Government sources confirmed that Boris Johnson has established a 'hotline' to European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen as the two sides try to thrash out a deal before Christmas. Arriving for the meeting with EU ambassadors yesterday, Mr Barnier told reporters: 'We are really in a crucial moment and we are giving it a final push. Mr Barnier yesterday said talks could continue to 'the end of the year and beyond'. Mr Barnier confirmed to MEPs he had made a 'final offer' at the weekend to hand back 25 per cent of quota. Former Brexit minister David Jones last night urged the PM not to make binding concessions that would prevent the British fishing industry reclaiming its waters in future.

Source: Daily Mail December 22, 2020 22:06 UTC