Tick Tock

Those expecting to see an extension to the transition period are, in a few hours time, going to be bitterly disappointed; as the deadline for asking for one is midnight.

As from tomorrow, the UK either leaves the transition period on 31 December with a deal or on WTO terms.

Frost's Ticking Clock

With the demise of Sedwill, David Frost now holds the roles of both Britain’s chief negotiator with the EU and national security adviser.

However, Frost will not take on the NSA role until late August. This sends a signal to the EU that negotiations will end by then, with or without a deal.

Up, Up and Away - Building The Brand

 

One of our @RoyalAirForce Voyager aircraft has a VIP fit and been painted to display the United Kingdom representationally when flying across the globe. @DefenceES pic.twitter.com/S2juvO1E8G

— Air Marshal Sir Julian Young (@Chf_Eng_Air) June 25, 2020

The aircraft will be used by Boris and the Queen on official business.

Unsurprisingly, certain sections of the easily triggered have been carping about the cost £900K etc.

Here are a few factoids:

1 The aircraft was due for a routine major maintenance period that involves a full strip-down, avionics upgrade, and stripping the paint off so the airframe can be checked for metal fatigue & corrosion. Repainting in red white and blue, rather than grey, is the cheap part of the job.

2 The Queen and future Prime Ministers (no matter what party they represent) will use it, it is not Boris's private toy.

3 As Britain leaves the EU, it is important to build the brand. This is an effective and visually striking means of doing so.

Boris and Macron To Meet In Downing Street - #appeldu18juin

Guess who arrived in France last night for #appeldu18juin commemorative events today?#ententecordiale#18juin1940
🇬🇧🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/sqyaNp6NIT

— UKDefenceinFrance (@UKDefenceFrance) June 18, 2020

Put a Tiger In Your Tank

Conference Call

Preparing for videoconference with @BorisJohnson at 14.30, together with @EP_President and @eucopresident. The EU is ready to intensify the talks, we are available 24/7. Let’s inject fresh momentum into the negotiations. pic.twitter.com/9FFf9WC5tY

— Ursula von der Leyen #UnitedAgainstCoronavirus (@vonderleyen) June 15, 2020

Border Controls To Be Introduced In Stages

The government has announced today that it will not be extending the Transition Period with the EU.

Read more: https://t.co/b2SwpBgJX3 pic.twitter.com/IEPh3WV5B2

— Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) June 12, 2020

Gove Formally Rejects Possibility of Extension

I just chaired a constructive EU Joint Committee meeting with @MarosSefcovic

I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for extension has now passed. On 1 January 2021 we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence pic.twitter.com/nZjNpez8LI

— Michael Gove (@michaelgove) June 12, 2020

I am not entirely sure this is 100% watertight as, theoretically, Parliament could ask for an extension up to and including 30 June 2020.

I am not sure though.

Anyone care to confirm/correct me on this?

Pope Says Boris Holds Trump Hand

Stephen Pope an analyst for Forbes said:

"Given the EU is really good at spending money it will be desperate to receive the UK’s final settlement payment of £39billion.

For that reason, I think the UK and Boris Johnson hold the trump card in the forthcoming trade negotiations."

The EU's Two Fingered Approach To Terms

Barnier rejects key UK trade demand in fresh row – despite EU offering same terms to Japanhttps://t.co/nAdQKuAv02

— 👨‍💻 James⭐ (@JamessReality) June 9, 2020

Are We Entering The Tunnel?

Hearing that there will be new more concentrated meetings/rounds of negotiations - a tunnel? https://t.co/GxwNuhKKah

— Bruno Waterfield (@BrunoBrussels) June 5, 2020

The Final Round

The Spectator reports that fourth round of official Brexit negotiations resumed on Tuesday, screen-to-screen.

They will determine whether the stalemate can be broken and a trade deal sealed by the end of the transition date of 31 December. By mid-June, a high-level 'stock-take' between Boris Johnson and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will assess whether sufficient progress has been made to continue negotiations.

Whatever the outcome (deal or no deal) the UK will NOT seek an extension and will leave the transition arrangement on 31 December 2020.