there were emergency talks in downing street last night for example. i suspect that there will be support from some other parties as well, because you are likely to have some directions in scotland, the snp potentially some changes in wales as well, that is the labour party. i think the broad message is going to be quite a concerning picture about the rest of winter. there is clearly real concern in government, real concern in the scientific community, about the data they have seen over the past 2a, 48 hours. the data they have seen over the past 24, 48 hours. i've a feeling —— and a feeling on prime minister's parts that he has to act now. we will be monitoring that press conference, which we expect to kick off at 4pm. as nick was saying, there has been concern in the scientific community. dr naomi forrester—soto is a virologist at keele university. are you one of those that was concerned? there is always some concerned? there is always some concern with a new variant when it arises, because we do not know how it is going to act. i should say th

we iain watson is in downing street. are very much on that. we are very much on the brink of that. that deal looks like it will go ahead. i guess it would not be brexit if everything ran to time. to missed deadlines, lots of informal deadlines have gone on these talks. this time next week, we are likely to be leaving the eu's rules and regulations behind at the end of the transition period. the most contentious issue seems to be fishing. the negotiations were going on in the evening and into the night, apparently took king out the technical details. discussions were a p pa re ntly technical details. discussions were apparently on a fish by fish species. fishing is still of huge symbolic significance in the uk in terms of winning back the sovereignty and also for french fishing communities. i was told more than two hours ago that ursula von der leyen and the prime minister we re der leyen and the prime minister were going to make an announcement shortly. as far as we are aware, that call between them which seals the brexit deal is yet to happen. it will still have to be endorsed by

let's head straight to downing street because oui’ straight to downing street because our political correspondent is there. you have also seen the statement from number ten. add a new detailfor statement from number ten. add a new detail for us statement from number ten. add a new detailfor us for any statement from number ten. add a new detail for us for any viewers just joining us. is a statement from number ten and say that the deal is done. everything the british public was promised during the 2016 referendum and general election last year is delivered by the deal. they say they have taken back control of money, borders, law and fishing waters. they say this is the biggest bilateral deal ever signed and it was worth £668 billion in 2019. it also talks about what happens in terms of the uk being able to move away from eu rules and says they are no longer in the lunar apple of the eu and there is no role for the european court of justice. eu and there is no role for the european court ofjustice. —— lunar poll. that would have been important in terms of selling that to backbenchers. it also

street, and said at lunchtime that downing street was working with its international partners urgently to minimise disruption as far as possible. but there is real urgency around this situation, so close to christmas. in the midst of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic now being made all the more difficult by this action from other countries, in response to the spread of this new variant of the virus, which has been linked to possibly a faster spread of covid—i9, and banning the travel of covid—i9, and banning the travel of people and goods from the uk to other countries. so we will hear more from the prime minister and the transport secretary and the chief scientific adviser to the government, sir patrick vallance, at a news conference in downing street in the next hour, where there will be many questions, i'm sure, about what the uk plans to do to minimise disruption and mitigate the impact of this travel ban, which has been put in place. jonathan, thank you, we will be back with you just before that briefing from downing street. the latest coronavirus figures i

reeta chakra barti there reeta chakrabarti there for us in downing street. let's take a look at the latest figures in the uk. a further 14,718 people have tested positive for the virus. another 189 people have died within 28 days of a positive covid test, which takes the total number of deaths to 61,434. but it's worth noting that there is often a lag in reporting over the weekend, so that monday's figures are often lower that they would otherwise be. dozens of hospitals across the uk are receiving batches of the new coronavirus vaccine, with the first jabs to be given tomorrow. front—line health staff, those over 80, and care home workers will be first to get it. the government says the army could be used to help transport further stocks of the pfizer biontech vaccine. here's our health correspondent sophie hutchinson. military personnel running a mass coronavirus testing centre in liverpool. now they may be asked to help again, this time in transporting stocks of the vaccine from belgium to the uk, in what has been described as a significant challenge. w

let's go to nick in downing street. we heard it from ursula von der leyen, constructive and useful chat with borisjohnson and useful chat with borisjohnson and the talks go on. the outstanding question is, has anything changed? when ursula von der leyen says talks we re when ursula von der leyen says talks were constructive, is that because there is now some sort of path towards a deal that involves compromise on both sides? is there some way they may be able to solve thoseissues some way they may be able to solve those issues which have so far proved completely unsolvable? the truth is, at this stage but we do not know. up on a point, there has not know. up on a point, there has not been another deadline mentioned. it does suggest these talks may have some way to go over the next few days. they are not saying in 48 hours we are going to take stock and see where we are, there is no talk of difficult conversations. both sides on the edge of my show this morning they're saying, let's go as far as we need to to try get a p

good evening to you from downing street. this is where we have been watching and waiting for any sign of the results of a phone call between borisjohnson results of a phone call between boris johnson and the results of a phone call between borisjohnson and the president of the european commission, ursula von der leyen. we know that they spoke for over an hour and der leyen. we know that they spoke for overan hourand a der leyen. we know that they spoke for over an hour and a half and then we heard that there was a pause in their phone call, some reports said that the phone call then resumed. it's a little unclear quite what happens, but we have had a statement released after that phone call to discuss this, i'm joined by our political correspondent, nick lee. nick, you have the statement there, what does it say? that might be on the fact that boris johnson and ursula von der leyen have again discussed the issues, they've taken stock, the conditions for finalising an agreement crucially are not they are due to the significant

this lunchtime, though, downing street is saying that it though, downing street is saying thatitis though, downing street is saying that it is prepared to negotiate for as long as we have time available if we think an agreement is still possible. does that mean that the transition period could be extended beyond 31st december? no, the prime minister's official spokesman has been clear that the uk will not change its mind on that date. also reiterated what downing street has consistently said, which is that it believes the uk would prosper even without a deal. so while those talks continue in brussels, there is a bit ofa continue in brussels, there is a bit of a controversial proposal coming back before parliament this afternoon, which the eu is very unhappy with, that is this internal market bill which would override bits of the withdrawal agreement which borisjohnson bits of the withdrawal agreement which boris johnson signed bits of the withdrawal agreement which borisjohnson signed with bits of the withdrawal agreement which boris johnson signed with the eu last year. the law took out

. >> yes downing street. you might have note -- yes, we have a statementrom downing street. you might have noticed a splash of optimism. a downing street spokesperson said this is a serious situation, time is short, and unless the position changes substantially -- there's the whole issue of the level playing field. downing street saying it is willing to accommodate what it describes as a reasonable eu quests, but there are some fundamental areas that remain difficult. still some issues around fishing , the british government saying it cannot accept a situation where it is the only sovereign country in the world not able to control access to its own wars. then it said if no agreement can be reached, they will use australian style terms, which is a euphemism for no deal. >> is it fair to say that statements at this stage of negotiations are not hugely help guides to where we are? >> that's completely fair. in theegotiations are the details of a complex arrangement. and of course, we are not in the room. we rely on the readouts because that's as good as it gets, particularly at

with gilligan downing street. says a week before publication ordered it to be sexed up to be made more exciting you can get everything right but he got the heart of it right that's to say that effectively we've been lied to. and the world will. forget we can clear this group pretty much to be going to be interviewed number 10 was phony b.b.c. demanding a right look by demanding that we retract everything going to get it said which of course we do. greg dyke the director general defended the b.b.c. and his report but when going to going source was found dead a case of suspected suicide gilligan was left exposed and the government went on the offensive but ordered what came to be known as the hutton inquiry its official briefed to establish the cause of death of gilligan sorts but when the inquiry published its findings it exonerated the government over its w m d claims and focused on the shortcomings in gilligan's report the verdict was that the b.b.c. was guilty. hayden phillips was the civil servant in charge of

he was saying in the downing street press c0 nfe re nce he was saying in the downing street press conference yesterday, the circumstances have changed. we have to change as well, policy has to change as well. probably most people would agree with that principle. the decision here is a did not change clicking. it was clear to keir starmer, it was clear to many scientists weeks ago that this was problematic, a major opening up, an armistice at christmas where people could mix with families. they were saying, it wasn‘t looking like a very sensible idea. but he said, it would be inhuman to cancel christmas, only on tuesday they said they would go ahead with these plans. the problem was, and what will be examined closely, is whether the government and the prime minister should have realised earlier this would not be possible to continue with the plans. that would have given them all warning and then people would not have been led to believe they could mix a christmas. it is not that they didn‘t follow the science, they didn‘t follow the science, they didn‘t follow the science, they didnâ€

