The Brexit negotiators must ‘work intensively to bridge the gap’ in order to reach an agreement on the future trade relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom. In a joint statement following a video consultation between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, the two stressed the ‘importance of finding an agreement, if possible, as a strong basis for a strategic relationship’.

Johnson and Von der Leyen…

“agree with the view of both main negotiators that progress has been made in recent weeks but remains a considerable gap, especially not only in the area of fisheries, a fair playing field and governance.”

They declare that they have instructed their main negotiators, Michel Barnier on behalf of the EU and David Frost on behalf of the British, to work intensively. Johnson and Von der Leyen also agreed to “meet on a regular basis on the matter”.