The EU and UK held a second round of discussions by video link this week on a future trading deal once the UK leaves its transition period at the end of this year.

The UK has the option of extending this period for a further two years, but the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to complete the break with the EU at a press briefing on Tuesday.

It is understood the core business of this week’s meeting was to put in place a timetable for negotiations for the remainder of this month and next month.

ADVERTISEMENT