this is bbc news the headlines at six. another deadline extended — brexit talks will now continue as both sides agree to carry on after being unable to come to an agreement. following the decision, the prime minister held a conference call to brief the cabinet on their options in the event of a no—deal outcome. a warning to borisjohnson — relaxing coronavirus restrictions this christmas will lead to a third wave of infections. angela merkel announces tighter coronavirus restrictions in germany — to run through christmas until january the 10th.

borisjohnson and the president of the european commission, ursula von der leyen, have said they'll "go the extra mile" to try to reach agreement in post—brexit trade talks. the two leaders said negotiations between the uk and the eu would be extended beyond today's deadline. let's hear reaction from the prime minister. the idea was that when we went out on wednesday the hope was that we we re on wednesday the hope was that we were going to be able to finish things off today, if there was a deal to be done. as things stand, and this is basically what we agreed, i and this is basically what we agreed, lam and this is basically what we agreed, i am afraid we are still very farapart on agreed, i am afraid we are still very far apart on some key things, but where there is life, there is hope. we are going to keep talking to see what we can do. the uk certainly won't be walking away from the talks, i think people will expect us to go the extra mile. i

repeated my offer, which is if it is necessary to talk to other capitals thani necessary to talk to other capitals than i am very happy to do that. the cook commission very keen to keep things the way they have been done between us and the commission. that's fine, but i've got to repeat the most likely thing now is of course that we have to get ready for wto terms, australia terms, and don't forget, everybody, we have made huge preparations for this. we have now been at this for four and a half years. it is a long time and perhaps more intensively in the last couple of years than previously, but we have got ready and everybody who need to know what to do get onto gov.uk transition and see what needs to be done. let's hear more of what the european commission president ursula von der leyen said after her phone call with borisjohnson. good afternoon. i had a constructive and useful phone call with the prime minister borisjohnson and we discussed the major unsolved topics.

our negotiation teams have been working day and night over the recent days and despite the exhaustion after almost one year of negotiations, despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over, we both think that it is responsible at this point in time to go the extra mile. we have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can be reached, even at this late stage. the negotiations continue here in brussels. thank you so much.

extra time in the brexit trade talks as the uk and eu agree to keep trying for a deal. major topics are still unresolved — but after a telephone call the prime minister and the european commision president said negotiatons would continue. there is a deal to be done if our partners want to do it. but we remain very far apart on these key issues. we both think that it is responsible at this point in time to go the extra mile. as another deadline passes without an agreement, we'll be exploring how businesses are dealing with the uncertainty. also on the programme...

another warning on the risk of christmas social contact. a leading scientist says it could raise infection rates in the new year. and after anthonyjoshua retains his heavyweight titles, is a battle with tyson fury next? good evening. the brexit trade talks will continue beyond the deadline set for today after the uk and the eu agreed their negotiators should keep talking. major issues are still unresolved, but after a telephone call this morning, boris johnson and ursula von der leyen they said they would go the extra mile. the prime minister repeated that a no deal scenario was most likely. our political correspondent, iain watson, reports.

are there still barriers in the way of a trade deal with brussels? today the latest deadline was discarded. but the prime minister says some distance still remains between the two sides. as things stand, i'm afraid we are still very far apart on some key things. but where there is life, there is hope. we are going to see what we can do. the uk certainly won't be walking away from the talks. so why the cause for gloom? well, there are some familiar sticking points. what access will eu fishing fleets have to uk waters? and how will any wider trade deal be policed if the two sides adopt different rules in future? as well as talking to the eu today, borisjohnson spoke to his cabinet colleagues and told them that no deal was still the more likely outcome. we have to get ready for wto terms. there is a clarity and simplicity in that approach that has its own advantages. so what are wto,

or world trade, terms? well, it means tariffs or taxes would be imposed from january the 1st on goods going from our shores to the eu and vice versa. pushing up some prices in the process. to avoid this, the eu commission president said both sides would make a last—gasp effort to reach agreement. despite the exhaustion after almost one year of negotiations and despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over, we both think that it is responsible at this point in time to go the extra mile. now that downing street nor brussels have set themselves yet another deadline. these tend to come and go in any case. but i'm told informally that the question of deal or no deal needs to be settled in the next few days. despite the apparent pessimism in there, it's important to note that detailed discussions

