British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday any end to the latest lockdown in England will be a "gradual unwrapping" when the regions of the country will move out of stringent restrictions step by step. 
 
Addressing parliament before lawmakers are due to vote on the lockdown, Johnson said he had resisted shutting school until the last moment, but was forced to do so. Schools, he said, would be the very first to open when the lockdown ends. 
 
Urging caution over any timetable for the re-opening of the country, he said: "And as was the case last spring, our emergence from the lockdown cocoon will not be a big bang but a gradual unwrapping." 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday any end to the latest lockdown in England will be a "gradual unwrapping" when the regions of the country will move out of stringent restrictions step by step.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday any end to the latest lockdown in England will be a "gradual unwrapping" when the regions of the country will move out of stringent restrictions step by step. Addressing parliament before lawmakers are due to vote on the lockdown, Johnson said he had resisted shutting school until the last moment, but was forced to do so. Schools, he said, would be the very first to open when the lockdown ends. Urging caution over any timetable for the re-opening of the country, he said: "And as was the case last spring, our emergence from the lockdown cocoon will not be a big bang but a gradual unwrapping."

UK PM Johnson says end of lockdown in England will be slow unwrapping

The rising number of coronavirus cases in the UK continue to remain a worry across the world. Several nations have imposed flight restrictions on UK in a bid to curb the new virus strain from spreading across the world.

New COVID strain leads to 60,000 new cases in UK

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-imposes-lockdown-similar-to-march-last-year-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-354457">Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases</a> 
 
The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday.

Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world.

But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant.

Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year.

Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours.

"With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said.

"In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown."

The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year.

They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing.

A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson.

Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five.

That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken.

Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet".

But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks.

"With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday. Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world. But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant. Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year. Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours. "With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said. "In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown." The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year. They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing. A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson. Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five. That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken. Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet". But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks. "With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

England goes into lockdown again as new coronavirus strain cases surge

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced another national lockdown. The step has been taken to contain a surge in the COVID-19 cases, threatens to overwhelm the health care system.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces another national lockdown

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination </a>campaign that has begun in several countries.

While most countries are immunising frontline workers and the most vulnerable population, some countries are following a different approach. Here's a report that decodes this.

In Indonesia, inoculation drive is centred around young and healthy and the reason is Chinese vaccines.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-administers-first-shot-of-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-354357">UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine</a>

The country has a deal as per which they will get around 125 million shots of China-based Sinovac.&nbsp;

The first batch of three million doses has arrived, but the country does not know whether the shot would work on the elderly.&nbsp;

The shot has been tested on people in the age group of 18 to 59 years in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo will get the first shot and he has promised that there will be free shots for every citizen.&nbsp;

"After recalculating our state financial status, I'd like to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations for the people are free of charge," said Widodo.&nbsp;

Other than Indonesia, the UK is also taking a different route despite concerns raised by some experts.&nbsp;

The UK will allow mix and match vaccinations, allowing doctors to administer two different vaccines to a person.&nbsp;

If there is a shortage of doses, this could be a gamble.&nbsp;

Regulators in the US have specifically asked doctors not to mix the shots, saying their safety has not been tested yet.&nbsp;

Also, Britain has changed its earlier approach of giving two doses to giving the first shot to as many people as possible.&nbsp;

As the cases rise in Britain, the focus is to administer as many shots as possible.&nbsp;

Over concerns of a shortage of vaccines in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clarified that there are enough shots to cover all citizens.&nbsp;

"We do have the capacity, the issue is to do with the supply of the vaccine and there you've got to, it's not so much a manufacturing issue, though that is is part of it, it's also that each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled," said Johnson. &nbsp;

Another major problem by both these countries is anti-vaxxers who are opposing in large numbers in these countries.&nbsp;

Amid the challenges on various fronts, the two leaders of these countries are hoping a quick roll-out to silence misinformation. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the vaccination campaign that has begun in several countries.

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the vaccination campaign that has begun in several countries. While most countries are immunising frontline workers and the most vulnerable population, some countries are following a different approach. Here's a report that decodes this. In Indonesia, inoculation drive is centred around young and healthy and the reason is Chinese vaccines. Also read | UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine The country has a deal as per which they will get around 125 million shots of China-based Sinovac. The first batch of three million doses has arrived, but the country does not know whether the shot would work on the elderly. The shot has been tested on people in the age group of 18 to 59 years in Indonesia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will get the first shot and he has promised that there will be free shots for every citizen. "After recalculating our state financial status, I'd like to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations for the people are free of charge," said Widodo. Other than Indonesia, the UK is also taking a different route despite concerns raised by some experts. The UK will allow mix and match vaccinations, allowing doctors to administer two different vaccines to a person. If there is a shortage of doses, this could be a gamble. Regulators in the US have specifically asked doctors not to mix the shots, saying their safety has not been tested yet. Also, Britain has changed its earlier approach of giving two doses to giving the first shot to as many people as possible. As the cases rise in Britain, the focus is to administer as many shots as possible. Over concerns of a shortage of vaccines in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clarified that there are enough shots to cover all citizens. "We do have the capacity, the issue is to do with the supply of the vaccine and there you've got to, it's not so much a manufacturing issue, though that is is part of it, it's also that each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled," said Johnson. Another major problem by both these countries is anti-vaxxers who are opposing in large numbers in these countries. Amid the challenges on various fronts, the two leaders of these countries are hoping a quick roll-out to silence misinformation.

As vaccination drive begins, Indonesia, UK following different approaches to tackle pandemic

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said that Scottish referendum should be 'once in a generation' thing. Referendum for Scottish independence was held in 2014. Scotland had voted to remain in the UK. Know more details in the video.

Boris Johnson says that Scottish referendum should be 'once in a generation' thing

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday warned the country of tougher coronavirus restrictions in coming days owing to surge in coronavirus cases. He was speaking with BBC. Britain recorded 57,725 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. On top of that, a new virus strain is tearing through the country.

"It may be that we need to do things in the next few weeks that will be tougher in many parts of the country," Johnson told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show.

"I'm fully, fully reconciled to that."

UK's health officials are concerned about the possibility that surging numbers could overwhelm hospitals.

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer urged the prime minister to immediately impose national lockdown measures.

"It's no good the prime minister hinting that further restrictions are coming into place in a week or two or three," he told British media, adding the virus was "clearly out of control".

"So I say bring in those restrictions now, national restrictions within the next 24 hours."

Much of Britain is already under strict regional rules to prevent the spread, although primary schools are set to reopen in most of the country when the Christmas holiday ends on Monday.

However, around one million four to 11-year-olds will learn remotely after the government announced primary schools in London, where case rates are particularly high, would remain closed.

Johnson told parents elsewhere that they should "absolutely" send their young children to school when term begins.

"I understand people's frustrations, I understand people's anxieties but there is no doubt in my mind that schools are safe and that education is a priority.

"We've really fought very hard throughout this pandemic across the country to keep schools open," he added.

But Jerry Glazier, national executive member of the National Education Union, told AFP on Sunday that "schools are now playing a significant part in the spreading of the infection" and called for them all to be closed for at least two weeks.

"Schools are unsafe for the kids and unsafe for the education workers," he added. "Many teachers are very anxious about going back into the workplace."

Johnson said that public health experts had highlighted the long term health and social costs of children being kept out of school.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday warned the country of tougher coronavirus restrictions in coming days owing to surge in coronavirus cases. He was speaking with BBC.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday warned the country of tougher coronavirus restrictions in coming days owing to surge in coronavirus cases. He was speaking with BBC. Britain recorded 57,725 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. On top of that, a new virus strain is tearing through the country. "It may be that we need to do things in the next few weeks that will be tougher in many parts of the country," Johnson told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show. "I'm fully, fully reconciled to that." UK's health officials are concerned about the possibility that surging numbers could overwhelm hospitals. Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer urged the prime minister to immediately impose national lockdown measures. "It's no good the prime minister hinting that further restrictions are coming into place in a week or two or three," he told British media, adding the virus was "clearly out of control". "So I say bring in those restrictions now, national restrictions within the next 24 hours." Much of Britain is already under strict regional rules to prevent the spread, although primary schools are set to reopen in most of the country when the Christmas holiday ends on Monday. However, around one million four to 11-year-olds will learn remotely after the government announced primary schools in London, where case rates are particularly high, would remain closed. Johnson told parents elsewhere that they should "absolutely" send their young children to school when term begins. "I understand people's frustrations, I understand people's anxieties but there is no doubt in my mind that schools are safe and that education is a priority. "We've really fought very hard throughout this pandemic across the country to keep schools open," he added. But Jerry Glazier, national executive member of the National Education Union, told AFP on Sunday that "schools are now playing a significant part in the spreading of the infection" and called for them all to be closed for at least two weeks. "Schools are unsafe for the kids and unsafe for the education workers," he added. "Many teachers are very anxious about going back into the workplace." Johnson said that public health experts had highlighted the long term health and social costs of children being kept out of school. (With AFP inputs)

UK PM warns country of tougher COVID restriction in coming days

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll.

This is the first detailed survey of the public`s perception of Johnson`s handling of the recently concluded Brexit talks and the COVID-19 pandemic after he reversed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas in parts of southern England to combat the spread of the virus.

More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a four-week period in December, which was conducted by the research data company Focaldata and published by the Sunday Times.

The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 seats, the poll showed.

The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the next government.

The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found.

Johnson won a resounding election victory last year that allowed him to take Britain out of the European Union`s orbit on New Year`s Eve after almost half a century of close ties.

