Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga

The restrictions, which applied with immediate effect, were introduced following the discovery of two cases of the virus strain in Britain.

UK announces South Africa travel restrictions over new Covid strain

Immediately after the UK announced that it was dealing with an “out of control” strain of the COVID-19 virus, countries across the world started suspending flights from the nation.

India: Flights from UK stand suspended from 23rd Dec till further orders; Here are the guidelines

Watch in this video, Matt Hancock, Health Secretary of the United Kingdom speaks on the new Coronavirus strain, and on travel bans.

U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaks on new virus strain

A mutant variant of the Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the United Kingdom leading to a surge in new Coronavirus cases. Britain recorded over 36,000 cases in the last 24-hours.

Your Story: U.K. battles COVID-19 mutation, records highest daily COVID-19 spike

The stranded truck drivers and travellers clashed with the policemen at the dover port in Britain on Wednesday.

News Alert: Stranded travellers & truck drivers clash with policemen at Britain's dover port

Hong Kong's prominent activist and founding member of pro-democracy party is currently in London. The 27-year-old activist relocated to London in the wake of China's new national security law.

Hong Kong activist seeks asylum in U.K., China warns U.K. against granting asylum

For air passengers, the nightmare is back in the span of a few months as governments globally take steps to restrict travel after the emergence of a new coronavirus strain.

Here are the nations that have temporarily banned flights from UK

U.K. records highest daily COVID-19 spike, reported 36,804 new infections

After a snap 48-hour ban to keep new variant of coronavirus from spreading, France and Britain are set to reopen cross-border travel on Wednesday. The blanket ban on travel and transport has threatened supply chains in UK. British PM Boris Johnson faced growing pressure to resolve the earlier deadlock as dramatic images of hundreds of lorries in Dover did rounds.

Late Tuesday, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced Britain and France had settled on a protocol that "will see the French border reopen to those travelling for urgent reasons, provided they have a certified negative COVID test."

However, he urged lorry drivers not to head to the southern county of Kent in expectations of boarding a ferry or train.

French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebarri also confirmed that air travel, boats and Eurostar trains would "resume service as of tomorrow morning".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-travel-bans-should-be-discontinued-to-avoid-supply-chain-disruptions-eu-351653">UK travel bans should be discontinued to avoid supply chain disruptions: EU</a>

"French nationals, people living in France and those with a legitimate reason will have to be carrying a negative test," he said.

Despite the breakthrough in talks congestion around the key southern port of Dover remains unlikely to recede in the short term.

Dover authorities said late on Tuesday (local time) that the transit hub would reopen from midnight but only for travellers with negative result.

The measures imposed on hauliers have caused concern over shortages of some fresh food products over a Christmas period already marred by strict coronavirus restrictions.

More than 2,800 lorries remain stranded in the southern English county of Kent, unable to make the crossing to France, with drivers having spent a second night sleeping in their cabs.

As night fell on Tuesday, drivers of some 800 trucks parked at a nearby disused airport sounded their horns for more than half an hour in protest.

Despite the fresh agreement -- which will be reviewed on December 31 -- it is unclear when traffic will begin moving again.

(With AFP inputs)

After a snap 48-hour ban to keep new variant of coronavirus from spreading, France and Britain are set to reopen cross-border travel on Wednesday. The blanket ban on travel and transport has threatened supply chains in UK.

After a snap 48-hour ban to keep new variant of coronavirus from spreading, France and Britain are set to reopen cross-border travel on Wednesday. The blanket ban on travel and transport has threatened supply chains in UK. British PM Boris Johnson faced growing pressure to resolve the earlier deadlock as dramatic images of hundreds of lorries in Dover did rounds. Late Tuesday, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced Britain and France had settled on a protocol that "will see the French border reopen to those travelling for urgent reasons, provided they have a certified negative COVID test." However, he urged lorry drivers not to head to the southern county of Kent in expectations of boarding a ferry or train. French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebarri also confirmed that air travel, boats and Eurostar trains would "resume service as of tomorrow morning". Also Read | UK travel bans should be discontinued to avoid supply chain disruptions: EU "French nationals, people living in France and those with a legitimate reason will have to be carrying a negative test," he said. Despite the breakthrough in talks congestion around the key southern port of Dover remains unlikely to recede in the short term. Dover authorities said late on Tuesday (local time) that the transit hub would reopen from midnight but only for travellers with negative result. The measures imposed on hauliers have caused concern over shortages of some fresh food products over a Christmas period already marred by strict coronavirus restrictions. More than 2,800 lorries remain stranded in the southern English county of Kent, unable to make the crossing to France, with drivers having spent a second night sleeping in their cabs. As night fell on Tuesday, drivers of some 800 trucks parked at a nearby disused airport sounded their horns for more than half an hour in protest. Despite the fresh agreement -- which will be reviewed on December 31 -- it is unclear when traffic will begin moving again. (With AFP inputs)

