UK drops law-breaking clauses from Internal Market Bill after reaching new Brexit agreement with EU

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The UK and EU have broken the impasse on the Withdrawal Agreement, resolving outstanding issues regarding the Irish border, in a key step towards a final Brexit deal. 

As a result of the agreement announced this afternoon the Government will withdraw controversial law-breaking measures from the UK Internal Market Bill - which could have overridden the Withdrawal Agreement - and it will not introduce any similar provisions in the Taxation Bill.

The move follows progress in talks led by Michael Gove and Maros Sefcovic on issues including the Northern Ireland protocol.

In a joint statement, the UK and EU said that "an agreement in principle" had been reached on all issues.

It said: "Following intensive and constructive work over the past weeks by the EU and the UK, the two co-chairs can now announce their agreement in principle on all issues, in particular with regard to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland."

The agreement covers issues including border checks on animal and plant products, the supply of medicines and deliveries of chilled meats and other food products to supermarkets.

There was also "clarification" on the application of rules on state subsidies.

On Tuesday evening, Downing Street confirmed Boris Johnson would travel to Brussels on Wednesday evening for a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen over dinner.

Follow the latest updates below.

                                                                                                    

And that's it for another day...

While much of the focus of today was - rightly - on the all-important start of the UK's vaccination programme, a hefty breakthrough has been made in Brexitland, after Michael Gove and Maros Sefcovic reached an agreement on the Withdrawal Agreement. 

That means the UK can remove the controversial clauses from the UK Internal Market Bill without losing face, or risking the integrity of the union, while both sides show willing. 

As Mr Sefcovic himself says, this has "removed a big obstacle" and could "create positive momentum" to get us towards a Brexit trade deal.

The PM is heading for Brussels as early as tomorrow to see if it is possible. He seemed hopeful this morning - in contrast to the majority of our readers. Out of nearly 1,400 votes in today's poll, 57 per cent believe the gaps are too wide to be bridged at this stage.

A further 35 per cent believe he could inject political momentum, while eight per cent believe Boris Johnson could boost chances with his charm alone. 

Both sides have said they are prepared to keep talking until the last possible moment, suggesting MPs may have to cancel their modest Christmas plans to get a deal ratified before transition ends. 

But could there be white smoke tomorrow? We will be back from 8am to find out. 

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: Macron lacks EU clout to dictate Brexit policy

Watch what they do, as much as what they say. While 11th-hour Brexit brinkmanship by both sides rattles our nerves, a very big bone of contention is close to being settled behind the scenes.

There is a truce of sorts in the war of blackmail and counter-blackmail over the Northern Ireland Protocol. The EU has essentially opened the way to unblock the Joint Committee regulating the accord. The UK has in turn agreed to drop the offending clauses 44, 45, and 47 from its Internal Market Bill.

Interpret this as you wish, but as Ambrose Evans-Pritchard argues, the EU is unlikely to have given the nod to such steps if trade talks were near breakdown.

But the Gove-Šefčovič plan does not kick in unless there is a trade deal first. While France’s Emmanuel Macron may yet force matters to the point of rupture, to do so would be to take a big gamble with the French national interest and might well prove his own political Sedan.

French President Emmanuel Macron may have overplayed his hand Credit: AP

Brexit deal analysis: Three options facing the Prime Minister

As the Prime Minister prepares to travel Brussels for crunch-times talks with the EU, we explore the three options available to him.

In negotiations that could make or break his legacy, Boris Johnson could bring back a good deal, a bad deal or no deal.

Camilla Tominey explores the options on the table.

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Withdrawal Agreement breakthrough 'created positive momentum', says Maros Sefcovic

The EU will make sure Boris Johnson makes good on his promise to withdraw the proposals to break international law in the UK Internal Market Bill, European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic has said. 

At a news conference, Mr Sefcovic said he hoped the agreement on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement could create "positive momentum" in the trade talks.

"We are still very far apart and we are not hiding this from anyone," he said.

But he added: "Clearly we created positive momentum, we removed one big obstacle from the way and I hope that we will see positive results also coming from these very complex negotiations, even though we are fully aware how complicated and demanding this process is."

MPs urge 'pragmatism' from UK and EU amid rising fears of Brexit disruption to business 

A group of MPs have called for "pragmatism" from both the UK and EU to avoid disruption after Brexit that could see food shortages, price rises and widespread problems for British industries. 

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee this morning heard from business leaders representing financial services, food and drink and automative industries. 

Committee chair Darren Jones said: "While Britain’s businesses are hoping that a Brexit deal will be reached, companies across many sectors will face disruption from 1 January.  

"This morning we heard evidence which pointed, even in the event of a Brexit deal, to potential food shortages and price rises, and the threat of heaping significant costs onto our car industry, and also of concerns around financial services and the wider future relationship.

"Our industry witnesses this morning were unanimous in wanting clarity from a UK-EU deal, on crucial areas such as ‘rules of origin’. It was also made clear that businesses will need time to adjust to any deal and that there should be pragmatism on both UK and EU sides to ensure disruption is minimised and trade continues to flow."

EU welcomes UK's decision to drop law-breaking clauses from Brexit bill 

The UK's decision to drop controversial clauses from the Internal Market Bill that would allow ministers to breach the Withdrawal Agreement have been welcomed by European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic .

