Financial Times

Global markets have fallen amid the international alarm over the new COVID-19 variant that has forced dozens of countries to close their borders to the UK, according to the Financial Times.

The Financial Times says ministers have warned England faces months of tough restrictions until all elderly and vulnerable people have been vaccinated amid concerns over a new strain of COVID-19.

French customs officers will board Eurostar trains from London to Paris as a stop-gap measure to monitor goods entering the EU after the Brexit transition period expires, according to the Financial Times.

The front of the Financial Times has a scoop about China and the EU rushing to seal an investment deal that would give the latter wider access to the Chinese market. According to officials from both sides, the chances of an agreement being reached are growing, despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Financial Times leads on reports MPs could be called back to the Commons before Christmas next week to approve a last-minute trade deal with the EU.French President Emmanuel Macron is now the biggest obstacle to Britain getting a deal, the paper claims.You can read the full story here.

The Financial Times leads on proposals for London to rival Singapore as a hub for shipping companies to register their vessels as the end of the Brexit transition period approaches. 

It’s unknown when Brexit talks could conclude, but MPs have been told to be ready to pass legislation in the week before Christmas, the Financial Times is reporting. 

The Financial Times reports that EU member states have been told by Brussels not to make side deals with the UK if Brexit talks fail, as negotiators continue to make last-ditch attempts to secure a deal. 

The Financial Times leads on the prime minister’s statement on Thursday that a no-deal Brexit is now “a strong possibility”. The paper calls that prospect “bleak”.

The Financial Times reports that the Treasury is poised to demand that firms such as AirBnB and Uber impose VAT on their customers.