Boris Johnson insists controversial new Brexit legislation is a 'safety net' as Tory concern grows

Amy Jones
·36 min read

Boris Johnson has warned that "extreme" interpretations of the Brexit divorce deal could put the peace process in Northern Ireland at risk, amid mounting Tory backlash on the issue.

The Prime Minister said that the Internal Markets Bill, which overrides areas of the Withdrawal Agreement, is a "safety net" to ensure there is no barrier down the Irish sea.

He said: "I see the risk that certain extreme interpretations of the treaty might place to the peace process in Northern Ireland, to the Good Friday Agreement.

"Nobody wants to see a barrier down the Irish Sea. What we're doing is putting a safety net beneath which things cannot go wrong, to protect peace and protect the settlement in our United Kingdom."

It follows a strong intervention from former prime minister John Major, who warned that to renege on the deal would mean losing "something beyond price that may never be regained".

A growing number of Tory MPs have also expressed fears that the legislation will diminish the UK's standing following the Government's admission that it would breach international law.

Tobias Ellwood, the Chair of the Defence Select Committee, said the Government would "lose the moral high ground" overseas, warning Britain's soft power is based on "trust and transparency".

Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Tom Tugendhat added his voice to the criticism last night, warning that “our entire economy is based on the perception that people have of the UK’s adherence to the rule of law”.

Read more below.

03:59 PM

PM says getting people flying is an 'absolute priority' for the Government

Boris Johnson says that the new social distancing measures do not intend to cause "any extra burdens for the travel industry".

He says the Government's mass testing plan will help to get people "flying as fast and efficiently" as possible.

03:56 PM

Chris Whitty says virus had 'started to go out of control'

The Chief Medical Officer says the infection rate "had started to go to control and therefore we needed to do more".

He admits that further measures are "socially damaging" and  are "clearly economically damaging" but he claims the alternative is worse.

" The alternative is an overwhelmed,system and all the things that go with it," he warns.

He says what the Government is  trying to do "the minimum that has to be done".

"I don't see any evidence that the British people cannot endure," Prof Whitty adds.

03:50 PM

PM says it 'breaks my heart' to ban grandparents from meeting grandchildren

The Telegraph's Political Editor Gordon Rayner asks if the PM feels "comfortable making it illegal for grandparents in large families to meet their grandchildren" when young people are driving the rise in cases.

Boris Johnson replies by saying: "Of course I didn't feel comfortable about it. It breaks my heart to have to insist on these restrictions upon individuals, upon families."

He says young people "are more than capable of transmitting it to the much more vulnerable older generation" and is making these changes to "prevent a wider lockdown".

03:44 PM

PM says John Major's interpretation of new legislation is 'extreme'

Boris Johnson is asked about the comments of his prime ministerial predecessor, who described treaties as "sacrosanct" (see 15.57 post).

Mr Johnson said: "I see it very differently. I see the risk that certain, I think extreme interpretations of the treaty, might place to the peace process in Northern Ireland to the Good Friday Agreement.

"Nobody wants to see a barrier down the Irish Sea. So what we're doing... is putting a safety net beneath which things cannot go wrong to protect peace," he says.

03:41 PM

Boris Johnson says he is still 'hopeful' we can get back to normal by Christmas

The Prime Minister strikes a markedly more upbeat tone than his scientific adviser, saying he is "hopeful" that "we could be able to get some aspects of our lives back to normal by Christmas".

Mr Johnson says rapid turnaround testing would give people "a kind of passport" and a "freedom to mingle".

He says:: "That's the, the opportunity and we're aiming for that, we're driving for that. As I've said just now we cannot be 100 per cent sure that we can deliver that in its entirety."

03:38 PM

Chris Whitty says things will be 'difficult' until spring

The Chief Medical Officer says people "shouldn't just see this as a very short term thing" and that new restrictions are likely to last months, not weeks.

Professor Whitty says that over autumn and winter because "respiratory viruses are having advantage because people crowd together" indoors.

He said: "So the period between now and spring is going to be difficult, because this is a respiratory virus.

