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Officials on both sides outlined new plans on how to end the stalemate, which still threatens to derail trade and security talks between the UK and the EU. Express.co.uk may reveal that Michel Barnier, the bloc’s chief negotiator, will spend the weekend reviewing the latest offer from his British counterpart Lord Frost. But UK sources close to the talks warned that the gaps “remain as far apart as ever on the main issues.”
During a week of discussions in London, negotiators discussed how to merge two separate legal texts in hopes of reaching a fisheries agreement in the coming weeks.
During a private briefing, Barnier tonight raised hopes of a Brexit deal in just ten days after promising to work until the “last possible moment.”
He told MEPs that the talks would miss the mid-November deadline ahead of what was seen as a summit of European leaders.
The Frenchman admitted that there are still “considerable differences” between the UK and the EU to overcome before any Brexit deal is possible, a source said.
An informant from Brussels said: “It is clear that the negotiations are being prolonged by both sides until the last moment.”
Barnier was warned that he would have until December 10 at the latest to secure a deal due to the European Parliament’s ratification process.
Sources in the EU Parliament have also suggested that MEPs will be forced to hold a special vote between Christmas and New Years to ratify any potential trade deal.
But French Europe Minister Clement Beaune pushed the EU’s Brexit chief even harder with the challenge of wrapping up talks by the end of the month.
Beaune said: “I think it is possible to reach an agreement; both parties want one.
“If it happens after the end of November, we will be in trouble.”
Barnier will host another round of talks in Brussels next week in hopes of moving closer to a deal.
Meanwhile, British negotiators have criticized claims in Brussels that Dominic Cumming’s departure as Downing Street’s top adviser means the government is ready to give in to Brexit.
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“We need to see some realism and creativity on his side if we are to bridge the significant gaps that remain.”
The furious spiel came after senior Brussels officials claimed the changes to the number 10 were a sign that Boris Johnson was ready to offer concessions on his promise to regain control of UK fishing grounds and laws.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said it was “simply false” that he is willing to soften his position in the trade talks.
He said: “The government’s position regarding future trade agreement negotiations has not changed.
“We want to reach an agreement, but it must fully respect the sovereignty of Great Britain.”
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