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The prime minister has told EU leaders his disappointment that no further progress was made during the Brexit talks.
Boris johnson has had a phone call with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel.
The latest “situation” in the negotiations for the UK’s exit from the European Union was discussed.
Boris Johnson had a phone call with Ursula von der Leyen. Stock Image
And in a subsequent statement, the Downing Street spokesman said: “The prime minister noted the desirability of a deal, but expressed disappointment that no further progress had been made in the past two weeks.
They added that the prime minister “would reflect before outlining the UK’s next steps.”
Mr. Johnson had given October 15th as the deadline for talks, but it has been delayed a few days to make room for the European Council summit.
The leaders told Johnson that the bloc is ready to continue trade talks, but insisted the UK must give in on unresolved issues.
“We pressed again for progress at the negotiating table,” Michel said.
In a tweet, Ms Von der Leyen said they would continue to work on an agreement, but that “the conditions must be right” for there to be an agreement.
Earlier this month, Johnson and von der Leyen agreed to “step up” negotiations in a final push for a far-reaching deal covering Britain’s relationship with the EU when the current Brexit transition period ends at the end of the year. .
However, the EU side has resisted efforts by the British side to impose a tight deadline in an attempt to force approval of a deal.
UK chief negotiator Lord Frost is expected to brief the prime minister on the negotiations with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier, which have continued this week, before a final decision on whether it is worth continuing.
Analysis: By Deputy Political Director Sam Coates
It is not the first time, another week of crisis in Brexit. Not the first time, a nondescript statement issued by Downing Street that buys a little more time.
In this case, just 24 more hours, as it confirms that the prime minister will make his decision to continue speaking next week on Friday, rather than the previous Friday deadline.
This is so that Boris Johnson can brood over what is decided tomorrow at a meeting of the 27 EU leaders in Brussels.
Although the communiqué says there is the “advisability of an agreement”, the prime minister declared “disappointment that more progress has been made in the last two weeks.”
Can’t read too much on this. Several cabinet ministers think there will be a deal, as do many in parliament.
The conventional wisdom in Westminster is that probably a big fight over the fishing is likely before all parties come together.
Those closer to the discussions, however, are more cautious, warning that Number 10 and the EU must make more painful concessions to get there.
Johnson will have to weigh which is worse: the cries of betrayal over the only issue that is presented as purist, or the uncertainty and pain of not reaching an agreement, at a time when most are focused on the second peak of the coronavirus. and the latest survey. the independence of Scotland is closer than ever.
Neither course will be pain free.
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