downing street is pledging to continue negotiations for "as long as long as time is available." but the eu's chief negotiator michel barner insists the talks in brussels will not go beyond wednesday. this afternon, the prime minister has been speaking to the president of the european union, ursula von der leyen. it's not known what was said, but we are expecting to hear more from the prime minister shortly. and a potential olive branch has been extended to brussels — with the uk government saying that, if a deal is reached, it will remove controversial clauses in a government bill relating to trade in northern ireland. let's join our political editor laura kuenssberg. sophie, the call between the eu chief and the prime minister has finished in the last half an hour or so, i'm not sure it has changed very much of what seemed, frankly, like a pretty tricky stalemate on both sides. remember, we have left the european union already. the government has also got a mandate to ta ke government has also got a mandate to take us out of the single market and the customs union, so things

borisjohnson will very shortly be leading a televised briefing from downing street. we will have that life for you in the next few minutes. we will be joined at number ten by the transport secretary grant shapps and the chief scientific adviser. it comes as the french government said it would establish a protocol to ensure the movement from the uk can resume. supermarkets in the uk can resume. supermarkets in the uk can resume. supermarkets in the uk say their current stocks are high despite the travel chaos, but there are concerns about the longer term effects on some supplies. 0ur political correspondent ian watson has more on the problem that are now piling up for the prime minister. the unfolding covert drama now feels a lot like a crisis. the escape routes from the virus will be blocked. the vaccine wasn't coming into the roll—on, role life. it comes via containers and container traffic isn't affected at all, so this isn't an issue with the vaccine at all, and it will never be fat an issue for medicines regardless, because we have contingencies in place. labou

of a free trade deal british prime minister boris johnson is expected to make an announcement from downing street at any moment news also expected from brussels on what could be an historic settlement will bring you all the details. i'm sorry so much good to have you with us with just days to go before the end of the breaks that transition period the european union and britain are believed to have sealed a post bragg's it trade deal let's pull up some pictures now of 10 downing street in london where british prime minister boris johnson is expected to deliver an update on the gauche ations in a press conference now that press conference was expected to get started just around now but we're hearing reports that they have been delayed as negotiations continue those talks so they went into the night to hash out the final details of the treaty it lays out rules for when the u.k. leaves the single market and customs union on december 31st. as we keep an eye out for that press conference let's bring in our correspondents is in london max sander is in brussels good morning to you both max let's s

good afternoon and welcome to downing street for today's coronavirus briefing. ijoined by deputy chief medical officer coronavirus briefing. ijoined by deputy chief medical 0fficerjenny harries and doctors susan hopkins, the chief advisor to republic of england and nhs test and trace. we all know the 2020 has been a hard year, and is ending in this festive period which is going to be very different. after all the efforts we have gone through to control this virus, and in many parts of the country, this virus is under control, just as we have a tiered system in place that was able to control this virus, we have discovered a new, more contagious variant that is spreading at a dangerous rate. i know that the vast majority of people watching today and across the country understand what we need to do together to get through this. so today, we are announcing further action within the tiering system and also further progress on vaccines tiering system and also further progress on vaccines and testing. i just wanted to say this before i set out the details of what we ha

but downing street said that story had been made up. even in the cold light of day, it's really hard to know exactly what's going on behind closed doors. but generally, it's not sounding good, and this is why. borisjohnson wants the uk to be free of eu rules and regulations, but the eu says the uk must agree to some common principles if it's going to get special access to the single market. there is no easy way to solve this conundrum. all the while, more warnings of what no deal would mean on the things we buy — clothes, cars, food becoming more expensive because of new taxes on goods moving between the uk and the eu and vice versa. those in business are increasingly nervous. businesses across the uk do want to see a deal happen, they do want to see the two sides keep talking, but they're running out of time to implement whatever may be agreed or not agreed in brussels. and that ticking clock, that worry, is at the back of many businesses' minds today. with talk of a final push, senior government minister michael gove has already arr

the european union and britain on the brink of a brics it trying to deal the way it goes on outside downing street but as british prime minister barak johnson is expected to make an announcement shortly dragged on into the night in brussels we'll bring you all the day tiles also on the program. donald trump hands out more presidential pot this time to his close associates among them longtime confidant roger stud and the father of his son in law. i'm rebecca rivers welcome to the program with just days to go before the end of the brics a transition period the european union and britain are on the brink of a post frex a trade deal reporters are waiting outside 10 downing street in london where british prime minister barak johnson is expected to announce the outcome of those negotiations shortly talks went on into the night in brussels to hash out the final details of the treaty which lays out rules for when the u.k. leaves leaves the a use single market and customs union in just a week's time. devotees big mass is following those developments from london being it is this shaping up to be the

