Boris Johnson to head to Brussels for last minute Brexit talks with Ursula von der Leyen

Cat Neilan
·55 min read
Boris Johnson on the phone to Ursula von der Leyen earlier today - Downing Street/Downing Street
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Boris Johnson looks set to journey to Brussels in the coming days for face-to-face Brexit talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, the pair announced in a  joint statement.

After a 45-minute phone call today it was decided that the remaining differences should be "discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days" in a bid to block the deadlock.

The statement notes that "significant differences" remain on three key sticking points.

It said: "We agreed that the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there due to the remaining significant differences on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries.

"We asked our Chief Negotiators and their teams to prepare an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.”

It comes as the Commons voted decisively to reject all Lords amendments made to the controversial Internal Market Bill.

However, the Government earlier extended an olive branch to the EU by saying it is prepared to remove the three controversial clauses which could override the Withdrawal Agreement.

​​Read more below.

09:59 PM

That's all folks

The Government enjoyed a successful clean sweep in the Commons tonight, with all Lords amendments to the Internal Market Bill rejected.

The legislation now goes back to their Lordships on Wednesday.

There will be significant Brexit action away from Westminster later this week too, with the news that Boris Johnson is set to meet EU chief Ursula von der Leyen for last ditch Brexit negotiations.

But despite the eleventh hour drama, the majority of Telegraph readers think it's time to walk away.

In today's poll 63 per cent of you said it was time to "face facts" and leave without a deal, with 37 per cent of putting recent antics down to "posturing".

The blog will be back tomorrow with all the latest but for now we'll leave you with Matt.

09:51 PM

All further amendments voted down

Amendment 48 which centered around financial assistance is voted down by a resounding 359 MPs to 55 MPs.

Amendments 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 61  are all voted down orally. All further amendments are rejected.

A reasons committee has been appointed to explain the reasons for rejecting amendments to the Lords headed by Business Minister Paul Scully.

And that's it for our votes this evening.

09:38 PM

Amendment aimed at stripping clauses which could break international law voted down

A Lords amendment that hoped to stop the Government from deviating from international law is rejected by 357 votes to 268.

Amendment 48 is now being voted on by MPs. This one removes the financial assistances powers for UK ministers from the Bill.

09:25 PM

Amendment 12 voted down

The amendment, which was tabled by Labour peer Lord Stevenson to add new exclusions to market access principles, is voted down by 360 to 265.

Amendments 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 are all thrown out verbally.

The Commons is now voting on whether to reject Lords amendment 47 on deviating from international law.

09:16 PM

Who's von der lying?

There is some confusion over just how long today's call between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen lasted.

The UK team say they spoke for 45 minutes while Brussels claims talks lasted for just over an hour.

As our Political Editor Gordon Rayner points out, "if they can't even agree on that..."

09:11 PM

Lords amendment 1 rejected

The first Lords amendment, which relates to market access principles, is voted down by 359 to 265.

Amendments 8, 9, 10, 11 are orally rejected by MPs.

Number 12 is now being voted on. This amendment, which was tabled by Labour peer Lord Stevenson, adds new exclusions to market access principles.

08:59 PM

Paul Scully ends IMB debate

The Business Minister insists that the Government "fully supports devolution and continues to put the union at the heart of all we do".

He says that the proposals in the Internal Market Bill are "designed to ensure that evolution can continue to work for everyone".

Mr Scully says that "hundreds of powers that are currently exercised by the EU will flow back to the UK" once the transition period is over.

"Many of these powers will fall within the competence of the devolved administrations," he says.

MPs are now voting on the first Lords amendment, which is related to market access principles.

08:42 PM

Scottish pubs and restaurants 'getting lowest Covid support in UK', industry claims

Nicola Sturgeon has been challenged over the "shameful" support her government is providing the struggling hospitality sector over the festive period, Simon Johnson reports.

The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) said restaurants, hotels and pubs north of the Border were expected to survive on an average of £64 per day of support over Christmas and Hogmanay, which usually generate a quarter of the industry's annual profits.

In contrast, the group said firms in Wales are eligible for an average of £269 support per day. In Northern Ireland the figure is £147 and in England £80.

Read more here:

08:20 PM

Tory MP says UK has been 'held back' on animal standards by the EU

Gary Sambrook says there are "lots of myths" about the level of standards the UK will adopt after Brexit.

The Tory MP says the UK has been "held back" by the single market in this regard and notes that the production of fur was outlawed in 2002 in Britain. He says that the importing fur cannot be banned until we leave the single market. 

He confirms that he will be voting to reject the amendments and asks if the millions of people who voted for the Government last year "are less important than a couple of 100 unelected peers down the corridor".

07:59 PM

Tobias Ellwood says no deal would be an 'abject failure of statescraft'

The chair of the Defence Select Committee says that it would be an "abject failure of statescraft" to leave the EU without a deal.

Mr Ellwood warns that Britain would "live with the consequences for years, indeed decades" if no agreement is made.

"We must summon the political courage to get this right," he adds.

He warns that crashing out would be retreating from the world stage and potentially "distancing" the UK from Joe Biden's USA.

07:46 PM

Next two days must be 'different', Ireland's foreign minister says

Simon Coveney, Ireland's foreign minister, says : “The next two days need to be very different to the last two days."

Mr Coveney claims that Wednesday is a hard deadline for reaching an agreement on post-Brexit trade talks and says that “political intervention from the very top” is needed to break the impasse.

He says: “I think there is a great deal of frustration on the EU side, not just within the EU negotiating team, but also across member states.

"Many of the ministers I spoke to today are just getting increasingly frustrated and increasingly resigned to the fact that there may be no deal, when it comes to a trade deal or future relationship deal possible this week.

“In Brussels certainly the mood is starting to shift to contingency planning for a no deal, as opposed to the compromises that are necessary to get a deal done. That is not where we want this to go.”

07:33 PM

Senior Government source says 'no tangible progress' made

Despite the upcoming meeting between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, a senior Government source says: "Talks are in the same position now as they were on Friday. We have made no tangible progress.

"It's clear this must now continue politically. Whilst we do not consider this process to be closed, things are looking very tricky and there's every chance we are not going to get there."

