Britain and the European Union reiterated their commitment on Monday to trying to reach a deal on post-Brexit trade relations, after leaders of both sides agreed over the weekend to “go the extra mile” during the little time that remains before the Brexit transition period ends on Dec. 31.
In London, UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma said Britain would not walk away from the talks.
“Obviously there are a number of areas where we still need to make quite significant progress. But as the prime minister said, we need to make sure that we go the extra mile, it’s what businesses want, it’s what people in our country want, and that is precisely what we’re doing. We’re not going to be walking away from these talks,” he told the BBC’s Breakfast programme.
“I think the fact that we are continuing to have these discussions shows that, you know, there is an opportunity to try and make some progress. But, of course, you know, it’s difficult in certain areas.”
In Brussels, European Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said that, though time is short, the EU is still committed to trying to reach a deal.
“I cannot say what may or may not happen over these days. But what I can say, though, is that we are fully dedicated to trying to reach a deal with the UK,” he told reporters.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said on Monday that “the next few days are important.”
But the sticking points remain, most notably over fishing rights and the fair competition rules needed for a “level playing field.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “We’re on the very last mile to go but it’s an essential one.”
“And we want a level playing field, we want a level playing field not only at the start but also over time,” she said at an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
“These are the crucial points because, again, it’s a matter of fairness, it’s a matter of fair competition, and we want to ensure that.”
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