The decision, which means similar clauses will not be included in the Taxation Bill when it is introduced to Parliament, was taken following an agreement between the official and Michael Gove. 

"We will continue to follow this closely and make sure the contentious provisions are effectively withdrawn," Sefcovic told a news conference.

He stressed that Boris Johnson's forthcoming meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the coming days would give an opportunity for the pair to thrash out other outstanding issues to secure a Brexit trade deal. 

Have your say: Will Boris' Brussels visit secure a Brexit deal?

Boris Johnson is planning to make a last-minute trip to Brussels this week, as he looks to nudge the Brexit trade deal over the line. 

The Prime Minister's personal intervention could make all the difference - as it did last summer, when his meeting with Leo Varadkar helped secure the Withdrawal Agreement. 

But are foreign ministers increasingly immune to his charms - and is the gap too wide to bridge?

Have your say in the poll below. 

Negotiators have 'day or two' to avoid Brexit no deal, says Ireland's PM

Britain and the European Union just a "day or two" to make progress if they are to avert a no deal Brexit, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said on Tuesday.

The Irish Taoiseach told parliament the level playing field was an area of particular concern. 

"The situation is very serious, this isn't about choreography as some people might think. There is a very serious issue in terms of level playing field that will be difficult to resolve," Mr Martin said.

"Unfortunately we are facing the prospect of a no-deal Brexit if something doesn't break that in the next day or two. I do have to alert the house to the fact that we could very well be discussing preparations for a no-deal Brexit."

His comments come after figures in both London and Brussels suggested talks could run on to the end of the year. 

Micheal Martin: "The situation is very serious." Credit: AFP

Labour welcomes Withdrawal Agreement breakthrough after 'months of crippling uncertainty'

Labour has welcomed the breakthrough on the Northern Ireland protocol announced today, meaning the UK will withdraw controversial law-breaking measures from the UK Internal Market Bill and Taxation Bill.

Louise Haigh, shadow Northern Ireland secretary said: “This is a welcome step forward, after months of crippling uncertainty for Northern Ireland.

“An agreement, not reckless threats, has always been the responsible way forward.

“Huge challenges remain to implement the Protocol by January 1st, and the Government must now work flat out to help businesses prepare, deliver the much-needed detail, and ensure the new arrangements impact as little as possible on Northern Ireland.” 

Vaccine programme 'the beginning of the end', says Nicola Sturgeon

The vaccination programme presents the "beginning of the end" of the pandemic in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon said.

The First Minister told MSPs: "Today - the day when the first people have been vaccinated against Covid - is a day of optimism for all of us.

"But it marks, we hope, the beginning of the end of the pandemic. The end is not quite with us yet.

"So all of us must continue to think about how we keep ourselves and each other safe in the meantime."

It comes as she confirmed that five council areas in Scotland will see restrictions eased this week. 

Inverclyde, Falkirk and Angus will move from Level 3 to Level 2 and Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders will move to Level 1

Brexit 'remains totally uncertain' says Germany's European Affairs minister

It remains "totally uncertain" whether Britain and European Union can reach a trade deal, German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth said on Tuesday, adding that there was no new progress in talks.

"There is no substantial progress, as before there are fundamental disagreements: level playing field, governance and fisheries," he told a news conference after European ministers were briefed by the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier.

Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen will meet "in order to attempt, once again, to agree on the key subjects to bridge the gap to reached agreement" he added.

"Will this succeed? Ladies and gentlemen, as before, this remains totally uncertain," Roth said. The EU wants a trade deal, "but not at any cost".

The minister was then cut off mid-sentence, owing to an apparent technical issue. 

Michael Roth's connection was cut mid-sentence Credit: Pool AFP

PM's new chief of staff snapped en route to Cabinet meeting

Boris Johnson was spotted with his new chief of staff Dan Rosenfield today, as the Prime Minister left Downing Street to attend his weekly Cabinet meeting. 

Mr Rosenfield, a former Treasury official, will formally take office on 1 January, taking over from Eddie Lister who is currently acting chief of staff.

Dominic Cummings had been de facto chief of staff until his very public departure last month.

Boris Johnson trailed by new chief of staff Dan Rosenfield (right). Credit: Shutterstock
Boris Johnson with officials including his new chief of staff Dan Rosenfield (right) Credit: Bloomberg

Further 325 Covid deaths recorded in English hospitals

A further 325 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 42,904.

Patients were aged between 42 and 101 years old. All except 12, aged 56 to 93 years old, had known underlying health conditions. The date of death ranges from 5 November to 7 December 2020 with the majority being on or after 4 December.

The worst affected region was North East & Yorkshire with 86 deaths registered, followed by the North West, with 72 deaths and the Midlands with 59. 

There were 37 deaths recorded in London, 31 in the South East, 24 in the South West and 16 in the East of England.

Northern Ireland breakthrough may provide 'positive momentum' on Brexit talks, says Simon Coveney

Ireland's foreign minister has welcomed the breakthrough on the Northern Irish protocol, saying he hoped it would inject "positive momentum" for the remaining Brexit trade talks.

Simon Coveney said: "Of particular significance is the commitment by the UK to withdraw clauses 44, 45 and 47 of the Internal Market Bill, bringing it back into line with its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement.

"This positive development comes after significant and productive engagement between the EU and the UK on implementation of the protocol, as provided for under the Withdrawal Agreement.

