But talks in Brussels remain difficult, with "significant differences in key areas", including fishing rights and rules on maintaining fair competition. Number 10 refused to confirm reports that Mr Johnson spoke to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Monday. During the secret call, reported by Politico, the two leaders spoke about fresh proposals on fishing rights. But Downing Street insiders flatly rejected reports that there has been a breakthrough over fishing quotas. That would equate to around £45 billion being wiped off the value of the UK economy.

Source: Daily Mirror December 22, 2020 12:11 UTC