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The frustrated leaders will intensify their preparations not to agree to another set deadline that will be lost in the dispute over the future trade and security pact. They wanted to see the outline of a deal in time for their crisp video conference Thursday. But negotiations between Michel Barnier, the EU’s Brexit chief, and his British counterpart Lord Frost have stalled due to disagreements over future fishing rights and state aid rules.
A diplomatic source said: “You can expect some strong words from leaders that the EU will be within days of operating in a no-deal scenario and the Commission is tasked with activating contingency planning.”
Brussels sources have warned they have little hope of a deal if significant progress is not made by Saturday.
Barnier is ready to tell EU ambassadors on Friday if he thinks a deal with Britain is possible.
If the French sends a positive message, European capitals could give him more time to close a deal.
But the talks are not expected to continue beyond next week if no possible landing zones are found in the battles for future access to Britain’s coastal waters and common standards.
An EU official described the intense talks in recent months as “Groundhog Day” for the bloc.
While progress has been made in drafting a joint legal text in areas where both parties agree, they have not been able to find solutions to the most contentious issues.
Boris Johnson warned Cabinet that it is “far from certain” that a Brexit trade deal will be reached.
The prime minister said the UK is working hard to secure a deal, but will not give in to Brussels’ demands to give up huge access to fishing waters.
He told senior ministers that Britain “will prosper” even if the talks collapse.
It has been repeatedly warned that Britain will leave the transition period on the same terms as Australia if Brussels refuses to budge.
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He continued: “The prime minister said he was incredibly confident that the UK would prosper with or without a free trade agreement with the EU.”
Johnson was urged to stand firm against the EU’s demands for the same fishing rights that the bloc now has.
Industry organizations warned that any late concessions to Brussels would never be claimed, adding: “We urge you to stand firm.”
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