Davis ‘ready for shorter transition’

Brexit Secretary David Davis has signalled he is prepared to accept a shorter transition period than the UK wanted.

Mr Davis said he could “live with” the proposed arrangement ending in December 2020, rather than the March 2021 date London has asked for if that would help secure a deal. The Brexit Secretary, who is to meet the EU’S chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Monday, said the EU and the UK would establish a joint committee during a transition period to guarantee a “duty of good faith” by both sides.

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for an implementation period of “around two years” after Britain formally quits the EU in March 2019.

Mr Davis said his priority was to secure an agreement on the transition phase, adding: “I’m not bothered too much about the question of whether it is Christmas 2020 or Easter 2021.”