But Johnson`s premiership may increasingly be defined by the government`s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has already killed more than 74,000 people and crushed the economy.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll. This is the first detailed survey of the public`s perception of Johnson`s handling of the recently concluded Brexit talks and the COVID-19 pandemic after he reversed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas in parts of southern England to combat the spread of the virus. More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a four-week period in December, which was conducted by the research data company Focaldata and published by the Sunday Times. The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 seats, the poll showed. The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the next government. The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found. Johnson won a resounding election victory last year that allowed him to take Britain out of the European Union`s orbit on New Year`s Eve after almost half a century of close ties. But Johnson`s premiership may increasingly be defined by the government`s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has already killed more than 74,000 people and crushed the economy.

UK PM Johnson could lose his seat and majority at next election, poll says

UK PM Boris Johnson made a statement on Wednesday that will surely not go well with supporters of Scottish independence from the UK. Johnson said on Sunday that another Scottish independence referendum should not take place for a generation. He was talking on BBC's Andrew Marr show.&nbsp;

"Referendums in my experience, direct experience, in this country are not particularly jolly events," he said.

"They don't have a notably unifying force in the national mood, they should be only once in a generation," he added.

Referendum for Scottish independence was held in 2014. Scotland had voted to remain in the UK.

However, in light of Brexit, demand for Scottish independence has risen again. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly made public comments of displeasure against Brexit. Although she had called the 2014 referendum a once in a generation vote, she has recently said that Scotland would like to be part of the European Union.

Recent polls have shown consistent support for independence, boosted by rows between London and the devolved governments over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-could-lose-his-seat-and-majority-at-next-election-poll-says-354108">UK PM Johnson could lose his seat and majority at next election, poll says</a>

"For too long, successive UK governments have taken Scotland in the wrong direction, culminating in Brexit. It's no wonder so many people in Scotland have had enough," Sturgeon wrote on her party's website on Saturday.

"We didn't want to leave and we hope to join you again soon as an equal partner," she added, in a message to the EU.

Johnson has ruled out holding another vote, but Sturgeon will likely claim a mandate and heap pressure on the prime minister should her party perform well in upcoming local elections.

When asked why it was fair to hold a referendum on EU membership but not another on Scottish independence, Johnson told Marr: "The difference is we had a (European) referendum in 1975 and we then had another one in 2016.

"That seems to be about the right sort of gap."

(With AFP inputs)

UK PM Boris Johnson made a statement on Wednesday that will surely not go well with supporters of Scottish independence from the UK. Johnson said on Sunday that another Scottish independence referendum should not take place for a generation.

UK PM Boris Johnson made a statement on Wednesday that will surely not go well with supporters of Scottish independence from the UK. Johnson said on Sunday that another Scottish independence referendum should not take place for a generation. He was talking on BBC's Andrew Marr show. "Referendums in my experience, direct experience, in this country are not particularly jolly events," he said. "They don't have a notably unifying force in the national mood, they should be only once in a generation," he added. Referendum for Scottish independence was held in 2014. Scotland had voted to remain in the UK. However, in light of Brexit, demand for Scottish independence has risen again. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly made public comments of displeasure against Brexit. Although she had called the 2014 referendum a once in a generation vote, she has recently said that Scotland would like to be part of the European Union. Recent polls have shown consistent support for independence, boosted by rows between London and the devolved governments over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read | UK PM Johnson could lose his seat and majority at next election, poll says "For too long, successive UK governments have taken Scotland in the wrong direction, culminating in Brexit. It's no wonder so many people in Scotland have had enough," Sturgeon wrote on her party's website on Saturday. "We didn't want to leave and we hope to join you again soon as an equal partner," she added, in a message to the EU. Johnson has ruled out holding another vote, but Sturgeon will likely claim a mandate and heap pressure on the prime minister should her party perform well in upcoming local elections. When asked why it was fair to hold a referendum on EU membership but not another on Scottish independence, Johnson told Marr: "The difference is we had a (European) referendum in 1975 and we then had another one in 2016. "That seems to be about the right sort of gap." (With AFP inputs)

Boris Johnson says Scottish referendum should be 'once in a generation' thing

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the United Kingdom has decided to reactivate the&nbsp;emergency hospitals which were&nbsp;established at the start of the pandemic. The government has also decided to shut primary schools amid rise in new variant of the virus.

A day after entering the new year, the situation in the Uk stays as grim as the pandemic year. Considering the grave situation, the Boris Johnson-led government has decided to reinstate the emergency hospitals to stay prepared for the expected rush of cases in the next few days.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-french-says-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-father-as-he-seeks-france-citizenship-353629">'I am French', says UK PM Boris Johnson's father as he seeks France citizenship</a>

The announcement came a few days after the popular&nbsp;Royal London Hospital informed its staff, through an email, that the hospital was now entering the "disaster medicine mode", meaning it will not be able to provide&nbsp;high standard critical care.

It was also announced that all primary schools in the capital city&nbsp;London will return to online teaching, and cease all offline classes, amid fears of rising infection rate of the new variant of coronavirus — which has been proved to be 70 per cent more infectious.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-resume-uk-flights-from-january-8-353906">&nbsp;India to resume UK flights from January 8</a>

"Children's education and wellbeing remains a national priority," said&nbsp;Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. "Moving further parts of London to remote education really is a last resort and a temporary solution."

The decision has come back as a shock as an opposing announcement was made on schools reopening a few days ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-pandemic-politics-put-drug-industrys-revenues-at-risk-353967">WATCH|</a>

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This announcement has been justified by the government by releasing the official number of infections and deaths caused by the new strain of coronavirus, which is more than 74,000 in total. On Friday, the UK recorded&nbsp;53,285 new coronavirus cases and 613 deaths.

"In anticipation of pressures rising from the spread of the new variant infection, the NHS London Region were asked to ensure the Nightingale was reactivated and ready to admit patients should it be needed,"&nbsp;National Health Service (NHS) spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The hospital authorities have also warned the government about shortage of nurses in the hospitals, especially the COVID wards.

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the United Kingdom has decided to reactivate the emergency hospitals which were established at the start of the pandemic. The government has also decided to shut primary schools amid rise in new variant of the virus.

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the United Kingdom has decided to reactivate the emergency hospitals which were established at the start of the pandemic. The government has also decided to shut primary schools amid rise in new variant of the virus. A day after entering the new year, the situation in the Uk stays as grim as the pandemic year. Considering the grave situation, the Boris Johnson-led government has decided to reinstate the emergency hospitals to stay prepared for the expected rush of cases in the next few days. Also read| 'I am French', says UK PM Boris Johnson's father as he seeks France citizenship The announcement came a few days after the popular Royal London Hospital informed its staff, through an email, that the hospital was now entering the "disaster medicine mode", meaning it will not be able to provide high standard critical care. It was also announced that all primary schools in the capital city London will return to online teaching, and cease all offline classes, amid fears of rising infection rate of the new variant of coronavirus — which has been proved to be 70 per cent more infectious. Also read| India to resume UK flights from January 8 "Children's education and wellbeing remains a national priority," said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. "Moving further parts of London to remote education really is a last resort and a temporary solution." The decision has come back as a shock as an opposing announcement was made on schools reopening a few days ago. WATCH| × This announcement has been justified by the government by releasing the official number of infections and deaths caused by the new strain of coronavirus, which is more than 74,000 in total. On Friday, the UK recorded 53,285 new coronavirus cases and 613 deaths. "In anticipation of pressures rising from the spread of the new variant infection, the NHS London Region were asked to ensure the Nightingale was reactivated and ready to admit patients should it be needed," National Health Service (NHS) spokesperson said. The hospital authorities have also warned the government about shortage of nurses in the hospitals, especially the COVID wards.

UK reinstates all COVID-19 emergency hospitals amid fears of rising cases

UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley confirmed on Thursday that he was seeking French citizenship just when free movement of Britons was coming to an end thanks to Brexit deal delivered by his own son. Speaking to France's RTL radio, he asserted that he was French.

It's not a question of becoming French. If I understand correctly I am French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely French as was her grandfather.

"For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," the 80-year-old added.

Boris Johnson's father was among the first civil servants appointed to Brussells after Britain joined the European Union in 1973. He initially campaigned against UK leaving the European Union but changed his mind after Britain voted to leave EU in 2016 vote.
<img alt="Boris Johnson father" data-caption="UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c92b3e4-86cb-4d94-bc06-6c6fac1d3dbc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1L9385.jpg" />
"I will always be European, that's for sure," he told RTL. &nbsp;

"You can't tell the English: you're not European. Europe is more than the single market, it's more than the European Union."

"That said, to have a link like that with the EU is important," he said, apparently referring to an EU passport.

His daughter Rachel had published a book in March and had already revealed his plans of seeking French citizenship.

She wrote that her grandmother was born in Versailles and said that if her father received French citizenship she too would like to become French.

(With AFP inputs)

UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley confirmed on Thursday that he was seeking French citizenship just when free movement of Britons was coming to an end thanks to Brexit deal delivered by his own son.

UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley confirmed on Thursday that he was seeking French citizenship just when free movement of Britons was coming to an end thanks to Brexit deal delivered by his own son. Speaking to France's RTL radio, he asserted that he was French. It's not a question of becoming French. If I understand correctly I am French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely French as was her grandfather. "For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," the 80-year-old added. Boris Johnson's father was among the first civil servants appointed to Brussells after Britain joined the European Union in 1973. He initially campaigned against UK leaving the European Union but changed his mind after Britain voted to leave EU in 2016 vote. "I will always be European, that's for sure," he told RTL. "You can't tell the English: you're not European. Europe is more than the single market, it's more than the European Union." "That said, to have a link like that with the EU is important," he said, apparently referring to an EU passport. His daughter Rachel had published a book in March and had already revealed his plans of seeking French citizenship. She wrote that her grandmother was born in Versailles and said that if her father received French citizenship she too would like to become French. (With AFP inputs)

'I am French', says UK PM Boris Johnson's father as he seeks France citizenship

British members of parliament overwhelmingly backed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union in the&nbsp;House of Commons on Wednesday.

The vote on the legislation to enact the trade agreement was passed by 521 to 73 votes in parliament's lower house. It now passes to the upper house for approval later on Wednesday, before becoming law around midnight.

Introducing the legislation to ratify it, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers it heralded "a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests, and values.

"With this bill we are going to be a friendly neighbour, the best friend and ally the EU could have," Johnson&nbsp;said.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;EU leaders signed their post-Brexit trade deal with Britain and dispatched it to London on an RAF jet Wednesday, setting their seal on a drawn-out divorce just hours before the UK brings its half-century European experiment to an end.

The last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Britain harder than most.

The agreement's impact will play out in the coming months, with UK businesses braced for customs red tape they have avoided for decades in cross-Channel trade.

Meanwhile from January 1, there will no longer be free movement of people from Britain to the EU or vice versa.&nbsp;

Under the compressed legislative calendar, the European Parliament will debate the Brexit deal after the New Year, but they are expected to eventually nod it through.&nbsp;

Pending that, EU member states gave their green light on Monday for the accord to take provisional effect before Thursday's deadline.

British members of parliament overwhelmingly backed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The vote on the legislation to enact the trade agreement was passed by 521 to 73 votes in parliament's lower house.

British members of parliament overwhelmingly backed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The vote on the legislation to enact the trade agreement was passed by 521 to 73 votes in parliament's lower house. It now passes to the upper house for approval later on Wednesday, before becoming law around midnight. Introducing the legislation to ratify it, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers it heralded "a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests, and values. "With this bill we are going to be a friendly neighbour, the best friend and ally the EU could have," Johnson said. Meanwhile, EU leaders signed their post-Brexit trade deal with Britain and dispatched it to London on an RAF jet Wednesday, setting their seal on a drawn-out divorce just hours before the UK brings its half-century European experiment to an end. The last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Britain harder than most. The agreement's impact will play out in the coming months, with UK businesses braced for customs red tape they have avoided for decades in cross-Channel trade. Meanwhile from January 1, there will no longer be free movement of people from Britain to the EU or vice versa. Under the compressed legislative calendar, the European Parliament will debate the Brexit deal after the New Year, but they are expected to eventually nod it through. Pending that, EU member states gave their green light on Monday for the accord to take provisional effect before Thursday's deadline.

British MPs overwhelmingly back post-Brexit trade deal with European Union

The United Kingdom has approved Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine, this is the second vaccine that has been approved by the UK government after the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine. United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tweeted about the vaccine's approval and he said that this is truly fantastic news and ensures that the vaccine will reach the citizens as soon as possible.

United Kingdom approves Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has said a variant of the coronavirus, which could be up to 70 per cent&nbsp;more transmissible, is spreading rapidly in Britain.

The UK is desperately trying to turn the tide against a resurgence of the virus that has forced the government to introduce a tougher system of regional restrictions that will last until the end of March.

Britain reported 41,385 new COVID cases on Monday, the highest number since testing became widely available in the middle of 2020, and hospitals have more COVID patients than during the first wave of the pandemic in April.

Although PM&nbsp;Johnson stuck closely to a strategy designed and endorsed by the government’s experts, leaders in their fields, and respected internationally&nbsp;the country’s issues run far deeper.

Britain’s leaders asked their people to do three things, captured in one pithy slogan: “Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson ''let the virus move through the public'' so that people could acquire herd community. However, the strategy ended up being a massive failure.

The UK&nbsp;government as a whole made poor&nbsp;decisions and&nbsp;failed in its preparation, its diagnosis, and its treatment of the coronavirus pandemic.

Britain must vaccinate two million people a week to avoid a third wave of the coronavirus outbreak, a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has concluded.

The British government has said it has secured early access to 357 million vaccines doses through agreements with several developers.

Media reports over the weekend said Britain will roll out the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from Jan. 4, with approval by the country's medical regulator expected within days.

Earlier this month, Britain became the first country in the world to roll out the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech.

The British government said on Thursday that 600,000 people had received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Britain introduced a new level of tighter restrictions in parts of England on Dec. 19, shutting down non-essential retail and mostly banning people from meeting in person, because of a new variant of COVID that infected people more easily.

A week later it extended the restrictions to a larger area, covering almost half of England's population. But the government has so far resisted reimposing a new nationwide lockdown.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a variant of the coronavirus, which could be up to 70 per cent more transmissible, is spreading rapidly in Britain.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a variant of the coronavirus, which could be up to 70 per cent more transmissible, is spreading rapidly in Britain. The UK is desperately trying to turn the tide against a resurgence of the virus that has forced the government to introduce a tougher system of regional restrictions that will last until the end of March. Britain reported 41,385 new COVID cases on Monday, the highest number since testing became widely available in the middle of 2020, and hospitals have more COVID patients than during the first wave of the pandemic in April. Although PM Johnson stuck closely to a strategy designed and endorsed by the government’s experts, leaders in their fields, and respected internationally the country’s issues run far deeper. Britain’s leaders asked their people to do three things, captured in one pithy slogan: “Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson ''let the virus move through the public'' so that people could acquire herd community. However, the strategy ended up being a massive failure. The UK government as a whole made poor decisions and failed in its preparation, its diagnosis, and its treatment of the coronavirus pandemic. Britain must vaccinate two million people a week to avoid a third wave of the coronavirus outbreak, a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has concluded. The British government has said it has secured early access to 357 million vaccines doses through agreements with several developers. Media reports over the weekend said Britain will roll out the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from Jan. 4, with approval by the country's medical regulator expected within days. Earlier this month, Britain became the first country in the world to roll out the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech. The British government said on Thursday that 600,000 people had received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Britain introduced a new level of tighter restrictions in parts of England on Dec. 19, shutting down non-essential retail and mostly banning people from meeting in person, because of a new variant of COVID that infected people more easily. A week later it extended the restrictions to a larger area, covering almost half of England's population. But the government has so far resisted reimposing a new nationwide lockdown.

Why Britain will struggle to recover from its botched coronavirus response

An “exceptional victory,” the result of “fantastic work” and a deal that “delivered” for the British people.

Even before the text of the post-Brexit trade agreement was published, lawmakers loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson lavished praise on him for resolving an issue that has convulsed British politics for almost half a decade.

When Parliament convenes to ratify the document, the question will only be the size of Johnson’s majority for a deal that severs close economic ties to continental Europe on Jan. 1 after almost 50 years. Even the opposition Labour Party will officially support it, arguing that it is better than nothing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-sold-out-fish-stocks-in-new-brexit-deal-claim-british-fishermen-352636">Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen</a>

Yet this is unlikely to be the final word in the Conservative bloodletting over Europe that has, at least in part, led to the downfall of the party’s last four prime ministers.

Hard-line Brexit supporters have yet to examine the agreement, and they probably will not like every word of an estimated 2,000 pages of dense treaty text and annexes. A small group did not want any trade deal at all, never really trusted Johnson and might still be inclined to make trouble for him.

Already, an organization representing British trawler fleets has expressed disappointment at compromises over fishing rights, and the Scottish government has attacked the deal, arguing it strengthens the case for Scotland’s independence.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incoming-swiss-president-calls-post-brexit-deal-good-news-for-whole-world-352773">Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world</a>

“In the short term, the Tory Party is pretty united around the very hard Brexit that Boris Johnson pushed Britain toward but which many Britons never thought they were voting for,” said Charles Grant, director of the Center for European Reform, a research institute.

But the agreement provides only limited economic benefits for Britain, and friction with the European Union is likely to remain, added Grant, who said the country’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union may not be much more stable than what preceded it.

“In the longer term, the rift may reopen,” he said, adding that pressure might grow once the deal’s limitations become clear.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/full-post-brexit-text-goes-beyond-a-canada-style-deal-report-says-352461" hreflang="en">Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says</a>

The pandemic has plunged Britain into the worst recession in three centuries, so post-Brexit politics remain highly volatile, said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King’s College, London.

And the Brexit debate has poisoned the workings of the Conservative Party, which had long been known for a pragmatic and successful pursuit of power rather than an adherence to political doctrine.

Now, despite achieving his aim of getting “Brexit done,” Johnson cannot assume that the divisions are over.

“Europe has turned the Conservatives into an ideological party, and it has basically got in the way of Conservative governments governing,” Menon said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brexit-is-finally-done-but-it-already-seems-out-of-date-352414" hreflang="en">Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date</a>

An influential caucus of pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers known as the European Research Group has yet to weigh in on the agreement, and Johnson has been working hard to bring them on his side. How many of those lawmakers oppose him and who they are will be very significant, Menon said.

“If you have 20 to 40 of them screaming ‘betrayal,’ that changes the dynamic,” he said.

Waiting in the wings is Nigel Farage, the populist anti-EU politician who has now rebranded his Brexit Party as Reform UK and has shown his skill in the past at peeling off Conservative supporters.

