Michael Gove has rated the chances of a Brexit trade agreement with the EU at “less than 50 per cent”.
With the clock ticking down on extended talks the top Tory said the “most likely outcome” was the current transition period would end on December 31 without a deal.
Giving evidence to the Commons Brexit Committee, Gove said: “I think, regrettably, the chances are more likely that we won’t secure an agreement. So at the moment less than 50 per cent”.
His comments came as the European Parliament leaders declared they will not vote on the Brexit deal before the end of the year if they cannot access its text by Sunday.
MEPs are ready to hold an extraordinary session at the end of December if an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday December 21, the MEP group leaders said.
Meanwhile a recall of Commons is on the cards for over the festive period if a Brexit deal needs to be approved, Jacob Rees-Mogg has confirmed.
The Commons Leader announced that no business is currently scheduled for the House of Commons in the week beginning December 21.
But he told MPs: “Subject to the House’s decision later, we will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business today but MPs will recognise that talks with the European Union continue.
“Should a deal be secured, it is the Government’s intention to request a recall in order that Parliament may pass the necessary legislation.
Michel Barnier, the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, said talks were in the “final stretch”, adding that there was “good progress, but last stumbling blocks remain”.
He tweeted: “In this final stretch of talks, transparency & unity are important as ever."
“Good progress, but last stumbling blocks remain. We will only sign a deal protecting EU interests & principles.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer again stressed a post-Brexit trade deal would be in the national interest.
He told reporters: “The Prime Minister said he had an oven-ready deal, that’s what he told the country a year ago.
“He needs to get on and deliver that and then we’ll look at it.
“I’m very clear that no-deal is not in the public interest and therefore the public interest lies in us getting a deal.
“We are not sitting on the fence because the Prime Minister hasn’t even delivered a deal yet.”