"People shouldn't just see this as a very short term thing, they should see it over the next period."

03:33 PM

PM is asked if he will extend furlough scheme

Boris Johnson says he does not want to see people left in "suspended animation when really we want people to get back to work if they possibly can".

However, the Prime Minister tells the care centre worker that "jobs such as yours should certainly be supported and and protected".

03:29 PM

Sir Patrick Vallance updates on vaccine developments

He notes the clinical trials will roll out this year, with many following next year. He hopes that we will "start to get some indication hopefully before the end of the year of vaccines that do work".

Sir Patrick says that many vaccines are already showing the "right immune response".

The Chief Scientific Adviser addresses the Oxford vaccine trial which has been forced to pause after an individual on the programme fell ill.

He insists that this is "not an unusual thing" and says this is "precisely why phase three clinical trials happen". 

03:25 PM

Boris Johnson unveils testing plan to get back to normal

The Prime Minister says the Government is working on bringing in mass testing to help people "behave in a more normal way in the knowledge they can't infect anyone else with the virus".

He says that saliva tests, which can turn results around in under 90 minutes, could be deployed on a "far bigger scale than any country has yet achieved" with "literally millions of tests being processed every single day".

Mr Johnson says this would "allow people to lead more normal lives without the need for social distancing" meaning theatres and sports venues could reopen.

The Government hopes to bring mass testing in by Spring 2021.

03:21 PM

Government delays pilot audience plans

Boris Johnson says the rising cases mean "we must also, I'm afraid, revise plans to pilot larger audiences in venues later this month and review our intention to return audiences to stadiums and conference centres".

He insists this "doesn't mean we're going to scrap the programme entirely, we just have to review it".

03:18 PM

Pubs and restaurants will be 'legally required' to request contact details

The Prime Minister says he wants to see "stronger enforcement of the rules which are already in place".

Hospitality businesses will now be legally required to request the contact details of visitors and retain these details for 21 days and provide them to NHS test and trace "without delay" when required. 

Local authorities will receive further powers to close venues that are breaking the rules and pose a risk to public health.

Fines of £1,000 will be levied against hospitality venues that fail to ensure their premises remain Covid secure. 

03:15 PM

Boris Johnson ushers in the 'rule of six'

From Monday groups must "not meet socially in groups of more than six", the Prime Minister announces.

"And if you do, you will be breaking the law," he warns.

Rule breakers will be liable for £100 fines.

He says there will be limited exemptions for single households and support bubbles. People will be able to gather in places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues but individual groups must be no larger than six.

03:13 PM

PM admits that rules have become 'quite complicated and confusing'

He says the Government has consulted with police officers "about what they need for the effective enforcement regime".

Mr Johnson says the Government is "simplifying, and strengthening the rules, making them easier for everyone to understand and for the police to enforce". 

He adds: "It's safer to meet outdoors and you should keep your distance from anyone you don't live with. Even if they're close friends or family."

03:11 PM

Boris Johnson says it is 'clear that we must act'

The Prime Minister urges the public not to get "back into the old habits" and runs through the Government's 'hands face space' message.

He issues a plea to people to only book tests if they show symptoms of coronavirus.

03:09 PM

Chris Whitty begins the press conference with slides

The Chief Medical Officer notes that case numbers are "going up really much more rapidly over the last few days".

He also notes that "we're following a pattern extremely similar" to France and Spain but says he hopes the UK can see a reduction in the same way as Belgium, which introduced new restrictive measures.

Weekly incidence per 100,000 population - Downing Street/Downing Street
UK case rate compared to European countries - Downing Street/Downing Street

 

03:01 PM

Press conference about to begin

Boris Johnson is expected to unveil tough new restrictions on social gatherings, making it illegal for groups of more than six to meet from Monday.

You can watch the update live here.

02:57 PM

John Major: 'We will have lost something beyond price that may never be regained'

The former prime minister has issued a strong statement, describing treaties as "sacrosanct".

He said: "Over the last century, as our military strength has dwindled, our word has retained its power.

