BRUSSELS will refuse to ratify any UK-EU trade deal signed after Sunday, MEPs have claimed.
Negotiators have a deadline of Sunday to reach a final agreement and – although numerous so-called deadlines have been missed recently – this time things feel different.
With the Christmas break just around the corner, there is even less time than it first appears to get an agreement signed and ratified before the end of the transition period on December 31.
Adding more pressure to the situation, Boris Johnson last night sent MPs home for Christmas – meaning an emergency Commons recall would now be needed in order for a deal to be done by the end of the year.
Sunday therefore really does seem like the final chance for an agreement to be reached as, any later than that and MEPs wouldn't have time to scrutinise the deal before ratifying it.
Therefore, even if a deal was reached they would insist on Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal on December 31 before the agreement was scrutinised and potentiallyratified and backdated later on in January.
Follow our Brexit live blog for all the latest news and updates…
- Dan Keane
DOWNING STREET SAYS NO DEAL IS 'LIKELY OUTCOME'
A no-deal Brexit remains the "most likely outcome" of trade talks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said again today.
"They remain there to work to bridge the gaps that remain," he told reporters.
"An Australia, WTO (World Trade Organization) exit remains the most likely outcome which is why we are planning for that eventuality but we remain committed to trying to reach an FTA (free trade agreement) if possible."
- Dan Keane
BARNIER: DEAL 'POSSIBLE' BY FRIDAY
EU negotiator Michel Barnier today told MEPs it would be "difficult but possible" to strike a post-Brexit trade deal with Britain by Friday, parliamentary sources told AFP.
It comes amid warnings from different political groups in the Parliament that a text for a deal would need to be seen by Sunday in order for the agreement to be ratified over Christmas.
- Dan Keane
EURO PARLIAMENT DEMANDS DEAL TEXT BY SUNDAY
European Parliament group leaders have adopted a declaration stating that they will not vote on the Brexit deal before the end of the year if they cannot access its text by Sunday.
The declaration from the Conference of Presidents says they are ready to hold an extraordinary session at the end of December if an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday December 21.
It also calls for a provisional text of the Brexit agreement to be made available to European Parliament members as soon as possible.
The news comes after the UK parliament earlier confirmed it would recall MPs to vote on a Brexit deal during the Christmas period.
- Dan Keane
UK AND EU AGREE HEALTHCARE SUPPORT FOR TRAVELLERS
British travellers visiting the EU will continue to receive support for ongoing healthcare treatment even if the Brexit transition period ends without a deal, the Government has announced.
The temporary agreement will help people who require services such as regular dialysis, oxygen therapy and certain types of chemotherapy.
In a written statement, health minister Edward Argar said: "The Government recognises that these ongoing, routine treatment costs can be expensive, and makes travelling abroad extremely challenging for many people.
"The scheme will be temporary and will cover travel that takes place between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021."
- Dan Keane
EU'S BARNIER: 'GOOD PROGRESS IN NEGOTIATIONS'
There has been "good progress" in talks on a post-Brexit trade deal but the "last stumbling blocks remain", Michel Barnier said.
The European Union's lead negotiator has been holding talks with the UK team led by Lord Frost in an effort to reach a late deal before the current arrangements expire at the end of the year.
Mr Barnier briefed European Parliament leaders about the state of the talks, which he said were in the "final stretch".
He said: "We will only sign a deal protecting EU interests and principles."
- Dan Keane
BUSINESSES 'POSITIVE' ABOUT BREXIT IMPACT
Mid-market businesses are relatively upbeat about the impact of Brexit.
A new survey asked 600 firms about their future after trade talks end, with the majority remaining positive, City AM reports.
The poll, conducted by Grant Thornton, found only a fifth feel Brexit will negatively impact their business in the next six months, while 31 per cent believe it will not have any impact.
- Dan Keane
‘PARLIAMENT SHOULD DO ITS DUTY’
Addressing the Commons, Mr Rees-Mogg adds: “Parliament has and continues to do its duty, and has long shown it can act quickly and decisively when needed.
“I’m sure the whole House will agree the country would expect nothing less.”
- Dan Keane
RECALL ON THE CARDS IF DEAL APPROVED
Jacob Rees-Mogg has confirmed the Government will seek a recall of Parliament over the festive period if a Brexit deal needs to be approved.
The Commons Leader announced no business is currently scheduled for the House of Commons in the week beginning December 21.
He added: "Subject to the House's decision later, we will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business today but MPs will recognise that talks with the European Union continue.
"Should a deal be secured, it is the Government's intention to request a recall in order that Parliament may pass the necessary legislation."