are still continuing, so the prospect of a deal can't be completely ruled out. in fact, the irish government believes a deal is within reach if both sides show willing. 97% of this deal has been negotiated acrossjudicial, security, research, a whole range of areas. and it seems to me that the remaining 3% should not be beyond the capacity of both sides to bridge. and labour argues that there is no logic to no deal. what the government seems to be saying is we are willing to accept no deal, which would mean tariffs across the board, because some future theoretical threat, maybe some time in the future, to have tariffs in relation to some products. that makes no sense. that's like saying i'm worried my roof is going to leak in five years' time so let's bulldoze the house now. today the negotiating teams have been given the green light to continue. but the direction of travel remains uncertain. in a moment we'll speak

to iain in downing street, but first to brussels and our europe editor, katya adler. what do you make of the decision to keep going beyond today? talks are continuing in the next two to three days are being described as significant. what does that mean? what exactly is going on? are both sides keeping on talking because neither wants to be the first to walk away and now the wants to get the blame for no deal? no, i am told by an eu contact, they say both sides are being constructive and because they see no deal as a big deal, the eu, they say as long as there is a chance they should go for it. what about the fact that the prime minister in his statement this afternoon sounded more gloomy about the prospect of a deal than the european commission? it is worth bearing in mind that that is not the whole picture, what is being said, in front of the tv cameras. also important is what is going on behind

closed doors, either between those negotiators or between borisjohnson in his closed conversations with the commission president, ursula von der leyen. neither will sign up to this deal unless they can sell it as a victory, for the eu that means to be able to say that we protected our single market and for the government it is about protecting national sovereignty after brexit. otherwise there will be no deal and so we wait. what is your sense of what might be going on behind the scenes? is this a process that is continuing without any or with a little bit of progress having been made?” without any or with a little bit of progress having been made? i think there is some progress, even though that progress might be grey seal. it was interesting that sources close to the bitter side of the negotiations are not far apart from what we are seeing —— hearing from katya adler, one said this process still has long legs and if there was i'io still has long legs and if there was no movement at all the talks would have ended today. there could be

some potential way through this further down the line but they have not yet got there. what is interesting is that borisjohnson is still saying clearly that they have nothing to fear no deal. but in fa ct, nothing to fear no deal. but in fact, according to some mps, that might be the best option to give the british government for more flexibility rather than being tied into eu rules in the future. he would see any short—term trade disruption as merely bumps on the road but some of his critics, even within the party, say that too failed to reach a deal at this stage with our biggest trading partner would put the uk economy on a very slippery slope and should be avoided at all costs. thank you both very much. business groups have welcomed the decision to keep talking in the hope of getting a trade deal before the transition period runs out in just over a fortnight. but there's also frustration at the effect of the continuing uncertainty. our business correspondent katy austin reports from car—makers to farmers, for

business the way for clarity goes on. this sussex —based porridge and snack firm is cutting possible new storage space in spain because of the prospect of tariffs or import taxes if there is no trade deal. they are pleased that negotiations we re they are pleased that negotiations were not end today. i am optimistic they are talking again and i am hopeful they are talking again. i just have not got full expectations that it will come off. you are pressing ahead with plan b? we are pressing ahead with plan b? we are pressing ahead, looking at warehouses and different options. what is certain is that after the sist what is certain is that after the 31st of january, the what is certain is that after the 31st ofjanuary, the uk what is certain is that after the 31st of january, the uk will be outside the single market and customs union and that means new paperwork for goods leaving great britain for europe with delays and teething problems expected. but there are still things businesses do not yet know. where businesses can prepare they have been but where they cannot, they need governance on both sides to answer questions, we need information about rules of origin, what labelling is necessary.