"I look forward to an early meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee, chaired by commission vice president Maros Sefcovic and Michael Gove, to formalise the agreements reached.

"I hope this may also provide some of the positive momentum necessary to instil confidence and trust and allow progress in the wider context of the future relationship negotiations."

German's European Affairs minister: Political will in London is needed for Brexit deal

Germany's European Affairs minister, Michael Roth, has said "political will in London" was needed to get a Brexit deal.

"Let me be very clear, our future relationship is based on trust and confidence," he said.

"It's precisely this confidence that is at stake in our negotiations right now. We want to reach a deal, but not at any price."

Boris Johnson is due to visit Brussels for a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen later this week, following a lengthy telephone call on Monday.

Leaders of the EU's 27 member states are due to gather in Brussels on Thursday for a two-day summit, potentially giving political impetus for a deal.

Number 10 issues hasty clarification over Duke and Duchess' train trip 

Number 10 has put out a statement clarifying its position on the royal train trip, after the Prime Minister's official spokesman refused to back the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Repeatedly asked if it was Covid compliant or backed by Boris Johnson, the spokesman would only say it was "a matter for the Palace", prompting questions about whether Downing Street was refusing to support the royal couple. 

Issuing a hasty clarification, a No 10 spokesman  said Mr Johnson welcomed the "morale boost" it would provide.

"The PM is delighted to see the warm reception the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received on their hugely valuable train tour of England, Scotland and Wales," he said. 

"The tour will be a welcome morale boost to frontline workers who have done so much during the pandemic."

Talks could run on until Dec 31, Downing Street signals

Downing Street appears to be pushing back the deadline of the Brexit talks as far as December 31, as hopes recede that a deal can be struck this week.

It had been expected that an agreement would be reached ahead of the European Council summit on Thursday, giving the EU27 leaders an opportunity to approve it, before it reaches the respective parliaments for ratification. 

However, the European Commission said it would be happy for talks to take place in 2021 if no deal was reached before the deadline. 

But this afternoon the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We have been clear that the future relationship needs to be concluded by the end of the year and negotiations won't continue into next year. That's been our position throughout."

Number 10 did not rule out MPs being made to sit over the Christmas period to pass any Brexit deal.

The Prime Minister is due to travel to Brussels as early as tomorrow in a bid to get an agreement over the line.

UK and EU strike agreement 'on all issues' of Withdrawal Agreement 

The UK and EU has struck a compromise "on all issues" in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, Michael Gove has confirmed. 

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster was in Brussels yesterday, in a bid to agree all outstanding issues, including those relating to the Irish border. 

The agreement means that concerns over the EU's threat that it will check goods travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been resolved.  

"In view of these mutually agreed solutions, the UK will withdraw clauses 44, 45 and 47 of the UK Internal Market Bill, and not introduce any similar provisions in the Taxation Bill," the Government said in a statement. 

Matt Hancock has 'high confidence' that summer 2021 will be restriction-free

Matt Hancock said he has a "high confidence that the summer of 2021 will be a bright one", as he reveals he has already booked his holiday for next year. 

During a debate on the launch of the vaccine today Jeremy Hunt, former minister and chairman of the Health and Social Care committee, asked: "It is very, very cold outside and the question on many people's minds is - are they now able to book a summer holiday? And is there anywhere in particular that he would recommend if the answer was yes?"

The Health Secretary replied: "I do have high confidence that the summer of 2021 will be a bright one without the sort of restrictions that made the summer of 2020 more restrictive.

"I've booked my holiday. I'm going to Cornwall."

Schools will be granted extra inset day to avoid 'Trace and Trace issues', says minister

Schools will be allowed to take an inset day on Friday next week so teachers do not have to engage with Track and Trace issues on Christmas Eve, a minister has suggested.

Schools standards minister Nick Gibb told MPs that the Government wants to ensure school staff have a break from identifying potential coronavirus cases.

Speaking to a virtual Education Select Committee, Mr Gibb said: "We are about to announce that inset days can be used on Friday December 18, even if an inset day had not been originally scheduled for that day.

"We want there to be a clear six days so that by the time we reach Christmas Eve staff can have a proper break without having to engage in the track and trace issues."

Michel Barnier: Access to our market comes with conditions

The EU "will never sacrifice our future for the present", Michel Barnier has said, after giving a briefing to European Affairs ministers today. 

The chief negotiator has broken from Brexit trade talks ahead of a face-to-face meeting between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels this week. 

"Access to our market comes with conditions," he added. 

Lobby latest: MPs may have to sit over Christmas to pass Brexit deal, says Downing Street 

MPs may be asked to sit over the Christmas period to pass any Brexit deal, Downing Street has hinted. 

Asked if there were contingency plans for the Commons to sit between Christmas and New Year's Eve, the Prime Minister's spokesman said: "We believe that should we reach a free trade agreement there is parliamentary time to put it through the House.

"I think we have seen previously Parliament's ability to pass things at a good speed where necessary and we continue to believe that there is time to do so."

The spokesman said "time is obviously in short supply" but that the Government wanted to reach a deal "as soon as possible".

Lobby latest: Downing Street dodges questions about royal train trip

Downing Street said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's train tour was a "matter for the palace", after ministers in Wales and Scotland raised concerns over the trip. 

Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said he would prefer it if "no-one was having unnecessary visits" after Nicola Sturgeon refused to endorse their visit to Scotland yesterday.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: "That is obviously a matter for the palace and I would point you towards them. But we set out clearly the tiers and the advice around the current guidelines that we are asking the public to abide by."