"If we lose our reputation for honouring the promises we make, we will  have lost something beyond price that may never be regained."

02:46 PM

European Commission vice-president says he expects 'the letter and the spirit' of WA to be respected

Maros Sefcovic confirms he has asked for a meeting with ministers, saying: "I have called for an extraordinary EU-UK Joint Committee to be held as soon as possible - so that our UK partners elaborate and respond to our strong concerns regarding their announcement."

02:30 PM

New charges against Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe are 'indefensible and unacceptable', No 10 warns

Her husband says the new charges are further evidence she is being held for "political leverage" amid a multimillion pound dispute between Britain and Iran.

Richard Ratcliffe has appealed to UK officials to insist on attending her second trial when it begins in Tehran on Sunday, and said the situation had left his family "caught" between two governments "fighting".

Boris Johnson is urging Iran not to return Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe to prison, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman saying the decision to bring new charges is "indefensible and unacceptable".

02:18 PM

Welsh Conservative quits over plans to override Withdrawal Agreement

David Melding, the Shadow Counsel General, has stepped down over his concerns with the Internal Markets Bill.

Mr Melding said that the legislation "has done nothing to lessen my anxieties about the dangers facing out 313 year old Union".

He claimed his fears had been "gravely aggravated by the decisions made in the last few days by the Prime Minister".

02:05 PM

UK publishes state aid plan

The Business Secretary has published the state aid plan the EU has been waiting for.

It says that the UK will "follow WTO subsidy rules and other international commitments, replacing the EU state aid laws, from January 1".

State aid has become a huge sticking point in Brexit negotiations, with both sides refusing to budge on the issue.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma claims the plans will lead to a "competitive, dynamic market economy" and insists the Government will not return to the 1970s approach of "picking winners and bailing out unsustainable companies with taxpayers’ money".

He says: "As we take back control of our money and laws from the EU, we have a unique opportunity to design our own subsidy control regime in a way that works businesses, workers and consumers.

"Over the coming months I want to work closely with businesses and public authorities across all parts of the United Kingdom to consider how best we can use these new freedoms."

01:51 PM

Nicola Sturgeon says Internal Markets Bill is an 'abomination'

The Scottish First Minister says the legislation breaks international law and could lead Scotland to be forced into accepting chlorinated chicken.

Ms Sturgeon said in a statement:

"The UK government are not only set to break international law – it is clear they are now set to break devolution.

The Tories’ proposed Bill for a so-called UK internal Market is an abomination. It is a naked power grab which would cripple devolution.

The plan for mutual recognition of standards in reality means a race to the bottom when it comes to things like food standards and environmental protections.

It would prevent the Scottish Parliament from effectively legislating in a whole range of areas, including laws covering the food people put on their tables, which is currently produced to high EU animal welfare and food safety standards.

That could be undermined by Scotland having to accept lower standards set by a UK Government in pursuit of a US or other trade deals – and could see us forced to accept chlorinated chicken."

01:42 PM

Covid tests every day

In case you missed it, Boris Johnson revealed that he wanted people to take coronavirus tests every day during today's PMQs.

The Prime Minister compared his ambition to pregnancy tests, saying that people would have a result within minutes.

You can watch it here:

01:32 PM

Number 10 welcomes EU request for urgent meeting

European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic called for a meeting to respond to the EU's "strong concerns" over the Internal Markets Bill.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman says: "We welcome the request from vice-president Maros Sefcovic for an extraordinary joint committee meeting and we will be agreeing this with the vice-president's team as soon as we can."

01:27 PM

Number 10 says it cannot allow ‘damaging default provisions to kick in’

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman says the Government is introducing the Internal Markets Bill because it cannot allow “damaging default provisions to kick in”.

The spokesman says the Government originally agreed the terms “at pace” and on the assumption that a trade deal would be forged.

He adds: “It was always on the understanding that there will be a subsequent joint committee process where we would sit down with the EU and work through some of the ambiguities contained within. That's what we've been doing.”

01:26 PM

Downing Street says devolved administrations will see a 'power surge'

Number 10 denied the UK Internal Market Bill is a power grab and said devolved administrations will instead see a "power surge".

