After 1,645 days, Boris Johnson is finally getting his Brexit trade deal done following weeks of hard talks.
Yes, it is four years and six months to the day since the UK woke up to the EU referendum result. The day on which the word ‘Brexit’ was born and became the most popular, yet infuriating, word in the world.
Now, according to sources, a 2000-page deal is very nearly signed off and will almost certainly secure parliamentary approval given Johnson’s large majority. This is expected to happen today.
Morning – David Frost and Michel Barnier talks continue – Fish remains main item – Another PM-VDL call expected – PM public appearance not expected for minimum couple of hours plus plus
“We’ve possibly got one or two more hours of talks to go, then there will be a call between Boris Johnson and Ursula Von der Leyen and then a press conference announcing a deal has been made,” reports Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates this morning.
“Fishing remains the main sticking point. But, the talks are more positive than at any other time this year.”
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UK & EU about to announce a free trade deal focused on erecting barriers, on adding friction – and therefore cost to the flow of goods and services. The details will start to tell us, and business, how much. Expect relief, but not a lot of celebration
The prime minister is also believed to have led a late-night call with Cabinet ministers on Wednesday to update them on the progress.
Johnson was meant to share the result of the discussions at an 8am briefing this morning, which is currently running two hours late.
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The announcement will come just one week before current trading arrangements expire on December 31.
This is a breaking story. More to follow.
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Up to 7,000 new homes and a ‘major’ new urban park planned for Strangeways regeneration
Emily Sergeant
Up to 7,000 new homes and a major new urban park are just some of the things proposed for the Strangeways regeneration scheme.
Both Manchester City Council and Salford City Council will be working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas of the region, and the draft proposals have now been unveiled, outlining the vision that will ‘guide wide-scale investment and development’ across the 130-hectare location over the coming decades.
The draft Strangeways and Cambridge proposals present a ‘high-level vision’ for the area, according to the two Councils.
The plans include up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct ‘neighbourhood’ areas, many of which will be ‘affordable’, increased commercial floorspace of around 1.75m sqft creating 4,500 jobs, a major new urban park.
The proposals support Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038 and reacts to other environmental factors in the areas.
We are working closely with @SalfordCouncil around the ambitious long term vision for Strangeways and Cambridge.
A public consultation will open soon about the long-term plan for these neighbourhoods.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) March 6, 2025
Crucially, the Councils say the proposals also reflect how HM Prison Manchester – formerly Strangeways Prison – remains a ‘significant barrier to the regeneration ambitions in this part of the city and how they will work with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) around the ‘long-term future’ of the prison.
A ‘people first’ approach to the regeneration will be prioritised, while the existing architecture and heritage buildings in the area will be celebrated.
“We know this area has challenges, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential,” commented Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, added: “The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area, which include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth.
“I’d urge everyone with a vested interest in this area, whether you’re a resident or business to engage with the consultation process and work with us help shape the future of this part of the city.”
In order to discuss the proposals, Salford Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 11 March and Manchester’s executives will meet on Friday 14 March.
Following approvals from the respective Councils, public consultations will then begin at the end of March.
Featured Image – MCC & SCC
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Manchester United fan group The 1958 issue statement after ‘successful’ protest
Danny Jones
Manchester United supporters group, The 1958, have issued a further rallying statement following the huge fan protest this weekend – a demonstration which they have dubbed a ‘massive success’.
Thousands of Man United fans descended upon Old Trafford as they do every week this Sunday, only this time they were there for much more than the usual 90 minutes.
In what looks to be the largest-scale turnout for some years, Reds turned up in their droves to march from The Tollgate pub just outside the Trafford Bar tram stop before making their way down Talbot Road towards the cricket ground and then onto Sir Matt Busby Way.
Although it’s pretty much impossible to say just how many people attended the peaceful demonstration, it looks to have been the biggest since the 2021 Glazer protests around the time of the Super League.
Edward Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were at the #AFC game and will have been left in no doubt about the strength of feeling against the club’s ownership as thousands of #MUFC fans protested amid angry, defiant sceneshttps://t.co/BYqUjdZ9kZpic.twitter.com/yCW24DNYyb
Quite the turnout, as you can see, and The 1958 wasted no time in commenting on the sheer numbers which joined them in protest.
Writing in a lengthy post on X, they said: “Today was a massive success and fans showed up in huge numbers. Young, old, families, supporter clubs, some fans [are] clearly struggling. All for the love of our club and to fight for everything we stand for.
“Worldwide media coverage turning the lens of greed back on our owners. Each one of you made a statement that we have had enough. We will not take it any longer.
“Many seem to think that a protest is a silver bullet. It is a war of attrition and the war to protect the best interests of our club, generational fans and football is underway. We have always said it’s a marathon not a sprint and it requires resolve, dedication and commitment.
“This will be more than protests at the ground and everyone will need to play their part. Everyone who took part today at the ground or online will be on the right side of history.
“Unified in solidarity under a single cause. Stay the course and support each other. Further updates will be released this week on what comes next. The 1958.”
🗣️Today was a massive success and fans showed up in huge numbers.
Young, old, families, supporter clubs, some fans clearly struggling.
All for the love of our club and to fight for everything we stand for.
Having already assured that he agrees with supporters’ rights to protest following the Real Sociedad game last week, Ruben Amorim once again gave his thoughts after the fact.
“This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets. We want to give them a lot of effort. In the future, we will not play like that.”
As for the game itself, despite United taking the lead through a stunning free kick from captain Bruno Fernandes, an equally impressive strike by Declan Rice saw the game end 1-1.
You can watch the highlights from the match down below:
In the shadow of The 1958 protest, there was still an important game to be played.
The Manc -
24th December 2020 