Challenged on whether the royal couple had complied with the rules, the spokesman said: "I'm making the general point that we have set out the regionalised tier system that is now in place and the guidance that we are asking people to abide by."

In response to a suggestion that No 10 was refusing to give its backing to the couple's trip, the spokesman said: "I would point you towards the palace."

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Lobby latest: Boris Johnson tell ministers UK will thrive 'with or without' Brexit deal

Boris Johnson told Cabinet ministers that the UK will "thrive with or without" a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing that Mr Johnson provided an update to Cabinet on the negotiations with the EU on Tuesday morning.

"He stated his desire to continue to try and find a way through on the remaining areas of disagreement, and the PM made clear that any deal must respect our core principles around sovereignty and control.

"He stressed that the UK would thrive with or without a free trade agreement with the EU."

Cabinet also discussed the Covid-19 vaccine rollout and the Government's ambition to "build back greener".

Boris Johnson in Downing Street, after leaving a Cabinet meeting at the Foreign Office Credit: PA

Lobby latest: David Frost to return to London today

The UK's chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost will return to London later today, to discuss the remaining differences in reaching a free trade deal with the Prime Minister, Number 10 said.

Boris Johnson's official spokesman said: "We've asked our chief negotiators and their teams to provide an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed at a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.

"It is the case that our chief negotiator David Frost is in Brussels working with his counterparts on the remaining differences currently. He will then travel back to London later today to discuss them with the Prime Minister.

"Then, over the course of the coming days, the Prime Minister will go to Brussels to discuss them with Ursula von der Leyen."

The spokesman said a date of the meeting had not yet been agreed.

David Frost: Swapping Brussels for London to brief the PM Credit: Bloomberg

Lobby latest: No plans for Boris Johnson to meet Merkel or Macron

Downing Street said there are "no plans" for Boris Johnson to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron or German Chancellor Angela Merkel if or when he visits Brussels this week.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The readout last night confirmed that the PM will sit down with Ursula von der Leyen when he gets to Brussels.

"There are no plans for the PM to meet with president Macron or chancellor Merkel, but as I say nothing has been agreed yet in terms of the details of the meeting."

Cabinet in pictures: Ministers looking chipper despite Brexit uncertainty

Boris Johnson looked ebullient as he attended Cabinet meeting this morning. 

The Prime Minister convened his top team shortly after the UK began the world's first Covid vaccination programme. 

Boris Johnson this morning Credit: Shutterstock
Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly cabinet meeting held at the nearby Foreign Office Credit: AFP
Michael Gove, back in London following his Brussels trip yesterday Credit: Getty

Michael Gove was snapped looking chipper, following his Brussels trip yesterday, which resulted in the Government offering to remove controversial law-breaking clauses from the UK Internal Market Bill. 

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland returns to Downing Street following a Cabinet meeting Credit: Getty

Michel Barnier has not imposed Wednesday deadline on talks, EU says 

The European Commission has denied reports that Michel Barnier said a deal had to be done by Wednesday, stressing the EU was willing to continue discussions "for as long as necessary". 

The spokesman said:

"I don't know why you have the impression negotiations are wrapping up tomorrow - that's not information we've given out. We said we were waiting for a meeting between President Von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of the UK in order to move forward hopefully with negotiations, which could hopefully continue after that. 
"We are not trying to fix down any kind of definitive framework of negotiations for a meeting between two leaders, it's not that sort of a meeting. That's not where the negotiations happen. The meeting will be to try and lift substantial impasses so then the negotiators can continue their work.
"Last chance saloon or not, quite honestly this is unchartered territory - we'll have to see how this meeting goes. We continue to wish to negotiate using our mandate to do our utmost to find an agreement which will allow us to defend the interests of the EU, and we will continue on that path. We're willing to continue the discussions for as long as necessary.

Labour MP to face Crown Court over fraud allegations

A Labour MP has denied three counts of fraud after allegedly failing to say she had moved home after applying for social housing.

Apsana Begum, 30, is accused of failing to notify the housing service during three periods between January 18 2013 and March 31 2016 after she moved address. Tower Hamlets Council allege the cost to the local authority was £63,928 because someone else on the housing list had to be given accommodation elsewhere. 

The Poplar and Limehouse MP faces three similar fraud charges alleging she dishonestly failed to disclose to Tower Hamlets Council that she was not living in "overcrowded conditions" after applying to join the housing list on July 22 2011.

After a hearing lasting around 15 minutes, she was told the case would be sent to the Crown Court at Snaresbrook on January 5. 

She has previously said in a statement that she "vigorously contests these malicious and false allegations".

Begum removed her facemask as she entered the dock wearing a dark hijab, and said "I plead not guilty" as each of the three charges was read in court. Credit: Twitter/Apsana Begum

Michel Barnier briefs European Affairs ministers on Brexit 'state of play'

Michel Barnier is now briefing the EU's European Affairs ministers "on the state of play" regarding Brexit talks. 

He is speaking alongside Maros Sefcovic, Commission vice president, who met with Michael Gove yesterday.

It was that meeting which resulted in an agreement to remove the controversial law-breaking clauses from the UK Internal Market Bill.

