28 July 2020 | UK NEWS
The Chief Negotiators of the potential trade deal between the UK and the EU met for an informal dinner last night, following the latest round of trade talks.
Michel Barnier and David Frost met for informal discussions on the trade deal on Monday evening. The two negotiators are currently on a two-and-a-half-week break from the talks, but both are expected to be working throughout. A European Commission spokeswoman confirmed this, saying: “Michel Barnier is very busy, no holidays in sight.”
Following the talks last week, a UK Government spokesman said that Brussels has not yet accepted the concept of Boris’ Canada-style free trade deal idea.
“We have had constructive discussions and both sides have shown pragmatism and willingness to move on difficult areas,” the spokesman said.
“What is needed now is internal reflection on the EU side on whether what they’re asking us is consistent with our status as an independent country. If they do that and come to the correct conclusion, we’ll be able to move forward.”
The two Chief Negotiators admitted, following the most recent talks, that there were significant gaps between the two parties. The future of the fisheries policy in UK waters and the level playing field with regard to standards are the particularly big sticking points in the negotiations.
The talks are due to restart on 17th August.