07:27 PM

Sir Bernard Jenkin accuses Labour of 'feeding the nationalist beast'

The chair of the all-powerful Liaison Committee accuses Labour of "feeding the nationalist beast" with its opposition to the Internal Market Bill.

It comes after shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said the legislation "deeply undermines devolution".

He argued that unless the clauses on law breaking were removed and "unless we amend the provisions on devolution, we are massively undermining the union".

Sir Bernard said that to "whip up the fury about this Bill is just feeding the nationalist beast and it's about time they stopped doing it". 

07:20 PM

Boris Johnson could head to Brussels on Wednesday

The Telegraph's Political Editor Gordon Rayner reports that the Prime Minister could head to Brussels on Wednesday in a last-ditch effort to break the Brexit deadlock.

07:15 PM

Dr Liam Fox says Internal Market Bill is a 'lifeboat that we never have to launch'

Dr Fox compares the provisions in the Internal Market Bill to" a lifeboat that we never have to launch because we hope the ship will never go down because we will reach a trade agreement".

He says he was "shocked to hear that the Government was intending on breaking international law" until he looked at the legislation and says that "nothing was actually being broken".

He says it simply sets out "contingency measures".

07:04 PM

Are we heading towards a deal?

Our Brussels correspondent James Crisp says that things are looking up, after the announcement of face-to-face talks between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen.

06:49 PM

Boris Johnson set to head to Brussels for face to face talks

A joint Statement from Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen  announces their intention to hold face to face talks in the coming days.

It says:

“As agreed on Saturday, we took stock today of the ongoing negotiations. We agreed that the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there due to the remaining significant differences on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. We asked our Chief Negotiators and their teams to prepare an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.”

06:47 PM

No resumption of phone call

Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen have finished their talks for the day. 

We are expecting a joint statement imminently.

06:37 PM

Ireland welcomes IMB climb down

Ireland's Europe minister Thomas Byrne says the UK Government's suggestion it could remove controversial clauses from the Internal Market Bill is "positive progress", but needs to be examined.

Mr Byrne says: "The Irish Government, and, as I understand it, the European Commission, is still studying that statement, but we were highly critical back in September when this first arose, so, I do think the fact the British Government has issued this statement, I think, at the very least is a sign of the positive progress of the talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"And, to that extent, certainly it's welcome. But, we have work to do to study it and see the exact implications of it."

06:28 PM

Government will drop controversial clauses if there's a deal, minister confirms

The Government would be prepared to remove or deactivate three controversial clauses in the Internal Market Bill if solutions are agreed to during talks with the EU, Business Minister Paul Scully says.

Mr Scully tells MPs: "Since these clauses were originally introduced, the UK and EU have worked constructively together through the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee discussions, which continue to progress and final decisions are expected in the coming days.

"I can confirm today that if the solutions being considered in those discussions are agreed, the UK Government would be prepared to remove clause 44 from this Bill, concerning export declarations.

"The UK Government would also be prepared to deactivate clauses 45 and 47, concerning state aid such that they could be used only when consisted with the United Kingdom's rights and obligation under international law."

06:20 PM

Ed Miliband says Government suffered its 'largest defeat in a generation' on IMB

The shadow business secretary quotes the Duke of Wellington, who said that the Government had "managed to antagonise almost everyone" with the Internal Market Bill.

He says it has seen "the largest defeat in a generation on this Bill", with 44 Tory peers voting against it.

Mr Miliband says that he has heard "the beginnings of the grinding of the wheels of the climb down" after three months of "posturing and undermining our reputation in the world".

He says that unless the law breaking sections are removed from the legislation, the UK is "undermining the union" by departing from "principles of shared governance".

06:08 PM

Reports suggest phone call 'hasn't changed much'

The BBC reports that today's phone call between Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson "hasn't changed much".

05:59 PM

Government hit by another Lords defeat on Brexit

The Government has been defeated in the Lords over giving Parliament a bigger say in the approval of post-Brexit trade agreements.

Peers backed by 308 votes to 261, majority 47, a cross-party amendment to the Trade Bill calling for greater accountability and transparency of deals.

The legislation will enable the UK to forge new commercial ties with other countries after breaking from the EU.

But members of the Lords said negotiating objectives should be put before Parliament and approved by both Houses before talks on potential trade agreements start.

The amendment also urged the Government to consult the devolved administrations on negotiating objectives and assess the possible impact on human health, animal welfare and the environment.

05:48 PM

The Internal Market Bill is back

The controversial legislation is back in the Commons, as MPs debate amendments made by the Lords. They include amendments that would remove the sections of the Bill that override the Withdrawal Agreement.

Business minister Paul Scully says that the changes could "generate more ambiguity and uncertainty" and would undermine the Government's ability to protect the union and out internal market".

05:40 PM

Prime Minister and EU chief pause phone call

Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen are taking a break after spending an hour and a half on the phone. 

Could they be relaying movement on to their negotiators?

05:29 PM

Tuesday will be a 'decisive turning point' in coronavirus fight, NHS chief says

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens says Tuesday could mark "a decisive turning point in the battle against coronavirus".

Speaking at the Royal Free Hospital in London ahead of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, he says: "Tomorrow is the beginning of the biggest vaccination campaign in our history, building on successes from previous campaigns against conditions (and) diseases like polio, meningitis, and tuberculosis.

"Hospitals, and then GPs and pharmacists as more vaccine becomes available, are going to be vaccinating at least until next spring.

"So in the meantime, we're going to have to continue to be very careful. But if we do that I think there's every chance that we will look back on tomorrow as marking a decisive turning point in the battle against coronavirus."

Read the latest coronavirus news in our live blog here.

05:16 PM

Don't they look happy?

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel held a video-conference this afternoon to talk about the upcoming European Parliament session and, of course, Brexit.

05:01 PM

Brussels has 'time' to negotiate, Holland minister says

Holland's minister of foreign affairs Stef Blok says that the EU still has time to negotiate a deal.

He says: “I hope the talks don’t collapse tonight. It’s the 7th of December and not the 1st of January.

"As far as I am concerned, we should use the time it takes to negotiate and not allow ourselves to be rushed into a hasty compromise.”

