October 15, 2020
2 mins read

Brexit: UK PM expresses “desirability” for EU trade deal

Johnson “noted the desirability of a deal, but expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past two weeks”…Reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of a European Union (EU) summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed the “desirability” of a new trade deal with the bloc, but also his disappointment that more progress had not been made.

Johnson’s comments came during a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel on Wednesday evening, Downing Street said in a statement.

The leaders discussed the latest state of play of the negotiations on Britain’s future relationship with the EU, reports Xinhua news agency.

Johnson “noted the desirability of a deal, but expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past two weeks”, the statement said.

“The Prime Minister said that he looked forward to hearing the outcome of the European Council and would reflect before setting out the UK’s next steps in the light of his statement of 7 September,” it said.

Johnson said last month that a future trade deal needs to be agreed by mid-October to enable it to be approved ahead of January 1, 2021.

While Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said the deal needs to be ready by the end of October.

Both sides started the lengthy post-Brexit talks in March after the UK ended its EU membership on Januart 31, trying to secure a future trade deal before the Brexit transition period expires at the end of the year.

If there is no deal in place, the UK will trade with the EU on terms of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021.

Also read:EU Settlement Scheme Gets More Than 4 Million Applications

Previous Story

‘No Grey Area’ To Spot A Sense Of Wonder

Next Story

Pointers For Festive Season Shopping

Latest from -Top News

UN Slams Pakistan Over Minority Attacks

The minorities in Pakistan – including Ahmadiyya Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Shia Muslims – continue to be neglected and increasingly subjected to targetted state-backed persecution….reports Asian Lite News Alarmed by rising violence

Cambodia-Thailand Agree to Truce

The border violence has claimed at least 35 lives and left more than 200 injured, based on figures from Thai and Cambodian officials….reports Asian Lite News Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to

Baloch Activist Thanks India, Slams Pakistan Terror

Mir Yar Baloch also appreciated the extraordinary courage and professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces, the “responsible and patriotic role” of the Indian media…reports Asian Lite News Prominent Baloch human rights activist

UK Warns China Over Taiwan Moves

Healey’s comments come amid rising global concerns over Chinese military activity around Taiwan and the growing Western focus on the Indo-Pacific region. British Defence Secretary John Healey has said the UK is

US Sticks to August 1 Tariff Deadline

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick ruled out any possibility of an extension…reports Asian Lite News The US administration on Sunday said the August 1 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs remains unchanged and
Go toTop