but we are building up to the latest coronavirus briefing from downing street. let's take a look at our latest headlines. pfizer's latest vaccine has been given the go—ahead for roll—out next week. tougher to restrictions are now in place across england is the second national lockdown has come to an if you have a negative covid—19 test, you will now be able to visit loved ones living in care homes. after 266 long days, the return of fans to english league football is finally here, but the number of supporters will be limited. you can use a special, we will be bringing you live coverage on the latest government briefing at downing street led by the prime minister borisjohnson this afternoon. the uk has become the first country in the world to approve the widespread use of a vaccine for coronavirus, paving the way for a mass immunisation programme to begin next week. the jab, made by pfizer and biontech, has been developed at unprecedented speed, taking only ten months to complete a process that would normally span a decade. the prime minister called it fant

high streets up and down the country bear the scars of famous names that have failed in the past. the fate of many more now hangs in the balance. james shaw, bbc news. in northern ireland, nonessential shops and most hospitality businesses have reopened today, though pubs that don't serve food must remain closed. close contact services like hairdressers are also allowed to reopen. but the leaders of the devolved government say people must still follow public health advice and limit their social contacts. here's our ireland correspondent chris page. the circuit breaker has finished, so circuit training is beginning again. gym goers were among the first to get back their routines on the big reopening day, working out at six o'clock this morning. it is great, there is a good atmosphere about the place, and i think that downtime, and periods in the house where we were kind of cooped up, it is ideal to get out and do something active. it's been stop, start, stop, start, no one knows, but i hope this is our last lockdown. restaurants have been restricted to take away only since mid—oc

street where british prime minister boris johnson is expected to make an announcement soon after talks went into the night in brussels will bring you all the details. meanwhile anger mounts a british torrents truckers confront police arrest thousands remain stranded even after france lifts its blockade over a new variant of the coronavirus. and from the seat of an idea to a nationwide network will meet the twins in india mobilizing communities to help those hit hard by the pandemic. i'm so glad you could join us with just days to go before the end of the brakes a transition period the european union and britain are on the brink of a post for exit trade deal reporters are waiting outside 10 downing street in london where british prime minister boris johnson is expected to announce the outcome of the negotiations talks went on into the night in brussels to hash out the final details of the treaty it lays out rules for when the u.k. leaves the e.u.'s single market and customs union on december 31st. and let's bring in our correspondents on the story in london back sander in brussels good

ican i can already tell you what is coming from the downing street spokesman. it gives a sense of the message, and the first is to say that the uk is working with its international partners, downing street says, particularly with the french to try and ease the travel restrictions. the message is already going on to save shop normally, we think there are plenty of supplies, no need for panic buying. another couple of political messages if you like, one is that those calls that have been for the brexit transition period from leaving the european union to be extended beyond the end of the year, no dice, let's carry on negotiating, time is short, and then the other that there will not be at this point a recall of parliament, as some mps have asked for, unless of course there is a brexit deal, so i think those are the messages. don't panic, and we're trying to sort this out with our international partners. that is very much the message, calm and carry on, but people will be anxious, won't they, about supply chains, whether or not supermarkets will be able to get acc

that is the latest coronavirus briefing from downing street, led by health secretary matt hancock. i just want to tell you that at 8.30 this evening on the bbc news channel, we will be answering your questions about what is known about that new variant of coronavirus that was being discussed at the downing street briefing. you can e—mail your questions or tweet them. how do we know how many people in england are facing the most stringent coronavirus restrictions? from wednesday, almost 11 million people will be living under tier 3 restrictions in london, essex and hertfordshire. a total of more than 34 hertfordshire. a total of more than 3a million people in england will be living under the highest level of measures. that amounts to more than 60% of the entire population of england. let's talk to our health correspondent who was watching that briefing. a lot of talk about this new variant of the virus. but we had from professor chris whitty saying there was no evidence that the symptoms are worse or even different with that new variant that has now emerged. yes, viruses mutate al

downing street is making it very clear that they are now at a difficult point in the talks, jane. they are saying that time is in short supply and there are several issues still to be overcome. so, again, as i was saying, the mood music does sound pretty sombre. as far as we are aware, the issue that arose last night as the same issue which has, as it were, put some kind of barrier in front of the uk negotiators today. they are insisting that the eu has hardened its position on this question of competition rules, and specifically its not simply agreeing the rules to ensure fair competition between the eu and the uk, it's how those rules are policed. and it's that rule that now seems to be a stumbling block in negotiations. that said, there are still all weekend to work on these talks. michel barnier has said he is very determined. the fact he is still talking means there is a possibility ofa talking means there is a possibility of a deal. but i thought it was quite sobering that we heard from the french minister there saying that even if the did reach a deal this weekend, any indi