EU offers to continue Brexit talks in 2021 as deadline looms

The European Union has offered to continue negotiations with the UK in 2021 if a deal cannot be reached by the end of the transition period.

Downing Street has previously ruled out resuming talks if no deal is reached by the time transition ends this year. 

But European Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said the mandate given to officials by the 27 member states and the European Parliament would permit further talks.

"If that deal is not in place on January 1, then we have a no-deal situation," Mr Ferrie said.

"That does not exclude that negotiations can continue - from our side - and it does not exclude that we can continue on the basis of the mandate that is given to us."

Michel Barnier: Brexit is becoming a 'university of patience'

Michel Barnier has upgraded his description of the level of patience required to deal with Brexit talks, as the deadline appears ever closer. 

"I just met David Frost this morning to prepare the next steps and obviously the meeting between Boris Johnson  and Ursula von der Leyen," the EU's chief negotiator said today. 

"At that stage more than ever Brexit is a school of patience… even a university of patience."

Michel Barnier: Brexit is a 'university of patience' Credit: AP

Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen call 'very cordial', says European Commission

Yesterday's call between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen had been "very cordial" but no date had yet been fixed for their meeting in Brussels, the European Commission has said.

Spokesman Eric Mamer told reporters in Brussels the call had focused on the "sticking points" in the negotiations.

There will be further discussions between the negotiating teams to draw up a list of the main obstacles which will be the subject of the forthcoming meeting between Mr Johnson and the European Commission president.

The UK offered an olive branch to Brussels by indicating it will draw back from plans to tear up parts of the Brexit divorce deal already agreed with the EU over concerns about trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said talks on the issue between Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove and the commission's Maros Sefcovic had made "very good progress".

Meet the UK's history makers: the first people in the world to get the Pfizer Covid vaccine 

It has been hailed as the 'beginning of the end', the moment when Britain took a huge step towards a return to normality. At 6.31am, on a cold December morning, a 90-year-old Coventry grandmother became the first person in the world to have the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. 

 Margaret Keenan, who is marking her 91st birthday on Tuesday next week, never flinched as she was injected, marking the start of an historic mass vaccination programme.

The NHS has become the first health service in the world to begin rolling out Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine. Once Mrs Keenan made history, the patients flooded in for vaccinations across the union. 

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One year on from victory, was Boris wrong to force out so many of his political enemies?

Boris Johnson’s rollercoaster of a week of negotiations with the European Union concludes on Saturday with the first anniversary of his decision to gamble and win on a December election to get Brexit through the House of Commons. 

Defying fears that voters would prefer to stay home and write Christmas cards, turnout was only slightly down and the Prime Minister romped home with an 80 seat majority.

It was perhaps the pinnacle of Dominic Cummings’ grip on power; affirmation of his cunning plan to expel or bully Europhile MPs from the Conservative Party and replace them with a new generation in his mould: Brexity, northern, unbound by convention or even tradition.

But now Mr Cummings is history – ousted from Number 10 last month he is rapidly fading into the distance, a diminishing figure in the rear view mirror as the Prime Minister drives on into a brave new post-Brexit world. 

Rosa Prince considers if the PM was wrong to oust so many of his enemies.

Have your say: Will Boris' Brussels visit secure a Brexit deal?

Boris Johnson is planning to make a last-minute trip to Brussels this week, as he looks to nudge the Brexit trade deal over the line. 

The Prime Minister's personal intervention could make all the difference - as it did last summer, when his meeting with Leo Varadkar helped secure the Withdrawal Agreement. 

But are foreign ministers increasingly immune to his charms - and is the gap too wide to bridge?

Have your say in the poll below. 

Summer holidays beckon - but Covid vaccine likely to become 'routine' like flu jab

Britons will be able to go abroad on summer holidays next year, the head of the vaccine taskforce has predicted.

Kate Bingham said that while the virus would never completely disappear, those most at risk will be vaccinated by April.

Ms Bingham told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "My gut feel is that we will all be going on summer holidays... by the summer we should be in a much better place to get on planes.

"I don't think we're going to get away from this virus ever - so we're going to have to maintain sensible hygiene and washing hands, and so on," she added. 

"I would like this vaccine to be as routine as an annual flu jab and that we manage it rather than get bowed down by it."

She said she expected the Oxford vaccine would get approved too - though said there were plans if it does not come through.

Belgium's PM takes a swipe at Boris Johnson's V-day tweet

Belgium's prime minister has taken a swipe at Boris Johnson after thanking the NHS on coronavirus V-day, following a war of words last week over "vaccine nationalism".

The Prime Minister had tweeted: "Today the first vaccinations in the UK against Covid-19 begin."

He thanked everyone involved in developing the vaccine, adding: "We will beat this together."

Alexander de Croo quoted the tweet and said "made in Europe" with an EU flag.  

The vaccine is being manufactured in Belgium, but the country will not roll out its vaccination campaign until January 4. 

EU leaders are grappling with more than just Brexit this week

EU leaders will have more on their plate than just Brexit when they meet for their European Council summit on Thursday, writes James Crisp. 

As things stand, Brexit has not yet been out on the agenda for summit talks but that is expected to change once it is clear whether or not Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen can find a breakthrough in their meeting.

The heads of state and government will also have to overcome a Polish and Hungarian veto on the EU Budget and coronavirus economic stimulus package. 

