Talks remain deadlocked on EU trade deal

THE Brussels and UK chief negotiators have aired mixed messages over the likelihood of a post-brexit trade deal following the conclusion of their latest London-round of talks.

The European Union’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal looked “unlikely” and the two sides remained at a stalemate.

David Frost, the UK’S chief negotiator, meanwhile confirmed there was a continued impasse but struck a more hopeful tone in his media appearance following intensified discussions.

He said an “agreement can still be reached in September” but called for the EU to recognise it was in discussions with an “independent state”.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mr Barnier warned the “time for answers is quickly running out”.

“By its current refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition, and to a balanced agreement on fisheries, the UK makes a trade agreement at this point unlikely,” he said.

But a senior UK Government source involved in the negotiations, when asked about Mr Barnier’s comments, said they were a “truism” given the current situation but argued “things can move forward”.

The UK’S transition period for leaving the EU is due to lapse at the end of December, and both sides have said any trade deal needs to be concluded by October in order to be ratified.

Mr Frost said “considerable gaps remain in the most difficult areas”. He warned that without movement on the most significant issues, a ‘no-deal’ scenario remained an option.