New coronavirus fears: Britain-France transport ban eased

In the first month of COVID- 19 pandemic, world leaders caught unaware, they were late in imposing travel restrictions from china, as a result COVID-19 virus which originated from Wuhan spread like a wildfire. So, not repeating the same mistake, more than 40 countries block UK flights as new variant of COVID- 19 found in Britain.

More than 40 countries block UK flights as new variant of COVID- 19 found in the country

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

Hundreds of truck lined at the British ports and airports hoping as countries imposed a travel ban on the U.K in the wake of new more contagious Coronavirus variant.

U.K. scrambles to maintain supply chains due to travel ban amid virus concerns

Fearing a trade deal between Britain and the European Union might be elusive, Snag Tights, a Scottish newcomer in the hosiery business, set up a hub in Europe this year to avoid potential tariffs, bringing 30 jobs to the Dutch town of Venlo.

Dutch town attracts Scottish tights maker amid Brexit doubt

British member of Parliament have issued a warning saying the country is not ready yet for Brexit. In a report a group of British MPs have warned that Britain has not yet install all the complex IT systems and the port infrastructure required to insure Brexit runs smoothly. The group also said that they were concerned about the overall state of readiness.

British MPs issues Brexit warning

A trade deal between the UK and European Union is still facing road Blocks. This is for some UK businesses to look towards EU nations one such business is Snag Tights. It has become the latest 140 business from Britain that setup a base in Netherlands.

Dutch town attracts business from UK

Britain and the European Union continued trade talks in Brussels on Saturday. But this time, they did not give any word on any progress made in resolving disagreements over fishing rights and fair competition rules -- seen as the main obstacles to a deal.

Talks continued at the expert level on Saturday in Brussels -- with less than two weeks to go before Britain finally leaves the bloc's orbit on December 31.

The two sides, meanwhile, are under pressure to agree on a new relationship to safeguard almost a trillion dollars worth of trade from tariffs and quotas.

European Parliament on Saturday repeated its call for a deal to be reached no later than this weekend, to give it time to properly ratify the agreement.

Britain reiterated on Saturday that it would prefer to leave the European Union with no trade deal rather than compromise its independence while there was no word from Brussels.

"We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for," said a UK government source.

"Unfortunately, the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence."

Since Britain left the EU in January, the talks have been largely hamstrung over two issues - the bloc's fishing rights in British waters and creating a so-called level playing field providing fair competition rules for both sides.

There is little time left. Both sides need to get any deal approved by their parliaments, and with the talks in their final stages, it is expected that any conclusion will most likely come before Christmas.

David McAllister, head of the parliament's Brexit group, said the chamber could hold an emergency plenary on December 29 if a deal was struck no later than this weekend.

"This requires that on Sunday evening at the latest we get a text, in order to start our prepared measures and work," he told German broadcaster NDR.

The EU has long said it wants to safeguard the parliament's right to exercise democratic oversight by voting on any deal sealed by the EU and UK negotiators.

However, if a deal arrived later than this weekend, the 27 EU member states could still endorse it on their own to allow for "provisional application", a scenario that would be likely to upset European lawmakers.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had said on Friday that "just a few hours" remained to reach a post-Brexit trade deal. He cited "extremely difficult" negotiations over how the EU could retaliate if Britain backpedalled on production standards to win a competitive edge for its products, or if Britain cut European fishermen off from its fishing waters in the future.