Warsaw and Budapest have blocked the 1.8 trillion euro package over concerns it ties EU funding to respect for the rule of law. Brussels has long been at loggerheads with the two countries over concerns over judicial independence and media crackdowns. 

If Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Poland's Mateusz Morawiecki  stand firm in the face of pressure from the other 25 leaders of the bloc, there could be marathon negotiations.

Talks over the mammoth rescue package could reduce the bandwidth for talks about Brexit, which are expected to be limited to a demand for no deal plans to be stepped up if Mr Johnson and the European Commission president fail. 

William Hague: The heart of the Brexit crisis is our love-hate relationship with France

At the heart of this week’s last-minute crisis in talks with the EU is the tortuous complexity of the British relationship with France writes William Hague.

While Germany tries to push both sides towards a deal, Eastern European states hope for the best and Ireland worries about the disastrous consequences of a no-deal outcome, it is France that stiffens the spine of its very own Michel Barnier and affects disdain for deadlines and compromises. Italy and Spain support the French hard-line position, but they would soon be overridden in Brussels without leadership from Paris.

Ever since Britain and France have existed as states in their modern form, the relationship between them has been one of the most fundamental issues for their leaders. For centuries that meant regular conflict. 

Read Lord Hague's latest column here. 

David Frost to meet European Commission ahead of Boris Johnson's Brexit visit

The UK's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost is meeting the European Commission today to discuss agenda and plans for Boris Johnson's talks - if and when he arrives. 

It is thought Lord Frost will be meeting his counterpart Michel Barnier as part of the discussion. 

A UK source said the two sides needed "to prepare the areas of outstanding issues that require political resolution if there is to be a deal."

Confusion over when Boris Johnson will be going to Brussels

There are high hopes that Boris Johnson's trip to Brussels could help get a deal over the line - but unfortunately it seems that there is no time in the diary yet. 

It will be critical for him to meet Ursula von der Leyen and others ahead of the European Council summit on Thursday if he has any chance of injecting some political momentum to the talks.

Kay Burley misses Sky News show after she 'inadvertently broke the rules;

Sky News anchor Kay Burley was absent from her show this morning after apologising for "inadvertently" breaking Covid-19 safety rules.

The TV host is facing an internal inquiry for what she described as "an error of judgment". Her Westminster-based show was instead presented by Sarah Hewson.

Ms Burley said she was celebrating her 60th birthday at a "Covid-compliant" restaurant on Saturday and afterwards "popped into another" venue to use the bathroom.

The gathering was reportedly in London, which is under Tier 2 restrictions.

EU leaders to demand no deal Brexit emergency plans at crucial summit

EU leaders will order the European Commission to launch emergency no trade deal Brexit plans at their summit on Thursday, if talks between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen fail this week in Brussels, James Crisp writes

The Prime Minister and the President of the Commission will meet in the Belgian capital in a bid to find a political solution to the problems that have deadlocked the EU-UK negotiations for much of this year.

Michel Barnier warned that a deal had to be found on the critical issues of fishing, the level playing field guarantees and the deal’s enforcement, by Wednesday to prevent the UK leaving on WTO terms.

Leaders could back a negotiated deal at Thursday’s European Council, triggering an accelerated ratification process to beat the end of year no deal deadline.

Read the full story here.

What's on the agenda today?

It's been a busy start to the day already, as the UK's vaccination programme kicks off.

Following his appearance in a hospital, Boris Johnson will be chairing a Cabinet meeting where no doubt the vaccine and Brexit will dominate. Here is what is coming up for the rest of the day. 

11:30am: Justice questions

12pm: The Department for Education publishes its latest pupil attendance figures.

12.30pm: Health Secretary Matt Hancock will take an urgent question about the vaccine roll-out.

1:30pm: DCMS minister Nigel Huddleston to give a statement on gambling and lotteries.

After 2pm: Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, gives a statement to the Scottish parliament updating the coronavirus restrictions for Scotland.

2:45pm: MPs begin a debate on resolutions relating to the Taxation (Post-Transition Period) bill.

2.15pm: Robert Buckland, Justice Secretary, gives evidence on the Government’s constitution, democracy and rights commission.

2.30pm: George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, gives evidence to the Commons environment committee.

PM will 'really lean in' to Brexit talks, says Matt Hancock

Boris Johnson will "really lean in" to get a last-minute Brexit deal, when he travels to Brussels this week, the Health Secretary has said. 

"I know the Prime Minister is straining every sinew to try to get a deal that works for both the UK and the EU, that deal is potentially doable but the EU obviously has to want to do it," Matt Hancock told Sky News.

"He is prepared to travel to Brussels to really lean in to get that deal. We have got to make sure we negotiate hard and put everything into it, and that is what the Prime Minister is doing."

Britons should 'be in good cheer' about life after Brexit, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has told Britons to "be in good cheer" about what is around the corner, whatever happens with Brexit talks. 

The Prime Minsiter said he would still "believe in the power of sweet reason", but admitted: "It is looking very, very difficult at the moment, but we will do our level best."

People should "be in good cheer, there are great options ahead for our country", he added, stressing the "big opportunities" that the country has ahead. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Guy's Hospital today  Credit: AP Pool

Boris Johnson: Brexit situation is 'very tricky'

Boris Johnson has said he is hopeful about the prospects of a Brexit deal, but conceded the "situation at the moment is very tricky."

