The EU’s chief trade negotiator has accused Boris Johnson of “backtracking” on commitments he made during the Brexit process and cast doubt on the future of talks.
Michel Barnier warned that there had been “no significant progress” on key points in negotiations since they began, adding: “I don’t think we can go on like this forever”.
The intervention comes at the close of the latest round of trade talks held between the two sides – via videoconference on account the coronavirus pandemic.
But Mr Barnier expressed hope that the next round of negotiations later this month could be done face-to-face, suggesting this might make the situation easier.
David Frost, the UK’s own chief negotiator, said in a separate statement that “progress remains limited”, adding: “If we are to make progress, it is clear that we must intensify and accelerate our work. We are discussing with the Commission how this can best be done.”
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