Britain and the European Union continued trade talks in Brussels on Saturday. But this time, they did not give any word on any progress made in resolving disagreements over fishing rights and fair competition rules -- seen as the main obstacles to a deal.

Britain and the European Union continued trade talks in Brussels on Saturday. But this time, they did not give any word on any progress made in resolving disagreements over fishing rights and fair competition rules -- seen as the main obstacles to a deal. Talks continued at the expert level on Saturday in Brussels -- with less than two weeks to go before Britain finally leaves the bloc's orbit on December 31. The two sides, meanwhile, are under pressure to agree on a new relationship to safeguard almost a trillion dollars worth of trade from tariffs and quotas. European Parliament on Saturday repeated its call for a deal to be reached no later than this weekend, to give it time to properly ratify the agreement. Britain reiterated on Saturday that it would prefer to leave the European Union with no trade deal rather than compromise its independence while there was no word from Brussels. "We need to get any deal right and based on terms which respect what the British people voted for," said a UK government source. "Unfortunately, the EU are still struggling to get the flexibility needed from member states and are continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence." Since Britain left the EU in January, the talks have been largely hamstrung over two issues - the bloc's fishing rights in British waters and creating a so-called level playing field providing fair competition rules for both sides. There is little time left. Both sides need to get any deal approved by their parliaments, and with the talks in their final stages, it is expected that any conclusion will most likely come before Christmas. David McAllister, head of the parliament's Brexit group, said the chamber could hold an emergency plenary on December 29 if a deal was struck no later than this weekend. "This requires that on Sunday evening at the latest we get a text, in order to start our prepared measures and work," he told German broadcaster NDR. The EU has long said it wants to safeguard the parliament's right to exercise democratic oversight by voting on any deal sealed by the EU and UK negotiators. However, if a deal arrived later than this weekend, the 27 EU member states could still endorse it on their own to allow for "provisional application", a scenario that would be likely to upset European lawmakers. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had said on Friday that "just a few hours" remained to reach a post-Brexit trade deal. He cited "extremely difficult" negotiations over how the EU could retaliate if Britain backpedalled on production standards to win a competitive edge for its products, or if Britain cut European fishermen off from its fishing waters in the future.

EU, UK continue post-Brexit trade talks as deadline looms

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters. Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future.

The European Parliament had fixed Sunday as the last moment it could accept a text of any accord if MEPs are to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market. But its unclear to what extent the new deadline would be followed considering the deadlock in negotiations.

"We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the (European) Commission we will be leaving on WTO terms on 31 December," a British government source said. 
But a European diplomat had told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- now distracted by a worsening coronavirus crisis at home -- to decide whether he wants a deal.&nbsp;

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"It could well continue over Christmas, now the UK is still making up its mind whether it is willing to pay the price for unprecedented access to the internal market," he said&nbsp;

"The EU has been clear this weekend that it is willing to compromise on fish. But it will bail at putting EU fishermen structurally out of business. The narrow path to a deal has now become a single goat track, about to peter out."

The tough talk came as the negotiators scramble to secure a pact before December 31. No deal would risk chaos at EU and UK borders, where a pre-deadline rush of freight trucks has already caused long tailbacks.

Britain intends to assume control over its waters on January 1, but is ready to allow continued access to EU fishing fleets for a transitional period under new terms.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-northern-ireland-changes-when-brexit-transition-ends-351172">How Northern Ireland changes when Brexit transition ends</a>

UK negotiator David Frost wants Britain to take back more than half the fish currently assigned under the EU quota system, under a three-year agreement.

The European side insists the UK can not have tariff-free access to the EU single market as a whole unless it agrees to take back only a quarter of the fish quota -- and that the transitional period would last seven years.

The issue is highly charged for both Britain and EU members with northern fishing fleets like France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and diplomatic sources admit the whole trade package could collapse. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters," the UK government source said, arguing that the EU was "continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence".

EU fishermen fear losing any access to the rich UK fishing waters will threaten their livelihoods.&nbsp;

"We are in the throes of being sold down the river," the European Fisheries Alliance said in a statement, urging EU negotiator Michel Barnier to stick by them.

