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No-deal Brexit looms as the EU stacks a last-minute ‘ambush’ over fishing rights and negotiations are expected to ‘wrap up by Christmas one way or another’
- Government sources said it was ‘widely accepted’ that no deal was imminent
- Issue 10 was enraged by the ultimatum of EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier
- Would have allowed Brussels to impose ‘lightning tariffs’ on London
- Some in conservative WhatsApp groups warned that the prime minister might ‘launch’ them
Downing Street insisted that Brexit trade talks were entering ‘the last hours’ last night and that it was ‘increasingly likely’ that the UK would leave the bloc without a deal after the EU tried to mount a last-ditch ambush. minute on fishing rights.
Government sources said it was “widely expected” that the negotiations would conclude “one way or another” before Christmas, but that no agreement was imminent.
Issue 10 was enraged with an ultimatum from EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier that would have allowed Brussels to impose ‘lightning tariffs’ on London if the government restricted access to UK fishing waters.
A source said: ‘The talks have stalled due to irrational demands from the EU in areas such as subsidies and fisheries.
“We need to get any deal right and on terms that respect what the British people voted for.
Issue 10 was enraged by an ultimatum from EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier (pictured) that would have allowed Brussels to impose ‘lightning tariffs’ on London if the government restricted access to UK fishing waters.
A catch is unloaded in the Yorkshire fishing port of Bridlington Harbor, after Boris Johnson warned that talks with the European Union on a trade agreement were proving ‘very complicated’
“Unfortunately, the EU is still struggling to obtain the necessary flexibility from member states and continues to make demands that are incompatible with our independence.
‘We cannot accept a deal that does not leave us in control of our own laws or waters.
“We continue to try all possible paths towards an agreement, but without a substantial change from the Commission, we will leave under the terms of the World Trade Organization on December 31.”
But many Brexiters at Tory banks fear that Johnson will “ sell ” them by taking a bad deal. Yesterday, former Cabinet Minister Theresa Villiers warned that this decision would be Johnson’s ‘Churchill moment’.
Some on the Tory Brexiteer WhatsApp groups warned that the Prime Minister might ‘kick them out’.
Villiers tried to remind Johnson of the historical nature of the decision he would have to make by referring to Winston Churchill, one of his heroes. She told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It all depends on Boris. History will judge your position as prime minister by the decision you make in this negotiation. It will overshadow everything you do.
EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic attends a debate on the future relationship between the EU and the UK at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels on December 18.
“It can resist and make sure we regain control of our laws, or it can give ground and leave us trapped in the regulatory orbit of the EU. He promised to ‘end Brexit’ and the next few days will determine whether or not to do so. If ever there was a Churchill moment, this is it. There has been outrage that if a deal is reached this weekend, MPs unable to come to Westminster due to illness will be excluded from the debate on the deal under current rules.
Former Conservative Cabinet Minister Cheryl Gillan, who cannot attend, said she was “furious” and added: “Silencing MPs is not okay.”
Common anti-virus measures allow MPs to ask questions via video link, but prohibit them from participating in real debates about the legislation.
Any Brexit deal is expected to require the approval of a bill by both the Commons and the Lords.
Under social distancing rules, only 50 MPs are allowed in the House at a time, suggesting that only a fraction of the 650 members of the Commons would have the opportunity to speak about the legislation.
British chief negotiator for Task Force Europe, David Frost, leaves the UK mission before a meeting with Barnier.
Attempts to allow MPs with serious medical conditions to participate in debates remotely failed, with the Conservatives and Labor blaming each other for the stalemate. Ms Villiers said: ‘If an agreement is reached, it is crucial that parliamentarians have time to analyze and debate each page.
“This is one of the biggest constitutional changes in decades and Parliament should not be forced to make hasty decisions.
“A way must also be found to ensure that MPs who isolate themselves due to Covid can play their role.”
However, sources said last night that following the decision to put London on Covid level 4 restrictions, there were plans to lift the ban on MPs debating via video link. A source said: “That seems sensible given yesterday’s decision.”
All absent MPs will be able to vote on Brexit legislation by nominating a representative to tour the voting lobby on their behalf.