On Thursday, Farage cautiously welcomed Johnson’s deal but with the important caveat that he had yet to read the fine print.

Some Brexit supporters have always scented that betrayal would lie somewhere within any treaty negotiated with the European Union and, even before the agreement was struck, it was being denounced as another in a long series of British surrenders to Brussels. One commentary article in the pro-Brexit Daily Telegraph argued that the government had been “outsmarted at every turn.”

Others agree with that analysis, but from a more pro-European perspective, noting that even official forecasts suggest Britain will lose out on significant economic growth under Johnson’s deal.

Many businesses will notice the limitations of Johnson’s agreement as soon as Britain leaves the European Union’s giant single market and customs union on Jan. 1. The accord failed to secure much of anything for the services sector, for example, which accounts for around four-fifths of the British economy.

And the deal increases barriers rather than eliminating them for the manufacturing sector and agriculture. So while there will be no taxes on the import and export of goods, there will be additional checks on them — so-called nontariff barriers.

Delays at ports — of which Britain just got an ugly foretaste, when France briefly blocked all travelers and freight from Britain — will add significant costs to companies, which will have to make an estimated 20 million new customs declarations each year and face other compliance costs.

“In the long run, it is such a bad deal that the more moderate wing of the Tory Party may try to get a better deal,” said Grant of the Center for European Reform, noting the Conservatives’ traditional link to business.

Yet perhaps the biggest danger for Britain is that it is now stranded awkwardly, half-in, half-out of the European economic system, leaving its relationship with the bloc as fraught and politically combustible as ever.

As a big economy that shares a land border with Ireland, an EU country, Britain will be unable to escape the huge trading bloc’s gravitational pull, any more than other neighbors that stayed aloof from it, experts say.

“It means a process of almost permanent negotiation between Britain and the EU,” Grant said, “and every time that happens, it will pump up the emotion and the rhetoric.”

An “exceptional victory,” the result of “fantastic work” and a deal that “delivered” for the British people. Even before the text of the post-Brexit trade agreement was published, lawmakers loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson lavished praise on him for resolving an issue that has convulsed British politics for almost half a decade.

An “exceptional victory,” the result of “fantastic work” and a deal that “delivered” for the British people. Even before the text of the post-Brexit trade agreement was published, lawmakers loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson lavished praise on him for resolving an issue that has convulsed British politics for almost half a decade. When Parliament convenes to ratify the document, the question will only be the size of Johnson’s majority for a deal that severs close economic ties to continental Europe on Jan. 1 after almost 50 years. Even the opposition Labour Party will officially support it, arguing that it is better than nothing. Also read| Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen Yet this is unlikely to be the final word in the Conservative bloodletting over Europe that has, at least in part, led to the downfall of the party’s last four prime ministers. Hard-line Brexit supporters have yet to examine the agreement, and they probably will not like every word of an estimated 2,000 pages of dense treaty text and annexes. A small group did not want any trade deal at all, never really trusted Johnson and might still be inclined to make trouble for him. Already, an organization representing British trawler fleets has expressed disappointment at compromises over fishing rights, and the Scottish government has attacked the deal, arguing it strengthens the case for Scotland’s independence. Also read| Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world “In the short term, the Tory Party is pretty united around the very hard Brexit that Boris Johnson pushed Britain toward but which many Britons never thought they were voting for,” said Charles Grant, director of the Center for European Reform, a research institute. But the agreement provides only limited economic benefits for Britain, and friction with the European Union is likely to remain, added Grant, who said the country’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union may not be much more stable than what preceded it. “In the longer term, the rift may reopen,” he said, adding that pressure might grow once the deal’s limitations become clear. Also read| Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says The pandemic has plunged Britain into the worst recession in three centuries, so post-Brexit politics remain highly volatile, said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King’s College, London. And the Brexit debate has poisoned the workings of the Conservative Party, which had long been known for a pragmatic and successful pursuit of power rather than an adherence to political doctrine. Now, despite achieving his aim of getting “Brexit done,” Johnson cannot assume that the divisions are over. “Europe has turned the Conservatives into an ideological party, and it has basically got in the way of Conservative governments governing,” Menon said. Also read| Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date An influential caucus of pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers known as the European Research Group has yet to weigh in on the agreement, and Johnson has been working hard to bring them on his side. How many of those lawmakers oppose him and who they are will be very significant, Menon said. “If you have 20 to 40 of them screaming ‘betrayal,’ that changes the dynamic,” he said. Waiting in the wings is Nigel Farage, the populist anti-EU politician who has now rebranded his Brexit Party as Reform UK and has shown his skill in the past at peeling off Conservative supporters. On Thursday, Farage cautiously welcomed Johnson’s deal but with the important caveat that he had yet to read the fine print. Some Brexit supporters have always scented that betrayal would lie somewhere within any treaty negotiated with the European Union and, even before the agreement was struck, it was being denounced as another in a long series of British surrenders to Brussels. One commentary article in the pro-Brexit Daily Telegraph argued that the government had been “outsmarted at every turn.” Others agree with that analysis, but from a more pro-European perspective, noting that even official forecasts suggest Britain will lose out on significant economic growth under Johnson’s deal. Many businesses will notice the limitations of Johnson’s agreement as soon as Britain leaves the European Union’s giant single market and customs union on Jan. 1. The accord failed to secure much of anything for the services sector, for example, which accounts for around four-fifths of the British economy. And the deal increases barriers rather than eliminating them for the manufacturing sector and agriculture. So while there will be no taxes on the import and export of goods, there will be additional checks on them — so-called nontariff barriers. Delays at ports — of which Britain just got an ugly foretaste, when France briefly blocked all travelers and freight from Britain — will add significant costs to companies, which will have to make an estimated 20 million new customs declarations each year and face other compliance costs. “In the long run, it is such a bad deal that the more moderate wing of the Tory Party may try to get a better deal,” said Grant of the Center for European Reform, noting the Conservatives’ traditional link to business. Yet perhaps the biggest danger for Britain is that it is now stranded awkwardly, half-in, half-out of the European economic system, leaving its relationship with the bloc as fraught and politically combustible as ever. As a big economy that shares a land border with Ireland, an EU country, Britain will be unable to escape the huge trading bloc’s gravitational pull, any more than other neighbors that stayed aloof from it, experts say. “It means a process of almost permanent negotiation between Britain and the EU,” Grant said, “and every time that happens, it will pump up the emotion and the rhetoric.”

Boris Johnson delivered on Brexit. It may not soothe his unruly party.

Fishermen in Britain on Saturday claimed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had sold out British fish stocks to the European Union as part of the recently inked Brexit deal.

The deal gives EU boats a lot of access to the UK’s waters for fishing. Some British politicians also lashed out at Johnson, calling him a sell out.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/it-was-worth-fighting-for-this-brexit-deal-says-eu-commission-chief-352201/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UK is set to leave EU’s Common Fisheries Policy on December 31. Under the new trade deal which was confirmed on December 24, the current rules are set to remain as is for the upcoming 5.5 years - the transition period.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/full-post-brexit-text-goes-beyond-a-canada-style-deal-report-says-352461" hreflang="en">Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says</a>

As time goes by, the EU and UK will hold annual discussions on the bloc’s access to British waters.

The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations claimed that the fishing industry had been sacrificed by Johnson. 
 
For instance - in the Celtic Sea haddock, the UK’s share will increase from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, which leaves 80 per cent in the mercy of EU fleets for the next five years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/brexit-is-finally-done-but-it-already-seems-out-of-date-352414" hreflang="en">Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date</a> 
 
"In the end-game, the prime minister made the call and caved in on fish, despite the rhetoric and assurances," the group said. "There will of course be an extensive public relations exercise to portray the deal as a fabulous victory, but it will inevitably be seen by the fishing industry as a defeat”, it added. 
The deal will preserve Britain's zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the bloc's single market of 450 million consumers, but will not prevent economic pain and disruption for the UK or for EU member states.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday had described the last-minute agreement as a "jumbo" free trade deal along the lines of that between the EU and Canada, and urged Britain to move on from the divisions caused by the 2016 Brexit referendum. 
&nbsp;

Fishermen in Britain on Saturday claimed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had sold out British fish stocks to the European Union as part of the recently inked Brexit deal.

Fishermen in Britain on Saturday claimed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had sold out British fish stocks to the European Union as part of the recently inked Brexit deal. The deal gives EU boats a lot of access to the UK’s waters for fishing. Some British politicians also lashed out at Johnson, calling him a sell out. The UK is set to leave EU’s Common Fisheries Policy on December 31. Under the new trade deal which was confirmed on December 24, the current rules are set to remain as is for the upcoming 5.5 years - the transition period. Also read: Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says As time goes by, the EU and UK will hold annual discussions on the bloc’s access to British waters. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations claimed that the fishing industry had been sacrificed by Johnson. For instance - in the Celtic Sea haddock, the UK’s share will increase from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, which leaves 80 per cent in the mercy of EU fleets for the next five years. Also read: Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date "In the end-game, the prime minister made the call and caved in on fish, despite the rhetoric and assurances," the group said. "There will of course be an extensive public relations exercise to portray the deal as a fabulous victory, but it will inevitably be seen by the fishing industry as a defeat”, it added. The deal will preserve Britain's zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the bloc's single market of 450 million consumers, but will not prevent economic pain and disruption for the UK or for EU member states. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday had described the last-minute agreement as a "jumbo" free trade deal along the lines of that between the EU and Canada, and urged Britain to move on from the divisions caused by the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen

The post-Brexit trade deal reached by the United Kingdom and the European Union goes beyond the EU's so-called "Canada-style" trade accord, a media report has said.

The BBC said on Friday, citing what it said was a full copy of the accord, that the 1,246-page document includes about 800 pages of annexes and footnotes.

It added that the pages of legal text will determine every aspect of trade between the UK and the EU.

Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world's biggest trading blocs.

The deal will preserve Britain's zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the bloc's single market of 450 million consumers, but will not prevent economic pain and disruption for the UK or for EU member states.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday had described the last-minute agreement as a "jumbo" free trade deal along the lines of that between the EU and Canada, and urged Britain to move on from the divisions caused by the 2016 Brexit referendum.

The BBC report added that at first look, the full post-Brexit text went beyond a so-called "Canada-style" deal.

One annex revealed a late compromise on electric cars.&nbsp;

The EU had sought to offer tariff-free access only to those British cars made mostly with European parts. That will now be phased in over six years, but is less generous than the UK had requested, the BBC said.

There is a clear commitment not to lower standards on the environment, workers' rights and climate change from those that currently exist and mechanisms to enforce them, the BBC reported.

However, it added that there is also a mutual right to "rebalance" the agreement if there are "significant divergences" in the future capable of "impacting trade".

Similarly, the restrictions compensation for unfair subsidies to companies "do not apply" in situations such as natural disasters, the BBC said. That will exempt the EU's large current pandemic support package for aviation, aerospace, climate change and electric cars.

The UK formally left the EU on January 31 but has since been in a transition period under which rules on trade, travel and business remained unchanged until the end of this year. 
The British parliament will debate and vote on the deal on December 30, just one day before the transition period lapses.

(with inputs)

The post-Brexit trade deal reached by the United Kingdom and the European Union goes beyond the EU's so-called "Canada-style" trade accord, a media report has said.

The post-Brexit trade deal reached by the United Kingdom and the European Union goes beyond the EU's so-called "Canada-style" trade accord, a media report has said. The BBC said on Friday, citing what it said was a full copy of the accord, that the 1,246-page document includes about 800 pages of annexes and footnotes. It added that the pages of legal text will determine every aspect of trade between the UK and the EU. Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world's biggest trading blocs. The deal will preserve Britain's zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the bloc's single market of 450 million consumers, but will not prevent economic pain and disruption for the UK or for EU member states. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday had described the last-minute agreement as a "jumbo" free trade deal along the lines of that between the EU and Canada, and urged Britain to move on from the divisions caused by the 2016 Brexit referendum. The BBC report added that at first look, the full post-Brexit text went beyond a so-called "Canada-style" deal. One annex revealed a late compromise on electric cars. The EU had sought to offer tariff-free access only to those British cars made mostly with European parts. That will now be phased in over six years, but is less generous than the UK had requested, the BBC said. There is a clear commitment not to lower standards on the environment, workers' rights and climate change from those that currently exist and mechanisms to enforce them, the BBC reported. However, it added that there is also a mutual right to "rebalance" the agreement if there are "significant divergences" in the future capable of "impacting trade". Similarly, the restrictions compensation for unfair subsidies to companies "do not apply" in situations such as natural disasters, the BBC said. That will exempt the EU's large current pandemic support package for aviation, aerospace, climate change and electric cars. The UK formally left the EU on January 31 but has since been in a transition period under which rules on trade, travel and business remained unchanged until the end of this year. The British parliament will debate and vote on the deal on December 30, just one day before the transition period lapses. (with inputs)

Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says

The UK is facing a Christmas gloom this year. There's mounting fear of a new Wuhan virus strain, most of the country is under lockdown & truck drivers are spending their Christmas on the roads. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Dover mayhem continues through Christmas

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed what he called "the biggest trade deal yet" with the European Union on Thursday (December 24), saying Britain had taken back control of its laws, borders, and fishing waters.

Brexit trade deal sealed: EU and UK clinch narrow accord

After 10 months of deadlock, Britain and the European Union on Thursday finally finalised the Brexit trade deal.

Both EU and UK expressed optimism on the deal as Britain ends its half a century partnership with the European association.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Let's take a look at how other European countries reacted on the deal.&nbsp;

<h2>France&nbsp;</h2>

In a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron said that "Europe's unity and firmness paid off". He also said that the deal will protect Europe's "citizens, fishermen and producers". &nbsp;

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L’unité et la fermeté européennes ont payé. L’accord avec le Royaume-Uni est essentiel pour protéger nos citoyens, nos pêcheurs, nos producteurs. Nous nous assurerons que c’est bien le cas. L’Europe avance et peut regarder vers l’avenir, unie, souveraine et forte.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1342137139354546182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Germany</h2>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed confidence that the agreement represents a "good outcome" that Germany would be able to back.

<h2>Spain</h2>

Spanish Prime Minister also welcomed the deal on Twitter but said that the UK and Spain should continue discussions on the status of Gibraltar.

<h2>Italy&nbsp;</h2>

"Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote in a tweet, adding that the interests of Europeans have been "guaranteed".

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Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed. Interests and rights of European businesses and citizens guaranteed. The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy.
— Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiuseppeConteIT/status/1342128966425952256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy."

<h2>Northern Ireland&nbsp;</h2>

"This is the start of a new era in the relationship between the UK and the EU and in Northern Ireland we will want to maximise the opportunities the new arrangements provide for our local economy,” said First Minister Arlene Foster.

<h2>Scotland</h2>

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly said that Brexit is happening against "Scotland's will" and said that it's time that the country charts its "own future as an independent European nation".

"Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation," said Sturgeon.&nbsp;

After 10 months of deadlock, Britain and the European Union on Thursday finally finalised the Brexit trade deal. Both EU and UK expressed optimism on the deal as Britain ends its half a century partnership with the European association.

After 10 months of deadlock, Britain and the European Union on Thursday finally finalised the Brexit trade deal. Both EU and UK expressed optimism on the deal as Britain ends its half a century partnership with the European association. Watch | Let's take a look at how other European countries reacted on the deal. France In a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron said that "Europe's unity and firmness paid off". He also said that the deal will protect Europe's "citizens, fishermen and producers". L’unité et la fermeté européennes ont payé. L’accord avec le Royaume-Uni est essentiel pour protéger nos citoyens, nos pêcheurs, nos producteurs. Nous nous assurerons que c’est bien le cas. L’Europe avance et peut regarder vers l’avenir, unie, souveraine et forte. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 24, 2020 × Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed confidence that the agreement represents a "good outcome" that Germany would be able to back. Spain Spanish Prime Minister also welcomed the deal on Twitter but said that the UK and Spain should continue discussions on the status of Gibraltar. Italy "Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote in a tweet, adding that the interests of Europeans have been "guaranteed". Good news: deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed. Interests and rights of European businesses and citizens guaranteed. The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy. — Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) December 24, 2020 × "The UK will be a central partner and ally for the EU and Italy." Northern Ireland "This is the start of a new era in the relationship between the UK and the EU and in Northern Ireland we will want to maximise the opportunities the new arrangements provide for our local economy,” said First Minister Arlene Foster. Scotland Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly said that Brexit is happening against "Scotland's will" and said that it's time that the country charts its "own future as an independent European nation". "Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation," said Sturgeon.

Scotland lone exception as European nations hail Brexit deal

Britain deployed additional military personnel to the port of&nbsp;Dover&nbsp;on Friday to help clear the queues of lorries following the resumption of cross-channel travel for drivers who test negative for COVID-19.

Several thousand cargo trucks have been trapped for days around the southern English port of&nbsp;Dover&nbsp;since France closed borders with the UK in a bid to stop the spread of a new coronavirus strain.

Hundreds of lorries arrived at the French port of Calais on Friday as authorities scrambled to ease a bottleneck in Britain, where thousands of drivers have been stuck for days after France imposed tougher coronavirus rules.

Traffic was moving only slowly through the port on Friday, a public holiday. Most trucks were still parked further up the motorway as drivers waited to take tests before being allowed to board the cross-channel ferries.

British transport minister Grant Shapps said on Twitter on Friday more than 10,000 coronavirus tests had been carried out on lorry drivers and only 24 of them had tested positive.

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Update on Kent lorry situation: Over 10,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> tests now carried out. Just 24 positive (0.24%). 
 
A huge thank you for the tireless efforts of our troops, police, civilian testers, council planners &amp; port &amp; ferry workers for giving up their Xmas to get people home.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) <a href="https://twitter.com/grantshapps/status/1342466329144659969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Soldiers were checking vehicles and drivers' documents at the entrance to the port and French officials, in&nbsp;Dover&nbsp;to help clear the backlog, were seen administering a nasal swab to a driver.

An additional 800 British troops have now been deployed to the port, on top of the 300 sent initially, British media reported.

The French and British governments agreed to end the blockade late on Tuesday but the long lines of trucks are expected to take days to clear, British authorities have said.

More than 700 hauliers have been cleared for departure since France reopened its border, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Britain deployed additional military personnel to the port of Dover on Friday to help clear the queues of lorries following the resumption of cross-channel travel for drivers who test negative for COVID-19.