(With AFP inputs)

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters.

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters. Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future. The European Parliament had fixed Sunday as the last moment it could accept a text of any accord if MEPs are to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market. But its unclear to what extent the new deadline would be followed considering the deadlock in negotiations. "We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the (European) Commission we will be leaving on WTO terms on 31 December," a British government source said. But a European diplomat had told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- now distracted by a worsening coronavirus crisis at home -- to decide whether he wants a deal. × "It could well continue over Christmas, now the UK is still making up its mind whether it is willing to pay the price for unprecedented access to the internal market," he said "The EU has been clear this weekend that it is willing to compromise on fish. But it will bail at putting EU fishermen structurally out of business. The narrow path to a deal has now become a single goat track, about to peter out." The tough talk came as the negotiators scramble to secure a pact before December 31. No deal would risk chaos at EU and UK borders, where a pre-deadline rush of freight trucks has already caused long tailbacks. Britain intends to assume control over its waters on January 1, but is ready to allow continued access to EU fishing fleets for a transitional period under new terms. Also Read | How Northern Ireland changes when Brexit transition ends UK negotiator David Frost wants Britain to take back more than half the fish currently assigned under the EU quota system, under a three-year agreement. The European side insists the UK can not have tariff-free access to the EU single market as a whole unless it agrees to take back only a quarter of the fish quota -- and that the transitional period would last seven years. The issue is highly charged for both Britain and EU members with northern fishing fleets like France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and diplomatic sources admit the whole trade package could collapse. "We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters," the UK government source said, arguing that the EU was "continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence". EU fishermen fear losing any access to the rich UK fishing waters will threaten their livelihoods. "We are in the throes of being sold down the river," the European Fisheries Alliance said in a statement, urging EU negotiator Michel Barnier to stick by them. (With AFP inputs)

EU-UK Brexit trade deal talks threatened by failure over fish

People in England will celebrate Christmas under tough new coronavirus restrictions as Europe battles a winter surge including a more infectious new strain.

In England, where a lockdown-weary population had been looking forward to a temporary five-day relaxation of virus restrictions over the festive period, Prime Minister Boris Johnson instead announced a new "stay at home" order for London and southeast England -- an area including around a third of the country's population.

The surprise announcement came as Europe became the first region in the world to pass 500,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic broke out.

Covid-19 has so far killed more than 1.6 million worldwide and has pitched the global economy into turmoil.

Johnson's move follows alarm at the speed at which the virus was spreading and a new strain that he said was "up to 70 per cent more transmissible".

"It is with a very heavy heart I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he told the nation in a televised briefing on Saturday.

"Alas when the facts change, you have to change your approach," he said.

Residents in the affected areas will have to go into lockdown at least until December 30, Johnson said, tearing up earlier plans that would have allowed up to three households to mix.

In the aftermath, hours later the Netherlands banned all passenger flights from Britain after finding the first case of the new, more infectious virus strain that is circulating in the UK.

The ban is in effect from 0500 GMT Sunday until January 1.

The Netherlands is under a five-week lockdown until mid-January with schools and all non-essential shops closed to slow a surge in the virus.

Italy also announced a new regime of restrictions until January 6 that included limits on people leaving their homes more than once a day, closing non-essential shops, bars and restaurants and curbs on regional travel.

Meanwhile, Europe is expected to start a massive vaccination campaign after Christmas following the United States and Britain, which have begun giving jabs with an approved Pfizer-BioNTech shot, one of several leading candidates.

Russia and China have also started giving out jabs with their own domestically produced vaccines.

The United States on Friday authorised Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, paving the way for millions of doses of a second jab to be shipped across the hardest-hit country in the world.

It is the first nation to authorise the two-dose regimen from Moderna, now the second vaccine to be deployed in a Western country after the one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

With the country now registering more than 2,500 deaths a day from Covid-19, senior officials including Vice President Mike Pence stepped up to receive early vaccinations on Friday.

President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office on January 20, announced he would get the vaccine, also in public, on Monday.

