Brexit Trade Talks Facing Tough Weeks Ahead

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Boris Johnson, said on Friday that now is the time to be ready for a not reaching a trade deal with the European Union.

This comes about 10 weeks before the end of the transition period, which was agreed with the Brexit and expires by the end of the year.

According to Johnson, the European Union refused to negotiate seriously, as cited by Reuters.

“I have concluded that we should get ready for January 1 with arrangements that are more like Australia’s based on simple principles of global free trade.”

“With high hearts and with complete confidence, we will prepare to embrace the alternative and we will prosper mightily as an independent free trading nation, controlling and setting our own laws.”

“Unless there is a fundamental change of approach, we’re going to go for the Australia solution. And we should do it with great confidence.”

“If there’s a fundamental change of approach, of course we always willing to listen, but it didn’t seem particularly encouraging from the summit in Brussels.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the EU summit, Charles Michel said that he is still working for a deal with London, but will not compromise on the main issues.              

“The level playing field, fisheries and governance are very important topics for the EU.”

“We are determined to get a deal but not at any price.”

Similarly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that there is still time to reach a deal between the two sides.

“The EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price. As planned, our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations.”