Saturday could be the most important day in Brexit since the UK’s formal exit from the EU at the end of January. Significant gaps remain between the two sides in the negotiation over a post-Brexit trade deal. Talks between the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost have reached the end
Politics
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has been arrested in connection with an investigation into building and planning developments in the city, Sky News understands. He is one of five men arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation offences. None have been charged or named by Merseyside Police, with the force releasing
The government has promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than two thirds (68%) of what they were in 1990 by 2030. The announcement is what’s known as an NDC – or nationally determined contribution – and is a key factor in efforts to tackle climate change. Under the Paris climate change agreement of
The latest round of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal “did not go well”, Sky News understands, with a UK source suggesting that hopes of an agreement are now “receding”. According to Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates, the sticking point was the so-called “level playing field”. This is the issue of preventing unfair competition
A review into the UK government’s handling of the pandemic is set to be published today and will accuse ministers of “gambling with the UK’s future” by relaxing restrictions over Christmas. In a scathing review, cross-party MPs have made over 40 recommendations to the government “so that its preparedness and response may be improved in
It will take “some months” for the UK’s most vulnerable people to be vaccinated against coronavirus, the prime minister has said. Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Boris Johnson acknowledged there will be “immense logistical challenges” in distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which has approved for use in the UK. Live updates on coronavirus from
Boris Johnson suffered the worst rebellion since the election, on what will be the defining issue of his premiership. The breadth of the Tory revolt over his revised tier system was notable – ideologically from the left to the right of the party, from 1922 grandee to 2019 newbie. All of this still less than
England’s new tiered system of coronavirus restrictions has been approved by MPs, although a sizable number of Conservatives appear to have rebelled against the measures. The system was approved by 291 votes to 78, a majority of 213. A full breakdown of the vote has not yet been released, but the figures suggest that there
Boris Johnson is heading for a COVID showdown with rebel Tory MPs, despite being assured of victory in a Commons vote after Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will abstain. Around 50 Conservative MPs are predicted to come out against the government in a vote to approve the tier system of COVID curbs in England, in
The health secretary has said that England’s lockdown means “we’ve got this virus back under control” – but warned continued vigilance is needed. Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Matt Hancock acknowledged that the second national shutdown has been tough. Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world Please use Chrome browser for
It is “too early to say” if another national lockdown will be needed after Christmas, according to a senior minister. George Eustice said “you can’t rule anything out” when asked by Sky News if the “stay at home” measures could come back into force to keep coronavirus under control. The environment secretary also admitted it
The EU and UK are entering “the last week or so” of “substantive” post-Brexit trade negotiations, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has told Sky News. With the Brexit transition period set to end in little more than a month’s time, Mr Raab suggested talks might soon be reaching a conclusion. However, he called on the EU
Standing on the steps of Downing Street after winning the 2019 election, Boris Johnson directly addressed the country: “If you ask yourselves what is this new government going to do, what is he going to do with his extraordinary majority, I will tell you… we are going to unite and level up.” It was less
Boris Johnson has said the new coronavirus tiers “have a sunset of 3 February” as he tries to fight off a backlash from Tory MPs. The prime minister has angered some of his party with a plan to impose stringent restrictions across much of England when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday. In a letter
COVID-19 restrictions are likely to be in force until Easter, Sky News has learned, as Boris Johnson heads for a Commons showdown with rebel Tory MPs over the new tiers. Senior sources have revealed that even if large numbers of COVID-19 vaccinations begin at the end of January it will be Easter – on 4
Boris Johnson has sought to fight off a growing backlash among Conservative MPs about the new coronavirus tiers, declaring that the “vast majority” of the British public support the measures. “I totally understand why people feel frustrated, I get that,” the prime minister said about the COVID-19 restrictions. Search your area on this map to