Brex jammed

‘New momentum’ is needed to meet deadline, leaders agree

BREXIT trade talks need “new momentum” to strike a deal by the end of the year, the UK and EU admitted last night.

Boris Johnson and bloc chief Ursula von der Leyen spoke by video link for an hour yesterday in a bid to break the deadlock.

A UK-EU statement later said the pair “welcomed constructive discussions on a future relationship that took place under the leadership of chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier”.

These four rounds had “allowed both sides to clarify and further understand positions”, it added.

But it said the PM and Ms von der Leyen “nevertheless agreed new momentum was required”.

The pair back plans to intensify talks next month aimed at “concluding and ratifying a deal before the end of 2020”.

Mr Johnson last night set a July deadline for a breakthrough.

“I certainly don’t want to see it going on to the autumn/winter, as I think perhaps in Brussels they would like,” he said. “I don’t see any point in that.

“What we already said today is that the faster we can do this the better. We see no reason why you shouldn’t get that done in July.”

Britain left the EU on January 31 and No10 has insisted it will not extend the transition period, due to end on December 31, that was set up to reach a trade pact.

But talks have stalled on allowing EU boats to fish in British waters and on UK access to the single market.

Mr Johnson’s spokesman said: “We need to deliver certainty for businesses as soon as possible. We are looking to conclude a high-quality free trade agreement based on ones the EU has reached with other countries.

“But whatever happens we will be ready for January 1, when we take back control of our laws, border and money.”

European Council chief Charles Michel said the EU would not be pressured to buy a “pig in a poke”.

He insisted it still demands the UK agree to a “level playing field” to ensure fair competition.

French former Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said the EU was “actively preparing for no deal”.

The SNP’S Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “The PM must think again, pause his failed talks and agree to the two-year transition period extension on offer.”

Anti-brexiteers Best for Britain said: “Rushing the talks is folly, especially when the PM should be intensifying efforts to reopen schools and end lockdown safely.”

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HIGH HANDED PM stresses a point to EU chief in video call yesterday