an independent country and Member State of the EU.
” The motion says the Scottish Government will argue “ constructively for the UK to have a more beneficial relationship short of full membership with the EU ” .
Scottish Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ key springboard ” to prepare for Scotland to resume “ full membership of the EU as an independent country ” .
Scottish Labour , Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Greens will join the party and back the agreement , meaning it is unable to gain a majority unless MSPs break the party line .
In a statement ahead of the vote , Ms Sturgeon said : `` The Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament consistently suggested alternatives .
While recognising the UK would leave the EU , we proposed staying in the single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disregarded Scotland 's views , values and interests .
It has agreed a deal which is disastrous for Scotland .
`` The UK Government 's deal will impose costs on businesses , reduce the opportunities of its citizens , and sacrifice its own international influence - in order to gain powers it will struggle to use.
” Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the message to Scotland 's EU citizens is that the country is their home and that they are welcome .
He told MPs this morning : `` When this bad Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very first public images that were released showed the Prime Minister raising his arms aloft in celebration .
`` When I saw that image , my thoughts immediately turned to the European nationals who have made their home here , because they 're certainly not celebrating .
`` During the four years and more of this Brexit mess , the main emotion they have felt is worry - worry about staying here , worrying about their jobs and real worry for their families .
`` In Scotland , these citizens are our friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are our neighbours .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit debate LIVE : Speaker forced to intervene as Blackford rants [ REVEAL ] Boris Johnson ’ s ‘ taking back control ’ border strategy for UK revealed [ INSIGHT ] House of Lords 'filled with cronies ' and should be scrapped [ LATEST ] '' So before this Tory Government forces through a deal that rips us out of the European Union , the single market and the customs union , let us get this message out to Scotland 's EU citizens - Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Scottish Government remains most concerned about the fishing aspect of the deal which means fewer access to fish than under the existing Common Fisheries Policy ( CFP ) arrangements .
They published data which claims the amount of North Sea cod , haddock and whiting landed by fishermen will fall as a result .
Research published yesterday found that of 18 species , there would be the chance to land more fish for only five .
Ms Sturgeon claimed the study showed promises to the industry had been “ spectacularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing branded it a “ terrible outcome for Scotland ’ s coastal communities.
” Under the terms , 25 per cent of EU fishing rights in UK waters will be transferred to the UK fleet , over a period lasting up to June 30 , 2026 .
There will then be annual negotiations on the amount of fish EU vessels can take from British waters .
The UK Government has argued this represents a major improvement on the EU ’ s CFP .
But according to Scottish Government officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other member states will end and leasing extra quotas will be prohibitively expensive , the ability to land some crucial species will reduce in practice .
While the research pointed to increased opportunities to fish for species such as mackerel and herring , it said there would be fewer for several species of white fish such as North Sea cod , haddock , saithe and whiting .
Currently , the average UK landing percentage of total EU and UK quota combined for North Sea cod is 63.5 per cent .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent under the Brexit deal .
Similar decreases have been estimated for North Sea haddock , Rockall haddock , North Sea saithe , North Sea whiting and North Sea hake .
Mike Park , chief executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association , said his members were “ deeply aggrieved ” .
The Scottish Fishermen ’ s Federation said that the deal “ falls very far short ” of government pledges .
Elspeth Macdonald , the group ’ s chief executive , added : “ Although we are glad to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure better arrangements for our fishermen is far from over .
“ We are now a coastal state with one hand tied behind our back and the industry ’ s task in the months and years ahead is to right the wrongs of this deal.
” But urging MPs north of the Border to back the agreement , Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said : “ The deal the UK Government has secured with the EU is great news for Scotland .
It is the first zero tariffs , zero quotas deal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news for Scottish fisheries , taking us out of the CFP and restoring our status as an independent coastal state .
”

Brexit: Michael Russell on Scotland's future in UK Internal Market
The First Minister will lead a debate in Holyrood this afternoon on whether to support Boris Johnson’s trade agreement. Tensions between Edinburgh and London are running high over the Brexit deal as the SNP accuse Boris Johnson of taking Scotland “out of the EU” against their will.
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Ms Sturgeon said the SNP led Scottish Government has recommended that consent is not given to the UK Government’s “inadequate and damaging” Brexit deal with the EU, which is currently being debated in the Commons. A Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) lodged with the Scottish Parliament recognises that the people of Scotland have never given their backing to Brexit and says that the Future Relationship Bill fails to protect Scottish and UK interests. The consent motion, seen by Express.co.uk, adds: “The Scottish Government continues to believe that the best future for Scotland is to become an independent country and Member State of the EU.” The motion says the Scottish Government will argue “constructively for the UK to have a more beneficial relationship short of full membership with the EU”. Scottish Government officials told Express.co.uk the motion was a “key springboard” to prepare for Scotland to resume “full membership of the EU as an independent country”.
Nicola Sturgeon will lead a debate in Holyrood today
Boris Johnson addressing The Commons this morning
Scottish Labour, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Greens will join the party and back the agreement, meaning it is unable to gain a majority unless MSPs break the party line. In a statement ahead of the vote, Ms Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament consistently suggested alternatives. While recognising the UK would leave the EU, we proposed staying in the single market and customs union. "The UK Government dismissed these ideas. “It disregarded Scotland's views, values and interests. It has agreed a deal which is disastrous for Scotland. "The UK Government's deal will impose costs on businesses, reduce the opportunities of its citizens, and sacrifice its own international influence - in order to gain powers it will struggle to use.” READ MORE: EU's VDL and Michel officially sign Brexit trade deal
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The Bill will be debated in Holyrood this afternoon
Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the message to Scotland's EU citizens is that the country is their home and that they are welcome. He told MPs this morning: "When this bad Brexit deal was published, one of the very first public images that were released showed the Prime Minister raising his arms aloft in celebration. "When I saw that image, my thoughts immediately turned to the European nationals who have made their home here, because they're certainly not celebrating. "During the four years and more of this Brexit mess, the main emotion they have felt is worry - worry about staying here, worrying about their jobs and real worry for their families. "In Scotland, these citizens are our friends, they are our family, they are our neighbours. DON'T MISS:
Brexit debate LIVE: Speaker forced to intervene as Blackford rants [REVEAL]
Boris Johnson’s ‘taking back control’ border strategy for UK revealed [INSIGHT]
House of Lords 'filled with cronies' and should be scrapped [LATEST]
62 percent of Scots wanted to stay in the EU
"So before this Tory Government forces through a deal that rips us out of the European Union, the single market and the customs union, let us get this message out to Scotland's EU citizens - Scotland is your home, you are welcome." The Scottish Government remains most concerned about the fishing aspect of the deal which means fewer access to fish than under the existing Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) arrangements. They published data which claims the amount of North Sea cod, haddock and whiting landed by fishermen will fall as a result. Research published yesterday found that of 18 species, there would be the chance to land more fish for only five. Ms Sturgeon claimed the study showed promises to the industry had been “spectacularly broken” whilst Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing branded it a “terrible outcome for Scotland’s coastal communities.”
Brexit trade deal is being secured
Under the terms, 25 per cent of EU fishing rights in UK waters will be transferred to the UK fleet, over a period lasting up to June 30, 2026. There will then be annual negotiations on the amount of fish EU vessels can take from British waters. The UK Government has argued this represents a major improvement on the EU’s CFP. But according to Scottish Government officials, because the ability to swap quotas with other member states will end and leasing extra quotas will be prohibitively expensive, the ability to land some crucial species will reduce in practice. While the research pointed to increased opportunities to fish for species such as mackerel and herring, it said there would be fewer for several species of white fish such as North Sea cod, haddock, saithe and whiting.
Brexit: Bill Cash says Churchill and Thatcher ‘would be proud’


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--May erupts at Starmer 'No lectures from you! - you had a better deal & didn't vote for it'

