Boris Johnson to discuss Brexit negotiations in call with Ursula von der Leyen
Boris Johnson and Brussels’ top official will speak on Thursday evening to discuss the state of play in the Brexit negotiations.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen would talk at 7pm UK time.
But Number 10 downplayed the chances of a breakthrough, suggesting it would only be a stocktake rather than a deal.
Negotiations between the UK and EU continued this week after they were given the green light following a meeting between Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen last Wednesday.
Update to the agenda of President @vonderleyen :
➡️ phone call at 8pm (Brussels time) this evening with UK PM @BorisJohnson to take stock of 🇪🇺🇬🇧 negotiations.
— Eric Mamer (@MamerEric) December 17, 2020
Despite days of talks, Michael Gove – the Cabinet Office Minister – said on Thursday that the chances of an agreement remained “less than 50%”.
He told the Commons Brexit Committee the “most likely outcome” was that the current transition period would end on December 31 without a deal.
“I think, regrettably, the chances are more likely that we won’t secure an agreement. So at the moment less than 50%,” Mr Gove said.
He also said the Government will not seek to negotiate a fresh trade agreement with the EU next year if they cannot reach a deal before the end of the Brexit transition period.