(with inputs)

People in England will celebrate Christmas under tough new coronavirus restrictions as Europe battles a winter surge including a more infectious new strain. In England, where a lockdown-weary population had been looking forward to a temporary five-day relaxation of virus restrictions over the festive period, Prime Minister Boris Johnson instead announced a new "stay at home" order for London and southeast England -- an area including around a third of the country's population.

People in England will celebrate Christmas under tough new coronavirus restrictions as Europe battles a winter surge including a more infectious new strain. In England, where a lockdown-weary population had been looking forward to a temporary five-day relaxation of virus restrictions over the festive period, Prime Minister Boris Johnson instead announced a new "stay at home" order for London and southeast England -- an area including around a third of the country's population. The surprise announcement came as Europe became the first region in the world to pass 500,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic broke out. Covid-19 has so far killed more than 1.6 million worldwide and has pitched the global economy into turmoil. Johnson's move follows alarm at the speed at which the virus was spreading and a new strain that he said was "up to 70 per cent more transmissible". "It is with a very heavy heart I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he told the nation in a televised briefing on Saturday. "Alas when the facts change, you have to change your approach," he said. Residents in the affected areas will have to go into lockdown at least until December 30, Johnson said, tearing up earlier plans that would have allowed up to three households to mix. In the aftermath, hours later the Netherlands banned all passenger flights from Britain after finding the first case of the new, more infectious virus strain that is circulating in the UK. The ban is in effect from 0500 GMT Sunday until January 1. The Netherlands is under a five-week lockdown until mid-January with schools and all non-essential shops closed to slow a surge in the virus. Italy also announced a new regime of restrictions until January 6 that included limits on people leaving their homes more than once a day, closing non-essential shops, bars and restaurants and curbs on regional travel. Meanwhile, Europe is expected to start a massive vaccination campaign after Christmas following the United States and Britain, which have begun giving jabs with an approved Pfizer-BioNTech shot, one of several leading candidates. Russia and China have also started giving out jabs with their own domestically produced vaccines. The United States on Friday authorised Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, paving the way for millions of doses of a second jab to be shipped across the hardest-hit country in the world. It is the first nation to authorise the two-dose regimen from Moderna, now the second vaccine to be deployed in a Western country after the one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. With the country now registering more than 2,500 deaths a day from Covid-19, senior officials including Vice President Mike Pence stepped up to receive early vaccinations on Friday. President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office on January 20, announced he would get the vaccine, also in public, on Monday. (with inputs)

England braces for Christmas lockdown as Europe battles coronavirus surge

The UK government is set to bring in a new higher tier of COVID-19 restrictions and put London and southeast England into those measures. PM Boris Johnson announces relaxation rules for Christmas.

News Alert: England to be under world's most stringent restrictions

The European Union said on Friday there were just hours left to strike a Brexit trade deal with the UK as the two sides race to prevent a turbulent finale to the crisis at the end of the month.

Britain, on its part, called on the bloc to see "sense". Several hours after EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier told London that there were just hours left to navigate a "very narrow" path towards a deal, Johnson said the British door was open but that the EU should see sense and compromise.

According to Reuters, talks were due to continue on Saturday.

Both London and Brussels are demanding the other compromise amid a flurry of often conflicting messages that say, variously, a deal is possible, a deal is in serious trouble or that a deal is imminent.

"It's the moment of truth," Barnier had earlier told the European Parliament in Brussels.&nbsp;

"There is a chance of getting an agreement but the path to such an agreement is very narrow."

Johnson said Britain would keep talking but that he would not compromise on taking back control of its laws and its fishing waters - which he sees as the fundamental point of leaving the EU.

"Our door is open, we'll keep talking but I have to say things are looking difficult," Johnson told reporters. "We hope that our EU friends will see sense and come to the table with something themselves - because that's really where we are."

Britain formally left the EU on January 31 after its 2016 referendum but since then, it has been in a transition period under which rules on trade, travel and business remain unchanged. That period ends on December 31.

An accord would ensure that the goods trade which makes up half of annual EU-UK commerce, worth nearly a trillion dollars in all, would remain free of tariffs and quotas.

Britain says the talks are stuck on two issues - the so-called level playing field and fishing - and has repeatedly said the EU has to budge or there will be no deal.

