UK, EU SET SUNDAY DEADLINE TO DECIDE ON BREXIT DEAL

Thu 10 December 2020:

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have agreed to continue negotiations on a post-Brexit trade deal until Sunday, according to a statement from Downing Street. “We had a lively & interesting discussion on the state of play on outstanding issues,” Von der Leyen said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen agreed on Wednesday to decide by Sunday whether their Brexit talks are worth continuing, Downing Street said, noting “very large gaps” still remain.

Over a lengthy dinner in Brussels, the two leaders “had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations”, a senior Number 10 source said.

“Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged.”

The leaders agreed to further discussions by their negotiating teams “over the next few days”, the source said.

“The PM does not want to leave any route to a possible deal untested.

“The PM and VDL agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks.”