- Dan Keane
GOVE SAYS GOVT WILL SHARE PORT ASSESSMENT WITH MPS
Mr Gove replied that the Government would be "delighted" to make sure the assessment criteria are shared with all MPs.
He added: "The port infrastructure team had an independent team to look at the eligibility of all of the ports that applied and to assess all of the bids, and they were done on the most rigorous of basis.
"But it is the case that a number of ports have welcomed the additional funding and the additional infrastructure support it will give, but we'll continue to work with all ports in order to ensure we can have a world-class border."
- Dan Keane
'BUSINESSES NEED ASSURANCE'
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said Mr Gove "needs to give greater assurances that there will not be those delays and disruptions that we all fear" at ports in the UK.
She added: "The letter from the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office to (Stephen Morgan MP) states 'ministers decided that all bids which are recommended to be supported will be funded to 66%' – not 100%, but 66%.
"What a false economy given the cost to British businesses and consumers with delays and disruptions at the border."
- Dan Keane
GOVE: 'HOUSE WILL RETURN TO PASS DEAL'
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove also said MPs would be expected to approve legislation before the end of the year to give effect to any deal agreed between the UK and EU.
Labour's Hilary Benn, chairman of the Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union, asked if the required legislation will pass all of the parliamentary stages by December 31.
Mr Gove replied: "If it is the case the negotiations are concluded satisfactorily then we will request that the House returns in order to make sure that we can legislate effectively.
"We believe we can pass the necessary legislation before December 31 to give businesses legal certainty for the future."
- Dan Keane
'GOING THE EXTRA MILE'
Michael Gove has insisted the UK is "going the extra mile" in continuing trade talks with the EU.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Gove said: "Intensive talks are ongoing with both negotiating teams working day and night to reach a deal.
"We're going the extra mile in continuing the negotiations to see whether or not an agreement can be reached and we will continue to keep Parliament informed on our progress."
- Dan Keane
MACRON TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID
French president Emmanuel Macron has entered self-isolation for seven days after testing positive for the coronavirus.
A statement said Macron had taken a test after showing the initial symptoms of the virus.
The positive test comes just a day after he hosted Portuguese prime minister António Costa at the Élysee Palace.
He also held a meeting with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez in Paris on Monday.
- Dan Keane
PET OWNERS WILL NEED CERTIFICATE
Dog, cat and ferret owners must follow new rules if they wish to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland with their pet following Brexit.
From January 1, people travelling from the UK with pets and assistance dogs will need to ensure they have an animal health certificate (AHC) instead of a pet passport, 10 days before making the journey.
This is because the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.
Owners will also have to ensure their animal is microchipped, and protected against certain diseases.
- Dan Keane
POUND HITS HIGH ON BREXIT OUTLOOK
Growing optimism that the European Union and the UK will finally reach a post-Brexit trade deal has boosted the pound, which rose today to $1.3578.
This puts the currency at its highest level since May 2018.
Meanwhile, the euro traded at $1.2238, its highest since April 2018.
- Dan Keane
TRUMP'S 'MINI-DEAL' WITH UK
Donald Trump's trade chief has said that the outgoing US administration is negotiating with the UK to secure a mini-deal reducing trade tariffs.
Trade representative Robert Lighthizer suggested tariffs on Scotch whisky could be reduced if a post-Brexit pact is successful.
Mr Lighthizer told the BBC: "I'm talking to (International Trade Secretary) Liz Truss, about trying to work out some kind of a deal … I'm hopeful we can get some kind of an agreement out you know, we don't have a lot of time left.
"We have the advantage in that both the US and the UK – particularly the current government of the UK – are not big subsidisers, where some other countries are more inclined to subsidise. So it would be helpful if we could come to some kind of agreement."
- Dan Keane
'PARLIAMENT WILL COME BACK'
Asked about the current state of Brexit negotiations and whether MPs could return to Parliament, Home Secretary Priti Patel told LBC: "The Prime Minister and the Government, we've all been very clear that we're not walking away.
"We will continue to negotiate to get this free trade agreement, but of course we're never going to accept anything that undermines or compromises our independence and our sovereignty as a country.
"Those talks continue and I can say now, if we do get a deal then obviously Parliament will come back, we will absolutely come back to finesse and do the legislation that's required."
Credit: PA:Press Association - Dan Keane
PATEL: UK IN 'TUNNEL' OF NEGOTIATIONS'
The UK will work flat out for a Brexit trade deal and negotiators are in "tunnel" negotiations, Home Secretary Priti Patel said this morning.
"First of all, the prime minister and the government, we've all been very clear we are not walking away, we will continue to negotiate to get this free-trade agreement," the Home Secretary told LBC radio.
