Brexit trade deal 'deadlocked over fishing rights and a level playing field'

The EU’s Michel Barnier has claimed a Brexit trade deal is not likely due to an impasse over fishing rights and a “level playing field”.

Mr Barnier said: “By its refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition, and to a balanced agreement on fisheries, the UK makes a trade agreement at this point unlikely.”

But his British counterpart David Frost said: “Until the EU has internalised and accepted that we will be an independent state with the right to determine our laws, control our own fishing grounds, then it will be difficult to reach an agreement.

“We’re in a negotiation. Either outcome is possible. We will work energetically to get a deal but it is possible we won’t.”

Speaking after the latest talks in London, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator added Boris Johnson ’s July deadline for an outline pact will be missed.

The EU says a deal must be reached by October (PA)

Britain formally left the EU on January 31, triggering an 11-month transition to allow time to agree a trade deal.

It would need to be ratified by the UK Parliament, European Parliament and some European regional assemblies.

The EU says a deal must be reached by October for it to be in place by January 1.

Formal negotiations are due to restart on August 17.