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UK 'will not be changing' stance in EU talks: Frost

Negotiator sees some progress on post-Brexit trade deal


November 16, 2020 00:00:00


BRUSSELS, Nov 15 (AFP): Britain will not change its stance as it seeks a post-Brexit deal with the European Union, negotiator David Frost said Sunday as he arrived in Brussels for talks.

"We are working to get a deal, but the only one that's possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, our trade, and our waters. That has been our consistent position from the start and I will not be changing it," he tweeted.

Frost said he and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier would resume their face-to-face negotiations Sunday.

Talks over the next few days are seen as crucial for any deal before time runs out at the end of the year, when the post-Brexit transition period ends.

Frost warned "we may not succeed".

He noted some progress, but said "significant elements" remained to be resolved.

The persistent differences are over EU demands for a level playing field in trade to ensure fair competition and for a robust disputes mechanism, and both sides are arguing over fishing rights in British waters.

Reuters adds from London: Britain and the European Union (EU) have made some progress in their negotiations for a post-Brexit trade deal but might not succeed in getting an agreement, Britain's top Brexit negotiator said as he headed into further talks on Sunday.

"There has been some progress in a positive direction in recent days," David Frost said on Twitter.

"We also now largely have common draft treaty texts, though significant elements are of course not yet agreed. We will work to build on these and get an overall agreement if we can. But we may not succeed."


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