UK acknowledges failure to reach preliminary agreement with EU in July
(VOVWORLD) -The UK and EU say they are still some way from reaching a post-Brexit trade agreement, following their latest negotiations in London. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal looks "at this point unlikely" given the UK position on fishing rights and post-Brexit competition rules.
 UK chief negotiator David Frost (left) in talks on a post-Brexit agreement with a European Union representative in Brussels, Belgium, on June 29, 2020. (Photo: AFP / VNA) |
UK chief negotiator David Frost said "considerable gaps" remained but a deal is still possible.
The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline for reaching a deal. Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wants businesses in the UK to know if the UK and EU will reach an agreement so they can start preparing.
The two sides will officially terminate their relationship with or without an agreement when the transition period ends on December 31. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier says that right now the chance of reaching an agreement is very low.