'Stumbling blocks' remain in EU-UK trade talks, but progress being made - Barnier

Michel Barnier has said that "good progress" has been made on securing a trade deal with the UK, despite outstanding issues remaining.

In a tweet posted late on Thursday morning, the European Union’s chief negotiator said he had updated the presidents of the European parliament on the talks. He admitted that "stumbling blocks" remained but also that progress had been made.

He tweeted: "In this final stretch of talks, transparency and unity are important as ever.

"Debriefed conference of presidents this morning on negotiations. Good progress, but last stumbling blocks remain. We will only sign a deal protecting EU interests and principles."

Eleventh-hour talks to secure a trade deal between the EU and UK are continuing in Brussels, ahead of the transition period ending on 31 December.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove had earlier told the House of Commons that the UK government would do "everything to secure a deal" and that MPs could be called back over Christmas to approve any agreement.

According to The Guardian, the EU parliament has set a deadline of Sunday to agree a deal. The newspaper reported that parliament leaders believe they need to see a provisional agreed deal by then if they are to have enough time to review it ahead of a vote scheduled for 28 December.

It is thought EU access to British fishing waters remains the main outstanding issue.