Theresa May erupted at the Labour Party leader after Sir Keir Starmer claimed the Brexit trade deal reached with the European Union is `` thin '' .
The former Conservative Prime Minister insisted Sir Keir could have had a more comprehensive deal had he backed her efforts to secure a deal last year .
Speaking in the Commons as MPs debated the European Union ( Future Relationship ) Bill , Mrs May said : `` I welcome this deal and I will be supporting it today .
`` And I welcome the fact the official Opposition will be supporting this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredulity to what the leader of the Opposition said .
`` He said he wanted a better deal .
He had the opportunity in early 2019 , when there was the opportunity of a better deal on the table , and he voted against it .
`` So I will take no lectures from the leader of the Opposition on this deal . ''
Sir Keir said the Labour Party will back the Government 's bill despite their dissatisfaction with the final agreement struck last week .
JUST IN : ‘ Spectacular hypocrisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scot fishing betrayal Defending his decision to whip MPs to back the Brexit trade deal , Sir Keir said : `` There 's only one choice today , which is to vote for implementing this deal or to vote for no-deal .
Those that vote no , are voting for no-deal .
`` This is the nub of it : those voting no today want yes .
They want others to save them from their own vote .
Voting no , wanting yes , that 's the truth of the situation and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different path . ''
The leader of the Opposition claimed he would have negotiated a `` better '' deal than the Prime Minister , adding : `` When the default is no-deal it 's not a mark of how pro-European you are to reject implementing this treaty .
`` It is n't in the national interest to duck a question or to hide in the knowledge that others will save you from the consequences of your own vote .
READ MORE : Boris hails 'sovereign control ' has been returned as Britain starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple vote with a simple choice : do we leave the transition period with the treaty negotiated with the EU or do we leave with no-deal ?
`` And so Labour will vote to implement this treaty today to avoid no-deal and to put in place a floor from which we can build a strong future relationship with the EU . ''
The Labour leader also insisted the agreement is `` a basis to build on in the years to come '' and `` the Leave/Remain argument is over '' .
Concluding his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have only one day before the end of the transition period and it 's the only deal that we have .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson ’ s ‘ taking back control ’ border strategy for UK revealed [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [ INSIGHT ] Boris dealt blow as Plaid Cymru join SNP to vote against trade deal [ LATEST ]

Brexit: Theresa May says she ‘won’t take lectures’ from Starmer
Theresa May erupted at the Labour Party leader after Sir Keir Starmer claimed the Brexit trade deal reached with the European Union is "thin". The former Conservative Prime Minister insisted Sir Keir could have had a more comprehensive deal had he backed her efforts to secure a deal last year. Speaking in the Commons as MPs debated the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill, Mrs May said: "I welcome this deal and I will be supporting it today.
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"And I welcome the fact the official Opposition will be supporting this deal but I did listen with some incredulity to what the leader of the Opposition said. "He said he wanted a better deal. He had the opportunity in early 2019, when there was the opportunity of a better deal on the table, and he voted against it. "So I will take no lectures from the leader of the Opposition on this deal." Sir Keir said the Labour Party will back the Government's bill despite their dissatisfaction with the final agreement struck last week. JUST IN: ‘Spectacular hypocrisy’ Boris Johnson slaps down Blackford over Scot fishing betrayal
Theresa May said she will take
Theresa May reminded Sir Keir he had the chance to support a "better" deal last year
Defending his decision to whip MPs to back the Brexit trade deal, Sir Keir said: "There's only one choice today, which is to vote for implementing this deal or to vote for no-deal. Those that vote no, are voting for no-deal. "This is the nub of it: those voting no today want yes. They want others to save them from their own vote. Voting no, wanting yes, that's the truth of the situation and that's why my party has taken a different path." The leader of the Opposition claimed he would have negotiated a "better" deal than the Prime Minister, adding: "When the default is no-deal it's not a mark of how pro-European you are to reject implementing this treaty. "It isn't in the national interest to duck a question or to hide in the knowledge that others will save you from the consequences of your own vote. READ MORE: Boris hails 'sovereign control' has been returned as Britain starts 'historic new chapter'
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Brexit: Keir Starmer backs Boris Johnson to ‘avoid no deal’
Brexit news: Sir Keir said Labour will back the bill to avoid a no deal scenario
Brexit news: Sir Keir did not back May's deal as he backed calls for a second referendum at the time


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--'Scotland will be back in EU after independence!' Blackford's staggering speech in debate

The party 's Westminster leader intervened in a debate on the Brexit trade agreement with the EU to make a point of order - a procedure usually used to highlight inaccuracies or irregularities in a Commons debate .
However , Mr Blackford interrupted the Prime Minister 's opening statement in the debate to promote Scottish independence .
He said : `` It 's the people of Scotland that are sovereign , and it 's the people of Scotland that will determine to take them back into the European Union with independence . ''
With just five hours to debate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eager to speak on the subject , the remarks left Speaker Lindsay Hoyle infuriated for taking up time .
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle accused the SNP leader of deliberately abusing the point of order rule to make a point unrelated to the trade deal debate .
He said : `` As the leader of the SNP knows , it is not a point of order .
READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG '' I 'm desperate to know what he has to say in his contribution , rather than use it up now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it so we can get others in ? ''
Mr Blackford 's comments came despite already having time set aside for him in the debate to make a speech on his opinion on the EU trade deal negotiated by the Government .
The Speaker 's slap down of Mr Blackford came on his third bogus point of order in just 10 minutes .
His intervention into the Prime Minister 's statement ate into debate time , meaning less MPs would be likely to get the opportunity to have their say on the Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day the SNP demanded the length of debate for the trade deal be extended , warning not enough MPs would get a chance to have their say .
MPs defeated the SNP 's bid to extend the time available to debate the European Union ( Future Relationship ) Bill from five hours to seven hours by 362 votes to 60 , majority 302 .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson hails ‘ historic new chapter ' as MPs begin Brexit debate Following Mr Blackford 's intervention , the Prime Minister said his trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused the SNP of wanting to hand sovereignty back to Brussels .
He said : `` Restoring Mr Speaker a great British industry to the eminence that it deserves , levelling up communities across the UK – particularly and including in Scotland , where their interests in my view have been neglected for too long .
`` So I do find it extraordinary that on the eve of this great opportunity the declared position of the Scottish National Party is to hand control is to hand control of the very waters we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And they plan to ensnare Scotland ’ s fishing fleet in the dragnets of the Common Fisheries Policy all over again . ''
DO N'T MISS : Theresa May erupts at Starmer over complains Brexit deal is bad [ VIDEO ] Diane Abbott joins Labour MPs in Brexit rebellion to vote down deal [ UPDATE ] EU 's VDL and Michel officially sign Brexit trade deal [ PICTURED ] Continuing his pro-independence tirade later in the debate when making his official contribution , Mr Blackford said Scotland must now have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit .
Calling for a new independence referendum north of the border , he said : `` Now that we see the scale of the bad Brexit deal the question before the Scottish people is clear - which union does Scotland wish to be part of ?
`` Which future will we choose ?
This broken Brexit Britain or the European Union ?
`` If this whole Brexit saga was truly about sovereignty then the Scottish people ca n't and wo n't be denied our sovereign right to that self-determination .

Brexit: Boris Johnson shuts down Ian Blackford’s fishing comments
The party's Westminster leader intervened in a debate on the Brexit trade agreement with the EU to make a point of order - a procedure usually used to highlight inaccuracies or irregularities in a Commons debate. However, Mr Blackford interrupted the Prime Minister's opening statement in the debate to promote Scottish independence.
He said: "It's the people of Scotland that are sovereign, and it's the people of Scotland that will determine to take them back into the European Union with independence." With just five hours to debate the Brexit trade deal and hundreds of MPs eager to speak on the subject, the remarks left Speaker Lindsay Hoyle infuriated for taking up time. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle accused the SNP leader of deliberately abusing the point of order rule to make a point unrelated to the trade deal debate. He said: "As the leader of the SNP knows, it is not a point of order. READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
Ian Blackford intervened in the Brexit debate to promote Scottish independence
"I'm desperate to know what he has to say in his contribution, rather than use it up now, why doesn't he just save it so we can get others in?" Mr Blackford's comments came despite already having time set aside for him in the debate to make a speech on his opinion on the EU trade deal negotiated by the Government. The Speaker's slap down of Mr Blackford came on his third bogus point of order in just 10 minutes. His intervention into the Prime Minister's statement ate into debate time, meaning less MPs would be likely to get the opportunity to have their say on the Brexit agreement. At the start of the day the SNP demanded the length of debate for the trade deal be extended, warning not enough MPs would get a chance to have their say. MPs defeated the SNP's bid to extend the time available to debate the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill from five hours to seven hours by 362 votes to 60, majority 302. READ MORE: Boris Johnson hails ‘historic new chapter' as MPs begin Brexit debate
Lindsay Hoyle accused the SNP leader of deliberately misusing Parliamentary procedure
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Boris Johnson accused the SNP of trying to hand power back to the EU
Following Mr Blackford's intervention, the Prime Minister said his trade deal with the EU would benefit Scotland and accused the SNP of wanting to hand sovereignty back to Brussels. He said: "Restoring Mr Speaker a great British industry to the eminence that it deserves, levelling up communities across the UK – particularly and including in Scotland, where their interests in my view have been neglected for too long. "So I do find it extraordinary that on the eve of this great opportunity the declared position of the Scottish National Party is to hand control is to hand control of the very waters we have just reclaimed straight back to the EU. "And they plan to ensnare Scotland’s fishing fleet in the dragnets of the Common Fisheries Policy all over again." DON'T MISS:
Theresa May erupts at Starmer over complains Brexit deal is bad [VIDEO]
Diane Abbott joins Labour MPs in Brexit rebellion to vote down deal [UPDATE]
EU's VDL and Michel officially sign Brexit trade deal [PICTURED]
Ian Blackford said Scotland must now be allowed to choose between the UK and EU
Continuing his pro-independence tirade later in the debate when making his official contribution, Mr Blackford said Scotland must now have the right to determine its own future following Brexit. Calling for a new independence referendum north of the border, he said: "Now that we see the scale of the bad Brexit deal the question before the Scottish people is clear - which union does Scotland wish to be part of? "Which future will we choose? This broken Brexit Britain or the European Union? "If this whole Brexit saga was truly about sovereignty then the Scottish people can't and won't be denied our sovereign right to that self-determination.
Brexit timeline: The UK's journey to freedom from the EU
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--‘Spectacular hypocrisy’ Boris Johnson slaps down Blackford over Scot fishing betrayal

