Michael Gove has rated the chances of a Brexit trade agreement with the EU at “less than 50 per cent”.
With the clock ticking on extended talks the top Cabinet minister said the “most likely outcome” was that the current transition period would end on December 31 without a deal.
Gove told the Commons Brexit Committee 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, 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.
The Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg 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”, but “last stumbling blocks remain”.