Britain deployed additional military personnel to the port of Dover on Friday to help clear the queues of lorries following the resumption of cross-channel travel for drivers who test negative for COVID-19. Several thousand cargo trucks have been trapped for days around the southern English port of Dover since France closed borders with the UK in a bid to stop the spread of a new coronavirus strain. Hundreds of lorries arrived at the French port of Calais on Friday as authorities scrambled to ease a bottleneck in Britain, where thousands of drivers have been stuck for days after France imposed tougher coronavirus rules. Traffic was moving only slowly through the port on Friday, a public holiday. Most trucks were still parked further up the motorway as drivers waited to take tests before being allowed to board the cross-channel ferries. British transport minister Grant Shapps said on Twitter on Friday more than 10,000 coronavirus tests had been carried out on lorry drivers and only 24 of them had tested positive. Update on Kent lorry situation: Over 10,000 #Coronavirus tests now carried out. Just 24 positive (0.24%). A huge thank you for the tireless efforts of our troops, police, civilian testers, council planners & port & ferry workers for giving up their Xmas to get people home. — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 25, 2020 × Soldiers were checking vehicles and drivers' documents at the entrance to the port and French officials, in Dover to help clear the backlog, were seen administering a nasal swab to a driver. An additional 800 British troops have now been deployed to the port, on top of the 300 sent initially, British media reported. The French and British governments agreed to end the blockade late on Tuesday but the long lines of trucks are expected to take days to clear, British authorities have said. More than 700 hauliers have been cleared for departure since France reopened its border, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported.

UK deploys more troops at Dover port to ease channel logjam by truckers

Negotiations on finalising a Brexit trade deal has been completed, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the agreement as fair, balanced and right.

'It was worth fighting for this Brexit deal', says EU Commission Chief

"The deal is done," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, declaring that the UK would remain Europe's ally and number one market.

'The trade deal is done': EU and UK clinch narrow Brexit accord

LONDON — It took 11 grueling months for negotiators from Britain and the European Union to hammer out the terms of a post-Brexit trade deal. But in many respects, the deal is already 4 1/2 years out of date.

The world has changed radically since June 2016, when a narrow majority of people in Britain voted to leave the European Union, tempted by an argument that the country would prosper by throwing off the bureaucratic shackles of Brussels.

Watch |&nbsp;

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In those days, the vision of an agile, independent Britain — free to develop profitable, next-generation industries like artificial intelligence and cut its own trade deals with the United States, China and others — was an alluring sales pitch. The buccaneers of Brexit promised to create a “Global Britain.”

That was before the anti-immigrant and anti-globalist-fueled rise of President Donald Trump and other populist leaders who erected barriers to trade and immigration and countries turned inward. It was before the coronavirus pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of far-flung supply chains, fueling calls to bring strategic industries back home and throwing globalism into retreat.

In the anxious dawn of 2021, buccaneers are out of fashion. The world is now dominated by three gargantuan economic blocs — the United States, China and the European Union. Britain has finalized its divorce from one of them, leaving it isolated at a time when the path forward seems more perilous than it once did.

“The whole ‘Global Britain’ model doesn’t reflect the more protectionist, nationalistic world we’re living in,” said Thomas Wright, the director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution. “Becoming a global free trader in 2016 is a bit like turning into a communist in 1989. It's bad timing.”

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson leads Britain into a post-Brexit future, he also risks being out of step politically.

The Brexit agreement with the European Union comes at the very moment that President-elect Joe Biden is replacing Trump’s “America First” credo with a message of mending alliances and collaborating to tackle issues like global health and climate change.

While the deal averts tariffs and quotas on goods crossing the English Channel, it is at heart about disentangling neighbors who had become deeply integrated over four decades. That estrangement, analysts say, is bound to weaken ties between the two sides in other areas, like security and diplomacy.

“Biden wants to see alliances and multilateralism and cooperation, and Brexit runs completely against that,” said Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. “Brexit is graduating into a more difficult political context where it is running against the grain.”

Trump cheered Britain’s drive to sever itself from the European Union. As a reward, he promised to negotiate a trade agreement with Johnson, whom he cultivated personally. But Biden opposed Brexit and has ruled out negotiating new trade agreements until the United States improves its own competitive position. That nullifies one of the prime selling points of Brexit.

Johnson has pivoted by highlighting other ways that Britain can work with the United States. It is increasing military spending to reinforce NATO and playing host at a U.N. climate summit next year, which will give Biden a platform to reengage the United States in the climate challenge.

Britain has also promoted itself as a champion of democratic values in places like Hong Kong, standing alongside the United States. But in a less hospitable world, it may not find many allies for that kind of work.

“Who are the obvious partners for them?” Wright said. “Four years ago, they could have said Brazil, but Brazil is now run by Bolsonaro,” he added, referring to the populist president, Jair Bolsonaro.

There are also limits to how muscular a partner Britain can be in the confrontation with autocratic states like China and Russia. Its changing relationship with China illustrates its diminished stature.

Britain once hoped its free-agent status would allow it to develop a thriving commercial relationship with Beijing, unencumbered by the baggage of the European Union or the United States. But under pressure from Trump on the role of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei in 5G networks, Britain has largely abandoned its cultivation of China, falling in line with the United States’ more antagonistic position.

The European Union, by contrast, has continued to negotiate a landmark investment treaty with China, a goal of the Germans, who want greater control over the Chinese operations of their companies. Last-minute objections raised by aides to Biden are giving the Europeans second thoughts, but Germany’s drive to finish the deal before the end of the year attests to its more confident position.

In 2016, Brexit was embraced by three distinct factions in British politics, said Matthias Matthijs, a professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University: right-wing anti-immigration figures like Nigel Farage; orthodox free traders in the Conservative Party; and some on the left, who hoped the move would free up money to subsidize factory jobs in the country’s industrial north and, in any event, regarded the European Union as a bankers’ club that Britain was well out of.

“It’s not clear that signing this EU trade deal will give them more freedom to do that,” Matthijs said of the subsidies, noting that Britain had agreed to abide by constraints on how much state aid it can dole out to industry.

The paradox, he said, is that Britain is casting off from the European Union at a time when its two largest economies, Germany and France, are embracing some of the tenets of industrial policy that inspired Brexit.

The pandemic has forced Brussels to reconsider policies it once shunned — initially in the form of a $913 billion coronavirus rescue package — that bring it closer to the ideas pushed by Brexiteers, like Johnson’s former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings. He was an architect of a plan to use public money to “level up” Britain’s economically disadvantaged north with its more prosperous south.

Liberating itself from the constraints of Brussels had been one of the biggest attractions of Brexit. Instead, Britain faces a much larger competitor that seems bent, like Britain itself, on transforming its economies with digital and “green” technology — and more open to using state aid to do so.

Another irony of Brexit is that Europe, alienated by the unilateral policies of Trump, has begun echoing some of the language used by Brexiteers in 2016. President Emmanuel Macron of France and others have spoken of the need for “European sovereignty” in the face of a less reliable United States. Johnson made reclaiming British sovereignty the leitmotif of his negotiations with Brussels.

Britain still has indisputable advantages as it charts a new course. Despite being devastated by the pandemic, its economy is flexible and resilient, at least relative to those on the European continent. It was the first Western country to approve a virus vaccine, while the European Union has been bogged down by the need for its members to move together.

Matthijs predicted that Britain’s economy would snap back faster after the pandemic than those of Germany or France, which he said the Brexiteers would attribute to the freedom gained by shaking loose of Brussels.

Britain’s independence also affords it the chance to be experimental in its relations with other countries. Wright, for example, said the Biden administration might be interested in negotiating a different kind of economic understanding with Britain than an old-fashioned free trade agreement.

“They’re well positioned to be the guinea pig for this,” he said.

Britain, after all, just negotiated a deal unique in the annals of trade diplomacy — one that separates, rather than brings together, partners. Its ability to get that done, analysts said, is a hopeful sign for its ability to reshape itself yet again.

Nevertheless, “the world of June 2016 is not the world of today,” Wright said. “They know that as well, deep down.”

LONDON — It took 11 grueling months for negotiators from Britain and the European Union to hammer out the terms of a post-Brexit trade deal. But in many respects, the deal is already 4 1/2 years out of date.

