Chance of post-Brexit trade deal breakthrough ‘receding’, UK warns
Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal have suffered a blow, with the UK accusing the European Union of making fresh demands at the 11th hour.
The UK’s current trading arrangements with the bloc expire at the end of the month, leaving little time to get a deal agreed by negotiators and approved by the EU’s leaders, Westminster and the European Parliament.
Hopes of an imminent deal appear to be fading after Thursday’s negotiations in London between the teams led by Lord Frost and the EU’s Michel Barnier.
A senior UK Government source said: At the 11th hour, the EU is bringing new elements into the negotiation.
A breakthrough is still possible in the next few days but that prospect is receding. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson will press ahead with plans allowing ministers to te...