November 30, 2020
1 min read

BREXIT: Talks Enter Crucial Phase

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that Brexit negotations with the European Union (EU) were entering “the last week or so” of “substantive” talks before the transition period ends on December 31.

Calling on the EU to accept a “point of principle” on fisheries, one of the sticking points in the talks, Raab on Sunday seemed to reject what is reported to be the bloc’s current offer on fishing — to return between 15 to 18 per cent of fish stocks currently caught by European fleets in British waters, Xinhua news agency reported.

On other outstanding issues, Raab told Sky News that it “feels like there’s progress towards greater respect” for the UK’s position on so-called “level playing field” commitments — a set of post-Brexit common rules and standards.

The UK and the EU resumed face-to-face post-Brexit talks in London on November 28 after an EU negotiator tested positive for the novel coronavirus earlier this month.

The negotiations are in a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal before the Brexit transition period expires.

European Union (EU) chief negotiator Michel Barnier (C) leaves after trade talks with Britain in London, Britain, on Nov. 28, 2020. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)

The UK and the EU started their lengthy and bumpy post-Brexit talks in March after the country ended its membership of the bloc on January 31, trying to secure a future trade deal before the Brexit transition period expires.

Commenting on the coronavirus pandemic and its accompanying economic crisis, Raab said both the UK and the EU “ought to focus all of our minds on doing everything we can to give the economy a bit of a boost”.

His remarks came as another 15,871 people in the UK have tested positive for for the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 1,621,305.

The country’s death toll has increased to 58,342.

Previous Story

Indian Cinema Carving Worldwide OTT Space

Next Story

‘Recorded plays can never pretend to be theatre’

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop