Reports have emerged from various sources including the BBC that That “good progress” has been made on a post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and political bloc, but the “last stumbling blocks remain”, says EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
Talks between British and European Union officials continue in Brussels with just two weeks to go before the UK exits the transition period and with that leaves EU trading rules.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove said the UK government would do “everything to secure a deal” with the EU.
He also warned MPs not to get too comfy on their Christmas breaks as they could be called back into parliament to approve or reject a deal if one was agreed.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Wednesday a “narrow path” has opened up for the two sides to conclude a deal.
Despite this news, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he still viewed no deal as “the most likely outcome”.
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 but has remained under many of its rules while the two sides negotiate a trade deal.
If the United Kingdom and European Union do not agree to a trade deal by the 31st of December, the UK will trade with the EU on World Trade Organization rules – meaning taxes on goods being bought and sold between the two may be introduced.
Michel Barnier said: “In this final stretch of talks, transparency and unity are important as ever.
“Good progress, but last stumbling blocks remain. We will only sign a deal protecting EU interests and principles.”
Mr Gove told the Commons “intensive talks” were continuing, with “both teams working day and night” to “go the extra mile” in seeking agreement.
Conservative MP Dehenna Davison questioned Mr Gove on whether the UK would walk away if a trade deal was not “in the best interests of our country”.
Mr Gove replied: “My honourable friend is absolutely right.”
He said: “Even if sometimes results are coming later than we might have wanted, I know we will be doing everything in order to secure a good free trade agreement in the interest of the whole United Kingdom.”
“The electors… were clear when they voted to leave the European Union, that we need to do so by 31 December 31, and we will.”
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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