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The Daily Express understands that the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and his British counterpart, Lord Frost, have just three weeks to reach an agreement, which must then be approved by Parliament and European nations. The key sticking points remain fishing rights, the governance of any agreement, and the “level playing field” aimed at preventing unfair competition, including state subsidies.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said yesterday: “Regarding the deadline, I think what he would say is that the time is now very short. We have been repeatedly clear that any agreement must be in place before the end of the transition period.
“Obviously, it is up to the EU to determine the period of time it needs for ratification.”
Confirmation talks will take place in the UK and on the mainland in the coming weeks, the spokesperson said, and “after this initial phase, they are expected to continue toggling between London and Brussels in person.”
Arriving in London yesterday, Barnier said: “I think it is very important to be back at the table.”
The resumed talks came as the government introduced measures to minimize the disruption to trade after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
They include Operation Brock, a bid to avoid traffic jams on Kent’s routes leading to the ferry ports that cross the Channel.
Trucks crossing into France from the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone must have a permit before entering Kent, or face a £ 300 fine.
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps said: “By implementing these plans, we ensure that Kent continues to move forward, our fantastic transportation industry is supported and commerce continues to flow as we embark on our future as a fully independent state.”
Drivers who do not have a Kent Access Permit (KAP) will be identified by automatic license plate recognition cameras prior to reaching the border.
However, the Road Transport Association called CAPs “useless”.
He said they were not effective “to really guarantee or ensure that someone is ready to cross the border.”
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