"You used metaphors: We are in that tunnel of negotiation and our teams continue to work incredibly hard," Patel added.
The "tunnel" is a term for an intense final stage of secretive, make-or-break negotiations.
- Ellie Cambridge
HOOK, LINE AND SINKER?
Brexit fishing tensions exploded this week after the Defence Secretary vowed to use the full might of the Navy to protect British boats “going about their lawful business”.
Ben Wallace warned Britain was ready for “whatever is the challenge on 1 January” after French fishermen vowed to blockade the Channel if there is No Deal.
And they said Britain's threat to send gunboats in to repel foreign vessels "would mean that we are negotiating things that relate to war".
He hit out: “When it comes to a Brexit deal whatever that is, it is no secret that we would use our military to help support in logistics or anything else as required by other departments – we only do things at the request of civilians. If they ask for help we will give it.”
- Ellie Cambridge
PORT CHAOS
Retailers and food manufacturers have called on MPs to investigate congestion at container ports.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) claim they face "major challenges" in building up stock for Christmas and the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.
In a joint letter to the chairs of the Commons Transport Select Committee and the Commons International Trade Committee, they wrote that some shipping costs have more than doubled compared with last year.
One food manufacturer has suffered lost sales worth more than £1 million due to a shortage during the crucial festive period, the letter stated.
- Ellie Cambridge
PET RULES POST BREXIT
Dog, cat and ferret owners must follow new rules if they wish to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland with their pet following Brexit.
From January 1, people travelling from the UK with pets and assistance dogs will need to ensure they have an animal health certificate (AHC) instead of a pet passport, 10 days before making the journey.
This is because the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.
Owners will also have to ensure their animal is microchipped, and protected against certain diseases.
- Ellie Cambridge
NO VOTE YET
Boris Johnson sent home MPs for Christmas last night – suggesting there is nothing to vote for on Brexit.
It is also a warning shot to Brussels that he will not be bounced into a talks climbdown.
MPs had seen an announcement that they would sit next week as a sign trade discussions were reaching an end game.
Hopes had risen further that a breakthrough was imminent when the PM cancelled a foreign visit pencilled in for tomorrow. But tonight, Downing Street insisted the two sides were still far apart on fishing and a row over Brexit Britain undercutting the EU.
However, No 10 said MPs could still be recalled on Monday and Tuesday if decisive progress was made.
- Catriona Graffius
FISHING ‘LAST BARRIER TO DEAL’
An agreement on fishing is the last significant barrier to a post-Brexit trade deal, Ursula von der Leyen has said.
The European Commission president was speaking before the European parliament as talks between EU and UK negotiators continue.
She had earlier said that governance issues had been largely resolved and that progress was being made on the level playing field.
Despite the progress, von der Leyen said that, on fishing, the two sides were “so close and yet… so far away from each other”, the Times reports.
“We do not question UK sovereignty on its own waters. But we ask for predictability and stability for our fishermen,” she said.
- Catriona Graffius
NEXT FEW DAYS KEY IN BREXIT TALKS, SAYS EU BOSS
EU boss Ursula von der Leyen has warned the next few days are vital if there is to be post-brexit deal.
The top Eurocrat was upbeat in a statement to politicians from the bloc, but warned she could not guarantee a deal by the end of the year.
Ms von der Leyen told MEPS that “as things stand I cannot tell you whether there will be a deal or not.”
But she said there is now a “path to agreement” and stressed the next few days would be “decisive” as negotiators continued to work to secure an agreement.
The EU Commission President said: “The next days are going to be decisive. I know deadlines have been missed, time and again. The clock puts us all in a very difficult situation, not least this parliament.”
- Catriona Graffius
MINISTERS DRAW UP MULTI-MILLION PACKAGE TO HELP FARMERS, FISHERMEN AND CAR MAKERS HIT BY NO DEAL BREXIT
A multi-billion pound support package for industries worst hit by a No Deal Brexit is being drawn up, it has been reported.
The cash would help sheep farmers, fishermen, car manufacturers and chemical suppliers who face trade disruption or having crippling tariffs slapped on them.
In preparation for a no deal, the Government has been drawing up plans to help a range of industries that could be worst affected with between £8bn and £10 worth of aid , the Sunday Telegraph reports.
If there is no deal, the average tariff on sheep meat entering the EU will be 48 per cent, leaving up to 40 per cent of the industry struggling to survive, ministers fear.
But the plans will not extend to beef farmers, who faces higher tariffs as ministers have identified ways of propping it up the industry through increasing domestic consumption.
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