Boris Johnson insisted the Brexit trade deal struck with the European Union last week will return full control of waters to Scottish fishermen .
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford insisted the Scottish fishing communities however had been betrayed as he reiterated his party 's commitment to rejoining the EU as an independent nation .
But the Prime Minister slammed Mr Blackford for the SNP 's `` spectacular hypocrisy '' , saying : `` I do feel I must correct him because not only will we take back control of our waters , we will increase Scottish shares of all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ' time , we take control of the entire spectacular marine wealth .
`` It is only the Scottish nationalist party that would hand back control of the waters of this country with spectacular hypocrisy . ''
Mr Johnson said : `` That is their policy and they plan to ensnare Scotland 's fishing fleet in the dragnets of the Common Fisheries policy all over again .
`` And , in the meantime , guess what they 're going to do today - they 're going to vote today for a no-deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicks off Brexit deal debate as whips in gaffe over published bill Mr Johnson continued : `` This deal was negotiated by a big team , and ( SNP MP David Linden ) should know this , from every part of our United Kingdom , and it serves the whole of the UK - not least by protecting the integrity of the United Kingdom single internal market and Northern Ireland 's place within it . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` As for the leader of the Opposition ( Sir Keir Starmer ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found yet another position on Brexit and having plunged down every blind alley and exhausted every possible alternative , he has come to the right conclusion - namely to vote for this agreement which this Government has secured . ''
The SNP Westminster leader took issue with the Prime Minister calling his party `` nationalist '' and demanded a retraction , to which Mr Johnson said he had been using the term `` with a lower-case n. '' READ MORE : Boris hails 'sovereign control ' has been returned as Britain starts 'historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement Mr Johnson 's team reached with Brussels as a `` con . ''
The SNP Westminster leader said : `` I am just wondering how on earth the Prime Minister can talk about taking back control of waters when Scottish fisherman are going to have less access and less fish to catch as a consequence of his con deal ? ''
Labour ’ s Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has lodged a parliamentary amendment to introduce a new clause to the Brexit trade deal which would allow devolved governments to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP has also lodged an amendment which would require the UK Government to publish proposals to allow the financial services sector full access to EU markets before the end of February .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson ’ s ‘ taking back control ’ border strategy for UK revealed [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [ INSIGHT ] Boris dealt blow as Plaid Cymru join SNP to vote against trade deal [ LATEST ]

Brexit: Boris Johnson shuts down Ian Blackford’s fishing comments
Boris Johnson insisted the Brexit trade deal struck with the European Union last week will return full control of waters to Scottish fishermen. SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford insisted the Scottish fishing communities however had been betrayed as he reiterated his party's commitment to rejoining the EU as an independent nation. But the Prime Minister slammed Mr Blackford for the SNP's "spectacular hypocrisy", saying: "I do feel I must correct him because not only will we take back control of our waters, we will increase Scottish shares of all the relevant stocks.
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"And in five years' time, we take control of the entire spectacular marine wealth. "It is only the Scottish nationalist party that would hand back control of the waters of this country with spectacular hypocrisy." Mr Johnson said: "That is their policy and they plan to ensnare Scotland's fishing fleet in the dragnets of the Common Fisheries policy all over again. "And, in the meantime, guess what they're going to do today - they're going to vote today for a no-deal Brexit." JUST IN: Speaker kicks off Brexit deal debate as whips in gaffe over published bill
Boris Johnson slammed the SNP for its
Brexit news: Boris Johnson insisted Scotland will have full control of fisheries from now on
Mr Johnson continued: "This deal was negotiated by a big team, and (SNP MP David Linden) should know this, from every part of our United Kingdom, and it serves the whole of the UK - not least by protecting the integrity of the United Kingdom single internal market and Northern Ireland's place within it." Mr Johnson added: "As for the leader of the Opposition (Sir Keir Starmer), I am delighted that he has found yet another position on Brexit and having plunged down every blind alley and exhausted every possible alternative, he has come to the right conclusion - namely to vote for this agreement which this Government has secured." The SNP Westminster leader took issue with the Prime Minister calling his party "nationalist" and demanded a retraction, to which Mr Johnson said he had been using the term "with a lower-case n." READ MORE: Boris hails 'sovereign control' has been returned as Britain starts 'historic new chapter'
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Brexit: Boris Johnson praises work of negotiator David Frost
Brexit news: Blackford insisted the trade deal will be detrimental for fisheries
Mr Blackford had previously dubbed the agreement Mr Johnson's team reached with Brussels as a "con." The SNP Westminster leader said: "I am just wondering how on earth the Prime Minister can talk about taking back control of waters when Scottish fisherman are going to have less access and less fish to catch as a consequence of his con deal?" Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has lodged a parliamentary amendment to introduce a new clause to the Brexit trade deal which would allow devolved governments to join the Erasmus+ programme. The Edinburgh South MP has also lodged an amendment which would require the UK Government to publish proposals to allow the financial services sector full access to EU markets before the end of February. DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson’s ‘taking back control’ border strategy for UK revealed [REVEAL]
Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [INSIGHT]
Boris dealt blow as Plaid Cymru join SNP to vote against trade deal [LATEST]
Brexit news: Blackford claimed the deal was a "con" for Scottish fishermen


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--'We've been discussing this for years' Rees-Mogg rails at SNP amendment to prolong Brexit

Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted Parliament had been debating about Brexit for years and would not require additional time .
The SNP moved a motion to the Brexit trade bill demanding a two-hour extension to the five already allocated for discussions .
The leader of the House of Commons said : `` It is worth bearing in mind we 've now been discussing the subject for four , five , perhaps six , perhaps nearly 50 years .
`` Having five hours today until 2.30 or just under is about the right time to ensure that the legislation is passed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our friends in the SNP not liking the referendum results and therefore trying to stop it .
`` We 've had a referendum , leave won this is merely the last bit of icing being put on the Christmas cake that the Prime Minster so efficiently delivered to the nation . ''
The SNP ultimately saw their motion for extension defeated 362 to 60 before the Brexit trade bill debate began .
JUST IN : Speaker kicks off Brexit deal debate as whips in gaffe over published bill Mr Rees-Mogg welcomed the trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson presented the European Union ( Future Relationship ) Bill .
The Prime Minister praised UK negotiator Lord David Frost for his `` skill and mastery '' in securing an agreement with the EU in under a year .
Mr Johnson told the Commons .
`` Our negotiators accomplished their feat with astonishing speed .
`` It took nearly eight years for the Uruguay Round of world trade talks to produce a deal , and five years for the EU to reach a trade agreement with Canada , and six for Japan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' has been returned as Britain starts 'historic new chapter' Discussing the agreement , Mr Johnson added : `` The central purpose of this Bill is to accomplish something which the British people always knew in their hearts could be done , but which we were told was impossible - namely that we could trade and cooperate with our European neighbours on the closest terms of friendship and goodwill , whilst retaining sovereign control of our laws and our national destiny .
“ And that unifying thread runs through every clause : this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our European neighbours – of a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals , joined by friendship , commerce , history , interests and values , while respecting one another ’ s freedom of action and recognising that we have nothing to fear if we sometimes choose to do things differently and much to gain from the healthy stimulus of competition .
“ This Bill demonstrates how Britain can be at once European and sovereign . ''
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson ’ s ‘ taking back control ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [ INSIGHT ] Boris dealt blow as Plaid Cymru join SNP to vote against trade deal [ LATEST ] Despite Mr Johnson hailing the deal as a success for Britain , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the agreement `` thin '' .
Responding to Mr Johnson in Parliament , Sir Keir said : `` It 's often said there 's nothing simple about Brexit but the choice before the House today is perfectly simple .
Do we implement the treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or do we not ?
`` That is the choice .
If we choose not to , the outcome is clear , we leave the transition period without a deal , without a deal on security , on trade , on fisheries , without protection for our manufacturing sector , for farming , for countless British businesses and without a foothold to build a future relationship with the EU .
`` Anyone choosing that option today knows there is no time to renegotiate , there 's no better deal coming in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humble addresses , no SO24s , so choosing that option leads to one place - no deal . ''

