A senior UK government source accuses the EU of "bringing new elements" into negotiations over a future trade deal at the "11th hour". A figure in the EU camp says Britain is "posturing". Either way, the two sides resume talks later with time running out to agree how their relationship will look once the post-Brexit transition period ends on 31 December. A UK source says a breakthrough remains possible in the coming days but "that prospect is receding", amid suggestions Brussels has hardened its stance on how rules and regulations should be enforced.

An EU insider says talks are "extremely sluggish" around common rules and standards to stop businesses in one country gaining a competitive advantage over counterparts in another. "Again and again, the two sides have clashed over who should be in charge of the rules and, particularly, what happens if things go wrong," writes political editor Laura Kuenssberg. Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists the UK remains "absolutely committed" to getting a deal. However, there is pressure to conclude talks by early next week to allow any deal to be put into law in time for 1 January.

The UK will aim to cut its carbon emissions by at least 68% of what they were in 1990, by the end of 2030, says Boris Johnson. That would be "faster than any major economy", the prime minister claims, while urging fellow world leaders to follow suit at a virtual climate summit on 12 December. Scientists welcome the pledge but say policy change is required, with the UK slipping behind existing targets. "We need action to back it up, right now," says climate scientist Prof Sir Brian Hoskins, who points out ministers have committed to spending £127bn on the HS2 rail link and new roads - which will increase emissions - and just £1bn on home insulation.

Earlier this week, the top US infectious disease expert was telling media outlets the UK had "rushed" to become the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine and not acted "as carefully" as American regulators. Now Dr Anthony Fauci says he has "a great deal of confidence" in the British system, adding: "I did not mean to imply any sloppiness." While the UK medicines regulator insists no corners were cut, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson puts down the speedy decision to the regulator's "brilliant clinicians". Our health correspondent Naomi Grimley points out US regulators often re-analyse raw data from vaccine makers, while UK and European counterparts rely more heavily on companies' own reports.

Some papers lead on the UK's coronavirus vaccine plans. The Guardian suggests care home staff will be prioritised for the jab ahead of NHS staff, as will both inpatients and outpatients. "Britain hits back over the vaccine," says the Times. It reports UK regulators standing by the approval process amid claims the fast decision could make people reluctant to get immunised. Other front pages focus on UK-EU trade talks. The Daily Telegraph says Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set for a "showdown" with French President Emmanuel Macron this weekend over access to UK fishing waters. "What a cheek!" is the Daily Express's reaction to "last-minute demands" from the EU. Read the review.

Need a heartwarming read? Find out about the town that loves its "wonky" Christmas lights. While rap music's dominant stars have come out of North America, artists around the world are creating hyper-localised styles of rap based on their respective cultures. Nyshka Chandran explores whether the next big stars might come from South East Asia . And, it's Friday, which means it's time for our quiz of the week's news.

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