Brexit problems ‘to get bigger’ as PM promises mythical El Dorado – follow live

Downing Street has dismissed Theresa May’s criticism that the UK had abandoned its position of “global moral leadership” under her successor Boris Johnson.

Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: “I would reject that characterisation … The UK is and will continue to be an outward-looking nation and will continue to be a leading voice on the international stage.

“I would point to the work we have undertaken on climate change, both home and abroad, where we were one of the first countries to commit to net zero by 2050.”

The No 10 spokesman said he was not aware of any conversations the PM had held with Mrs May since taking office.

Reductions in EU food imports caused by Brexit red tape may force the government to accept sub-standard supplies from other parts of the world just to feed the UK population, farmers have warned.

National Farmers Union official Nick von Westerholz rejected Boris Johnson’s claim that new barriers to trade from his EU deal amount to no more than “teething problems”, telling a Lords committee on Wednesday: “They may be bumps in the road now, but they are going to get bigger.”

He added: “The one thing that worries me is, if we do see a structural decrease in imports from the EU …We may just need to get hold of food wherever we can at whatever cost.”

Representatives of farmers, retailers and food and drink manufacturers have all warned delays and cost burdens were likely to increase.

The Home Office has been accused of “callousness” after appearing to blame asylum seekers for the spread of Covid in a military camp where hundreds are being held.

Residents have been banned from Napier Barracks in Kent since Saturday after a number of individuals tested positive. The place is thought to be housing around 400 people, sleeping in dormitories of up to 28 individuals, often with only sheets hanging between their beds.

Immigration minister Chris Philp impled that residents were to blame for the spread, saying: “It is incredibly disappointing that prior to this a number of individuals refused tests and have been either refusing to self-isolate or follow social distancing rules.”

But lawyers and campaigners condemned his response. Chai Patel of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said Philp’s response was “appalling”, adding: “In any normal government he would have to resign for such a callous statement.”

As Donald Trump left the White House, foreign secretary Dominic Raab sent his congratulations to soon-to-be president Joe Biden and soon-to-be VP Kamala Harris on the “historic day”.

He said: “From climate change to trade and security, our two countries share a close bond and special relationship … We look forward to working with you on shared priorities as a force for good in the world.”

Boris Johnson has promised British fishermen a Brexit “El Dorado” from 2026 once problems caused by his new border bureaucracy have been dealt with.

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone has more on what the PM has pledged:

In pre-pandemic times cutting through the noise of PMQs meant overcoming the noise of jeering opposition benches to ask your question.

However in keeping with our ongoing unprecedented times, Neil O’Brien found himself having to combat the sounds of his own office.

Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has said “everyone needs to look at what they’ve done” following allegations that a group of politicians consumed alcohol on the Senedd estate.

Mr Gething, when asked if the group pressured catering staff into serving them alcohol, replied: “I don’t know the facts … Everyone needs to look at what they’ve done. We need to understand the full impact of what’s happened and not rush to judgment.”

Boris Johnson has rejected mounting demands for an immediate inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, telling MPs it must wait until after the current crisis.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Boris Johnson had “cosied up to Donald Trump and his callous world view” as he called on the PM to reverse his “cruel policy” of cutting foreign aid.

He said: “Turning the page on the dark chapter of Trump’s presidency isn’t solely the responsibility of president Joe Biden … It is also the responsibility of those in the Tory party including the PM who cosied up to Donald Trump and his callous world view.”

Johnson replied: “I think it’s very important the PM of the UK has the best possible relationship with the president of the US … we’ll work with president Biden to secure the transatlantic alliance and Nato, which, of course, the SNP would unbundle, well, I think they would.”