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Absolutely not. What the devolved administrations will enjoy is a power surge when the transition period ends in December.

"There will be no change to the powers the devolved administrations already have and the vast majority of powers with devolved competencies returning from Brussels will go straight to Holyrood, Stormont and Cardiff Bay.

"This will be a significant increase in the powers of the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Parliament, and the Northern Ireland Assembly, which are already among the most powerful devolved administrations in the world.

"Where powers are coming back to the UK Government this is to protect the economy."

12:45 PM

Anneliese Dodds says Rishi Sunak is 'not listening' over furlough

The shadow chancellor claims Mr Sunak is not listening to businesses amid calls for an extension of the furlough scheme.

"The Chancellor likes to think he's got the ear of business, but it's clear he's just not listening when business tells him to change course," Ms Dodds told the Commons.

"I would love it frankly if the Chancellor and his team wish to open talks with the Opposition, with business, with trade unions, looking at the different options."

She added: "They (business owners) don't want a hand-out, they just want a fair chance. If they end up having to close their businesses, if they end up having to lay off staff, it will take a very long time to build those businesses back up again.

"The Government should be listening to them and they should be listening... to those members on the Government benches who are concerned about this withdrawal."

12:41 PM

Sir Charles Walker would vote to ‘curtail’ Government powers

Sir Charles also tells the BBC’s World At One that he is "incredibly exercised about the continued use by Government of powers... to basically restrict people's civil liberties without any recourse in Parliament".

The Vice-Chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers says he is unhappy with the Government's failure to run new social distancing restrictions past Parliament.

He admits he would vote to "curtail the Government's powers in this area".

12:35 PM

Sir Charles Walker says he would 'struggle' to vote for Internal Markets Bill

The Tory MP says there is an "element of nervoursness" about the "idea that we could be asked to vote for something that would put the UK in breach of international law".

The Vice-Chairman of the 1922 Committee says he would "struggle" with being asked to vote on it and instead suggested it was a negotiating tactic.

"The Government has a big majority so it may well get passed but I think I would struggle to vote for it," he adds.

12:25 PM

Labour raises concerns over the potential breach of the ministerial code

Labour is concerned at potential breaches in the ministerial code if civil servants have been directed to break the law over the Withdrawal Agreement, leader Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said.

"Yes, there are concerns and there's an urgent question in the Commons tomorrow on this matter," the spokesman said.

12:22 PM

Labour is looking at amendments to Internal Markets Bill amid 'serious concerns'

A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer confirms Labour is considering "potential amendments" to the Internal Markets Bill, admitting there are "serious concerns".

The spokesman said: "The Bill has just been published and we will publish a full response as soon as possible and look at any potential amendments.

"There are obviously serious concerns about the contents of the Bill, the implications on devolution and the implications on the Northern Ireland Protocol."

The spokesman said Boris Johnson was "not very well briefed" over the allegation that Sir Keir was silent on Brexit after the Labour leader gave interviews on the subject on Tuesday.

12:14 PM

Ursula von der Leyen says Government plans 'break international law and undermines trust'

The president of the European Commission says: "Very concerned about announcements from the British government on its intentions to breach the Withdrawal Agreement.

"This would break international law and undermines trust. Pacta sunt servanda = the foundation of prosperous future relations."

11:55 AM

EU calls for emergency meeting to discuss Internal Markets Bill

European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic says he spoke to Michael Gove yesterday evening. 

He said in Brussels: "I expressed our strong concerns and sought assurances that the UK will fully implement the Withdrawal Agreement, including the protocol on Ireland, Northern Ireland.

"In this context, I will call for an extraordinary Joint Committee on the Withdrawal Agreement to be held as soon as possible, so that our UK partners, elaborate, and respond to our strong concerns on the deal.