"We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations in a useful fashion if we want this agreement to enter into force on the first of January," Barnier said.

While Barnier said the sides were striving for an agreement, he said the 27-nation bloc would not sign a deal that undercut its cherished single market of 450 million consumers.

Johnson, the face of the 2016 Brexit campaign, will ultimately have to decide whether to accept the narrow deal on offer from the EU or risk the economic chaos - and applause from hardline Brexiteers - that walking away would trigger. 
&nbsp;

The European Union said on Friday there were just hours left to strike a Brexit trade deal with the UK as the two sides race to prevent a turbulent finale to the crisis at the end of the month.

The European Union said on Friday there were just hours left to strike a Brexit trade deal with the UK as the two sides race to prevent a turbulent finale to the crisis at the end of the month. Britain, on its part, called on the bloc to see "sense". Several hours after EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier told London that there were just hours left to navigate a "very narrow" path towards a deal, Johnson said the British door was open but that the EU should see sense and compromise. According to Reuters, talks were due to continue on Saturday. Both London and Brussels are demanding the other compromise amid a flurry of often conflicting messages that say, variously, a deal is possible, a deal is in serious trouble or that a deal is imminent. "It's the moment of truth," Barnier had earlier told the European Parliament in Brussels. "There is a chance of getting an agreement but the path to such an agreement is very narrow." Johnson said Britain would keep talking but that he would not compromise on taking back control of its laws and its fishing waters - which he sees as the fundamental point of leaving the EU. "Our door is open, we'll keep talking but I have to say things are looking difficult," Johnson told reporters. "We hope that our EU friends will see sense and come to the table with something themselves - because that's really where we are." Britain formally left the EU on January 31 after its 2016 referendum but since then, it has been in a transition period under which rules on trade, travel and business remain unchanged. That period ends on December 31. An accord would ensure that the goods trade which makes up half of annual EU-UK commerce, worth nearly a trillion dollars in all, would remain free of tariffs and quotas. Britain says the talks are stuck on two issues - the so-called level playing field and fishing - and has repeatedly said the EU has to budge or there will be no deal. "We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations in a useful fashion if we want this agreement to enter into force on the first of January," Barnier said. While Barnier said the sides were striving for an agreement, he said the 27-nation bloc would not sign a deal that undercut its cherished single market of 450 million consumers. Johnson, the face of the 2016 Brexit campaign, will ultimately have to decide whether to accept the narrow deal on offer from the EU or risk the economic chaos - and applause from hardline Brexiteers - that walking away would trigger.

EU says hours left for a post-Brexit trade deal

Pakistan has started the legal process to reach an extradition treaty with Britain that would pave the way for the UK to hand over former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan starts legal process for former PM Nawaz Sharif’s extradition

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok are facing pressure from many governments around the world for their unstoppable circulation of harmful content. U.K. govt also warns to impose fines if needed.

Britain's crackdown on harmful online content, asks tech giants to ensure safe content

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will hold talks with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday. During their meeting, the two leaders are expected to review efforts to create a 10-year road map for India-UK relations and discuss the Defense Logistics Agreement.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab holds talks with Indian MEA S. Jaishankar

The Brexit trade deal between Britain and the European Union appears to be hanging in the balance after gloomy assessments from leaders on both sides of the Channel.

Notably, there are just hours left before last-gasp talks conclude.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen have given their negotiators until Sunday before a decision is made on whether to keep talking or give up.

The mood worsened after von der Leyen told EU leaders at a marathon Brussels summit there were "low expectations" and the "probability of a no-deal is higher than of a deal".

Ireland and Germany tried to raise spirits, agreeing that a pact was "difficult but still possible".

But Johnson said it was looking "very, very likely" that Britain would end up dealing with its biggest single trading partner on World Trade Organization (WTO) terms from the New Year.

"If there's a big offer, a big change in what they (the EU) are saying then I must say that I've yet to see it," he told reporters.

The comments did nothing to inspire confidence in the British pound, which extended its losses on currency markets, dropping more than one percent against the dollar.

UK chief negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier are trying to carve out a deal by Sunday, with just three weeks left until the end of a transition period following Britain's departure from the bloc in January.

