Friday morning news briefing: Brexit - it's 2019 all over again

Danny Boyle
·6 min read
Michel Barnier, chief EU Brexit negotiator, said 'significant differences remain' - Leon Neal /Getty
Michel Barnier, chief EU Brexit negotiator, said 'significant differences remain' - Leon Neal /Getty

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Downing Street defiant over Brussels ultimatum

It feels like 2019 all over again. Brexit battle lines have once more been drawn. After the European Union yesterday gave Boris Johnson a 20-day ultimatum to back down on his plans to alter the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement or face the collapse of trade talks and legal action, Downing Street remained defiant. Despite a growing number of Tory grandees voicing their opposition to the legislation, Number 10 insisted it "could not and would not" withdraw the Internal Market Bill. Associate Editor Camilla Tominey explains why the Prime Minister will not back down. In the latest episode of the Chopper's Politics podcast, a leading Conservative Brexiteer warns Mr Johnson has as little as a 20 per cent chance of signing a trade deal with the EU now. So what, says Matthew Lynn, as he argues the EU will learn to love a no-deal Brexit. Read our at-a-glance guide to what a disorderly exit could mean for your daily life.

Ministers demand children be exempt from 'rule of six'

Cabinet unrest is growing over the "rule of six" that will force families apart for months. Senior Tories have demanded children be exempt from the new law (which already faces a legal challenge) to enable families to get together and save Christmas. Scientists said such an approach to rising coronavirus infections would "make more sense". These are the ways you can and cannot legally see friends and family from Monday. And Matt sees the funny side of the new law in today's cartoon.

The Prime Minister announced new marshals as part of a plan to enforce stricter rules on social gatherings. But they have been dismissed as "Covid Wombles" by the police after it emerged they will have no formal powers to enforce new restrictions. What exactly does it take to be a member of this new tranche of pandemic police - and would you do it for a reported £30,000 salary? Eleanor Steafel examines the qualifications needed to be a Covid Secure Marshal: a Home Guard of sorts (though not one Captain Mainwaring would have deigned to lead), whose mission will be to bolster the enforcement capacity of local authorities.

Orchestra outnumbers audience at live concert

Usually, when Sir Simon Rattle lifts his baton, the atmosphere crackles with anticipation, programmes rustle, heads turn. But the London Symphony Orchestra's new world is unlike that of old. The first full orchestral indoor performance of the season has taken place - with an audience of just a dozen. Victoria Ward reports on the most exclusive ticket in town. And Classical Music Critic Ivan Hewett rejoices at the sound of a live concert at last - "like finding water in the desert".

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Statue attacked | Police are facing questions after protesters were allowed to deface the Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration. The statue was daubed with the word "racist" in yellow spray paint - despite hundreds of police officers being stationed in the area. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that one person had been arrested. View pictures of the graffiti.

Around the world: Golden state loses its lustre

With wildfires raging across the state, threatening homes and turning the air a dystopian choking orange, the Californian Dream looks increasingly untenable. Environment Editor Emma Gatten says the link with climate change is simple - though quantifying it is harder. View our gallery of more striking world images of the day.

A woman walks under an orange smoke-filled sky in San Francisco - Getty
A woman walks under an orange smoke-filled sky in San Francisco - Getty

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

  1. David Suchet on Dame Diana Rigg | 'She set the pace for a whole generation'

  2. Couple who never gave up hope | Homeless, bankrupt and fighting a deadly disease

  3. Back to the office | It is time to get back into workwear - but not as you know it

Business and money briefing

Furlough future | Rishi Sunak has been urged by MPs to extend the taxpayer-funded furlough scheme for businesses with a chance of surviving the pandemic. Critics have warned the furlough allows even failing "zombie" businesses to struggle on. But members of the Treasury select committee said the Chancellor should "show flexibility" and target companies that are still viable when the programme ends in October.

Sport briefing

Brink of disaster | The Prime Minister's timetable for returning spectators to stadiums has been plunged deeper into turmoil. Two key pilots were scrapped and club chiefs warned of "profound" economic damage across the sporting landscape. The Premier League and English Football League estimate more than £150m could be lost every month across the four tiers alone if Boris Johnson delays the return of crowds.

Tonight's dinner

Slow cooked pork shoulder with bay and borlotti beans | Lean in to dinners that cook themselves this autumn, like this dish by Eleanor Steafel. Read on for the recipe.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Can Silicon Valley beat ageing? | After decades spent improving the internet by launching search engines, social networks and payment systems, many of the wealthiest and brightest people in Silicon Valley are turning their attention to perhaps the most difficult problem of all: How can we live longer? James Cook examines the five technologies that could help.