A Conservative MP from Leeds has urged Boris Johnson to "just leave without a deal" as Brexit trade deal talks enter a critical stage.
A number of key issues remain unresolved after a weekend of last-ditch talks, leaving Britain on the verge of crashing out of the EU with no deal in place.
Andrea Jenkyns, a prominent Brexiteer and the Tory MP for Morley and Outwood, has said that the prime minister should stand firm in negotiations and not budge on the December 31 deadline for a transition deal.
Tweeting about the current impasse, Ms Jenkyns said: "No more talking or moved deadlines, let's just leave without a deal.
"The EU will soon come running back begging for one! #NoDealBrexit #GlobalFreeTrade"
The Mirror reports that health secretary Matt Hancock has said Brussels must back down on “unreasonable demands” on fishing and competition rules for any deal to be struck.
Ms Jenkyns' claims come as several countries across the continent begin to close their borders to the UK after a new mutant strain of coronavirus was identified.
Said to be up to 70 per cent more transmissible, it is concentrated in London and the South East, but has already spread across the rest of the country.
Sainsbury's has already warned there will shortages of some products this Christmas unless coronavirus fears are eased and transport issues are resolved. Lettuce, salad leaves and cauliflowers are among the items that may not be available.
The combination of the super strain of Covid-19 and the impending Brexit deadline have been cited as reasons for triggering a drop in the pound.
The Mirror reports that sterling fell by 1.2 per cent while more than £33billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 within minutes of opening on Monday.
