Downing Street insisted Brexit trade talks were entering 'the final hours' last night and it was 'increasingly likely' that the UK would leave the bloc without a deal after the EU tried to mount a last-minute ambush over fishing rights. No 10 was infuriated by an ultimatum from EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier that would have allowed Brussels to impose 'lightning tariffs' on London if the Government restricted access to UK fishing waters. Yesterday, former Cabinet Minister Theresa Villiers warned that this decision would be Mr Johnson's 'Churchill moment'. Any Brexit deal is expected to require a Bill to be passed by both the Commons and the Lords. All absent MPs will be able to vote on Brexit deal legislation by nominating a proxy to walk through the voting lobby on their behalf.

Source: Daily Mail December 19, 2020 22:43 UTC