Situation ‘impossible’: minister

Canada’s international trade minister has walked out of talks aimed at saving a deal with the European Union, labelling the situation “impossible”.

The trade agreement has been held up by the regional parliament in Wallonia, Belgium and efforts by Canadian minister Chrystia Freeland to resolve the impasse broke down.

The fresh setback came as Prime Minister Theresa May said it was “important” that the EU was able to conclude the deal with Canada.

An emotional Ms Freeland said talks with the Walloons and EU representatives had failed to make progress and questioned the bloc’s ability to strike any international agreements.

“I think it’s impossible. We’ve decided to return home,” she said. “I’m really, really sad. Truly.

“It seems that for me, and for Canada, that the EU is not capable now to have an international deal, even with a nation with such European values like Canada,” Ms Freeland said.

Supporters of Brexit have frequently raised the EU’s inability to strike trade deals as a sign that the UK would be able to forge better agreements on its own after leaving the bloc.

Canadian trade minister Chrystia Freeland.