"Once the British government has announced the Bill,  tabled the Bill, which is expected this afternoon, our president will react... We will study the bill carefully. And I believe that the Joint Committee would be the most appropriate venue for further discussion.  "

11:48 AM

Sir Lindsay Hoyle says the 'total disregard for this Chamber is not acceptable'

Responding to Sir Desmond, the Speaker agrees it is "really not good enough for the Government to make decisions of this kind in the way which show insufficient regard the importance of major policy announcements being made first this House and to members of this House wherever possible.

"I've already sent a letter to the Secretary of State. I think the total disregard for this Chamber is not acceptable. I know the Prime Minister is a Member of Parliament as well and he will ensure that statements should be made here first."

Sir Lindsay says that if this behaviour continues he could run Mr Hancock "ragged” by allowing an urgent question every day.

11:45 AM

Sir Desmond Swayne attacks governing 'without debate'

The Tory backbencher says that if Matt Hancock had told the Commons yesterday about Government plans to restrict gatherings to groups of six.

He said: "What remedy is there for those of us who enthusiastically support the Prime Minister but nevertheless want to restrain the Government's ability to govern by order without debate?"

11:40 AM

Boris Johnson says he is considering new nuisance law measures over Extinction Rebellion

Long-time HS2 critic Dame Cheryl Gillan asks if the Prime Minister is considering measures on disruptive Extinction Rebellion.

Mr Johnson thanks Dame Cheryl and notes the "contrast between the civilised approach" and "those who tried in vain to hamper the freedom of the press".

He adds: "Given the weight of the economic interests that were under threat and the threat to the freedom of the press that we will look at what we can do under public order and indeed under the law on nuisance and that is what we will do."

11:31 AM

Ian Blackford says new legislation is 'an affront to the people of Scotland'

The SNP's Westminster leader says the Internal Market Bill is  "an affront to the people of Scotland".

"As we've already heard this legislation breaks international law but it also breaks domestic law," Mr Blackdord says.

He adds that the Prime Minister is creating a "rogue state" where "the rule of law does not apply".

"Why does the Prime Minister think that he and his friends are above the law?" he asks.

Mr Johnson  says he intends to "press on with this Bill because I believe that his attacks on on it are totally illogical" and says it devolves further powers to administrations.

The Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle asks Mr Blackford to withdraw what sounded like heckle accusing Mr Johnson of lying.

Incredulous, Mr Blackford replies: "It is on the face of the bill that the Government of the UK is going to trample over devolution. That is not a lie."

11:21 AM

Boris Johnson says the Government 'lacks incompetence'

The Prime Minister picks up on Sir Keir's stumble over his words and says: "I think he was on the money when he said that this Government lacks incompetence."

Seemingly buoyed, Mr Johnson says the Government is "taking the tough decisions, making the tough calls".

He notes that Sir Keir did not immediately respond to Extinction Rebellion's blockade of newspaper printers, saying "he was silent because he didn't want to offend his union bosses".

"For some reason he didn't want to offend crusty left wing anarchists," the PM adds.

Mr Johnson says that a "great ox has once again stood" on Sir Keir's tongue over Brexit because he "doesn't want to offend a huge number of his backbenchers".

11:15 AM

Boris Johnson says NHS frontline staff get priority

The Prime Minister says that there has been a "massive increase in the number of people who need or want" tests, particularly among those who "don't have symptoms".

He said: "We need to prioritise and people are such as NHS frontline staff, our care workers who urgently need those tests and as we massively increase the number of tests."

Mr Johnson tells Sir Keir the public are "ignoring his attempts to undermine confidence in test and trace".

11:11 AM

Labour leader says issue of testing is 'basic stuff'

Sir Keir tells the Prime Minister that "hundreds of families have tried to get a test in the last week and they can't get one". 

He adds: "This is basic stuff, people who've got Covid symptoms are very anxious about themselves, their children, their families, or what to do.

"It means they can't go to work, they can't send their children to school. It matters. And if they can't get tests the Prime Minister needs to take responsibility."

Mr Johnson says that NHS Test and Trace is doing a "heroic job" and says the Government plans to roll out antigen tests that work like a "pregnancy test within 15 minutes or so".