Brexit: Rees-Mogg shuts down SNP demands for extra time
Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted Parliament had been debating about Brexit for years and would not require additional time. The SNP moved a motion to the Brexit trade bill demanding a two-hour extension to the five already allocated for discussions. The leader of the House of Commons said: "It is worth bearing in mind we've now been discussing the subject for four, five, perhaps six, perhaps nearly 50 years.
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"Having five hours today until 2.30 or just under is about the right time to ensure that the legislation is passed. "I think we're once again seeing our friends in the SNP not liking the referendum results and therefore trying to stop it. "We've had a referendum, leave won this is merely the last bit of icing being put on the Christmas cake that the Prime Minster so efficiently delivered to the nation." The SNP ultimately saw their motion for extension defeated 362 to 60 before the Brexit trade bill debate began. JUST IN: Speaker kicks off Brexit deal debate as whips in gaffe over published bill
Rees-Mogg pointed out the Brexit debate has been going on "for years"
Rees-Mogg insisted five hours is perfectly suitable to conclude the Brexit debate
Mr Rees-Mogg welcomed the trade agreement with Brussels before Prime Minister Boris Johnson presented the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill. The Prime Minister praised UK negotiator Lord David Frost for his "skill and mastery"in securing an agreement with the EU in under a year. Mr Johnson told the Commons. "Our negotiators accomplished their feat with astonishing speed. "It took nearly eight years for the Uruguay Round of world trade talks to produce a deal, and five years for the EU to reach a trade agreement with Canada, and six for Japan. READ MORE: Boris hails 'sovereign control' has been returned as Britain starts 'historic new chapter'
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Brexit: Boris Johnson shuts down Ian Blackford’s fishing comments
Brexit news: The SNP have said they will not be voting for the deal
Discussing the agreement, Mr Johnson added: "The central purpose of this Bill is to accomplish something which the British people always knew in their hearts could be done, but which we were told was impossible - namely that we could trade and cooperate with our European neighbours on the closest terms of friendship and goodwill, whilst retaining sovereign control of our laws and our national destiny. “And that unifying thread runs through every clause: this Bill embodies our vision – shared with our European neighbours – of a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests and values, while respecting one another’s freedom of action and recognising that we have nothing to fear if we sometimes choose to do things differently and much to gain from the healthy stimulus of competition. “This Bill demonstrates how Britain can be at once European and sovereign." DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson’s ‘taking back control’ border strategy for UK revealed [REVEAL]
Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [INSIGHT]
Boris dealt blow as Plaid Cymru join SNP to vote against trade deal [LATEST]
Brexit news: The trade deal was ultimately struck on Christmas Eve


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Tier 5 and lockdown update: Hancock says not yet on Tier 5 despite Covid cases surge

Tier 5 would go a step further than restrictions currently in place across most of the southeast and central England since before Christmas , effectively putting the affected regions in near-total lockdown .
Speculation about the new tier arose as the Government admitted to difficulties in containing a new strain of the coronavirus .
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock ruled out expanding the tiering system to include a new Tier 5 ahead of his announcement about extending Tier 4 .
Asked whether Tier 5 could be introduced today , Mr Hancock told LBC : `` I 'm not announcing anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to see in Tier 4 areas not just rules , but people taking that responsibility as they did in the first and second national lockdown to keep the rates under control . ''
Presenter Andrew Castle then asked if Tier 4 would be expanded to more areas across England , to which the Health Secretary said : `` Yes .
`` Because in the short term in the here and now we 've got to keep this virus under control , and the strategy all along has been to suppress the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , and the vaccine making us safe bit has just gone a whole lot easier . ''
JUST IN : School closures : Gavin Williamson to make announcement TODAY on reopening

Matt Hancock tells public to ‘stay at home unless you need to leave’
Tier 5 would go a step further than restrictions currently in place across most of the southeast and central England since before Christmas, effectively putting the affected regions in near-total lockdown. Speculation about the new tier arose as the Government admitted to difficulties in containing a new strain of the coronavirus. But Health Secretary Matt Hancock ruled out expanding the tiering system to include a new Tier 5 ahead of his announcement about extending Tier 4.
Trending
Asked whether Tier 5 could be introduced today, Mr Hancock told LBC: "I'm not announcing anything above Tier 4 today. "And we need to see in Tier 4 areas not just rules, but people taking that responsibility as they did in the first and second national lockdown to keep the rates under control." Presenter Andrew Castle then asked if Tier 4 would be expanded to more areas across England, to which the Health Secretary said: "Yes. "Because in the short term in the here and now we've got to keep this virus under control, and the strategy all along has been to suppress the virus until the vaccine can make us safe, and the vaccine making us safe bit has just gone a whole lot easier." JUST IN: School closures: Gavin Williamson to make announcement TODAY on reopening
Tier 5 restrictions will not be announced today, Matt Hancock confirmed
Hancock did however say Tier 4 rules will be extended to "more" areas in England
Mr Hancock continued: "But the new variant, especially but not only in London and the South East, is making the suppress the virus part of the strategy harder as well. "I know that people understand this, I know that these decisions aren't easy and they have a big disruptive impact on peoples lives, but I know people understand why we have to do it, especially with the vaccine around the corner." Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, parts of Essex, which were not already in Tier 4, Waverley in Surrey, Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton, but excluding the New Forest were all moved into Tier 4 on Boxing Day. READ MORE: Diane Abbott says she will defy Starmer's order for Labour MPs to vote for Boris's deal
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Coronavirus: Previous sufferers can catch new strain says expert
Coronavirus Tier 4 are expected to be extended from today
The confirmation came after the British Government authorised the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for use. This means it has met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. Mr Hancock welcomed the news noting the vaccination programme will now be able to be rolled out much faster as an additional 100 million doses of vaccine are expected to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks. The Health Secretary said: "The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being authorised for use by the regulator. They've been looking really carefully at all the information that's come out of the trials. DON'T MISS:
Coronavirus vaccine hero Martin Kenyon, 91, gets second jab [Exclusive]
Tier 5: Will London go into Tier 5? How strict could Tier 5 be? [Insight]
Tier 5 lockdown: Covid app highlights areas that could move to Tier 5 [Latest]
Coronavirus vaccinations will speed up thanks to the new AstraZeneca jab being approved, Hancock said


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Nicola Sturgeon sets stage for battle of Union in 2021 as SNP hatch IndyRef2 election plot

In New Year 's Messages , UK Tory bigwigs issued stern warnings as Scots are set to return to polling stations in May .
Speaking today , Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross urged voters to turn to Unionism in a bid to force the SNP out of 13 years of power .
He added : “ The people of Scotland are due to return to the polling stations .
“ It is no exaggeration to say the country 's future is at stake .
“ On the ballot will be the SNP 's obsessive determination to inflict another divisive independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 17 referendums put support for independence at in mid-fifties , Scottish political parties are gearing up for what is expected to be several months of heated electoral campaigns in the New Year .
A study by Savanta ComRes for The Scotsman found 58 percent of 1,013 Scots asked support independence when undecided voters are removed , while 42 percent are in favour of the union .
The support for independence was reflected in the poll 's findings of Holyrood voting intentions for next year 's election , with the SNP forecast to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - up from the current 63 - and the Scottish Greens moving up to 11 seats from five .
The poll , undertaken last week , suggests the Tories are set to drop eight seats while Labour will lose five , dropping to 23 and 19 seats respectively , while the Lib Dems are forecast to retain five seats .
Mr Ross stressed on independence : “ This , in the minds of the Nationalists , is more important than pulling together to help rebuild our shattered economy and a society scarred by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ REJECTS ‘ rotten ’ Brexit trade deal as it seeks CLOSER EU ties “ They will give no credit to the strength of the United Kingdom , which was at its best in the face of the pandemic .
Seeing our family of four proud nations working together in these dark times confirmed the power of our union .
“ But we don ’ t need to view everything through the prism of independence .
The perpetual and phoney grievance of the SNP must be challenged.
” Meanwhile , Scottish Secretary Alister Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great deal '' negotiated with the EU will open up new global opportunities for Scottish businesses , and cautioned against another independence referendum .
Mr Jack added : `` With the UK pulling together , 2021 will put us firmly on the road to recovery .
DO N'T MISS : Nicola Sturgeon to PUSH forward with EU ties and snub Boris trade deal [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon 's SNP brutally savaged over claim Scotland 'conned ' in Brexit [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the UK Government and the devolved administrations working together , in everyone 's best interest .
`` I urge the Scottish Government to work with us to focus on supporting jobs and driving Scotland 's economic recovery .
`` As we begin this new chapter , our firm hope is that UK-wide , we embrace the many opportunities ahead of us .
`` I believe that our future is bright . ''
On the Nationalist side , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanked Scots for their sacrifices during an `` unimaginably difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message , she praised the `` most extraordinary dedication '' of health and care workers and volunteers who helped others during the coronavirus pandemic , and urged people to `` show each other kindness , compassion , and love '' .
Ms Sturgeon said 2021 can be Scotland 's `` year of recovery '' as COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out .
Hinting about a second vote , she said : “ As we rebuild after this pandemic , we can , we must focus on making Scotland a fairer country and a greener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the end of the year , the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow , and the COP 26 climate change summit - a gathering that has the potential to set the whole world on a path to a more sustainable future .
`` So even as we reflect on this darkest of years , we can see light ahead . ''
Responding to Mr Ross 's speech , SNP depute leader Keith Brown , added : `` The only new year message Douglas Ross should be giving is an abject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s complete betrayal of Scottish fishermen , their broken promises , and selling out of Scotland ’ s interests in the Brexit negotiations .
`` It is now beyond doubt that the only way to protect Scotland 's people and interests is to become an independent country inside the EU . ''

