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Reuters
The negotiators met face-to-face earlier than the virus outbreak halted conferences
The UK will refuse to increase the Brexit transition interval, even when the EU requested a delay, Downing Avenue says.
A spokesman mentioned any extension would maintain the UK certain by EU guidelines when it as a substitute “wants flexibility” to take care of coronavirus.
The transition interval, attributable to finish on 31 December, was meant to permit the 2 sides to barter a commerce deal.
On Wednesday, UK and EU negotiators agreed to carry three additional rounds of commerce talks.
Downing St added that an extension would “delay the delay and uncertainty” round Brexit.
David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, and the European Fee’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, mentioned progress by way of video convention.
The brand new timetable was confirmed in a joint assertion, which described Wednesday’s talks as “constructive”.
Downing Avenue has constantly mentioned it’s dedicated to agreeing a deal by December 2020.
The dates have been set for 3 full weeks of talks commencing on 20 April, 11 Could and 1 June.
Nose to nose talks have been cancelled final month due to the coronavirus outbreak – and Mr Frost and Mr Barnier each spent a interval in self-isolation as a result of virus.
Throughout Wednesday’s assembly, the negotiating groups evaluated work that has taken place since either side exchanged authorized textual content in March.
The joint assertion mentioned that, whereas the work had helped to “determine all main areas of divergence and convergence”, there was settlement that additional negotiating rounds have been wanted “with a purpose to make actual, tangible progress within the negotiations by June”.
Mr Frost and Mr Barnier additionally mentioned the implementation of the Withdrawal Settlement.
Below the phrases of the settlement with the EU, the UK has till the top of the yr – throughout which it would proceed to observe most Brussels guidelines – to achieve a deal.
It was additionally agreed that specialised committees on Northern Eire and on residents’ rights would additionally meet quickly.
On Tuesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak mentioned the federal government wished to see future relationship talks with the EU concluded by the top of this yr.
He mentioned: “I am assured that that work can proceed and hopefully attain a passable conclusion, however we stay dedicated to the timeline that we set out.”