Whatever happens, Britain will leave the EU single market and customs union, leading to the re-introduction of border checks for the first time in decades.

The Brexit trade deal between Britain and the European Union appears to be hanging in the balance after gloomy assessments from leaders on both sides of the Channel.

The Brexit trade deal between Britain and the European Union appears to be hanging in the balance after gloomy assessments from leaders on both sides of the Channel. Notably, there are just hours left before last-gasp talks conclude. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen have given their negotiators until Sunday before a decision is made on whether to keep talking or give up. The mood worsened after von der Leyen told EU leaders at a marathon Brussels summit there were "low expectations" and the "probability of a no-deal is higher than of a deal". Ireland and Germany tried to raise spirits, agreeing that a pact was "difficult but still possible". But Johnson said it was looking "very, very likely" that Britain would end up dealing with its biggest single trading partner on World Trade Organization (WTO) terms from the New Year. "If there's a big offer, a big change in what they (the EU) are saying then I must say that I've yet to see it," he told reporters. The comments did nothing to inspire confidence in the British pound, which extended its losses on currency markets, dropping more than one percent against the dollar. UK chief negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier are trying to carve out a deal by Sunday, with just three weeks left until the end of a transition period following Britain's departure from the bloc in January. Whatever happens, Britain will leave the EU single market and customs union, leading to the re-introduction of border checks for the first time in decades.

Brexit deal hangs in balance; Johnson says failure 'very likely'

The Bank of England on Friday said that financial service faced 'some disruption' when the transition period for Brexit ends at the end of this month. Although the Bank of England said that banks in UK were resilient to the risk of Brexit and coronavirus, the warning given by the bank is likely to be noted in the financial world.

Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee, which is tasked with safeguarding the financial system added that major British banks were capable of absorbing USD 266 billion (200 billion Pounds) in credit losses.

Britain and the European Union are still locked in negotiations over Brexit trade deal. The negotiations have not made much progress. Both sides have kept a deadline ending this Sunday (December 13)

On Friday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that a no-deal Brexit was a possibility although he vowed to explore all ways to strike a trade deal.

After a meeting with his senior ministers, Johnson said the treaty on the table did not work for Britain.

"We need to be very, very clear there's now a strong possibility, strong possibility that we will have a solution that's much more like an Australian relationship with the EU, than a Canadian relationship with the EU," Johnson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-possibility-of-no-deal-brexit-uk-pm-boris-johnson-348945">Strong possibility of no-deal Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson</a>

Australia does not have comprehensive trade deal with EU. Although Australia's trade with EU is just fraction of that of Britain, Johnson apparently is drawing simile to suggest that a deal was not necessary.

Negotiations between UK and the EU are stuck over fishing rights, competition rules and economic fair play.

The Bank of England on Friday said that financial service faced 'some disruption' when the transition period for Brexit ends at the end of this month. Although the Bank of England said that banks in UK were resilient to the risk of Brexit and coronavirus, the warning given by the bank is likely to be noted in the financial world.

The Bank of England on Friday said that financial service faced 'some disruption' when the transition period for Brexit ends at the end of this month. Although the Bank of England said that banks in UK were resilient to the risk of Brexit and coronavirus, the warning given by the bank is likely to be noted in the financial world. Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee, which is tasked with safeguarding the financial system added that major British banks were capable of absorbing USD 266 billion (200 billion Pounds) in credit losses. Britain and the European Union are still locked in negotiations over Brexit trade deal. The negotiations have not made much progress. Both sides have kept a deadline ending this Sunday (December 13) On Friday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that a no-deal Brexit was a possibility although he vowed to explore all ways to strike a trade deal. After a meeting with his senior ministers, Johnson said the treaty on the table did not work for Britain. "We need to be very, very clear there's now a strong possibility, strong possibility that we will have a solution that's much more like an Australian relationship with the EU, than a Canadian relationship with the EU," Johnson said. Also Read | Strong possibility of no-deal Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson Australia does not have comprehensive trade deal with EU. Although Australia's trade with EU is just fraction of that of Britain, Johnson apparently is drawing simile to suggest that a deal was not necessary. Negotiations between UK and the EU are stuck over fishing rights, competition rules and economic fair play.

