European Union bosses have ramped up their no deal preparations ahead of a critical summit tomorrow, it has been revealed.
Leaders meeting in Brussels on tomorrow and Friday are expected to say that progress in Brexit talks is “still not sufficient” to secure a new trade deal.
The 27 EU heads will agree to step up contingency preparations for an abrupt economic split without a deal that avoids tariffs or quotas, according to a draft decision seen by Reuters.
Boris Johnson has threatened to walk away unless the structure of a deal has emerged by this week’s summit.
The Prime Minister told Cabinet ministers yesterday that he still believes an agreement can be reached.
However, he said that Britain should have “no fear” of leaving without a deal, his official spokesman said.
Mr Johnson will hold a video call with president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen today before deciding after the summit whether to call off negotiations.
With less than three months to go until Britain leaves the EU single market, fishing rights remain a major sticking issue.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned the EU that it must be more realistic in accepting Britain’s position.
Ms Merkel, who holds the EU presidency, told a meeting of European mayors: “We also have to take into account the reality: an agreement has to be in the interests of both parties, in British interests as well as the interests of the 27-member EU.”
However, French government ministers have warned the EU to show “no weakness” over demands that European fishermen keep the same rights in British waters.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s lead negotiator, has suggested the talks will go beyond Mr Johnson’s October deadline.
EU bosses are expected to tell Mr Barnier to intensify the talks in order to reach and implement an agreement to govern relations after December 31 – when the current agreement expires.
Lord Frost, the Prime Minister’s Europe adviser, will be taking part in negotiations in Brussels until the eve of the summit.
Other sticking points include the level playing field and governance.