Speaking at a hospital as the UK launches its Covid 19 vaccination programme, the Prime Minister said: "I am very hopeful. The situation at the moment is very tricky, but our friends have just got to understand the UK has left the European Union to exercise democratic control over the way we do things."

He said the two sides were "still a long way apart" on fisheries but "hope springs eternal", adding he would "do my best to sort it out if we can". 

"Whatever happens it is going to be different on January 1, whatever deal we get - whether it is like Australia, like Canada, there is going to be change and businesses need to get change."

Asked about the deadline for a deal, he added: "There may come a moment where we have to acknowledge that it is time to draw the stump and that is just the way it is, but we will prosper mightily under any version."

Boris Johnson urges people to 'contain their impatience' as vaccine is rolled out 

Boris Johnson has urged people to "contain their impatience", warning that the vaccine roll out will take "weeks and months rather than just days". 

Speaking from a hospital as the UK launches its immunisation programme the Prime Minister said: "Obviously the NHS is going to work as fast as it possible can. I am extremely proud and impressed with what the NHS is doing this morning.

"But [the programme] will be right the way through to the next few months. 

"I urge people to contain their impatience," he added. "It is a very exciting moment but there is still a lot of work to be don and discipline to be maintained."

Boris Johnson watches Lyn have her Covid-19 Vaccine injection at Guy's Hospital in central London Credit: Unipixs

Anti-vaxxers are 'totally wrong', says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has urged people not to be nervous of taking the Covid vaccine, as he damns anti-vaxxers as "totally wrong". 

Speaking from a hospital as the UK begins to roll out the immunisation programme, the Prime Minister said: "There is nothing to be nervous about. 

"There are those who feel that a vaccine is something they object to politically or for ideological reasons, I think they are totally wrong.

"I know there are loads of people who count themselves antivaxxers - that is totally the wrong approach

"It is safe, it is the right thing to do. It is good for you, good for the whole of the country."

Boris Johnson urges people 'not to relax' despite vaccine launch as cases start to rise

Boris Johnson has urged people to stick with the Covid restrictions, warning that "alas, cases are still rising" in parts of the country. 

The Prime Minister said the roll out of the vaccination programme was a "shot in the arm for the entire nation", praising Margaret Keenan - the first person in the world to receive a jab outside trials - for "not only protecting herself but also helping protect the entire country". 

During a hospital visit, he told journalists "it will gradually make a huge, huge difference, but I stress gradually because we are not there yet. 

"It is important for people to understand the virus is alas still rising in parts of the country," he said, urging people "not to relax now".

UK has 'give contingency plans' to avoid Brexit impact on vaccine deployment, says Matt Hancock

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there are "five contingency plans" in place to ensure vaccine doses enter the UK, in case of disruption caused by Brexit. 

Asked if he could guarantee the doses would still arrive in the event of a no deal, he told Times Radio: "We have five contingency plans in place to make sure that we can get the vaccine into the country.

"And they're in place, actually, not only for Brexit but for any other logistical challenge that gets in the way."

He added: "I'm absolutely confident that we put in place what needed to be put in place to mitigate any challenges, any risks that are thrown up by whatever deal we get with the EU or none for the future trading arrangement."

Matt Hancock wells up during interview as UK's vaccine programme begins

Matt Hancock has welled up during an interview this morning, as the UK's vaccination programme launches. 

The Health Secretary was on ITV's Good Morning Britain when he started to cry, telling presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid it has been "such a tough year for so many people" but he was pleased to see the second patient - a man called William Shakespeare - getting his jab so we can "get on with our lives". 

He warned that there were still months to go before the rules could be lifted, stressing "we can't blow it now", but added: "It makes you proud to be British."

Will Brexit deal be Boris Johnson’s Maastricht moment or a Thatcher rebate-style triumph?

Deal or no deal, the outcome of the talks with Brussels threaten to make or break Boris Johnson's political legacy.

In the event of white smoke billowing overhead, will the result be viewed as a Maastricht moment of capitulation or a Thatcherite triumph of statecraft?

My colleagues Camilla Tominey and Harry Yorke consider the Prime Minister's most seminal moment in his year-long premiership.

Thatcher or Major: This week could determine Boris Johnson's legacy Credit: Mirrorpix

Brexit: Macron's veto threat could backfire for French fishermen, official warns

Emmanuel Macron’s threat of vetoing a post-Brexit trade deal is a “dangerous game” that could punish France and scupper EU unity, a top French farming official has warned.

French farmers and fishermen are “deeply concerned” about Mr Macron pushing the bloc towards a no-deal over fishing and a "level playing field" on trade rules, said Thierry Pouch,  chief economist of the French Chambers of Agriculture.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said Mr Macron’s threat of vetoing talks, mooted by his Europe minister Clément Beaune, could hurt hard-fought EU unity at a perilous moment. 

Read the full story here. 

Matt Hancock: Millions of Pfizer vaccine doses will be delivered to UK this year 

Matt Hancock said he is confident that "millions" of doses of the Covid vaccine will be delivered this year.

The NHS will "vaccinate as quickly as the manufacturers can produce the vaccine", but because this process is "difficult" the Health Secretary told Times Radio he would not "put numbers on the amount that will be delivered for the rest of this year".

But he added: "I'm confident that there'll be millions delivered this year. But the bulk of the programme will be next year.

"For people thinking about the timelines of what this means, it means that we now can see that there is a route to getting rid of all these restrictions, but it will be some months yet.

