Large gaps remain between UK and EU after PM’s talks in Brussels, No 10 says

Large gaps remain between the UK and European Union in reaching a Brexit deal, Downing Street has said following crunch talks between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen.

The Prime Minister and European Commission president agreed that a "firm decision" about the future of the negotiations should be made by Sunday.

In a statement following a three-hour long dinner in Brussels, a senior Number 10 source said it was "unclear" whether the differences between the two sides could be bridged.

They said: "The PM and VDL had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations.

"Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged.

"The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams.

"The PM does not want to leave any route to a possible deal untested. The PM and VDL agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks."