‘Vital divergences’ in UK-EU talks – Michel Barnier

“Vital divergences” stay between the EU and the UK on a post-Brexit commerce deal after casual talks in London, Michel Barnier has mentioned.

The EU’s chief negotiator mentioned his crew would “proceed working with persistence, respect and willpower” following talks together with his counterpart David Frost.

However he mentioned “whatever the end result” there could be “inevitable adjustments” from 1 January 2021.

The UK has dominated out extending the December deadline to succeed in a deal.

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Each side agreed to “intensify” negotiations final month and held the primary face-to-face talks because the coronavirus pandemic originally of July.

If they’re unable to succeed in a deal by the tip of the transition interval on the finish of the 12 months, the UK will depart the EU’s single market and the customs union with none settlement on future entry.

On Wednesday, Mr Barnier mentioned the discussions had been “helpful” and the crew was “negotiating in good religion”.

He mentioned they have been “working exhausting for a good settlement” with the UK, together with on fisheries and the “degree taking part in area” preparations designed to forestall the UK undercutting the EU by decreasing requirements and rising state subsidies.

The 2 sides have been deadlocked over the problem of fishing rights – an space the place that they had beforehand pledged to seek out settlement by final month.

The EU needs to uphold its present entry to British waters for vessels from member states, to keep away from financial disruption for his or her fishermen.

However the UK needs to carry annual talks with the bloc over entry to its waters, because it presently does with nations equivalent to Norway.

European Fee spokesman Daniel Farrie instructed reporters they have been “working exhausting to beat the numerous divergences that stay between us”.

“Conferences will proceed in Brussels subsequent week and the subsequent spherical of negotiations will happen within the week of 20 July in London,” he mentioned.

When requested whether or not there have been positives to take from the London talks, Mr Farrie added: “My reply can be very, very quick there.

“We’re working in the direction of an settlement.”

The prime minister’s official spokesman mentioned the Downing Road dinner in Wednesday had offered a “constructive alternative for David (Frost) and Michel Barnier to fulfill in a extra casual manner forward of the specialised classes”.

He mentioned the pair had been eager to debate “items and providers, fisheries, governance, the level-playing area and regulation enforcement”.

Mr Frost will journey to Brussels for additional discussions subsequent week earlier than formal negotiations resume in London a few week’s time.