David Frost, UK Chief Negotiator (L) and EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier at a post-brexit negotiation on August 21, 2020 in Brussels. (Photo: Reuters)

The same day, the UK Prime Minister's Office issued a statement saying an agreement needs to be reached by October 15. 

“Last October, Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed a political statement that shaped the framework for negotiations. In that statement, he pledged to work with the EU to reach an agreement, to fight against any unfair competition and protect labor rights and the environment. We require that those commitments made by Prime Minister Johnson be fully implemented,” said EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said a trade deal with the European Union is there for the taking.

“We hope that the EU as a whole will really understand that this week is the moment of reckoning. There is a deal to be done. We are only asking to be treated just as the EU would expect or any third country negotiating with the EU,” he said.