"And the thing that is so important is that we stick by the rules in the meantime, because the virus is still a deadly virus."

Matt Hancock: We hope to vaccinate care home residents by Christmas

Matt Hancock has said he hoped care home residents would start being vaccinated before Christmas. 

Despite care home residents being the highest priorisation for immunisation, the logistical challenges posed by the Pfizer vaccine mean that they are not currently able to access the jab. 

The Health Secretary told Sky News: "We hope to be vaccinating in care homes before Christmas ... but we can only do that as fast as is safe to go."

Mr Hancock also said vaccine cards being issued to patients were "standard NHS reminder cards" for the follow-up appointment for the second dose, adding: "We are not proposing to have a sort of immunity certificate that allows you to do different things."

Last week, Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething suggested they were pinning their hopes on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which does not have to be stored at -70*C, like the Pfizer-BioNTech jab. 

Placeholder image for youtube video: cPCvVha2wks

Vaccine roll out means restrictions can be lifted earlier than thought, says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock has suggested that the UK's early adoption of the vaccine means restrictions can be lifted earlier than was expected - but warned there is a long winter ahead first. 

Asked when normality might return, he said: "We think from the spring, things can start getting back to normal. Because we have been able to get this vaccination programme going sooner than anywhere else in the world, we will be able to bring that date forward a bit. 

"I have great hopes for summer 2021, and I hope we can lift the restrictions from spring."

But asked about rising cases, he told Radio 4's Today programme: "I have really mixed emotions about today. I have joy of seeing the start of the roll out, which I am so proud of... but I also worry that people need to still hold their nerve.

"We all need to still hold our nerve and keep this virus under control until we have the vaccine rolled out to protect people from this awful disease."

Matt Hancock: Vaccine card is 'absolutely standard' reminder

Matt Hancock has played down suggestions the vaccination card will be used as an immunity passport, stressing that it is an "absolutely standard" reminder card. 

The Health Secretary told Radio 4's Today programme "the problem is we don't yet know if vaccine stops transmitting the virus", noting that "asymptomatic transmission one of the hardest things to handle". 

He noted that the first phase of immunisations involved the elderly and vulnerable, saying when "enough people are protected" the authorities would "watch the indicators" to see if there was any impact on transmission. "We very much hope to see those numbers coming down," he added. 

Vaccination programme 'tinged with worry', says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock has said the start of the vaccination programme is "tinged with worry" that people will stop following the rules. 

The Health Secretary told Radio 4's Today programme it was "really emotional" to be at the point where people can get the jab after so many challenging months, but stressed that the country has "got to keep our resolve" until restrictions can be lifted. 

"We have got to stick together, because as of this morning several dozen people have been vaccinated and by Christmas several million people will have been vaccinated, but we have got to protect the vulnerable," he added. 

But even the first will need a month before they are protected, as they require a second dose and then at least another week before they acquire immunity.  

Nicola Sturgeon: First vaccination gave me a lump in the throat

Nicola Sturgeon has said she got a "lump in the throat" watching the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination being administered to Margaret Keenan. 

"Feels like such a milestone moment after a tough year for everyone," the First Minister added.  

"The first vaccines in Scotland will be administered today too."

Sir Keir Starmer: Start of vaccination programme a 'momentous day'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Tuesday was a "momentous day in our fight against Covid-19".

He echoed Matt Hancock's warning that people must stick with the existing restrictions as he tweeted: "It is crucial we all continue to stay safe by following public health advice. "

Boris Johnson hails start of UK Covid vaccination programme

Boris Johnson has led the praise of the NHS, scientists and volunteers involved in getting the Pfizer vaccine to deployment stage already, as the UK embarks on the immunisation programme this morning. 

"We will beat this together", the Prime Minister said.

Launch of UK's vaccination programme 'light at the end of the tunnel', says Matt Hancock

The start of the Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccination programme meant there was "finally" a "way through" the coronavirus crisis, Matt Hancock has said.

Grandmother Margaret Keenan, 90, became the first patient in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 jab following its clinical approval as the NHS launched its biggest ever vaccine campaign on Tuesday.

Speaking just after she received the jab, the Health Secretary told Sky News: "I'm feeling quite emotional actually watching those pictures. It has been such a tough year for so many people and finally we have our way through it - our light at the end of the tunnel as so many people are saying.

"And just watching Margaret there - it seems so simple having a jab in your arm, but that will protect Margaret and it will protect the people around her.

"And if we manage to do that in what is going to be one of the biggest programmes in NHS history, if we manage to do that for everybody who is vulnerable to this disease then we can move on."

Mrs Keenan, who is from Coventry and will be 91 next week, said: "I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19, it's the best early birthday present I could wish for."  Credit: AFP

Boris Johnson will fly to Brussels in last-minute push for deal

Boris Johnson will head to Brussels for last-ditch talks to try personally to salvage a Brexit deal after negotiators failed to make any “tangible progress” on Monday.

The Prime Minister will meet Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, for a summit that could define not only his premiership but Britain’s place in the world for decades to come.

Both sides said that “significant differences” remain, and British officials said that while Mr Johnson would not be making the trip if he did not think a deal could be agreed, “things are looking very tricky”.

EU sources speculated that while Mr Johnson's trip could end in a deal, it might also be intended purely to show that he tried everything he could to get a deal even if he expects to come home empty-handed.

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