the british retail consortium, which represents major supermarkets, repeated its warning that tariffs or taxes on imported goods could lead to price rises for customers. it says members are stocking up on longer life products to ensure availability but it says the greatest impact of potential disruption would be on fresh produce like fruit and veg, which cannot be stored for so long. for groups representing industries like manufacturing there is relief that the no deal scenario they say would be catastrophic has not come to pass today, but still anxiety that it remains a possibility. katie austin, bbc news. the latest government figures on coronavirus show another 18,447 infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. it means the average number of new cases reported per day in the last week was 18,023. 1,530 people were admitted to hospital on average each day over the week to the 9th december. 144 deaths were reported

for the last 2a hours. that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. on average in the past week there were 420 deaths per day. the total number of uk deaths is now 64,170. one of the scientists who led the development of the oxford university covid vaccine has warned that mixing over christmas could mean a sharp rise in infections injanuary. it comes amid warnings of the existing pressure on some hospitals, with one health board in wales suspending outpatient appointments and non—urgent surgery. here's our science correspondent, pallab ghosh. although some are being vaccinated now, the majority of high—risk people will get theirjabs next year. the aim is to immunise those most at risk by easter. this would allow a gradual easing of restrictions across the country. professor sarah gilbert led efforts to develop the oxford university vaccine, currently being assessed for approval by the uk regulator.

she warned people's behaviour in the coming weeks could delay progress in tackling the virus. what we have seen in the us is that after thanksgiving, when people were travelling and mixing, there's now been a big surge in infections and they're seeing 3000 deaths a day there now. the highest rate there has ever been in any country. if we have that kind of thing happening over the christmas holidays in this country, with very high transmission rates then possible injanuary, it's going to take so much longer to get things back to normal because partly all the vaccination clinics will be disrupted. a 73—year—old man had to wait more than 19 hours in an ambulance outside grange university hospital in monmouthshire because of pressure on its services due to covid. non—urgent care was already due to be suspended from tomorrow. ted edwards was at home when he suffered a suspected stroke. in a statement, the health board said its hospitals remain under significant pressure due to very high numbers of covid patients.

it added that it urgently needs the public to only attend if absolutely necessary as the number of covid—positive patients in the community is increasing at an alarming rate. wales' first minister said that action had to be taken to reduce the number of infections. unless we are able to reverse the current trend in coronavirus, we are heading into a period where everything that our health service can do will have to be focused on the hundreds and hundreds of people who are now so ill with the virus that they need to be in a hospital bed. and that compromises the ability of the health service to do everything else. hospital leaders have warned that relaxing covid restrictions could trigger a third wave of the virus. in a letter, they asked the prime minister to act with extreme caution in moving any area to a lower tier. england's three—tier system is due to be reviewed next wednesday. pallab ghosh, bbc news.

with all the sport now, here's lizzi greenwood—hughes at the bbc sport centre. thanks. good evening. antonyjoshua's victory over kubrat pulev last night has set up one of the biggest fights in british boxing history. it's hoped joshua will now take on tyson fury in may to unify all four heavyweight belts for the first time. our correspondent natalie pirks reports. he was back. and so were they. it has been a year out of the ring for ha, he was a man on a mission to prove there was no rust. i controlled performance, exploding into life in round three. remarkably, pulev and his granite chin look into a smile amidst the pounding. the uppercut was joshua's weapon of choice throughout. but in the ninth round it was the full force of his right hand that ended

10 three's night. while he was still taking a bow, britton‘s other heavyweight champion made it clear that the unification fight the world wa nts that the unification fight the world wants could soon be a reality.|j wa nt wants could soon be a reality.|j want the fight, i want the fight next, i will not come out inside three rounds. tyson fury is already the favourite but after avoiding all mention of his name next week —— this week, ajay finally went there. tyson is talent and that will bring out the best of me so that is brilliant, i really feel like his confidence and the bookmakers, i have studied him and watched him so when i fight him it will be good to change those odds and put them in my favour. the british -- biggest fight in british boxing history edges closer. tottenham's lead in the premier league could be under threat after crystal palace fought back to draw 1—1 at selhurst park. but second placed liverpool are currently drawing at fulham so as it stands spurs will stay top on goal difference. rangers have extended