Nicola Sturgeon sends message to EU citizens in Scotland
In New Year's Messages, UK Tory bigwigs issued stern warnings as Scots are set to return to polling stations in May. Speaking today, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross urged voters to turn to Unionism in a bid to force the SNP out of 13 years of power.
Trending
He added: “The people of Scotland are due to return to the polling stations. “It is no exaggeration to say the country's future is at stake. “On the ballot will be the SNP's obsessive determination to inflict another divisive independence referendum on the country.” After more than 17 polls put support for independence in the mid-fifties, Scottish political parties are gearing up for what is expected to be several months of heated electoral campaigns in the New Year.
2021 could be the year for IndyRef2
Holyrood elections take place in May 2021
A study by Savanta ComRes for The Scotsman found 58 percent of 1,013 Scots asked support independence when undecided voters are removed, while 42 percent are in favour of the union. The support for independence was reflected in the poll's findings of Holyrood voting intentions for next year's election, with the SNP forecast to win an overall majority with 71 seats - up from the current 63 - and the Scottish Greens moving up to 11 seats from five. The poll, undertaken last week, suggests the Tories are set to drop eight seats while Labour will lose five, dropping to 23 and 19 seats respectively, while the Lib Dems are forecast to retain five seats. Mr Ross stressed on independence: “This, in the minds of the Nationalists, is more important than pulling together to help rebuild our shattered economy and a society scarred by the pandemic. READ MORE: Scotland REJECTS ‘rotten’ Brexit trade deal as it seeks CLOSER EU ties
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Relations between Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson remain strained
“They will give no credit to the strength of the United Kingdom, which was at its best in the face of the pandemic. Seeing our family of four proud nations working together in these dark times confirmed the power of our union. “But we don’t need to view everything through the prism of independence. The perpetual and phoney grievance of the SNP must be challenged.” Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack echoed Ms Ross and argued the "great deal" negotiated with the EU will open up new global opportunities for Scottish businesses, and cautioned against another independence referendum. Mr Jack added: "With the UK pulling together, 2021 will put us firmly on the road to recovery. DON'T MISS:
Nicola Sturgeon to PUSH forward with EU ties and snub Boris trade deal [REVEAL]
Nicola Sturgeon to give lockdown update as Boris considers tier change [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon's SNP brutally savaged over claim Scotland 'conned' in Brexit [LATEST]
Nicola Sturgeon has hinted a vote could take place next year
"Scottish people want instead to see the UK Government and the devolved administrations working together, in everyone's best interest. "I urge the Scottish Government to work with us to focus on supporting jobs and driving Scotland's economic recovery. "As we begin this new chapter, our firm hope is that UK-wide, we embrace the many opportunities ahead of us. "I believe that our future is bright."
Douglas Ross


thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Brexit VICTORY: Boris Johnson hails historic day as EU deal becomes UK law TONIGHT

In an historic sitting yesterday , legislation to ensure the new rules governing trade between the UK and EU are activated from 11pm was backed by a thumping 448-vote Commons majority .
Peers were on course to approve the EU ( Future Relationship ) Bill late last night .
And the Queen was expected to enshrine the legislation into law by giving the measure the Royal Assent early today .
MPs voted by a 571 to 73 to give the Bill formal second and third readings .
On their December 30 sitting since 1912 , the legislation speeded through all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opening the debate after Parliament was recalled to rush through approval for his treaty , Mr Johnson told MPs : “ Having taken back control of our money , our borders , our laws and our waters by leaving the European Union on Jan 31st , we now seize the moment to forge a fantastic new relationship with our European neighbours , based on free trade and friendly co-operation .
“ And at the heart of this Bill is one of the biggest free trade agreements in the world , a comprehensive Canada-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , if anything , should allow our companies to do even more business with our European friends , safeguarding millions of jobs and livelihoods in our UK and across the continent.
” He added : “ I hope and believe that this agreement will also serve to end some of the rancour and recrimination that we ’ ve had in recent years , allow us to come to together as a country.
” Most Labour MPs reluctantly backed the measure under order from Sir Keir Starmer .
But in signs of continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , around 30 rebels defied him by abstaining while one MP , Bell Ribeiro-Addy , voted against the Bill .
Two junior shadow ministers – Helen Hayes and Tonia Antoniazzi – quit their posts on the Labour frontbench to defy the party whip by abstaining .
Speaking during the debate , Sir Keir said the “ thin deal ” with “ many flaws ” was better than a no-deal scenario – and there was “ no better deal coming in the next 24 hours ” .
He added : “ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for implementing this deal or to vote for no deal .
“ Those that vote no , are voting for no deal .
“ This is the nub of it : those voting no today want yes .
They want others to save them from their own vote .
Voting no , wanting yes , that ’ s the truth of the situation and that ’ s why my party has taken a different path.
” Sir Keir claimed he would have negotiated a “ better ” deal than Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no deal it ’ s not a mark of how pro-European you are to reject implementing this treaty .
The Lib Dems joined the SNP , Plaid Cymru and the DUP in voting against the Bill .
Veteran Eurosceptic Tory Sir Bill Cash paid a moving tribute to Mr Johnson during the debate .
He said the Prime Minister had “ against all the odds , led us out of parliamentary paralysis last year to victory , delivering us from 48 years of subjugation to EU laws and European court jurisdiction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Our Prime Minister , a great classicist , like his hero Pericles , is the first citizen of his country , and like him has saved our democracy .
Like Alexander the Great , Boris has cut the Gordian Knot .
“ Churchill and Margaret Thatcher would have been deeply proud of his achievements , and so are we .
This Bill for our future relationship with the EU provides a new exciting era for our trade with Europe and the rest of the world on sovereign terms , not those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chequers deal.
” Former minister Mark Francois , chairman of the Brexit-backing European Research Group of Tory MPs , said : “ Thanks to this agreement on New Year ’ s Eve we will finally leave the European Union forever , so perhaps Big Ben will bong for Brexit after all.
” Mr Francois joked about how hard-line Eurosceptics had been branded “ Spartans ” .
“ Perhaps I and my Spartan friends should now lower our spears too , but perhaps keep them to hand just in case one day someone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should try and take us back in .
“ My colleagues in the European Research Group have fought long and hard for this day and we have sometimes been lampooned or even vilified by the Remain-dominated electronic media for our trouble when all we have ever wanted is one thing – to live in a free country that elects its own government and makes its own laws here in Parliament and then lives under them in peace , ” he said .
DO N'T MISS Gove shames SNP voting for no deal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Historic moment Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal treaty [ PICTURES ] Nicola Sturgeon rants against Boris over Brexit : 'It 's a rotten deal ' [ INSIGHT ]

Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal with EU
In an historic sitting yesterday, legislation to ensure the new rules governing trade between the UK and EU are activated from 11pm was backed by a thumping 448-vote Commons majority. Peers were on course to approve the EU (Future Relationship) Bill late last night. And the Queen was expected to enshrine the legislation into law by giving the measure the Royal Assent early today.
Trending
MPs voted by a 571 to 73 to give the Bill formal second and third readings. On their December 30 sitting since 1912, the legislation speeded through all Commons stages in a single day. Opening the debate after Parliament was recalled to rush through approval for his treaty, Mr Johnson told MPs: “Having taken back control of our money, our borders, our laws and our waters by leaving the European Union on Jan 31st, we now seize the moment to forge a fantastic new relationship with our European neighbours, based on free trade and friendly co-operation. “And at the heart of this Bill is one of the biggest free trade agreements in the world, a comprehensive Canada-style deal, worth over £660 billion, which, if anything, should allow our companies to do even more business with our European friends, safeguarding millions of jobs and livelihoods in our UK and across the continent.”
Boris Johnson’s Brexit trade deal comes into force tonight
Brexit timeline
He added: “I hope and believe that this agreement will also serve to end some of the rancour and recrimination that we’ve had in recent years, allow us to come to together as a country.” Most Labour MPs reluctantly backed the measure under order from Sir Keir Starmer. But in signs of continuing bitter divisions in the party over Europe, around 30 rebels defied him by abstaining while one MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, voted against the Bill. Two junior shadow ministers – Helen Hayes and Tonia Antoniazzi – quit their posts on the Labour frontbench to defy the party whip by abstaining. Speaking during the debate, Sir Keir said the “thin deal” with “many flaws” was better than a no-deal scenario – and there was “no better deal coming in the next 24 hours”. He added: “There’s only one choice today, which is to vote for implementing this deal or to vote for no deal. “Those that vote no, are voting for no deal. “This is the nub of it: those voting no today want yes. They want others to save them from their own vote. Voting no, wanting yes, that’s the truth of the situation and that’s why my party has taken a different path.”
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Brexit: MPs vote in favour of trade deal
Sir Keir claimed he would have negotiated a “better” deal than Mr Johnson, adding: “When the default is no deal it’s not a mark of how pro-European you are to reject implementing this treaty. The Lib Dems joined the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the DUP in voting against the Bill. Veteran Eurosceptic Tory Sir Bill Cash paid a moving tribute to Mr Johnson during the debate. He said the Prime Minister had “against all the odds, led us out of parliamentary paralysis last year to victory, delivering us from 48 years of subjugation to EU laws and European court jurisdiction and regaining our sovereignty.”
Michael Gove tore in the SNP for seeking to exploit Brexit
Sir Bill said: “Our Prime Minister, a great classicist, like his hero Pericles, is the first citizen of his country, and like him has saved our democracy. Like Alexander the Great, Boris has cut the Gordian Knot. “Churchill and Margaret Thatcher would have been deeply proud of his achievements, and so are we. This Bill for our future relationship with the EU provides a new exciting era for our trade with Europe and the rest of the world on sovereign terms, not those of the EU, as with the Chequers deal.” Former minister Mark Francois, chairman of the Brexit-backing European Research Group of Tory MPs, said: “Thanks to this agreement on New Year’s Eve we will finally leave the European Union forever, so perhaps Big Ben will bong for Brexit after all.” Mr Francois joked about how hard-line Eurosceptics had been branded “Spartans”. “Perhaps I and my Spartan friends should now lower our spears too, but perhaps keep them to hand just in case one day someone, perhaps the leader of the Opposition, should try and take us back in. “My colleagues in the European Research Group have fought long and hard for this day and we have sometimes been lampooned or even vilified by the Remain-dominated electronic media for our trouble when all we have ever wanted is one thing – to live in a free country that elects its own government and makes its own laws here in Parliament and then lives under them in peace,” he said. DON'T MISS
Gove shames SNP voting for no deal and says police should investigate [VIDEO]
Historic moment Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal treaty [PICTURES]
Nicola Sturgeon rants against Boris over Brexit: 'It's a rotten deal' [INSIGHT]
Brexit in Daily Express front pages


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Liam Fox sets out TWO tests for Boris Johnson's Brexit deal as he congratulates Lord Frost

The former International Trade Secretary explained he wanted to make sure the Brexit deal meant that the UK could have @ @ @ @ @ its sovereignty .
Mr Fox congratulated David Frost for getting a deal that critics said @ @ @ @ @ Johnson signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday , adding his @ @ @ @ @ chiefs after the document was flown from Brussels to London .
Speaking in Parliament , @ @ @ @ @ Those of us who voted and campaigned to leave the European Union did so for @ @ @ @ @ `` I was always a constitutional Leaver .
For me the test for this bill @ @ @ @ @ sovreignty we sought and the answer is yes .
`` All of these elements were @ @ @ @ @ under the law should be determine those who make the law .
`` That is @ @ @ @ @ this process .
READ MORE : Scotland REJECTS ‘ rotten ’ Brexit trade deal as @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Liam Fox explains 'tests' for trade deal
The former International Trade Secretary explained he wanted to make sure the Brexit deal meant that the UK could have its own laws and regain its sovereignty. Mr Fox congratulated David Frost for getting a deal that critics said was not possible. Boris Johnson signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday, adding his signature to that of EU chiefs after the document was flown from Brussels to London.
Trending
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Fox said: "Those of us who voted and campaigned to leave the European Union did so for a number of reasons. "I was always a constitutional Leaver. For me the test for this bill is does it return the sovreignty we sought and the answer is yes. "All of these elements were compatible with those who live under the law should be determine those who make the law. "That is what we have regained in this process. READ MORE: Scotland REJECTS ‘rotten’ Brexit trade deal as it seeks CLOSER EU ties
Liam Fox set out two tests when deciding whether to vote for Boris Johnson's Brexit deal
Mr Fox congratulated David Frost for getting a deal that critics said was not possible
"The second test from me is does this allow us to have a genuinely independent trade policy. "Let's remember we were told it would take more than 10 years to reach a free trade agreement with the European Union. "It would be impossible to roll over all the EU agreements that we had. "I stood at that dispatch box and listened to the Opposition incessantly telling us that and so congratulations to the Department of International Trade, their ministers and officials for all that they have achieved.
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Boris Johnson signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday
Brexit: MPs vote in favour of trade deal
"And especially to David Frost for landing one of the world's biggest if not biggest trade agreements in 11 months. "It is a world record against something which we were told was not possible." It comes as peers are set to join MPs in backing Boris Johnson's historic post-Brexit trade deal with the EU. The European Union (Future Relationship) Bill, bringing the deal into UK law, was overwhelmingly approved in the Commons by 521 votes to 73. DON'T MISS Keir Starmer's heartbreak at Theresa May's resignation unveiled [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon to PUSH forward with EU ties and snub Boris trade deal [ANALYSIS]
Bill Cash praises Boris for unleashing UK 'Churchill would be proud' [VIDEO]
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Nightingale hospitals on standby to reopen as UK battles horror second wave of COVID-19

The Nightingale hospital sites across England include Manchester , Bristol , Sunderland , Harrogate , Exeter , Birmingham and London are on standby to take patients , according to Boris Johnson .
The majority are reportedly yet to start treating Covid-19 patients during the second wave , although the Exeter site received its first patients in November .
Jonathan from South London asked the Prime Minister during the press briefing : `` Given the high rates of Covid infections and hospital admissions , why has the government decided not to reopen the Nightingale hospitals ? ''
Speaking at Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far as I know we are going to be making sure the Nightingale hospitals are available .
`` They certainly are available but they 're there not to be used immediately as long as the other provision is still there . ''
NHS England Professor Stephen Powis added : `` The Nightingale hospitals have been there over the course of the year .
`` They are our insurance policy , there as our last resort .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson says Covid restrictions could be lifted in three months '' We asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago to be ready to take patients if that was required . ''
It comes as the Health Secretary has denied reports that London 's Nightingale hospital is being dismantled , insisting it is ready for use `` as back-up '' .
Matt Hancock said recent stories reporting that the 4,000-bed , custom-built field hospital had been decommissioned were `` wrong '' , despite the removal of some equipment from the site .
It is understood some equipment initially put in the ExCel centre site when it opened in April is no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds and ventilators had been removed .
England 's hospitals are seeing more Covid-19 patients than at the first peak of the virus in April , and Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Munira Wilson asked Mr Hancock on Wednesday when the Nightingale hospitals will be used .
Ms Wilson said : `` If now is not the time to use the Nightingales , when is ?
And if there are insufficient staff , why on earth did the Secretary of State spend £220 million building Nightingales - what is the back-up plan ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nightingale hospitals are there , as she puts it , as an insurance policy - they are there as back-up .
`` The London Nightingale hospital is there on standby as back-up .
'Get us back to normal ! '
Britons back new Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine [ OPINION ] Will my area move up a tier ?
Latest data reveals 25 places at risk [ INSIGHT ] Tier 5 and lockdown update : Hancock says not yet on Tier 5 [ VIDEO ] '' I 've seen some stories circulating saying it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But it is better for people if they are treated inside a hospital , but of course the Nightingales are there for extra support should it be needed .
`` And it will require changes to working patterns of staff if we do need to have patients in the Nightingales once more , but it is crucial , in my view , that we have those Nightingales there ready in case we need them . ''
Concerns have been raised around the already stretched health service 's ability to staff Nightingale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past president of the Society for Acute Medicine , said : `` It is not 'just the case ' of using the Nightingale hospital as there are simply no staff for them to run as they were originally intended ( mini intensive care units ) .
`` They could play a role perhaps if used as rehabilitation units for those recovering but , again , where do we find the specialist staff ?
The NHS simply does not have the capacity to spare anyone . ''

