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Brussels sources say that progress in the dispute over the future relationship pact has been “slow” as both sides failed to close the gaps in discussions on fishing rights and common post-Brexit standards. Downing Street has ruled out setting a deadline, but EU diplomats are pushing hard to move forward ahead of a summit of European leaders next Thursday. Lord Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier are expected to announce a short hiatus tomorrow before returning to Brussels after the weekend.
The couple and their senior deputies have vowed to remain in “close contact” during the break while they explore potential engagements, according to a source close to the talks.
The European Commission confirmed that the talks will continue through the weekend.
Official Barnier Spokesperson: “Intensive talks are currently taking place in London. We are working hard to reach an agreement. The talks will continue in London over the weekend and will take place in Brussels next week.
Senior figures in Brussels have accused British negotiators of blocking the chances of a breakthrough by withdrawing potential commitments.
“Nothing has changed,” an EU diplomat enraged.
UK sources insisted that Lord Frost’s team had made “constructive compromises” in the talks with Brussels.
However, the source said that the bloc’s proposals for a level regulatory playing field “don’t make sense if we want to have a stable agreement.”
They said: “We have always said that both parties must be able to protect our industry from unfair practices that could distort our trade.
But such mechanisms must be proportionate and appropriate. The EU proposals make no sense if we want to have a stable agreement ”.
The diplomat said the chances of a no-deal Brexit are increasing unless progress is made ahead of the EU leaders’ video conference on November 19.
The source said: “The deal will have to be closed in Brussels next week, otherwise there is no deal.”
In the Belgian capital, there are concerns that any further delay in negotiations will allow enough time for the European Parliament to ratify any agreement before the end of the transition period in December.
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“In particular, there must be a full recognition that we are equal sovereigns. And any attempt to continue to bind the UK to EU processes or to extend the EU’s jurisdiction by other means would be quite wrong.”
And Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: “Talks are continuing in London and negotiators are working hard to close the still significant gaps that remain.”
“Time is tight and there are still significant gaps.”
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