11:08 AM

Sir Keir Starmer begins his questioning on 'frankly ridiculous' testing trouble

The Labour leader notes that many are struggling to book coronavirus tests, describing people being sent all over the country as "frankly ridiculous".

He asks who is responsible for this. The Prime Minister says he takes responsibility "as I have done throughout for the entire handling of the coronavirus".

Mr Johnson says that the Government is "taking decisive steps to intensify our social distancing measures" and asks for Sir Keir's support.

11:04 AM

How can the PM expect the public to obey the law?

Lib Dem Munira Wilson asks: "If ministers think it is acceptable for this Government to not obey the law, how on earth can the Prime Minister expect the public at home to do so?"

It's a snappy response from Boris Johnson: "We expect everybody in this country to obey the law."

11:00 AM

PMQs coming up

With fresh Brexit controversy it looks set to be dramatic viewing.

Sir Keir Starmer will be trying to push last week's message of Government "incompetence" while Boris Johnson will be no doubt be fielding questions on the controversial Internal Market Bill

You can watch it live here.

10:56 AM

Lord Darroch says plans to break international law 'extraordinary'

The former UK Ambassador to the US asks why anyone would "want to sign an international agreement" with Britain after the Northern Ireland Secretary's admission.

Lord Darroch told LBC: "I was in the Foreign Service and I worked twice at Number 10 for 40 years and I thought this was extraordinary. I’d never heard anything like it before.

"We used to have legal advisors to check every piece of advice we put up to ministers to see whether it was in line with international and national law and I’ve never heard of a government minister saying, as Brandon Lewis did with actually commendable clarity yesterday, 'Yes we are going to breach international law'.

"I would just say, if we’re going to do that, why would anyone in future want to sign an international agreement with us, if we’re going to be able to say well we didn’t like that bit on second thoughts, so we’ll just rewrite it. I think it’s extraordinary."

10:42 AM

Going gets tough for Donacaster races

Allowing spectators into the St Leger Festival race meeting is a "major risk" as coronavirus restrictions tighten,  the mayor of Doncaster has warned.

The four-day meeting, which starts on Wednesday and culminates on Saturday with the oldest classic horse race, has been identified as a pilot event for allowing in limited numbers of spectators.

But concerns are growing that the plan is counter to moves to tighten restrictions in England, with comparisons being made to the decision to go ahead with the Cheltenham Festival in March, just before the lockdown.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The Prime Minister is going to set out more details of the consequences of the new rule for six people gathering later today. And we'll set out what that means for some of these events that we were planning to do."

Doncaster's elected Labour mayor Ros Jones said in a statement: "My personal opinion remains that the festival is a major risk for the borough that I would rather not see happen but there are no current grounds that can be escalated for it to be held behind closed doors."

10:38 AM

80% chance of border 'chaos' in Kent, hauliers warn

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) warned it would be a struggle to recruit the 50,000 customs agents needed to process extra declarations.

He told the Future Relationship with the European Union Committee of MPs that there is an 80 per cent chance of "chaos".

He said: "In terms of my gut feeling as we stand here today with 81 days to go, with the amount of work that we've got to undertake, (the likelihood of) chaos in Kent (is) 80/20.

"Because if businesses try to dispatch because they haven't got customs agents to do the paperwork, then the chances are they're going to still want to trade, they're still going to want to drive volume there.

"If we're not ready then the likelihood is we will have chaos."

10:16 AM

'Fake news'

European Union politicians and officials have said reports that Brussels threatened to block British food exports to Northern Ireland during Brexit negotiations are “fake news”, James Crisp reports.

Nathalie Loiseau, a close ally of Emmanuel Macron and member of the European Parliament’s Brexit group, branded the claims “disinformation” and part of a plot by some Brexiteers to force a damaging no deal. 

“It's one more example of disinformation and fake news related to Brexit, Ms Loiseau told the BBC’s Today programme on Wednesday, as UK-EU trade talks resumed.

The EU has a list of non-EU countries that can import agricultural goods into its territory. Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, which prevents the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland remains subject to EU food rules after the end of Brexit transition period.  