there's no rats anywhere near 10 downing street lisa:. -- near 10 downing street. but you mention mouses. it is a serious issue there. they are down there with 17th century, and they are on the river, so cats are serious. lisa: let's check the data. that is serious, too. [laughter] it is seriously not moving, which is the reason why we are talking about larry the cat. markets are basically range bound on s&p futures. yield is doing nothing, dollars still weak. crude, a little bit of a reversal today as we head into a choppy session. tom: david emailing from brooklyn, saying to stop weighing in on cats. i have three of them. what does that mean? [laughter] we have much more to speak of, and for those in america on this christmas eve, legitimate breakthrough of the brexit negotiations. we await comments from the prime minister and from brussels as well. christopher paynter with david westin later. this is bloomberg. ♪ ♪ tom: good morning, everyone. "bloomberg surveillance." , a holidayistmas eve shortened trading day. reallya yesterday showing a growth slowdown.

both downing street and the uk medicines regulator appeared fergus walsh, bbc news. both downing street and the uk medicines regulator appeared to contradict a claim by matt hancock, the health secretary, that swift approval of the vaccine had been possible because of brexit. the mhra said the supply had been authorised, using provisions under existing european law, which are still in place until new years' day. rolling out the vaccine will be a huge logistical exercise, which could also be affected by a post—brexit deal, as the supplies will come from belgium. 0ur health editor hugh pym explains. the nhs is ready, though it has a huge task starting next week vaccinating first its staff, and other priority groups. and those likely to receive the jabs, including nurses who went through the first wave, know how important that is. working as an icu nurse, especially in the first search, a lot of the nurses were living away from home and were concerned about bringing it home to their families. if we do have the vaccine, it means we can get back to living a more normal

a minute orso, starting to concern downing street. a minute or so, let's talk about the labour position of abstaining. the prime minister pretty vitriolic and scathing in his criticism of them saying that they are sitting on their hands. yes and they are saying it will be irresponsible and against the national interest of they were to actively vote against this but theyjust don't think they can vote for this system as it is because the leader talked about the various other attempts of government has had to try get control of our ethnicities of all failed so he did not look at back him on this. but it does leave them —— other attempts to control the virus may have all failed. but a handful of labour backbenchers will rebel against theirweb and will backbenchers will rebel against their web and will vote against later on. thank you very much indeed. be for the results of that vote on the restrictions for england in the next hour and outside source will be bringing you the result of that and that vote live from the house of commons.

this is the scene at downing street. all quiet at the moment. we'll bring you all the developments and what it all means throughout the morning. stay at home from boxing day. the message to another 6 million people in england as more tier 4 restrictions are brought in. a plea for calm at the port of dover. lorry drivers stranded in kent are urged to be patient as they wait to cross the channel. a crackerfrom cavani helps manchester united to victory. they put on a late, late show to beat everton and set up a derby against city in the league cup semi—finals. it was the night before christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. we'll speak tojoanna lumley as she joins forces with prince charles to help actors who've been forced out of work. after revealing his battle with loneliness on breakfast, more than 7000 christmas cards have been sent to world war ii veteran john lister. we'll bring you his reaction. plus, there are over 100 flood warnings in force across england and wales afte

in fact, the only thing that might be agreed this weekend between downing street and the eu is to halt the negotiations and move towards no deal. yet the fact that both sides have been very publicly highlighting the potential negative consequences of failing to reach a deal suggest that they could yet at the last minute pull back from the brink. but a former adviser to the brexit department thinks it will take a dramatic move to avoid no deal. we've got one day left. there are talks ongoing, but really we need a breakthrough at the political level, and i'm not hearing the messaging at the moment that would indicate that's going to happen. the uk's chief negotiator knows well enough that brexit deadlines come and go, but this weekend's talks in brussels could finally answer the question, deal or no deal. iain watson, bbc news. speaking to the bbc earlier, the former governor of the bank of england mark carney, outlined his concerns about the situation the uk finds itself in. i think it is recognised that there are two types of issues around if there is a rupture in the relationship. the