LONDON — It took 11 grueling months for negotiators from Britain and the European Union to hammer out the terms of a post-Brexit trade deal. But in many respects, the deal is already 4 1/2 years out of date. The world has changed radically since June 2016, when a narrow majority of people in Britain voted to leave the European Union, tempted by an argument that the country would prosper by throwing off the bureaucratic shackles of Brussels. Watch | In those days, the vision of an agile, independent Britain — free to develop profitable, next-generation industries like artificial intelligence and cut its own trade deals with the United States, China and others — was an alluring sales pitch. The buccaneers of Brexit promised to create a “Global Britain.” That was before the anti-immigrant and anti-globalist-fueled rise of President Donald Trump and other populist leaders who erected barriers to trade and immigration and countries turned inward. It was before the coronavirus pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of far-flung supply chains, fueling calls to bring strategic industries back home and throwing globalism into retreat. In the anxious dawn of 2021, buccaneers are out of fashion. The world is now dominated by three gargantuan economic blocs — the United States, China and the European Union. Britain has finalized its divorce from one of them, leaving it isolated at a time when the path forward seems more perilous than it once did. “The whole ‘Global Britain’ model doesn’t reflect the more protectionist, nationalistic world we’re living in,” said Thomas Wright, the director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution. “Becoming a global free trader in 2016 is a bit like turning into a communist in 1989. It's bad timing.” As Prime Minister Boris Johnson leads Britain into a post-Brexit future, he also risks being out of step politically. The Brexit agreement with the European Union comes at the very moment that President-elect Joe Biden is replacing Trump’s “America First” credo with a message of mending alliances and collaborating to tackle issues like global health and climate change. While the deal averts tariffs and quotas on goods crossing the English Channel, it is at heart about disentangling neighbors who had become deeply integrated over four decades. That estrangement, analysts say, is bound to weaken ties between the two sides in other areas, like security and diplomacy. “Biden wants to see alliances and multilateralism and cooperation, and Brexit runs completely against that,” said Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. “Brexit is graduating into a more difficult political context where it is running against the grain.” Trump cheered Britain’s drive to sever itself from the European Union. As a reward, he promised to negotiate a trade agreement with Johnson, whom he cultivated personally. But Biden opposed Brexit and has ruled out negotiating new trade agreements until the United States improves its own competitive position. That nullifies one of the prime selling points of Brexit. Johnson has pivoted by highlighting other ways that Britain can work with the United States. It is increasing military spending to reinforce NATO and playing host at a U.N. climate summit next year, which will give Biden a platform to reengage the United States in the climate challenge. Britain has also promoted itself as a champion of democratic values in places like Hong Kong, standing alongside the United States. But in a less hospitable world, it may not find many allies for that kind of work. “Who are the obvious partners for them?” Wright said. “Four years ago, they could have said Brazil, but Brazil is now run by Bolsonaro,” he added, referring to the populist president, Jair Bolsonaro. There are also limits to how muscular a partner Britain can be in the confrontation with autocratic states like China and Russia. Its changing relationship with China illustrates its diminished stature. Britain once hoped its free-agent status would allow it to develop a thriving commercial relationship with Beijing, unencumbered by the baggage of the European Union or the United States. But under pressure from Trump on the role of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei in 5G networks, Britain has largely abandoned its cultivation of China, falling in line with the United States’ more antagonistic position. The European Union, by contrast, has continued to negotiate a landmark investment treaty with China, a goal of the Germans, who want greater control over the Chinese operations of their companies. Last-minute objections raised by aides to Biden are giving the Europeans second thoughts, but Germany’s drive to finish the deal before the end of the year attests to its more confident position. In 2016, Brexit was embraced by three distinct factions in British politics, said Matthias Matthijs, a professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University: right-wing anti-immigration figures like Nigel Farage; orthodox free traders in the Conservative Party; and some on the left, who hoped the move would free up money to subsidize factory jobs in the country’s industrial north and, in any event, regarded the European Union as a bankers’ club that Britain was well out of. “It’s not clear that signing this EU trade deal will give them more freedom to do that,” Matthijs said of the subsidies, noting that Britain had agreed to abide by constraints on how much state aid it can dole out to industry. The paradox, he said, is that Britain is casting off from the European Union at a time when its two largest economies, Germany and France, are embracing some of the tenets of industrial policy that inspired Brexit. The pandemic has forced Brussels to reconsider policies it once shunned — initially in the form of a $913 billion coronavirus rescue package — that bring it closer to the ideas pushed by Brexiteers, like Johnson’s former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings. He was an architect of a plan to use public money to “level up” Britain’s economically disadvantaged north with its more prosperous south. Liberating itself from the constraints of Brussels had been one of the biggest attractions of Brexit. Instead, Britain faces a much larger competitor that seems bent, like Britain itself, on transforming its economies with digital and “green” technology — and more open to using state aid to do so. Another irony of Brexit is that Europe, alienated by the unilateral policies of Trump, has begun echoing some of the language used by Brexiteers in 2016. President Emmanuel Macron of France and others have spoken of the need for “European sovereignty” in the face of a less reliable United States. Johnson made reclaiming British sovereignty the leitmotif of his negotiations with Brussels. Britain still has indisputable advantages as it charts a new course. Despite being devastated by the pandemic, its economy is flexible and resilient, at least relative to those on the European continent. It was the first Western country to approve a virus vaccine, while the European Union has been bogged down by the need for its members to move together. Matthijs predicted that Britain’s economy would snap back faster after the pandemic than those of Germany or France, which he said the Brexiteers would attribute to the freedom gained by shaking loose of Brussels. Britain’s independence also affords it the chance to be experimental in its relations with other countries. Wright, for example, said the Biden administration might be interested in negotiating a different kind of economic understanding with Britain than an old-fashioned free trade agreement. “They’re well positioned to be the guinea pig for this,” he said. Britain, after all, just negotiated a deal unique in the annals of trade diplomacy — one that separates, rather than brings together, partners. Its ability to get that done, analysts said, is a hopeful sign for its ability to reshape itself yet again. Nevertheless, “the world of June 2016 is not the world of today,” Wright said. “They know that as well, deep down.”

Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date

After 11 months of haggling, the UK and EU signed a trade deal for the post-Brexit world. Boris Johnson hailed the deal as the best UK could get. Who stands to gain from this new arrangement? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas:  UK, EU clinch historic post-Brexit trade deal

Britain's post-Brexit trade deal with the EU looks certain to be passed when parliament is recalled on December 30 after the main opposition Labour party said it would vote in favour despite misgivings.

The speakers of both the lower and upper houses of parliament -- the House of Commons and House of Lords -- &nbsp;confirmed they would convene sessions during the Christmas-New Year break.

The votes will take place less than 48 hours before the trade deal is due come into effect, and are virtually assured to go in the Conservative government's favour after Labour leader Kier Starmer gave his backing to Johnson.

Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world’s biggest trading blocs in its most significant global shift since the loss of empire.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UK had agreed a “reasonable” five-and-half-year transition period with the EU over fisheries, longer than the three years it wanted but shorter than the 14 years it had originally asked for.

Johnson has an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons, and Labour's support will override any rebellion by militant Brexiteers within the Conservative party who may reject the deal.

There was also reluctant backing from leaders of the UK's devolved nations.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party, said in a statement that the deal "beggars belief".

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said her Democratic Unionist Party had "consistently urged both sides to achieve a deal", stressing the need to maintain border-free trade between the province and EU member Ireland.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford told the BBC that the deal would be "difficult" for Wales, but that it provided a "platform to which we can return to argue for improvements in the future".

On the EU side, member states are expected to give provisional approval to the Brexit deal before the European Parliament can weigh in next month.

Meanwhile, Britain’s fishing industry is disappointed that a Brexit trade deal struck with the European Union does not represent more of a reduction in the access that the bloc currently has to British waters.

(with inputs from agencies)

Britain's post-Brexit trade deal with the EU looks certain to be passed when parliament is recalled on December 30 after the main opposition Labour party said it would vote in favour despite misgivings.

Britain's post-Brexit trade deal with the EU looks certain to be passed when parliament is recalled on December 30 after the main opposition Labour party said it would vote in favour despite misgivings. The speakers of both the lower and upper houses of parliament -- the House of Commons and House of Lords -- confirmed they would convene sessions during the Christmas-New Year break. The votes will take place less than 48 hours before the trade deal is due come into effect, and are virtually assured to go in the Conservative government's favour after Labour leader Kier Starmer gave his backing to Johnson. Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world’s biggest trading blocs in its most significant global shift since the loss of empire. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UK had agreed a “reasonable” five-and-half-year transition period with the EU over fisheries, longer than the three years it wanted but shorter than the 14 years it had originally asked for. Johnson has an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons, and Labour's support will override any rebellion by militant Brexiteers within the Conservative party who may reject the deal. There was also reluctant backing from leaders of the UK's devolved nations. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party, said in a statement that the deal "beggars belief". Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said her Democratic Unionist Party had "consistently urged both sides to achieve a deal", stressing the need to maintain border-free trade between the province and EU member Ireland. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford told the BBC that the deal would be "difficult" for Wales, but that it provided a "platform to which we can return to argue for improvements in the future". On the EU side, member states are expected to give provisional approval to the Brexit deal before the European Parliament can weigh in next month. Meanwhile, Britain’s fishing industry is disappointed that a Brexit trade deal struck with the European Union does not represent more of a reduction in the access that the bloc currently has to British waters. (with inputs from agencies)

Post-Brexit trade deal set to pass UK parliament on December 30

Britain and the European Union agreed terms of a trade deal on Thursday after months of knife-edge negotiations and seven days before transitional arrangements come to an end.

Fineprint: UK clinches Brexit agreement with EU ahead of deadline

Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga

Small shops, local markets, restaurants and catering firms that source from wholesalers, who supply 40% of the fruit and vegetables we eat, are likely to be affected within days.

Britain rushes to supermarkets amid supply shortage fear

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 11th-hour reversal on a Christmas lockdown on Saturday so rattled Britain that it managed to overshadow the other down-to-the-wire drama he was staging: the trade negotiations in Brussels between his country and the European Union.

Taken together, Johnson’s approach to the pandemic and to the Brexit talks displays his penchant for deferring hard decisions to the bitter end — a foible that critics say has complicated Britain’s handling of the pandemic and narrowed the window for public scrutiny of any trade deal with Brussels.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Johnson’s sudden imposition of a lockdown drove thousands of Londoners to stores on a frantic Saturday night to finish Christmas shopping before the doors closed, and to railway stations to flee the capital.

That upended the government’s goal of curbing social contacts in the face of a new variant of the coronavirus that British officials said spreads far faster than the original strain. Indeed, the escapees from London are likely to spread the virus throughout the country, which reported 35,928 new cases on Sunday.

The prime minister’s foot-dragging on a post-Brexit deal is more tactical. With only 10 days before a Dec. 31 deadline, there would be very little time for a deal to be reviewed in Parliament, where pro-Brexit hard-liners would bring a gimlet eye to it. But with no margin for error, analysts say Johnson may have to accept compromises to head off an economically ruinous collapse in the talks.