In the Commons, Penny Mordaunt insisted the UK would not walk away until a deal "becomes an impossibility".

04:44 PM

Penny Mordaunt says 'no, no, no' to Brexit delay

Tory MP Nigel Mills asks what the Cabinet Office Minister would say "to those on both sides who seem to believe that now is not the best time to make a deal".

He says the concepts of extending the transition period is "ridiculous" and argues that "this is by far the best time for the deal".

Ms Mordaunt agrees, saying: "I'm tempted to say no, no, no. "

She says that delaying or extending negotiations "is not a possibility now but also it's the wrong thing to do".

"We need the focus and resolve the both parties to come together and agree a deal," she adds.

04:33 PM

Government urged to 'stand firm'

The Tory MP for Shipley Philip Davies urges ministers away from a trade deal that would leave the UK "shackled to EU rules and regulations in perpetuity".

He tells them to "stand firm in these negotiations to make sure that we deliver on the Brexit that so many people voted for".

Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt says she can "absolutely can give him those assurances" and praises the negotiating team and civil servants.

"It is because of all those efforts that I want to ensure that we do get this over the line," she adds.

04:16 PM

Waiting for a special delivery...

Penny Mordaunt says she understands “the tension a lot of members must be feeling” as Brexit reach their crunch point.

She likens the experience to “an expectant father outside the delivery room waiting for news”.

The Cabinet Office minister also insists that "everyone is working to get a deal, that is our objective."

Ms Mordaunt tells the Commons: "I'd just say that delaying a decision, extending the negotiations... the facts are not going to change, we have all the information, the positions are as they are, it is only by continuing those negotiations and us continuing to put the pressure on for those negotiations to be concluded that we will, I hope, arrive at a deal."

04:01 PM

Brexit talks have reached 'critical moment', says minister

Penny Mordaunt said negotiations with the EU have reached "a critical moment".

Ms Mordaunt told MPs: "We are at a critical moment in the negotiations. Teams are negotiating as we speak and the Prime Minister will call the commission president later this afternoon to discuss progress again.

"(Michael Gove) is also in Brussels today meeting the European Commission vice president in their capacity as co-chairs of the UK-EU Joint Committee under the Withdrawal Agreement.

"We are all working to get a deal, but the only deal that is possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, trade and waters.

"While an agreement is preferable, we are prepared to leave on so-called Australian-style terms if we can't find compromises."

David Frost in Brussels today - AFP

03:51 PM

'Significant differences remain' on 'critical issues', says Downing Street

Downing Street has warned that "significant differences remain" as Brexit talks near the end-game, with a deal on fishing still under negotiation. 

This morning the Telegraph reported that a compromise on fishing was near, after sources suggested Britain – which had already offered a three-year transition period on fishing arrangements – could offer an even longer transition of around five years.

In return, the EU would have to hand back at least 50 per cent of its fish quotas from January 1 instead of the 18 per cent it is currently offering.

However this afternoon the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Significant differences remain on critical issues, fisheries being one of them, and that is one of the issues that is currently being negotiated by the team in Brussels today."

Asked about EU negotiator Michel Barnier's downbeat assessment of the state of play, the spokesman said: "Our negotiations are ongoing but we remain committed to trying to reach an FTA, and that is what our team is there trying to achieve today, but we are clearly in the final stages now."

03:50 PM

Government will to remove UKIM clauses as negotiators near Brexit deal

The Government has said it is prepared to remove three controversial clauses from the UK Internal Market Bill following discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

In a statement, the Government said: "Discussions continue to progress and final decisions are expected in the coming days.

"If the solutions being considered in those discussions are agreed, the UK Government would be prepared to remove clause 44 of the UK Internal Market Bill, concerning export declarations.

"The UK Government would also be prepared to deactivate clauses 45 and 47, concerning state aid, such that they could be used only when consistent with the United Kingdom's rights and obligations under international law.

"Good progress continues to be made regarding the decision as to which goods are 'at risk' of entering the EU market. Talks continue this afternoon.

"In the light of those discussions, the Government will keep under review the content of the forthcoming Taxation Bill."

03:48 PM

Waiting for Brexit deal like being expectant father, says minister

Penny Mordaunt likens waiting for news of a Brexit deal to being like an expectant father "outside the delivery room, waiting for news". 

"We have so much invested in getting a good result... I can understand the tension and frustration that many members must be feeling at this moment," she said. 

"But we are not powerless in this - we are all active players and participants. We should all be doing everything we can at this critical moment t ensure our negotiating team are supported and we get the best result for this country," she added as she called for "united support" for the UK's team.

Ms Mordaunt claims Labour has not done that so far, adding: "Fair enough if Labour do not have a position on Brexit, but they might like to get one in the next few days."

03:44 PM

Rachel Reeves calls for details on tariffs as she warns no deal could cost jobs

Rachel Reeves has challenged the Government over the impact of tariffs on the UK's agricultural and automative industries without a Brexit trade deal. 

The Labour frontbencher says it is "not just numbers - this is about British industries, and jobs", as she probed Penny Mordaunt for more details, including how many customs officials have been recruited so far. 

She also picks holes in James Cleverly's claims this morning that the "oven ready deal" referred to the Withdrawal Agreement, and asks if it is still the view that t will be the easiest one in human history. 

03:42 PM

Level-playing field 'most difficult' outstanding Brexit issue, says minister

The level-playing field remains the "most difficult" outstanding issue in Brexit talks, Penny Mordaunt has said. 

The Paymaster General told MPs the Government was steadfast in its "collective resolve in getting a good deal" but while there had been "some progress in many areas, familiar differences remain". 

They were fisheries, level-paying field and governance, she said. 

"We are all working to get a deal, but the only deal that is possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, trade and waters," she said. 

Without a deal, the UK will trade on "Australian terms" she added- to some jeering from opposition MPs. 

03:36 PM

Have your say: Have the chances of a Brexit deal got worse?

Michel Barnier was reportedly "downbeat" and "gloomy" about the prospects of a Brexit talks during his update with officials this morning. 