The Sun reported that British officials were infuriated after a “veiled threat” that the UK could not make the list if there was a no deal, which could mean the EU could declare British food imports to Northern Ireland illegal. 

Read more here:

10:12 AM

Michel Barnier arrives in London

The EU's chief negotiator has arrived in the capital to attend the ongoing Brexit talks.

Michel Barnier arrives on the Eurostar - Aaron Chown/PA Wire/Aaron Chown/PA Wire

10:03 AM

Hauliers fear Brexit could lead to 'significant disruption'

The end of the Brexit transition period could lead to "significant disruption" at UK borders, the boss of a haulage industry body has warned.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), told MPs that ministers have a "self-belief in their own rhetoric at the moment that everything will be OK".

He said: "The devil is in the detail, and some of the fundamental things that need to change, and some of the things that need to be invested in, are simply not happening fast enough."

Mr Burnett expressed concern about a lack of customs agents, what will happen at new customs sites and that a new border IT system has not been released.

He told the committee: "My fear at this stage is there will be significant disruption, potentially, at the year-end."

09:44 AM

'Hands. Face. Space.'

The Government has unveiled it's new winter campaign advert. 

You can watch it below:

09:37 AM

Labour calls on Lord Chancellor to respect rule of law

Labour is calling on Robert Buckland to honour his “sworn duty” to respect and maintain the rule of law, after ministers admitted their plans to override the Withdrawal Agreement breaks international law.

In a letter shadow justice secretary David Lammy asks: “What steps do you plan to take to protect the rule of law from attack from inside your own government?

"If you fail to prevent the government from breaking the rule of law, will you stand by your oath to respect the rule of law by breaking cabinet responsibility on this matter?”

Mr Buckland is already thought to be jittery over the Government's plans.

09:18 AM

Government is not overriding WA to protect peace process, former Cabinet minister claims

A former Cabinet minister, who played a role in forging the EU deal, has responded to Matt Hancock's comments this morning.

They tell the BBC that the new legislation to override the Brexit divorce deal does the "precise opposite" of protecting the peace process.

"It is about the internal market in the UK and is more likely to lead to a harder border which will imperil the peace process," they say.

09:11 AM

Northern Ireland Secretary doesn't 'like the rule of law', Lord Hain jokes

In the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, a throwaway comment led to a thinly veiled swipe at Brandon Lewis.

Discussing legacy issues around the Troubles, the committee Chair Simon Hoare said: "We rather like the rule of law, it's quite an important thing."

"Apparently not the Secretary of State currently," Lord Hain, who served as Northern Ireland Secretary, joked.

Mr Hoare replied by saying Mr Lewis was "expressing the views of Her Majesty's Government, whether that's his personal view we'll leave it to the Secretary to opine upon".

08:53 AM

Ireland's Taoiseach says Brexit negotiations can only proceed 'on the basis of mutual trust'

The Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was aware of the risks to vulnerable sectors.

"The Government will ensure it has done its own preparations in the ports and airports," Mr Martin said.

He added: "Even with an agreement there will be substantial challenges for supply chains and trade flows and checks.

"The protocol in Northern Ireland will apply. It is important that meaningful negotiations can only proceed on the basis of mutual trust."

08:33 AM

Will new social distancing rules be enough?

Sage member Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar said the next few weeks will be "absolutely pivotal" to the sort of autumn and winter the country will have.

He said: "The next four to six weeks as we reopen schools and we start to try to get the economy going again - which is just so critical - are going to be absolutely pivotal to the sort of autumn and winter we have.

"So I am very supportive of the restrictions coming in and sincerely hope they are going to be enough."

08:19 AM

Internal Market Bill a 'full frontal assault on devolution', Nicola Sturgeon says

The Scottish First Minister spoke out against proposals in the UK Government's Internal Market Bill - saying ministers in Wales had also voiced their concerns about it "stealing" powers from the devolved governments.

She spoke out as UK Government minsters insisted the new Bill would provide extra powers for the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ms Sturgeon said the independence is "the only way to protect the Scottish Parliament from being undermined and its powers eroded".

