Barnier warning UK is at risk of leaving EU without trade deal

The UK risks crashing out of the EU without a trade deal by refusing to compromise and break the deadlock in postbrexit negotiations, Michel Barnier has warned.

Brussels’ chief negotiator said he is “worried and disappointed” after his counterpart in Downing Street, David Frost, did not make any concessions to end the impasse during informal talks.

The EU negotiator reiterated that a deal must be brokered by the “strict deadline” of the end of next month to have it in place for the close of the transition period on December 31.

“We need a breakthrough, we need to move,” he said.

“If the UK wants a deal with us and a fair agreement for a zero-tariff, zero-quota access for British access to our market of 450 million consumers then they will have to move and it is their choice, it is their responsibility.

“We are ready to make fair and constructive compromise but not at the detriment of the EU.”

Number 10 acknowledged “it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve” a deal after Mr Barnier and Mr Frost met in London ahead of the eighth round of formal negotiations next week.

Mr Barnier said: “We did not see any change in the position of the UK. This is why I express publicly that I am worried and I am disappointed because, frankly speaking, we have moved.

“I’ve shown clearly openness to find compromise.

“If they don’t move on the issues which are the key issues of the EU, the level playing field, fisheries and governance, the UK will take itself the risk of a no-deal.”