But all is not lost: Michael Gove, David Frost and others are in Brussels today while Boris Johnson is due a second phone call in 48 hours with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

James Cleverly this morning stressed this was a natural part of negotiations, which always go to the wire. One only has to cast one's memory back to the long-forgotten dramas of Grexit to remember that. 

But increasingly commentators are suggesting that hopes of a breakthrough are receding. 

So is this just posturing, or have chances got worse? Have your say in the poll below. 

03:35 PM

Ben Wallace apologises over blacklisting media outlet

Ben Wallace apologised after publication of a review into the blacklisting of investigative media outlet Declassified UK by individuals at the Ministry of Defence.

The Defence Secretary said:

"On September 21, I made a statement to the House on allegations that the Ministry of Defence had blacklisted the media outlet Declassified UK."An independent review I ordered into these allegations has now concluded and I have placed a copy in the library today. The review concludes that the Ministry of Defence does not operate any policy of blacklisting and has no direct political bias."However on this one occasion, individuals acted as if there was such a policy. This was wrong and on behalf of the department, I apologise."As long as I am Secretary of State for this department, we will not tolerate any form of bias within the communications directorate and I fully accept the findings of the report and will be taking forward its recommendations".

03:18 PM

Creation of Nato would be 'dangerous military version of Hamlet without the prince', says MP

Intelligence and Security Committee chairman Dr Julian Lewis has asked for assurances that the UK will not be "sucked" into an alternative Nato.

The former Conservative MP - who lost the whip after he up-ended Number 10's plans to plant Chris Grayling as head of the ISC, warned that the EU's "persistent attempts to create an alternative Nato without the United States" - Pesco -  "would be a particularly dangerous military version of Hamlet without the prince."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace agreed this was a "worrying spectre".

"We are very grateful to the Germans who have tried very hard to get a proper third-party agreement with Pesco, however we have no plans to participate in it because we have serious concerns about the intellectual property rights and expert controls that it would seek to impose," he told the Commons. 

Dr Julian Lewis - AFP

02:59 PM

House of Lords suspends Lord Maginnis over bullying and harassment

The House of Lords has voted to suspend Lord Maginnis for 18 months, for bullying and harassment, which included the use of homophobic language.

His suspension, which was recommended by a Lords committee after he shouted abuse at parliamentary security staff and called an MP who complained about it a “queer”, was backed by 408 colleagues.  

Maginnis, former archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, and Lord Kilclooney, who was recently accused of being racist about Kamala Harris, were among the 24 peers who voted against suspension.

Independent Ulster unionist Maginnis, who sat as the UUP MP between 1983 and 2001, faces indefinite suspension until he engages with behaviour change training, which he has already refused to undertake, describing it as a “mockery”. 

Lord Maginnis has been suspended from the House of Lords for at least 18 months - PA

02:44 PM

Could London be poised to enter Tier 3?

Coronavirus cases in London are continuing to rise sparking concerns the capital will be plunged into Tier 3 next week, Lucy Fisher writes. 

The most recent week of complete data, ending December 1, showed a rate of 164 cases per 100,000 in London, up from 159 the previous week. The R rate in London is currently 0.9 to 1.1, higher than the England-wide average of 0.8 to 1.

A health source said Public Health England “are starting to get worried about it again” as the data shows cases on the rise in the capital.

The insider added that there was “concern across the system” about the number of Londoners out shopping and visiting restaurants on Saturday and Sunday, the first weekend since national lockdown measures were lifted.

Read more here. 

02:41 PM

Boris Johnson continues tour of Uxbridge

Boris Johnson is continuing his tour around Uxbridge, as the Prime Minister meets and greets members of his constituency. 

He was joined on his walkabout in Yiewsley, in his constituency, by the Conservative's London Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey. 

Luckily the pair's stop at a fish counter didn't involve Cameron-esque fish pointing. 

Feeling crabby: Boris Johnson and Shaun Bailey - Parsons Media

He then helped sort parcels out for the British Troops in the Royal Mail delivery office in Ruislip.

Don't blame Santa if your parcel goes missing - Parsons Media

02:22 PM

Stanley Johnson: I will be vaccinated if my name crops up

Boris Johnson's father Stanley has said he will get a coronavirus vaccine as soon as he is eligible.

Mr Johnson, 80, told the PA news agency: "Of course I am - I welcome the opportunity if my name crops up ... I shall certainly go and be vaccinated.

"I shall encourage others to do so."

He added: "I'm all for it."

It might be an opportunity for Mr Johnson sr to make up for some of his many transgressions during the pandemic. 

Stanley Johnson: I shall certainly go and be vaccinated. - Dimitris Kareklidis

02:12 PM

Matt Hancock: All parts of UK have coronavirus vaccine

Wales might not be planning to get the Pfizer vaccine into care homes from tomorrow (1:37pm), but that doesn't mean it won't be arriving in all parts of the UK. 

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart tweeted: "Wales is now receiving its supply of the Covid-19 vaccine... the UK is leading the way on vaccine rollout - an important step in our fight against the pandemic."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: "All parts of the UK now have doses of the coronavirus vaccine."

01:55 PM

Telegraph readers have their say: 'Fishing is a smokescreen, the EU wants this instead'

Ahead of Boris Johnson's meeting with the European Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen, to discuss whether negotiations will continue, Telegraph readers have shared their hopes and fears for a potential deal. 

Fishing rights and the level playing field remain a priority for our readers. Any capitulation to the EU in these areas, they have argued, would be tantamount to a bad deal. 

Read what our readers have had to say about the state of play on Brexit here. 

01:49 PM

Lobby latest: RAF could be used to airlift vaccines, Downing Street hints

Downing Street did not deny that RAF flights could be used to bring supplies of the vaccine over from mainland Europe if there were problems at ports caused by a no-deal Brexit.

This morning James Cleverly, the Foreign Office minister, suggested vaccines could be airlifted to the UK as one of several options to circumvent border chaos. 

The Prime Minister's official spokesman would not comment on specific plans for "security reasons".

But "the military will have a role to play in what's been an enormous logistical challenge and I'm sure they will continue to do so as we move forward".