Boris Johnson says Nightingale hospitals ‘available’
The Nightingale hospital sites across England include Manchester, Bristol, Sunderland, Harrogate, Exeter, Birmingham and London are on standby to take patients, according to Boris Johnson. The majority are reportedly yet to start treating Covid-19 patients during the second wave, although the Exeter site received its first patients in November. Jonathan from South London asked the Prime Minister during the press briefing: "Given the high rates of Covid infections and hospital admissions, why has the government decided not to reopen the Nightingale hospitals?"
Trending
Speaking at Downing Street, Mr Johnsons said: "As far as I know we are going to be making sure the Nightingale hospitals are available. "They certainly are available but they're there not to be used immediately as long as the other provision is still there." NHS England Professor Stephen Powis added: "The Nightingale hospitals have been there over the course of the year. "They are our insurance policy, there as our last resort. READ MORE: Boris Johnson says Covid restrictions could be lifted in three months
Boris Johnson has said Nightingale hospitals are on standby to take patients
There are Nightingales at Manchester, Bristol, Sunderland, Harrogate, Exeter, Birmingham, London
"We asked all the Nightingale hospitals a few weeks ago to be ready to take patients if that was required." It comes as the Health Secretary has denied reports that London's Nightingale hospital is being dismantled, insisting it is ready for use "as back-up". Matt Hancock said recent stories reporting that the 4,000-bed, custom-built field hospital had been decommissioned were "wrong", despite the removal of some equipment from the site. It is understood some equipment initially put in the ExCel centre site when it opened in April is no longer there, with the Daily Telegraph reporting beds and ventilators had been removed.
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The majority are reportedly yet to start treating Covid-19 patients during the second wave
Matt Hancock: Nightingale hospitals are on 'standby'
England's hospitals are seeing more Covid-19 patients than at the first peak of the virus in April, and Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Munira Wilson asked Mr Hancock on Wednesday when the Nightingale hospitals will be used. Ms Wilson said: "If now is not the time to use the Nightingales, when is? And if there are insufficient staff, why on earth did the Secretary of State spend £220 million building Nightingales - what is the back-up plan?" Mr Hancock said: "Of course the Nightingale hospitals are there, as she puts it, as an insurance policy - they are there as back-up. "The London Nightingale hospital is there on standby as back-up. DON'T MISS 'Get us back to normal!' Britons back new Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine [OPINION]
Will my area move up a tier? Latest data reveals 25 places at risk [INSIGHT]
Tier 5 and lockdown update: Hancock says not yet on Tier 5 [VIDEO]
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Scotland REJECTS ‘rotten’ Brexit trade deal as it seeks CLOSER EU ties

Scottish Parliament MSPs voted to refuse legislative consent for the Prime Minister 's Brexit agreement with the EU this afternoon .
The Scottish Government ’ s Legislative Consent Memorandum ( LCM ) lodged with the Scottish Parliament recognises the people of Scotland have never given their backing to Brexit and says the Future Relationship Bill fails to protect Scottish and UK interests .
The consent motion , seen by Express.co.uk , adds : “ The Scottish Government continues to believe that the best future for Scotland is to become an independent country and Member State of the EU.
” MSPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal would `` cause severe damage to Scotland 's environmental , economic and social interests.
” Tensions have run high between Boris Johson and SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over the sealed trade deal , which SNP MP ’ s voted against in the Commons this afternoon .
Despite the SNP rebellion however , MPs voted by 521 to 73 to give the European Union ( Future Relationship ) Bill , ratifying the deal finally agreed on Christmas Eve , a third reading .
Alongside this , a Scottish Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect workers ' rights , the Erasmus student exchange scheme and environmental standards was passed by 94 votes to 30 .
A Scottish Conservative amendment calling for consent to be given to the European Union ( Future Relationship ) Bill was defeated by 94 votes to 30 .
The SNP led Scottish Government said the vote underlined that “ Scotland did not vote for Brexit , nor leaving the single market and customs union and losing the many benefits that membership of the European Union brings.
” Government modelling estimates a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could cut Scotland ’ s GDP by around 6.1 percent ( £9 billion in 2016 cash terms ) by 2030 compared to EU membership .
READ MORE : Ruth Davidson gets jeered in Scottish Parliament after shaming SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon branded Mr Johnson ’ s Brexit deal “ rotten ” claiming he had ignored the SNP led administration ’ s concerns .
She said : `` This Bill will pass regardless of how Scotland 's MPs vote because that 's what the Westminster establishment has decided .
`` The fact is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Brexit all along , every single step of the way .
`` We deserve better than a dismal choice between a terrible deal and no deal.
” DO N'T MISS : Nicola Sturgeon to PUSH forward with EU ties and snub Boris trade deal [ LATEST ] Welsh Parliament REJECTS Boris Johnson 's 'extremely damaging ' Brexit [ INSIGHT ] EU 's VDL and Michel officially sign Brexit trade deal [ REVEAL ] Ms Sturgeon made clear Scotland deserved the right to become an “ independent European country .
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will ever get to choose the future we want .
However , the Scottish Conservatives accused the SNP of `` contortions '' and `` hypocrisy '' over its opposition to the Brexit deal .
Ruth Davidson , leader of the Conservatives at Holyrood , said : `` Never once were they thinking about practical delivery , but always focused solely on their own , narrow political game-playing .
`` For the SNP this was never really about the substance of leaving the European Union because they do n't want to go there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party that espouses separation from one union as a betrayal but from another , deeper , more valuable one as a necessity . ''
Ms Davidson said the vote was not about EU membership as the UK had already left the bloc on January 31 .
She said : `` The only options on the table are the deal or no-deal , and if you vote against the first one then you 're inescapable voting for the second one . ''
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard whose party refused to side with Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s deal said the agreement is a `` bad deal for Scotland '' .
He added : `` A vote against the proposition in Westminster today is to risk the chaos and damage of a no-deal outcome .
`` And you ca n't say by voting against it , as SNP MPs will do today , that was n't what we meant .
`` That 's what will happen , which is why Labour MPs will reluctantly vote for the deal because the alternative would be chaos . ''
Patrick Harvie , Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition to the deal criticised the `` perverse and vindictive '' decision to leave the Erasmus student exchange programme and said the impact on young people from exiting the EU is the `` greatest tragedy '' .
Willie Rennie , Scottish Liberal Democrat leader said : `` When our children look back at this time , they will be astonished that the UK Government voluntarily pursued this big bang change in the middle of a global pandemic with the biggest economic and health crisis this country has ever faced . ''
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best deal is the one which currently exists with the UK in the single market and customs union , as he labelled the new arrangement `` an act of economic vandalism '' .
But Michael Gove accused the SNP of putting `` their narrow nationalism ahead of our national interest '' .
Mr Gove told the Commons Mr Blackford should hand himself in to the police and added : `` Indeed so opposed to no-deal were the SNP that ( Joanna Cherry ) went to court to ensure that if the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a deal he would go to jail .
`` Now the leader of the SNP is voting to take us out of the EU without a deal .
He is doing something that his own party said should be an imprisonable offence . ''

Brexit: Michael Russell on Scotland's future in UK Internal Market
Scottish Parliament MSPs voted to refuse legislative consent for the Prime Minister's Brexit agreement with the EU this afternoon. The Scottish Government’s Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) lodged with the Scottish Parliament recognises the people of Scotland have never given their backing to Brexit and says the Future Relationship Bill fails to protect Scottish and UK interests.
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The consent motion, seen by Express.co.uk, adds: “The Scottish Government continues to believe that the best future for Scotland is to become an independent country and Member State of the EU.” MSPs voted by 92 to 30 to say the deal would "cause severe damage to Scotland's environmental, economic and social interests.” Tensions have run high between Boris Johson and SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over the sealed trade deal, which SNP MP’s voted against in the Commons this afternoon. Despite the SNP rebellion however, MPs voted by 521 to 73 to give the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill, ratifying the deal finally agreed on Christmas Eve, a third reading.
MSPs debated in Holyrood today
Nicola Sturgeon arguing against Brexit today
Alongside this, a Scottish Labour amendment urging the UK and Scottish Government to protect workers' rights, the Erasmus student exchange scheme and environmental standards was passed by 94 votes to 30. A Scottish Conservative amendment calling for consent to be given to the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill was defeated by 94 votes to 30. The SNP led Scottish Government said the vote underlined that “Scotland did not vote for Brexit, nor leaving the single market and customs union and losing the many benefits that membership of the European Union brings.” Government modelling estimates a deal of the type that has been agreed could cut Scotland’s GDP by around 6.1 percent (£9 billion in 2016 cash terms) by 2030 compared to EU membership. READ MORE: Ruth Davidson gets jeered in Scottish Parliament after shaming SNP
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The Bill will be debated in Holyrood this afternoon
Ruth Davidson slated Nicola Sturgeon and accused the SNP of
Ms Sturgeon made clear Scotland deserved the right to become an “independent European country. She added: "It is only through independence that we will ever get to choose the future we want. However, the Scottish Conservatives accused the SNP of "contortions" and "hypocrisy" over its opposition to the Brexit deal. Ruth Davidson, leader of the Conservatives at Holyrood, said: "Never once were they thinking about practical delivery, but always focused solely on their own, narrow political game-playing.
Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson have been at loggerheads over a deal
"For the SNP this was never really about the substance of leaving the European Union because they don't want to go there. "This is after all the party that espouses separation from one union as a betrayal but from another, deeper, more valuable one as a necessity." Ms Davidson said the vote was not about EU membership as the UK had already left the bloc on January 31. She said: "The only options on the table are the deal or no-deal, and if you vote against the first one then you're inescapable voting for the second one."
Nicola Sturgeon criticised over referendum hopes by Rennie
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard whose party refused to side with Sir Keir Starmer and back Mr Johnson’s deal said the agreement is a "bad deal for Scotland". He added: "A vote against the proposition in Westminster today is to risk the chaos and damage of a no-deal outcome. "And you can't say by voting against it, as SNP MPs will do today, that wasn't what we meant. "That's what will happen, which is why Labour MPs will reluctantly vote for the deal because the alternative would be chaos."
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--THREE Labour MPs resign from frontbench roles in protest at Boris Johnson's Brexit deal