She added: "And added to all of the above, this is a Bill that, by the government's own admission, breaks international law. This UK gov is the most reckless (& to make it worse, incompetently so) and unprincipled in my lifetime. Scotland can do better and we will have that choice."

08:08 AM

Furlough protests outside Parliament today

Workers are warning the Government that job losses will "engulf" manufacturing without extra support for the sector as it continues to be hit by the virus crisis.

The Unite union is staging a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday to voice concerns about a "tide" of redundancies after the furlough scheme ends next month.

Workers from manufacturing factories across the UK will join the Westminster protest, and will urge MPs to sign a pledge in support of the sector.

Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: "This SOS is a heartfelt plea from people who've given their working lives to build Britain and position the UK globally as a great manufacturing nation. They are now urging the Prime Minister: 'Do not abandon us'.

"They are not asking for bailouts, just a helping hand to share work on reduced hours to retain both jobs and skills in today's unprecedented circumstances."

07:53 AM

Tory critic set to grill Prime Minister

The Conservative backbencher who managed to solicit the confession from the Northern Ireland Secretary that the UK would break international law is now set to take on Boris Johnson.

Sir Bob Neill has one of the first questions during today's Prime Minister's Questions.

Should be interesting...

07:46 AM

Pubs will be forced to take customers' data, Matt Hancock reveals

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it will be compulsory for pubs and restaurants to take customers' details for the Test and Trace programme.

He said: "We're also going to enforce more strictly the rules around hospitality, including for instance you need to give your contact details when you go to hospitality, which has so far been voluntary.

"Large swathes of the hospitality industry have followed it. Some have chosen not to, so we're going to make that compulsory as well."

07:39 AM

A breach of the ministerial code?

Government lawyers warned ministers that overriding the Withdrawal Agreement with new legislation could be a breach of ministerial code, The Times reports.

However, this is said to be strongly disputed.

07:31 AM

Matt Hancock says that 'being in government is about priorities'

The Health Secretary says that "to govern is to choose and I choose peace in Northern Ireland".

He adds: "We're a Government with exactly as you say enormous amounts of international obligations and ensuring that we prioritise those international obligations correctly is vital."

He says that "protecting peace is is the top priority here".

07:26 AM

New rule of six will be in place for 'foreseeable future'

Matt Hancock admits that the new rules on gatherings will be in place for the “foreseeable future”.

"I really hope we can turn this around before Christmas," he says.

Mr Hancock says that people should be returning to work as "the vast majority of people pick it up from socialising rather than work".

He says there is not "much evidence of transmission in the workplace".

07:10 AM

One in four coming forward for testing 'not eligible', Matt Hancock says

The Health Secretary says that officials have seen a "quite sharp rise in the last couple of weeks of people without symptoms, who don't have a good reason in coming forward, getting a test".

He claims: "There have been stories of, you know, whole schools or parts of schools, being all sent to get a test.

"I've even heard stories of people saying, 'I'm going on holiday next week therefore I'm going to go and get a test'.

"No, that is not what the testing system is for. The testing system is there to control this epidemic and we've got to be a firmer I'm afraid, with the rules around eligibility for testing. "

07:06 AM

Matt Hancock says he is 'comfortable' with breaking international law

The Health Secretary confirmed he is "comfortable" with the fact the UK is willing to break international law by overriding the EU Withdrawal Agreement.

When asked if he was comfortable with a minister saying the UK was willing to break international law, he replied: "I am."

He continued: "The primary international obligation around this issue is to protect the peace process in Northern Ireland and I very much hope we conclude a deal before the end of the transition period.

"I think that we will and it is in everybody's interest to do so as we did last time, but I also understand why ministers have chosen to prioritise at the absolute top of that the importance of protecting the peace process in Northern Ireland."

07:02 AM

Good morning

It's another busy day in Westminster as the Government gears up to publishing it's controversial Internal Market Bill.

There's PMQs at noon and Boris Johnson will set out its plans to make gatherings of more than six illegal in a press conference this afternoon.

We'll bring you the latest here.