01:39 PM

Lobby latest: Downing Street plays down prospect of vaccine cards becoming immunity passport

Downing Street has played down the prospect of NHS vaccination cards becoming a form of "immunity passport" to allow people who have received the jab to enjoy extra freedoms.

A row has been brewing over whether the Government would seek to introduce such a scheme, with vaccine tzar Nadhim Zahawi last week suggesting it was, while Michael Gove rubbished the idea. 

The emergence of vaccine cards today has rekindled those fears, however. 

"We have been clear that there are no plans to introduce immunity passports," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

"The cards ... are NHS reminder cards that prompt people to get the second dose that they need.

"That's a well-established practice in the NHS to offer people cards to remind them of their next appointment."

01:36 PM

Lobby latest: 'Majority' of vulnerable people will receive vaccine by February

The Government expects "the majority" of vulnerable people will be vaccinated in January and February - but Downing Street has declined to put a figure on it. 

The first vaccinations will go to care home staff and residents, NHS frontline workers and people aged 80 and over - around six million people. Some 25 million people are covered by the 10 priority categories set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

But the Prime Minister's official spokesman dodged specific numbers, instead saying: "The majority of the vaccination of the vulnerable will be in January or February."

He stressed that two further vaccines were still being assessed by regulators, which could boost the number of doses available.

"The Prime Minister would encourage anybody who is called forward to take one get one," he added. 

01:27 PM

Welsh care homes will not get Pfizer vaccine with rest of UK tomorrow

Care homes in Wales will not receive the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine along with other parts of the UK tomorrow, health minister Vaughan Gething has confirmed.

"We are working not just with Pfizer but with our officials here and we're working with the regulator to understand how we can safely and lawfully deliver the vaccine to care homes. That won't be tomorrow," he told a press conference. 

The main challenge is how long the vaccine can be stored "once it's been taken out of the ultra-low freezer," he explained. 

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)'s prioritisation list would be followed in Wales "with that important caveat that at this point, and certainly tomorrow, we won't be able to deliver the vaccine to care homes".

01:22 PM

UK attempting to 'nationlise' EU fishing boats, Michel Barnier tells ambassadors

Britain is attempting to “nationalise” EU fishing boats with the “last minute” demand made late yesterday, diplomatic sources in Brussels have claimed.

UK negotiators told the European Commission that only fishing boats that were majority owned by UK companies could benefit from increased quota after the end of the transition period, if a deal is reached. 

Michel Barnier told EU ambassadors about the demand at a meeting in Brussels this morning before Boris Johnson holds crunch talks with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission this evening. 

“It caused quite a stir among the ambassadors, especially the Dutch and Spanish,” one source said. 

Mr Barnier told EU ambassadors that he “could not guarantee” a trade deal before the Thursday’s summit of EU leaders in Brussels and said he was “neither optimistic nor pessimistic” about avoiding no deal. 

01:21 PM

Lobby latest: Food prices will rise without Brexit deal, Downing Street admits

Food prices will rise if the UK leaves the post-Brexit transition period without a trade deal in place, Downing Street has acknowledged.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman referred reporters to Environment Secretary George Eustice saying there would be a less than two per cent rise on some products as a result of tariffs, but could be higher on products such as beef and pork.

The spokesman added: "The other point I would make ... The big drivers of food prices are exchange rates and also other factors, such as fuel costs and weather events, that can have an impact on food availability."

01:14 PM

Lobby latest: Downing Street rules out mini-deals if main talks collapse

Downing Street has said it is prepared to negotiate for "as long as we have time available" after the EU chief negotiator reportedly told MEPs the deadline for talks succeeding is Wednesday.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Time is obviously in very short supply and we're in the final stages, but we're prepared to negotiate for as long as we have time available if we think an agreement is still possible."

He ruled out negotiations continuing into the new year if talks fail before December 31, and suggested that mini-deals would not be on the agenda if an overarching agreement could be reached. 

"I think we've been clear that if we can't reach an FTA we will leave on Australian terms," he said.  

12:59 PM

Covid rates fell everywhere except Wales in last week of November, health minister says

Wales was the only part of the UK where coronavirus rates were not falling at the end of November, the country's health minister has said.

"Wales was the only part of the UK where infection rates did not appear to be falling in the last week of November, according to the ONS infection survey,"Vaughan Gething told a press conference.

"This reflects that there were tighter measures elsewhere in the UK - England was still within its four-week lockdown, Northern Ireland was between lockdowns and Scotland was tightening its restrictions.

"We strengthened the coronavirus restrictions here in Wales in response to this incredibly serious situation on Friday, to slow the spread of the virus and to protect people's health."

Mr Gething said the effects of these restrictions would not be seen for weeks and it could be longer before pressure on the NHS was reduced.

"If we do not see a reduction in coronavirus admissions, we will need to consider what action we can take and may need to support the NHS as we move into the New Year."

12:48 PM

Patrick O'Flynn: The issue of fish is a red herring in the Brexit negotiations

To some it is the proverbial red herring, but the totemic importance of fish in the Brexit saga should never be underestimated.

The thing guaranteed to ignite passions in corn exchanges or village halls when Patrick O'Flynn was an MEP was to refer to the sad decline of Britain’s offshore fishing fleet and then simply utter the name of Edward Heath. All hell would break loose.

In places such as Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft – struggling towns which had once been world renowned for fishing – it was always a home run. But it worked inland too.

But, he warns, one must approach all the stories about sticking points on fish with caution and scepticism. 

Read his latest column for more here. 

12:38 PM

Micheal Martin: No Brexit deal a 'significant failure'

It would be a "significant failure" if no Brexit deal was agreed, the Irish Taoiseach has said as talks go to the wire.

"Overall, I think it is in the best interests of all concerned that a proper trade deal is agreed," Micheal Martin told told media in Co Cork today. "Our respective economies would suffer, unnecessarily in my view, in the event of a no-deal.

"A deal can be arrived at. It would be a significant failure if we were to end up with no deal."

Fianna Fail leader and Taoiseach Micheal Martin - PA

12:31 PM

Rudy Giuliani 'feeling good' after being admitted to hospital with Covid-19

Brussels might be the focus of most of today's drama - but there is also significant news coming from the US. 