downing street says, to reach agreement, the eu must recognise that the uk is now a sovereign nation. theresa may's de facto deputy when she was prime minister is urging both sides to focus on avoiding no deal. we are coming to the last knockings now, so, obviously, it is getting very tense and quite emotional. i would advise both sides to keep talking up to and if necessary beyond the final hour because, while there is talk, there is hope. and is this what no deal with the eu would look like? the ministry of defence has confirmed that four armed vessels will be ready to patrol uk waters if there is no agreement with brussels on fishing rights. but the scottish government does not want to see the ships off its shores. this uk government gunboat diplomacy is not welcome in scottish waters. we will protect our fisheries where necessary. police scotland have primacy to do that. but we won't do that by threatening our allies, our nato allies, in fact, they are our friends and neighbours. brexit deadlines have come and gone before but this weekend's talks in brussels could finally answer t

if you look at the wording that was used earlier in the week by downing street, they said that they have no plans at this time to change the guidance. but having no plans doesn't mean that they won't subsequently. the fact that there has been a movement in advice in some of the other nations — nicola sturgeon in scotland asking people to confine their activities to one day — three households, but meeting them in one day. in wales, two households. so there's been a movement in recognition of the fact that the levels are rising. so we might see some additional tweaking around the margins, but i think the core principle that there is this christmas bubble, that is this opportunity to get together, because borisjohnson has said "i don't want to disturb people's long term, well made plans." i think they are going to be appealing, really, to people's common sense, and they will see the numbers. and i know a lot of people who have been asking me are saying they are very worried by the numbers when they look at the map and they see people shifting up tiers — 60% plus of the country in tier

street the prime minister flanked by his chief bracks it negotiated and the u.k.'s e.u. ambassador and parliament was recalled from christmas recess to ratify the deal in a rapid one day session boris johnson extolling the virtues of the new agreement. in less than 48 hours we will leave the e.u. single market and the customs union as we've promised and yet british exporters will not face a sudden thicket of trade barriers but rather for the 1st time in the history of e.u. agreements 0 tariffs and 0 quotas. britain officially left the european union back in january but the terms of a trade deal needed to be agreed before the transition period ends at midnight on december 31st fishing rights were a crucial element of the final agreement but in the port of newlyn in cornwall the final signing was greeted with open hostility british troll operators wanted the u.k.'s 12 mile territorial limit to be brought back it wasn't when you read the small print we will never get it back on the foreigner we're worse off than before bricks it because it's all written in that we won

cnn's nic robertson is live this morning at 10 downing street. nic, boris johnson planned to ease restrictions around the current holiday, now a rude about face with this new variant of covid-19. >> reporter: 16.4 million people in the country, a third of england under a tier 4 lock down because of the new variant that the government says could be more transmissible by 70% more. scientists don't believe it's more deadly, just that it can transmit faster and more readily. the concern of course is over a shorter space of time, that could diminish capacity in hospitals and that would have a knock on health effect. but the immediate effect for the cabinet session boris johnson is having today, this emergency session with government experts is to look at the impact of the fact that more than 20 countries have now banned travel from the uk, most significantly across the channel to france, 20% of goods coming in and out of the uk, go across those port crossings, they are blocked today. 6,000 trucks stacked up on the roads. roads being closed by the poli

street. of course, a deal is important to the eu, but arguably even more important to the uk, given how much is at sta ke to the uk, given how much is at stake and all the issues on which they need to cooperate in future. absolutely, that is the case, and as farasl absolutely, that is the case, and as faras i am absolutely, that is the case, and as far as i am aware, despite these delays, obviously, again, overthe details of what had been agreed on fishing rights, nonetheless the sense from downing street is of no big strategic difference now between the eu and the uk, and the big picture is that both sides want to get a trade deal over the line, they wa nt get a trade deal over the line, they want to get that deal done obviously before christmas day, and it is pretty close to being achieved. and certainly that would avoid, in most cases, it would avoid tariffs or indeed quotas being applied to uk goods being exported to the eu. now, the uk had a trade deficit, of course, with the eu, so it i

scott, it was clear on this visit to downing street last yearjust how u nwell downing street last yearjust how unwell she had become. she was, though, determined to use her voice, urging the prime ministerfor better ca re urging the prime ministerfor better care for dementia sufferers. the system, she said, was completely inadequate and unfair. three years ago, robert beattie was diagnosed with alzheimer's. his wife says dame barbara going public about her diagnosis was important. honestly, to get the government talking about it and hopefully doing something about it. hopefully, the momentum will start and they will be more people like rob and me that will go and talk. we know some in wales already do. but the people inside the houses that are ashamed, we need you to do the same thing, and get this platform so that we can get the help that we need. what is it like, day to day, living with alzheimer's? it is day by day. that is what i would say, it is day by day. he will forget what room he is in, he won't know where the bedroom or the bathroom is. i have to guide him through the process of