their unbeaten run to 26 games after beating dundee united. second—placed celtic also won, so rangers stay 13 points clear at the top of the scottish premiership. european champions exeter began their new campaign in the champions cup in incredible style, with a 42—0 thrashing of glasgow. adam wild reports. this is a noise sandy park has missed, the champions reception for the exeter chiefs. these the first fa ns the exeter chiefs. these the first fans back since their side were crowned champions of europe. now here they were trying to conquer it all over again. glasgow warriors the first to try and in this case failed to stop them. sam simmonds then jonny gray powering their way over the line. by the second half exeter already cutting loose, this was stewart hogg against his former club. the winning mentality allowing no room for sentiment. ollie woodburn got on the end of for yet

another chiefs score, a performance befitting the champions. exeter fans may not have been present for many of their successes last season, but on this form they mayjust see plenty more. adam wild, bbc news. max verstappen finished the f1 season on a high by winning the abu dhabi grand prix. the red bull driver led from start to finish. britain's newly crowned seven—time world champion, lewis hamilton, was third. lee westwood has become the oldest player to win the race to dubai title for europe's most successful golfer. the 47—year—old only needed second place at the final event of the season to secure the prize for the third time in his career. you can read more about that and the final round of the us women's open on the bbc sport website. but that's it from me. back to you... that's it foe now. we're back with the late news at 10.05pm. now on bbc one it's time for the news where you are. goodbye.

hello. this is bbc news. more now on the news that the uk and the eu are pledging to go "the extra mile" to try to reach a post—brexit trade deal. borisjohnson and the president of the european commission, ursula von der leyen, announced this morning that negotiations would continue, despite setting today as a deadline for a decision. earlier, my colleague, tim willcox spoke to alastair campbell who was labour's former director of communications at no10 under tony blair. u nless unless you are actually in those

negotiations, inside the room, seeing what the mood is like and what the give—and—ta ke seeing what the mood is like and what the give—and—take is then it is very ha rd what the give—and—take is then it is very hard for us to judge. i what the give—and—take is then it is very hard for us tojudge. i do think we are probably further away than that statement would suggest because i don't think there will be that much budging, particularly on the side of the european union because ultimately their bottom line has been set, that the uk has decided that we are leaving and that we are leaving the customs union and they are determined that nothing will undermine what they see as the crowning political and economic diplomatic triumph, which is the single market. yes, you are right, i am very opposed to brexit and i don't particularly like or respect 01’ don't particularly like or respect or trust borisjohnson, don't particularly like or respect or trust boris johnson, but don't particularly like or respect or trust borisjohnson, but i do think the position he is throwing away potentially is so much better than the consequence of what he seems to be considering, which is to come out without a deal, and as

rachel reeves was just saying, it is all very well for boris johnson rachel reeves was just saying, it is all very well for borisjohnson to say to go to the gov.uk website. i do that quite a lot and there are so many unanswered questions for businesses and then the videos and people who travel, for people who have family and colleagues in different parts of the european union, so that we are this far, good that they are still talking, but i am not persuaded this is going to end unless boris johnson am not persuaded this is going to end unless borisjohnson does what he did the last time and backs down and try to get the press to present it as and try to get the press to present itasa and try to get the press to present it as a triumph. whatever happens it will be spun in that way, and very different when you are working for tony blair. tony blair even considered becoming head of the european council. but when it comes to the actual negotiating now, is the problem for the prime minister borisjohnson the problem for the prime minister boris johnson that you can't the problem for the prime minister borisjohnson that you can't go to the european capitals, as he said in a statement today, because the eu is united behind michel barnier or at