Brexit: Bank of England talks of 'disruption' in financial services in new year

UK travellers will be barred from visiting EU countries in the new year when the Brexit transition period ends.

The current Brexit transition period ends on December 31 and these travel restrictions will still apply even if the UK and EU strike a trade deal.

January 1 onwards, travellers from the UK will be subject to the same travel restrictions as all other non-EU countries which -- due to the coronavirus pandemic -- bars all but essential travel to Europe.

Travellers from a limited number of countries with low coronavirus rates are allowed to visit EU countries for non-essential travel.

Eight non-EU countries, including Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, are on the list of "safe" third nations.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 18 EU countries have higher rates of Covid-19 than Britain.

The UK has so far recorded the highest number of coronavirus deaths in Europe, with more than 62,000 fatalities.

UK travellers will be barred from visiting EU countries in the new year when the Brexit transition period ends. The current Brexit transition period ends on December 31 and these travel restrictions will still apply even if the UK and EU strike a trade deal.

UK travellers will be barred from visiting EU countries in the new year when the Brexit transition period ends. The current Brexit transition period ends on December 31 and these travel restrictions will still apply even if the UK and EU strike a trade deal. January 1 onwards, travellers from the UK will be subject to the same travel restrictions as all other non-EU countries which -- due to the coronavirus pandemic -- bars all but essential travel to Europe. Travellers from a limited number of countries with low coronavirus rates are allowed to visit EU countries for non-essential travel. Eight non-EU countries, including Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, are on the list of "safe" third nations. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 18 EU countries have higher rates of Covid-19 than Britain. The UK has so far recorded the highest number of coronavirus deaths in Europe, with more than 62,000 fatalities.

Britons could be banned from EU after January 1 under Covid rules

Britain has signed a free trade deal with Singapore -- the latest in a series of agreements it is trying to broker around the globe as it prepares to end its transition out of the European Union on December&nbsp;31.

Britain`s secretary of state of international trade Liz Truss and Singapore`s trade minister Chan Chun Sing signed the deal at a ceremony in the Southeast Asian city-state on Thursday.

The Singapore deal comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Union`s chief executive gave themselves until the end of the weekend to seal a new trade pact after failing to overcome persistent rifts.

Britain formally left the European Union at the end of January and has spent the year negotiating its future relationship with Brussels and striking trade agreements with major economies such as Japan and Canada.

The deal with Singapore largely mirrors a standing agreement the Southeast Asian nation has with the European Union.

But it is an important deal for Singapore, which counts Britain among its top trading partners for goods and services globally and its top investment destination in Europe.

Britain has signed a free trade deal with Singapore -- the latest in a series of agreements it is trying to broker around the globe as it prepares to end its transition out of the European Union on December 31.

Britain has signed a free trade deal with Singapore -- the latest in a series of agreements it is trying to broker around the globe as it prepares to end its transition out of the European Union on December 31. Britain`s secretary of state of international trade Liz Truss and Singapore`s trade minister Chan Chun Sing signed the deal at a ceremony in the Southeast Asian city-state on Thursday. The Singapore deal comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Union`s chief executive gave themselves until the end of the weekend to seal a new trade pact after failing to overcome persistent rifts. Britain formally left the European Union at the end of January and has spent the year negotiating its future relationship with Brussels and striking trade agreements with major economies such as Japan and Canada. The deal with Singapore largely mirrors a standing agreement the Southeast Asian nation has with the European Union. But it is an important deal for Singapore, which counts Britain among its top trading partners for goods and services globally and its top investment destination in Europe.

Britain signs free trade deal with Singapore as EU talks falter

90-year-old Margaret Keenan, became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot outside of a trial as Britain began vaccinating its population.

90-year-old UK woman, first in the world to get Pfizer vaccine shot

Conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 has been floating around since the pandemic began. As UK became the first country to start mass vaccination drive, anti-vax protesters also marched through the streets of London.

Protest against vaccine as UK begins mass vaccination

According to reports, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine within weeks, after UK regulators granted emergency approval and the world's first rollout which begins this week.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II to get COVID-19 vaccine in weeks: Reports

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