UK diplomats have been "too nice" in the past in their negotiations, according to Lord Frost, who said he had to train his staff to be firmer when dealing with Brussels and added that Brexit gives the UK the "opportunity to get back to where we have been not that long ago".

       The Home Secretary has today introduced tougher powers to deal with the M25 climate change activists, including unlimited fines and up to six months’ jail time.

       Police will also be given the power to stop and search activists for “lock-on” equipment which they use to prevent themselves from being removed.

       More than 300 related arrests have been made so far to date.

       Ms Patel said: “The right to protest is a fundamental principle of our democracy but we will not tolerate guerrilla tactics that obstruct people going about their day-to-day business.

       “That is why we will increase the maximum penalty for disrupting a motorway to an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison – or both.

       “Whilst the Labour Party stand on the side of these so-called ‘activists’, the Conservative party will always back the law-abiding, hard-working majority of people in this country.”

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