European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right) and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a meeting in Brussels, Belgium on December 9, 2020 (Photo: Xinhua/ VNA)

Mr. Johnson said obviously, the UK's position is always that they want to keep talking if there's any chance of a deal, the UK's got to be able to control its own laws, especially in controlling their waters and fishing rights. The prime minister acknowledged that "things are looking difficult" and a no-deal Brexit "may be difficult at first".

The British and EU leaders have previously said significant differences still remain between the two sides on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. Latest reports suggested that fishing rights remains the last major sticking point between the two sides.