she described the conversation as lively, downing street as frank. but negotiations that had stalled are now back on. david frost for the uk and michel barnierfor the eu are getting around the table again in brussels. we must remember that a trade deal is for keeps, notjust for christmas, and i think the prime minister deserves praise for standing firm and not allowing fudge and compromise we may later regret just to get a deal over the line. fishing rights, business competition rules, and how a deal would be policed, the now familiar stumbling blocks. number 10 said that borisjohnson was determined not to leave any route to what they described as a fair deal untested. let's be clear, there was never any doubt that the promise to the british people was that there would be a trade deal. quite frankly, there should be one already. this is not an ambitious deal that the government is seeking. it is now exactly three weeks until the brexit transition period ends. the uk and the eu have named this sunday as the new deadline, when a decision must be made o

that concludes today's coronavirus briefing from downing street. thank you. studio: that was matt hancock, the health secretary leading that latest coronavirus briefing there in downing street. let's bring you up—to—date with what he said in that news conference. he was saying that tens of thousands of people in the uk have been given the new pfizer covid vaccine at 73 hospitals around the uk. he said the vaccination programme will be extended next week to another ten vaccination sites in england. he also said the government is particularly worried about the rising number of coronavirus cases in the south—east in london, kent and essex. he said that by far the biggest rise amongst secondary school age children between the age of 11-18. school age children between the age of 11—18. he said there is an immediate plan to test pupils in the worst hit areas of the south—east. one of the development to tell you about while we were listening to that briefing, the government has now taken the canary islands off the travel corridor list so that people are re

he will be joined latest downing street coronavirus update. he will bejoined by nhs england‘s better stephen powis and the chief medical officer professor chris whitty. we will be bringing you that live as soon as it begins here on bbc news live from downing street. the number of patients in england waiting over a year for routine hospital care is now 100 times higher than before the pandemic. new figures out today show that nearly 163,000 people were waiting for treatment — the highest number since 2008. the royal college of surgeons says ‘it‘s a real national crisis‘. 0ur health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. julie and chris, just two of what are now tens of thousands of people who face long and often painful waits for treatment. both have severe arthritis. chris, a former care worker, was due to have a hip replacement in march, but it was cancelled due to the pandemic and he says the wait has been unbearable. i am in constant pain, all through the night and all through the day. i‘m on painkillers and i know that if iâ€

a downing street source confirmed what you just said... the minister in charge, michael gove, of this, leaving december 31 at the end of the transition period and other senior officials working area. we are told this was a stock—taking of no—deal plans and it was chaired by the prime minister in the cabinet room inside number 10 downing street earlier on today. any other day of the week, any other time, that would be fairly unremarkable, and perhaps it was nothing more than a semi routine update for the prime minister, but it is notable that devin —— downing street is making us aware of this, with the negotiations in brussels deadlocked over the prospect of a free—trade deal with the european union, described today the european union, described today the prime minister is very, very unlikely to reach the conclusion of an agreement. so perhaps a signal to brussels here that the prime ministers taking seriously the prospect of not reaching a deal in those talks and starting that new period on january the 1st of those talks and star

street as haughty and supercilious which all did nothing to ease daily tensions between downing street and the lease a palace but it was present the scout this sounds relationship with this man that would leave him badly damaged emperor because the crown himself ruler of the impoverished former french colony central african republic in 1977 in a ceremony that cost $40000000.00 she scowled was a frequent visitor to his game. served and was accused by french media of receiving a gift of diamonds from the emperor. with the diamond state at the release a palace and i told her castle successor that they are going to be sold and the revenue will be used to development work in the central african republic 64 percent of the french people thought she's scared to stand and honest and competent president but if a distant figure in 1981 he lost the election to be trial at the conclusion of his resignation address he demonstrated he had never lost his sense of theater and drama i see walked away from the presidency. and. its national butler al-jazeera paris. result is there and these are the top st