Rudy Giuliani s been admitted to hospital with coronavirus, but said he was "feeling good" and "recovering quickly".

The 76-year old former New York City mayor is being treated at Georgetown University Medical Centre and because of his age is likely to be considered as being in a high risk category.

12:22 PM

Labour frontbencher quits over 'misjudged' comments on gay marriage

Labour's minister for faith has resigned and apologised for making "misjudged" comments relating to gay marriage.

Janet Daby said last week that registrars who have a religious objection to same-sex marriages should be protected from losing their jobs if they refuse to certify the partnership.

The Lewisham East MP said she "sincerely" apologised for the "misjudged" remarks and would stand down from her frontbench role.

A Labour spokesman said: "Janet Daby has today stood down from her role as a shadow minister.

"We will appoint a replacement in due course."

12:10 PM

Boris Johnson to speak to European Commission president at 4pm

Boris Johnson will be speaking to Ursula von der Leyen at 5pm Brussels time today, a European Commission spokesman has confirmed. 

That means the call, at 4pm UK time, could end just before MPs begin debating the UK Internal Market Bill. 

11:57 AM

Five children including baby among migrants trying to cross Channel

The numbers of migrants making the perilous crossing from Calais might have peaked during the heat of the summer - but people are still trying to make the journey, despite enduring near-freezing conditions.  

Five children wrapped up against the bitter cold - including a baby without socks or shoes - were among the migrants who landed on the Kent coast on Monday morning. 

They are believed to have been picked up in the Channel by Border Force cutter Vigilant after departing from France.

The youngsters, some too young to walk, were visibly suffering from the 1C temperatures at the Kent port and were wrapped in blankets and life jackets. Among them was a baby who did not have shoes or socks, being carried ashore in the arms of a woman. 

Young children, including a baby, were among those picked up today - Steve Finn

11:43 AM

Fair cop: Boris Johnson visits Uxbridge police station with Shaun Bailey

While many UK officials and ministers are in Brussels today as Brexit talks near the end-game, Boris Johnson is in his constituency of Uxbridge. 

The Prime Minister has visited the local police station with Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey.

Boris Johnson and Shaun Bailey at Uxbridge police station - Parsons Media

11:36 AM

Have your say: Have the chances of a Brexit deal got worse?

Michel Barnier was reportedly "downbeat" and "gloomy" about the prospects of a Brexit talks during his update with officials this morning. 

But all is not lost: Michael Gove, David Frost and others are in Brussels today while Boris Johnson is due a second phone call in 48 hours with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

James Cleverly this morning stressed this was a natural part of negotiations, which always go to the wire. One only has to cast one's memory back to the long-forgotten dramas of Grexit to remember that. 

But increasingly commentators are suggesting that hopes of a breakthrough are receding. 

So is this just posturing, or have chances got worse? Have your say in the poll below. 

11:29 AM

What's on the agenda today

It's safe to say things are a bit up in the air today with no clarity over what will happen in Brussels. 

I'm told it is "genuinely 50-50" as to whether a deal can be agreed, with one source saying it is "very much every day as it comes". 

Here is what we do know will happen today: 

12pm: Downing Street's daily lobby briefing.

12.15pm: Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, holds her regular coronavirus briefing.

12.15pm: Vaughan Gething, the Welsh health minister, does the same.

2:30pm: Defence questions.

3:30pm: Rachel Reeves has an urgent question about progress on Brexit talks.

4:30pm: Alyn Smith is calling for a statement on the sentencing of the Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam.

After that: MPs resume their debate on the UK Internal Market bill, with the clauses that the Lords removed - allowing the UK to over-rule parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement - making a return.

Early evening: Boris Johnson is due to hold talks with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, about the UK-EU trade talks.

11:11 AM

Brexit trade deal talks: Here's where the red lines overlap and compromises could still be found

The Brexit trade deal hangs in the balance, with the two sides split over the critical issues of  fishing, the "level playing field guarantees" and the deal's governance.

Failure to reach agreement on all three issues will prevent a trade agreement being reached before an EU summit on Thursday and increase the risk of no deal.

The UK has made control the fundamental principle of the Brexit negotiations, while the EU insists barriers to trade can only be removed with the voluntary loss of some sovereignty. 

But are there "landing zones" in which the sides' red lines overlap, and can a deal be done?

James Crisp analyses the state of play here. 

10:52 AM

Brexit negotiators at 'make-it-or-break-it moment', says diplomat

The Brexit negotiators failed to make "decisive progress" during yesterday's meeting - but some progress was made, a diplomat has told Reuters.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source said: "Barnier and Frost negotiated intensively... and made some progress but not quite managed to bridge differences. There has been no decisive progress though some progress has been made."

The person named "robust and enforceable cooperation on state aid non-regression clause" and "stable access to UK waters" for EU fishing vessels as the outstanding issues.

"We are at the make-it-or-break-it moment," they said.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier this morning - AFP

10:37 AM

Labour still holding out on Brexit deal backing

Yesterday France's foreign minister Clement Beaune told reporters that the UK thinks any Brexit deal can be ratified extremely quickly. 

"The British tell us that they would only need 24 hours to do this," he said. That suggestion has been played down by Number 10 today. 

While Parliamentary mathematics is in the Government's favour, Labour frontbenchers are still refusing to say whether they will back any Brexit deal.

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said yesterday the party would "need to see what has been agreed" before committing. 

Read the full story here. 

10:18 AM

Michael Gove arrives in Brussels for crunch talks on Irish border

Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has arrived at the EU's headquarters in Brussels, for talks with vice president Maros Sefcovic over lingering issues relating to the Irish border. 

The pair are trying to thrash out details of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Northern Ireland Protocol, in parallel discussions to the Brexit trade negotiations. 

It comes ahead of the return of the UK Internal Market Bill to the Commons, which has been ruffling feathers on the continent over the inclusion of the powers to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement. Ministers have insisted this is an "insurance policy" required to protect the integrity of the United Kingdom. 

Michael Gove arrives in Brussels - AP

10:08 AM

Nick Timothy: Leavers have won, but can our politicians lead us to post-Brexit prosperity?

As the year ends, the last vestiges of Britain’s membership of the European Union end with it. Deal or no deal, the Brexit transition will soon be over, and Britain will be fully outside the EU, its institutions and laws.

Anxious Leavers, disbelieving that Brexit might really mean Brexit, need only look to leading Remainers to understand that their victory is complete. Those who spent the last four and a half years fighting to overturn the referendum, or make Britain a prisoner to European law, are fighting like ferrets in a sack.

As the Brexit negotiations reach their final stages, Rory Stewart is lambasting former allies for failing to vote for a customs union, while Anna Soubry lashes back. Already-forgotten MEPs tweet furiously, mocking the very notion of sovereignty and attacking what they still erroneously call a “hard Brexit”.

As they do so, writes Nick Timothy, the mask slips. 

09:59 AM

Labour secures urgent question on Brexit today

Labour's whips office said shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves had been granted an urgent question in the Commons on Monday afternoon about the post-Brexit trade negotiations.

She will ask about the progress and preparations for the end of the transition period.

Her question is directed at opposite number Michael Gove, but he is expected in Brussels today so the Government is likely to send another minister in his place.

Rachel Reeves to probe minister on Brexit progress  - Heathcliff O'Malley

09:47 AM

Michel Barnier 'very gloomy' about Brexit progress, says Simon Coveney

Simon Coveney, Ireland's foreign minister, has echoed the words of an EU diplomat this morning, saying Michel Barnier was "very downbeat" during an update today. 

"I would say he is very gloomy, and obviously very cautious about the ability to make progress today," he told RTE this morning. 

"There was news last night on some media sources that there was a breakthrough on fishing. That is absolutely not the case from what we’re hearing this morning,” he said. Fisheries, the level playing field and governance remain “very problematic.”

He added: "We’ve got to try to make a breakthrough at some point today, before the two principals, the Commission president [Ursula von der Leyen] and the Prime Minister [Boris Johnson] speak later on this evening

"Unfortunately, I’d like to be giving more positive news, but at the moment these negotiations seem stalled, and the barriers to progress are still very much in place... There is still time. Lunchtime seems a long way away now, given the intensity of these discussions, but that’s where we are."

Breakthrough must come today, says Simon Coveney - Reuters

09:32 AM

EU's Brexit offer 'fair' and 'very ambitious', says Luxembourg's foreign minister

Luxembourg's foreign minister said the deal on offer to Boris Johnson is "fair" and "very ambitious".

Arriving at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers, Jean Asselborn said: "Boris Johnson said as foreign minister and also as prime minister that the UK will leave the European Union, but not Europe."

Failure in the negotiations would mean that "de facto UK would leave Europe because it would be the only country in Europe without a trade agreement".

"Therefore, this proposition on the table is fair, very ambitious, without custom tariffs and without quotas," he said.

"So I hope that Boris Johnson is doing what he promised."

Jean Asselborn, left, greets Croatia's Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman with an elbow bump this morning - AFP Pool

09:22 AM

Brexit: UK poised to offer five year transition on fishing

All eyes are on Brussels today, where David Frost and Michel Barnier are meeting yet again. 

Sources close to the talks have suggested Britain – which had already offered a three-year transition period on fishing arrangements – could offer an even longer transition of around five years.

In return, the EU would have to hand back at least 50 per cent of its fish quotas from January 1 instead of the 18 per cent it is currently offering.

British sources stressed late on Sunday night that a final agreement on fishing was yet to emerge.

An EU climbdown over fish would be hugely embarrassing for Emmanuel Macron, the French president, who has been blamed for crashing the talks last week when both sides believed a deal was within reach.

Read the full details here. 

09:04 AM

It would be 'absolute disgrace' if Brexit disrupted Covide vaccine arrival, says Labour frontbencher

A Labour frontbencher has said it would be "an absolute disgrace" if Brexit talks affected the transport of Covid vaccines from Europe to the UK> 

"The issue here is on how smooth the ports will be flowing after the deadline expires," Jonathan Reynolds, shadow work and pensions secretary said.

"Even if there is a deal, there is going to be more bureaucracy at the ports. If you put in the confusion about no deal - that starts to be very worrying.”

But he echoed James Cleverly's comments this morning, stressing there was "huge common interest" with the EU to make sure vaccines arrive in the UK from Europe.  

"They should be able to deliver it," he said.  "Anything that puts that at risk will be an absolute disgrace."

08:58 AM

Brexit trade deal 'nearly there', says minister

A post-Brexit trade deal with the EU is "nearly there" - but negotiators may not be successful in time, a minister has said. 

Number 10 this morning played down suggestions that there had been a breakthrough on fisheries, despite sources last night suggesting a compromise had been reached. 

Today James Cleverly, a Foreign Office minister, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The vast majority of the elements of this agreement have been resolved and we're now hanging on a small number of important areas where we don't have agreement.

"We're nearly there but we are not quite there yet. And it may well be that we will not be able to resolve this in the timescale we've got, but we're nearly there."

James Cleverly: "The vast majority of the elements of this agreement have been resolved" - Reuters

08:46 AM

Millwall fans 'wrong' to boo players for taking the knee, says minister

Foreign Office minister James Cleverly has criticised Millwall fans who booed footballers taking the knee against racism.

He told BBC Breakfast: "The footballers clearly wanted to demonstrate solidarity with people who had either been victims of racism or fighting against racism, I think that's a noble and honourable thing for them to do.

"Ultimately what those fans did was wrong."

He stressed that some criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement was "legitimate" given the shift into political issues such as defunding the police. 

"But, more broadly, those players on the pitch were displaying solidarity with people who are fighting against racism in society and that's not something that should be booed."

Millwall players were booed for kneeling for Black Lives Matter - Getty

08:42 AM

Michel Barnier 'downbeat' during ambassador call, says source

Michel Barnier was "rather downbeat as to the prospects of agreement" when he spoke to national envoys in Brussels on Monday morning, a diplomat has said. 

The EU's chief negotiator updated ambassadors on the state of play this morning, telling officials that talkls have "have entered the endgame, time is running out quickly", said a source. 

