Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK has a “very good” chance of securing a trade deal with the EU by the end of the year, “provided we really focus now and get on and do it”.
He added that negotiations need “a bit of oomph” if they are to strike a deal before the transition period ends.
The Prime Minister held a high-level virtual meeting with the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli “to take stock of progress with the aim of agreeing actions to move forward in negotiations on the future relationship”.
The Brussels side acknowledged the UK’s decision to definitively rule out any extension to transition, with Michael Gove saying last week the “moment of extension has now passed”. Both sides also praised “the constructive discussions” that have taken place between Chief Negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier so far.
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