taking a life to downing street. not much happening is second! we are expecting the return of boris johnson, second! we are expecting the return of borisjohnson, who has been in brussels for the dinner this evening. no resolution or firm conclusion 0!’ resolution or firm conclusion or agreement to carry on talking until sunday. we are expecting him to return back to downing street shortly and we will bring that as and when it happens. for the moment, will bring that as and when it happens. forthe moment, let's unpick what has gone on. our reporter, paul hawkins, is across the latest reaction. where do we stand right now? big gaps between the sides, they will keep talking, sunday they will keep talking, sunday the final deadline, there is a lwa ys the final deadline, there is always final deadline! december 31, the transition period and if there is no deal they go back to wto rules but at the moment as they say sunday is the deadline and still significant gaps on both sides, particularly on the issue of level playing field on the rules that gove

we know there were hastily arranged conversations last night in downing street. there were more this morning. it is on the back of that that this decision to really scale back christmas and introduce that new tier 4 has been taken. i should just let you know, as well, just looking at the phone as the press conference is going on, some tory mps are frustrated, who think it is a sign that the system isn't working, who want a vote on whether this tier 4 it should be brought in, potentially even at the recall of parliament to discuss this new update and what is happening. i don't think that is necessarily going to happen, although it is not impossible. the big thing everybody needs to know if these changes will come in at midnight, regardless of the sum of the political criticism you hear over the next few hours. undoubtedly a big change to what is happening in england, a big change to what the government thinks is necessary in england, and i think we are going to hear some pretty similar changes coming in scotland and wales in the next couple of hours, as well. many

downing street wonders whether this crowd will budge. eu leaders getting together in brussels don't want the uk to keep the benefits of europe's huge market, if the uk won't stick to their rules, but if neither side can compromise it's a failure for both. no one understates the challenges that lie ahead. i am a bit more gloomy today. as far as i can hear, there is no progress. i think a no deal would not be a good thing but a bad deal would be even worse. the eu chief has to corral 27 countries, and no 10, and decide whether to pull the plug on sunday. we are willing to grant access to the single market to our british friends. it's the largest single market in the world. but the conditions have to be fair. they have to be fair for our workers and companies and this fine balance of fairness has not been achieved so far. the negotiators are back in the room, and almost any kind of deal is nearly a dead cert to pass through parliament. but with an agreement in doubt, the opposition leader who nearly certainly would vote for it, urged the pr

let's go to nick eardley in downing street. may be improving mood music as kevin says, but slightly downbeat assessment from the prime minister in the last few minutes in that interview, saying the two sides still very far apart on key issues. it's interesting, isn't it? a couple of days ago, we were talking about a no—deal outcome, no trade deal being agreed, borisjohnson saying that was very, very likely. he is still saying today that people should prepare for it. but it does feel like the fact these talks are continuing potentially for a good few more days is significant for a couple of reasons. firstly, because neither side at the moment is prepared to walk away. yes, those big issues are still there, but neither side is prepared to hold its hands up and say, look, we just don't think this process has any way to go. it was also integer —— interesting in that interview boris johnson hasjust done that he didn't say whether there had been any political movement. whether there had been a nod and a link between the two lea

street where british prime minister boris johnson is expected to make an announcement soon this after talks went into the night in brussels will bring you all the details. meanwhile angle mounts at british courts police as thousands remain stranded even after france lifts its blockade over a new variant of the coronavirus. and from the seat of an idea to a nationwide network called meet the twins in india mobilizing to music to help those hit hard by the pentagon. i'm sumi so much going to thank you for joining us with just days to go before the end of the brakes a transition period the european union and britain are on the brink of a post to greg's a trade deal reporters are waiting outside 10 downing street in london where the british prime minister force johnson is expected to announce the outcome of negotiations talks went on into the night in brussels to hash out the final details of the treaty it lays out rules for when the u.k. leaves the e.u. single market and customs union in a week's time. let's bring in our correspondent standing by for us in london following the developmen

now that downing street nor brussels have set themselves yet another deadline. these tend to come and go in any case. but i'm told informally that the question of deal or no deal needs to be settled in the next few days. despite the apparent pessimism in there, it's important to note that detailed discussions are still continuing, so the prospect of a deal can't be completely ruled out. in fact, the irish government believes a deal is within reach if both sides show willing. 97% of this deal has been negotiated acrossjudicial, security, research, a whole range of areas. and it seems to me that the remaining 3% should not be beyond the capacity of both sides to bridge. and labour argues that there is no logic to no deal. what the government seems to be saying is we are willing to accept no deal, which would mean tariffs across the board, because some future theoretical threat, maybe some time in the future, to have tariffs in relation to some products. that makes no sense. that's like saying i'm worried my roof is going to leak in five years' time so let's bulldo