least they say they are because the eu has talks on this as well. for the british government even to have thought that might be the way to go. of course, borisjohnson deludes himself that he has this mystical charm that you can work upon these people, but by every single account you hear, the dinner with ursula von der leyen the other night was a bit ofa car der leyen the other night was a bit of a car crash. he reaches out to angela merkel and emmanuel macron who are very powerful within the european debate, but they are 27 countries who have met the mandate michel barnier to negotiate with david frost. that is what they have said the whole way through this process , said the whole way through this process, and i thinkjohnson has a lwa ys process, and i thinkjohnson has always just thought he would be able to wriggle his way out of it towards the end, and that is why i say and they say to you earlier, i think they say to you earlier, i think they are holding very firm. they don't want no deal, they recognise that no deal will be a disaster for them and an even bigger disasterfor

hours in the uk. they don't want it, but i think a part of them, some of them, believe actually thatjohnson is an competent hand out of his depth, some of them think he has wa nted depth, some of them think he has wanted the possibility of no deal all along, because that is the only thing that the people of vitamin power and funded his campaign and funded brexit, the right—wing of the conservative parliamentary party, thatis conservative parliamentary party, that is they want. even members of his cabinet didn't necessarily vote brexit and he seems to have the support of that, and in terms of his positioning in the messaging coming out of number ten since he was made prime minister, do you support the consistency of that? there is no other than the ready deal, but his slogan when he came to power was to get brexit done. hold on a minute, you can hardly say do i support the consistency and then the same breath say there was no oven ready deal. that was the basis of the support. i am asking just in terms of the

messaging and communications?” don't, because i don't think the communication has been clear and i do think that because of the way i has conducted these negotiations i think there is a profound lack of trust, and that was fuelled of course by what they did with the northern irish protocol and the clauses of the internal market bill which have been removed but should never been there in the first place, and that that huge damage to this relationship of trust. he should not been surprised at all that angela merkel and emmanuel macron would not negotiate with them one—on—one on this because they are pretty united and have been throughout, so i am afraid i can't say anything positive about the way they have communicated on this because they have changed their story so many times going right back to the referendum campaign itself. alistair campbell speaking earlier. meanwhile, germany will close shops, schools and hairdressers from wednesday as the country introduces harsher restrictions to counter rising covid case numbers. after talks with regional leaders this morning,

angela merkel said that the current measures — which include the closure of bars, restaurants, leisure and arts facilities — were not sufficient. our berlin correspondent jenny hill sent this update. meanwhile, germany will close shops, schools and hairdressers angela merkel has been fighting for this for some time. she has been urging them to get a tighter hold on this pandemic. germany came very successfully through the first wave but is really struggling with the second, infections, deaths are reaching record numbers and they are still rising, so angela merkel has been trying to bang heads together and finally those regional leaders seem to be going into panic mode themselves. they agree to these new measures and invite some states will be imposing harsher restrictions including night—time curfews in some parts of the country. in effect, germany is all but cancelling christmas and celebrations will be restricted to very small family gatherings. there is now a ban on alcohol consumption outside so that is the mulled wine stalls go on a new year's eve parties will be

cancelled, a ban on the sale of fireworks with which german traditionally of the year, and numbers again very much restricted, so it is the lockdown that angela merkel wanted all along and i think that most scientists would say it is very late in coming and they will be looking carefully at those numbers to see if it has an impact. time for a look at the weather with nick. hello. it is a soggy sunday. there is more rain where that came from as we go through the week. there will be some drier and brighter moments at times as well. there will be more spells of rain brought in by areas of low pressure. this is the one today that is bringing the rain. when the persistent rain clears away, there will be showers to come. some of them will be heavy through the night and into tomorrow. as we go on, the rain will clear away towards the east and the north. look at the showers

that moving, some of these will be heavy and may be thundery accompanied by some gusty winds. milder air is pushing and across the uk, so temperatures in scotland will go higher a few degrees through the night. and all parts will get off to a mild start in the morning. there will be some sunny spells tomorrow. there will be some showers again. they will push across the east in all parts. there might be some places in the east that only have a few showers and heavy downpours and the rest will be dry. it will be a windy day in the northern isles with gusts around 60 mph and these are the average. around the coast it will be 40 and 50 mph. it will be a mild start to the week. it is windy out there and there will be heavy showers. as we go on into the evening, some of the showers that are coming, but by tuesday there will be fewer of them.