Shadow Office Minister Ms Hayes tweeted : `` I 'm grateful to all who 've contacted me on the EU Future Relationship Bill .
I ca n't vote for this damaging deal & have abstained today .
With much sadness & regret I 've offered my resignation as shadow cabinet office minister .
It 's been a privilege to serve . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had ordered his MPs to vote in favour of Boris Johnson 's Brexit trade deal , despite describing it as `` thin '' and with `` many flaws '' .
He added during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` There 's only one choice today , which is to vote for implementing this deal or to vote for no deal .
`` Those that vote no , are voting for no deal .
`` This is the nub of it : those voting no today want yes .
They want others to save them from their own vote .
Voting no , wanting yes , that 's the truth of the situation and that 's why my party has taken a different path . ''
But the Labour leader still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ignoring orders to support the Prime Minister 's Brexit trade deal .
A total of 162 of Labour 's 200 MPs supported the European Union ( Future Relationship ) Bill at the third reading .
Thirty-six did not record a vote , and Stretham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy opposed the legislation .
The three Labour resignations come after the UK 's trade deal with the European Union easily cleared the House of Commons .
Following four hours of debate , MPs voted by 521 to 73 in favour of the European Union ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement announced on Christmas Eve , a third reading .
The Bill now proceeds to the House of Lords , where peers are expected to debate it until around 10.30pm on Wednesday .
This is also expected to pass the Upper Chamber , and will then go to the Queen for Royal Assent , with an announcement expected around midnight .
The series of developments would pave the way for the deal to take effect at 11pm on Thursday when the deadline for the current Brexit transition period between the UK and EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit trade deal received large support after both the Labour Party and the backbench Tory hardline eurosceptics , the European Research Group , vowed to vote in favour of the agreement with the EU .
The SNP , Liberal Democrats , and DUP all voted against the deal .
The SNP 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford described the trade deal as `` an act of economic vandalism '' , while also attacking Labour for failing to oppose it .
He raged : `` I am sad to say that the official opposition has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can understand that this might be politically pragmatic for Labour but it definitely is n't politically principled . ''

Brexit: MPs vote in favour of trade deal
Shadow Office Minister Ms Hayes tweeted: "I'm grateful to all who've contacted me on the EU Future Relationship Bill. I can't vote for this damaging deal & have abstained today. With much sadness & regret I've offered my resignation as shadow cabinet office minister. It's been a privilege to serve."
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had ordered his MPs to vote in favour of Boris Johnson's Brexit trade deal, despite describing it as "thin" and with "many flaws". He added during the debate in the House of Commons: "There's only one choice today, which is to vote for implementing this deal or to vote for no deal. "Those that vote no, are voting for no deal. "This is the nub of it: those voting no today want yes. They want others to save them from their own vote. Voting no, wanting yes, that's the truth of the situation and that's why my party has taken a different path."
Three Labour MPs have resigned from the frontbench in opposition at the Brexit trade deal
Helen Hayes said she could not vote for the 'damaging deal'
But the Labour leader still saw a fifth of his MPs rebel by ignoring orders to support the Prime Minister's Brexit trade deal. A total of 162 of Labour's 200 MPs supported the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill at the third reading. Thirty-six did not record a vote, and Stretham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy opposed the legislation. The three Labour resignations come after the UK's trade deal with the European Union easily cleared the House of Commons.
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Tonia Antoniazzi's resignation letter to Sir Keir Starmer
Following four hours of debate, MPs voted by 521 to 73 in favour of the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill, ratifying the agreement announced on Christmas Eve, a third reading. The Bill now proceeds to the House of Lords, where peers are expected to debate it until around 10.30pm on Wednesday. This is also expected to pass the Upper Chamber, and will then go to the Queen for Royal Assent, with an announcement expected around midnight. The series of developments would pave the way for the deal to take effect at 11pm on Thursday when the deadline for the current Brexit transition period between the UK and EU expires. In the Commons, the Brexit trade deal received large support after both the Labour Party and the backbench Tory hardline eurosceptics, the European Research Group, vowed to vote in favour of the agreement with the EU.
Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Those that vote no, are voting for no deal'
Ian Blackford lashed out at the trade deal and attacked Laboir for not doing enough to oppose it
The SNP, Liberal Democrats, and DUP all voted against the deal. The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford described the trade deal as "an act of economic vandalism", while also attacking Labour for failing to oppose it. He raged: "I am sad to say that the official opposition has been missing in action. "I can understand that this might be politically pragmatic for Labour but it definitely isn't politically principled."
The key moments that have led to the Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-12-30--Boris Johnson CANCELS New Year's Eve as he demands Brits stay at home due to Covid spike

Boris Johnson has told people to follow the rules on New Year 's Eve as 78 percent of the population in England will be under Tier 4 restrictions .
Speaking from Downing Street , Mr Johnson said : `` All of these measures are to save lives and protect the NHS .
For that reason , I must ask you to follow the rules where you live tomorrow night and see in the new year safely at home .
`` That means not meeting up with friends and family indoors unless they 're in the same household and support bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any kind . ''
On the day a vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca was approved to tackle Covid-19 , Mr Johnson said a new strain of the virus was `` surging across the country '' and immediate action was needed .
He said that the Oxford vaccine and one from Pfizer were being rolled out , adding : `` We are working as hard and as fast as we can to get the supplies to you . ''
READ MORE : Coronavirus poll : Would you be happy to receive the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to face the fact that we 've got two big things happening at once in our fight against Covid - one 's working for us and one 's working against us .
`` On the plus side , we have got two valid vaccines , and we 're racing to get them out - and on the bad side there is a new strain of the virus which is spreading much faster and surging across the country . ''
Referring to new tier allocations announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this critical moment , with the prospect of freedom within reach , we 've got to redouble our efforts to contain the virus `` No-one regrets these measures more bitterly than I do , but we must take firm action now . ''
It came as a further 981 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Wednesday , bringing the UK total to 72,548 .
This is the highest daily figure reported since April 24 , when 1,010 deaths were reported , but there is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Christmas period .
Among the areas moving to Tier 4 are the Midlands , parts of the North East and North West and parts of the South West .
'Get us back to normal ! '
Britons back new Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine [ INSIGHT ] Holidays : FCDO issue update for France , Italy , Greece , Portugal & more [ ANALYSIS ] Boris Johnson says Covid restrictions could be lifted in three months [ VIDEO ]

Boris Johnson tells public to stay home on New Year’s Eve
Boris Johnson has told people to follow the rules on New Year's Eve as 78 percent of the population in England will be under Tier 4 restrictions. Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: "All of these measures are to save lives and protect the NHS. For that reason, I must ask you to follow the rules where you live tomorrow night and see in the new year safely at home.
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"That means not meeting up with friends and family indoors unless they're in the same household and support bubble. "And avoiding large gatherings of any kind." On the day a vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca was approved to tackle Covid-19, Mr Johnson said a new strain of the virus was "surging across the country" and immediate action was needed. He said that the Oxford vaccine and one from Pfizer were being rolled out, adding: "We are working as hard and as fast as we can to get the supplies to you." READ MORE: Coronavirus poll: Would you be happy to receive the new Oxford jab?
Boris Johnson addressed the nation after more areas were plunged into Tier 4 restrictions
A further 981 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday
But he said: "We have to face the fact that we've got two big things happening at once in our fight against Covid - one's working for us and one's working against us. "On the plus side, we have got two valid vaccines, and we're racing to get them out - and on the bad side there is a new strain of the virus which is spreading much faster and surging across the country." Referring to new tier allocations announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Mr Johnson said: "At this critical moment, with the prospect of freedom within reach, we've got to redouble our efforts to contain the virus "No-one regrets these measures more bitterly than I do, but we must take firm action now."
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Boris Johnson has told people to follow the rules on New Year's Eve
Boris Johnson says Nightingale hospitals ‘available’
It came as a further 981 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Wednesday, bringing the UK total to 72,548. This is the highest daily figure reported since April 24, when 1,010 deaths were reported, but there is likely to be a lag in reporting deaths over the Christmas period. Among the areas moving to Tier 4 are the Midlands, parts of the North East and North West and parts of the South West. DON'T MISS 'Get us back to normal!' Britons back new Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine [INSIGHT]
Holidays: FCDO issue update for France, Italy, Greece, Portugal & more [ANALYSIS]
Boris Johnson says Covid restrictions could be lifted in three months [VIDEO]
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