"Despite intensive negotiations until late last night, the gaps on level playing field, governance and fisheries are still not bridged. "The outcome is still uncertain, it can still go both ways," the source added. 

EU Ambassadors reiterated their full confidence in Mr Barnier and their full support for his approach to the EU-UK negotiations.

"It is for the UK to chose between such a positive outcome or a no deal outcome," the source added. 

08:37 AM

Vaccine cards designed to 'unlock people's lives', says minister

A Foreign Office minister has tried to dodge questions about plans to issue people who have received a coronavirus vaccine with an "immunisation card" to prove they have had a jab. 

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove last week rubbished the idea of "vaccine passports", despite business minister Nadhin Zahawi suggesting it was something being looked at. 

This morning, James Cleverly refused to deny the cards will be used as "passports" back to a more normal life.

He stressed they were designed to encourage confidence and wider take-up of the vaccine, adding: "It's about making sure there's a wide rollout. It's about unlocking people's lives and reopening the economy."

08:28 AM

Brexit talks will continue until we 'run out of time', says minister

Brexit talks will continue until "we run out of time or a deal is done", a minister has said this morning, as Number 10 played down suggestions that there had been a breakthrough on fisheries overnight. 

Michel Barnier has given an early morning briefing to ambassadors today as the teams reconvene in Brussels. Boris Johnson is due to speak to Ursula von der Leyen this afternoon, while the controversal UK Internal Market Bill returns to the Commons. 

James Cleverly, a minister in the Foreign Office, said it was unsurprising that trade negotiations with the EU are going "to the wire". Asked how long they could continue, he told Sky News "I don't have a particular day or minute", noting that the only absolute deadline was when transition ends with the close of the year. 

Clement Beaune, France's foreign affairs minister, yesterday claimed the British side has said they only need 24 hours to ratify, however Downing Street stressed this is "wrong".

08:26 AM

EU will help get vaccines to UK if there is a no deal Brexit, says minister

The UK is carrying out "extensive plans" to ensure that vaccines can still get to the UK from Europe in the event of a no deal Brexit, James Cleverly has said.  

"We are committed to make sure we get that vaccine supply, it's an absolute priority product," he told Sky News, adding there are "independent travel plans" in place, including non-commercial flights to get the jabs safely to the UK.

He also suggested that vaccines could be airlifted to the UK in the event that there is chaos at the borders. 

The minister insisted the EU would "help us to facilitate the travel of vaccines", saying: "Lives are at stake.

Asked why they should help in the event of a no deal, he added: "I don’t have that degree of cynicism about the EU."

08:21 AM

Brexit no deal should not be seen as 'Armageddon', says minister

The possibility of a no deal Brexit should not be seen as "Armageddon", a minister has said, as he called on the EU  to be more flexible in the final stages of the negotiations.

Talks are resuming in Brussels this morning, amid hopes a deal can be struck in the remaining time before transition ends. However Number 10 has played down any suggestions of a breakthrough overnight. 

"There have been people trying to paint the idea of us leaving without a trade agreement as some kind of Armageddon," James Cleverly told LBC. "It is less preferable than having a trade agreement but ... you can trade successfully with the EU without a formal trade agreement .

"If that's what we have to do then that's what we have to do, but we are in a position where we can do something better if the EU displays a little bit of flexibility and adaptability in these final hours or days of negotiations."

The pressure of an imminent deadline "tends to focus the minds" of negotiators on both sides of the table to "get things over the line", the Foreign Office minister added. 

08:17 AM

Michael Gove to meet Commission counterpart to iron out Northern Ireland protocol

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, will meet vice president Maros Sefcovic today in Brussels, as hopes build that progress could be made on Irish border issues.

The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee oversees UK and EU implementation, application and interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Northern Ireland Protocol. 

The work of the Joint Committee is separate from the ongoing FTA negotiations. 

Mr Sefcovic tweeted: "I will meet @michaelgove today in Brussels to discuss the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

"We are working hard to make sure it is fully operational as of 1 January 2021."

Michael Gove will be returning to Brussels - Bloomberg

08:15 AM

UK still holds all the cards in Brexit talks, claims minister

A Foreign Office minister has insisted the UK still does "hold all the cards" in trade negotiations with the EU and called on the bloc to make "small but significant concessions".

James Cleverly was asked about previous statements made by colleagues including Michael Gove, suggesting that a Brexit deal would be easy to strike because the UK was in a position of power. 

He told BBC Breakfast: "Outside the EU we can actually sign trade agreements more quickly with more countries than previously, so we do indeed hold all the cards.

"I think if the EU recognise this they will see that actually making a few small but significant concessions can get this deal done and that will be in their interest and in our interest."

He declined to confirm whether a breakthrough had been made on fishing policy or not.

James Cleverly: UK still holds all the cards - Reuters

08:12 AM

UKIM to return to Commons despite 'unfortunate' risk to Brexit talks, says minister

Foreign Office minister James Cleverly has said it is unsurprising that trade negotiations with the EU are going "to the wire".

He told Sky News: "We will be negotiating until the point where there can be no further negotiating or until a deal is done.

"Whilst it would've been lovely to get something earlier than this, it's not completely surprising that it's going to the wire but we'll keep negotiating hard on behalf of the British people to get a good trade agreement, to get a deal done and we'll use as much time as we've got available."

He said the UK Internal Market Bill will return to the Commons on Monday and controversial elements stripped out by the Lords will be added back in despite it risking angering the EU.

"If that is the case that is unfortunate, but ultimately this is an insurance policy," he said.

07:38 AM

Brexit talks on 'knife edge' as EU backs down over fishing

Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will assess whether a post-Brexit trade deal can be salvaged following a weekend of tense negotiations.

The two leaders will speak on Monday evening - their second call in a little over 48 hours - after their top negotiators spent Sunday locked in detailed talks.

On Sunday, sources in Brussels said talks on fishing arrangements were "closing in" on a political agreement, but there were warnings that no progress had been made on the far bigger problem of the "level playing field", meaning the two sides could still end the talks without a deal as early as Monday night.

On Sunday night Michael Martin, the Irish prime minister, put the chances of a deal at 50-50, saying: "Things are on a knife edge." 

Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen will speak today - AP