Boris Johnson: ‘significant differences’ remain over post-Brexit trade deal
With less than two months remaining before the expiry of the Brexit transition period, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has said “significant differences” remain between the two parties in relation to forging a lasting trade deal.
After a phone call with the European Union (EU) Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, on Saturday (November 07), the latter reported “some progress” but insisted that issues revolving around “level playing field” and “fishing” remain outstanding.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 7, 2020 ">http://
We took stock of the negotiations with UK Prime Minister @BorisJohnson today. Some progress has been made,but large differences remain especially on level playing field and fisheries.Our teams will continue working hard next week. We will remain in close contact in the next days. pic.twitter.com/UVyyzKeUyW
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 7, 2020
Meanwhile, a statement from Downing Street added that the EU and UK negotiating teams will resume work on Monday (November 07).
"The prime minister and president agreed that their negotiating teams would continue talks in London next week, beginning on Monday [November 07], in order to redouble efforts to reach a deal”, the statement said.
"They [Johnson and von der Leyen] agreed to remain in personal contact about the negotiations”, Downing Street added.
The latest development is consistent with weeks of confusion and mixed signals from both sides, even as the deadline for striking a formal deal fast approaches.
For his part, the PM continues to insist that there is a “deal to be done” but absent significant progress in the coming weeks the country is “very well prepared” to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms.
But the latest report from the National Audit Office contradicts the PM’s optimism by warning of “significant disruption” once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
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