“The contours of a potential deal have been known since at least last March,” said Sam Lowe, a trade expert at the Center for European Reform. “But the PM’s modus operandi is to leave tough decisions until the last minute in the hopes that something better comes along — as evidenced by his approach to COVID-19.”

Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said, “The price of this psychological flaw, and of its political consequences, is paid in lives lost, in the case of COVID; whereas with Brexit, it could be livelihoods lost if some businesses go under because of the uncertainty caused by the delay in making a decision.”

With Britain less than two weeks away from quitting the single market and customs union, British companies still have no idea whether their goods will face tariffs if they are exported to continental Europe or Ireland. That could make auto factories unprofitable or drive some farmers out of business.

The trade talks ground on in Brussels on Sunday with no signs of a breakthrough. The two sides are mainly haggling about fishing rights, but there are signs that Johnson has already bowed to the European Union’s broader demand that Britain accept long-term limitations on its competition policy and state aid to industry.

On the pandemic, critics say Johnson’s scattershot policies have eroded public trust in the government. He has repeatedly ruled out lockdowns, only to reverse course with the assertion that the scientific evidence had changed. The mixed messages have left many confused and cynical about the rules.

In the latest about-face, Johnson cited new evidence that the variant was up to 70% more transmissible than the original virus — data that he said was presented to his Cabinet on Friday. Independent scientists generally back up his concern about the variant. But British public health officials said on Sunday that they had first identified the variant in October from a sample taken in September.

The government first disclosed the variant — as well as concerns that it might spread more quickly — last Monday when it placed London and other parts of southern and eastern Britain into what was then the highest level of restrictions. But two days later, Johnson reaffirmed his promise to relax restrictions from Dec. 23 to Dec. 27 so that families could get together for Christmas.

When the leader of the opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, suggested in Parliament that Johnson should rethink that plan, the prime minister mocked him. “I wish he’d had the guts to just say what he really wants to do,” Johnson said, “which is to cancel the plans people have made and cancel Christmas.”

Now, of course, the prime minister has done exactly that — only he waited three more days, during which even more people made travel plans. On Sunday, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Austria all banned flights from Britain.

Starmer, predictably, was withering in his criticism, saying that Johnson was “so scared of being unpopular that he is incapable of taking tough decisions until it is too late.”

The prime minister had given a glimpse into his fears earlier in the week when he alluded to Oliver Cromwell, who discouraged Christmas festivities during the ascetic days of the Puritan movement in England in the mid-17th century. The British papers, which had played up the precedent of Cromwell in the past few weeks, lost no time in tagging Johnson with it after he announced the Christmas lockdown.

Surprisingly, perhaps, the tough measures by themselves are not unpopular. A poll conducted by the research firm YouGov after Johnson’s announcement on Saturday found that 67% of people said that they supported added restrictions. But 61% of people said the government had handled the rollout poorly.

Johnson, analysts said, was pressured by the same lawmakers in his Conservative Party who are likely to resist a trade agreement with the European Union. To that extent, the pandemic and the Brexit talks have a link.

Because his mismanagement of the lockdown rules has angered some Conservative lawmakers, they said, Johnson might now calculate that he cannot afford another backlash in Parliament by striking a trade agreement with the EU that would be unpopular with the hard-line Brexiteers.

Johnson has navigated such shoals throughout his political career. His deadline mentality — honed during his days as a newspaper reporter and columnist — has sometimes resulted in shrewd decisions.

He dithered for weeks, for example, before backing Britain’s exit from the EU, even writing essays that argued both sides of the issue. It was a roll of the dice that paid off in giving him a path to Downing Street.

On balance, analysts still predict that Johnson will come to terms with the EU in the next few days. But by leaving the final decision so late, the prime minister has raised the odds that, as with the Christmas lockdown, he may have little choice but to accept the offer on the table.

“Johnson’s technique for dealing with problems is to let them run out of control, building to a point of sufficient crisis that delay is no longer viable,” Rafael Behr wrote in a column for The Guardian. “That way, the choice becomes perversely easier because there are fewer options left.”

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 11th-hour reversal on a Christmas lockdown on Saturday so rattled Britain that it managed to overshadow the other down-to-the-wire drama he was staging: the trade negotiations in Brussels between his country and the European Union.

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 11th-hour reversal on a Christmas lockdown on Saturday so rattled Britain that it managed to overshadow the other down-to-the-wire drama he was staging: the trade negotiations in Brussels between his country and the European Union. Taken together, Johnson’s approach to the pandemic and to the Brexit talks displays his penchant for deferring hard decisions to the bitter end — a foible that critics say has complicated Britain’s handling of the pandemic and narrowed the window for public scrutiny of any trade deal with Brussels. Watch | Johnson’s sudden imposition of a lockdown drove thousands of Londoners to stores on a frantic Saturday night to finish Christmas shopping before the doors closed, and to railway stations to flee the capital. That upended the government’s goal of curbing social contacts in the face of a new variant of the coronavirus that British officials said spreads far faster than the original strain. Indeed, the escapees from London are likely to spread the virus throughout the country, which reported 35,928 new cases on Sunday. The prime minister’s foot-dragging on a post-Brexit deal is more tactical. With only 10 days before a Dec. 31 deadline, there would be very little time for a deal to be reviewed in Parliament, where pro-Brexit hard-liners would bring a gimlet eye to it. But with no margin for error, analysts say Johnson may have to accept compromises to head off an economically ruinous collapse in the talks. “The contours of a potential deal have been known since at least last March,” said Sam Lowe, a trade expert at the Center for European Reform. “But the PM’s modus operandi is to leave tough decisions until the last minute in the hopes that something better comes along — as evidenced by his approach to COVID-19.” Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said, “The price of this psychological flaw, and of its political consequences, is paid in lives lost, in the case of COVID; whereas with Brexit, it could be livelihoods lost if some businesses go under because of the uncertainty caused by the delay in making a decision.” With Britain less than two weeks away from quitting the single market and customs union, British companies still have no idea whether their goods will face tariffs if they are exported to continental Europe or Ireland. That could make auto factories unprofitable or drive some farmers out of business. The trade talks ground on in Brussels on Sunday with no signs of a breakthrough. The two sides are mainly haggling about fishing rights, but there are signs that Johnson has already bowed to the European Union’s broader demand that Britain accept long-term limitations on its competition policy and state aid to industry. On the pandemic, critics say Johnson’s scattershot policies have eroded public trust in the government. He has repeatedly ruled out lockdowns, only to reverse course with the assertion that the scientific evidence had changed. The mixed messages have left many confused and cynical about the rules. In the latest about-face, Johnson cited new evidence that the variant was up to 70% more transmissible than the original virus — data that he said was presented to his Cabinet on Friday. Independent scientists generally back up his concern about the variant. But British public health officials said on Sunday that they had first identified the variant in October from a sample taken in September. The government first disclosed the variant — as well as concerns that it might spread more quickly — last Monday when it placed London and other parts of southern and eastern Britain into what was then the highest level of restrictions. But two days later, Johnson reaffirmed his promise to relax restrictions from Dec. 23 to Dec. 27 so that families could get together for Christmas. When the leader of the opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, suggested in Parliament that Johnson should rethink that plan, the prime minister mocked him. “I wish he’d had the guts to just say what he really wants to do,” Johnson said, “which is to cancel the plans people have made and cancel Christmas.” Now, of course, the prime minister has done exactly that — only he waited three more days, during which even more people made travel plans. On Sunday, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Austria all banned flights from Britain. Starmer, predictably, was withering in his criticism, saying that Johnson was “so scared of being unpopular that he is incapable of taking tough decisions until it is too late.” The prime minister had given a glimpse into his fears earlier in the week when he alluded to Oliver Cromwell, who discouraged Christmas festivities during the ascetic days of the Puritan movement in England in the mid-17th century. The British papers, which had played up the precedent of Cromwell in the past few weeks, lost no time in tagging Johnson with it after he announced the Christmas lockdown. Surprisingly, perhaps, the tough measures by themselves are not unpopular. A poll conducted by the research firm YouGov after Johnson’s announcement on Saturday found that 67% of people said that they supported added restrictions. But 61% of people said the government had handled the rollout poorly. Johnson, analysts said, was pressured by the same lawmakers in his Conservative Party who are likely to resist a trade agreement with the European Union. To that extent, the pandemic and the Brexit talks have a link. Because his mismanagement of the lockdown rules has angered some Conservative lawmakers, they said, Johnson might now calculate that he cannot afford another backlash in Parliament by striking a trade agreement with the EU that would be unpopular with the hard-line Brexiteers. Johnson has navigated such shoals throughout his political career. His deadline mentality — honed during his days as a newspaper reporter and columnist — has sometimes resulted in shrewd decisions. He dithered for weeks, for example, before backing Britain’s exit from the EU, even writing essays that argued both sides of the issue. It was a roll of the dice that paid off in giving him a path to Downing Street. On balance, analysts still predict that Johnson will come to terms with the EU in the next few days. But by leaving the final decision so late, the prime minister has raised the odds that, as with the Christmas lockdown, he may have little choice but to accept the offer on the table. “Johnson’s technique for dealing with problems is to let them run out of control, building to a point of sufficient crisis that delay is no longer viable,” Rafael Behr wrote in a column for The Guardian. “That way, the choice becomes perversely easier because there are fewer options left.”

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