UK, EU remain hopeful of post-Brexit trade deal

London, Dec 5 : Britain and the European Union (EU) remain hopeful of a post-Brexit trade deal despite talks are currently in a difficult phase, local media reported.
Brexit trade talks are set to continue on Friday night as EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier remains in London, Sky News reported.
On Thursday, a senior British government source accused the EU team of “bringing new elements into the negotiation” at the 11th hour, adding that a breakthrough was “still possible in the next few days but that prospect is receding”, according to the BBC.
It quoted British Business Secretary Alok Sharma that the talks were “in a difficult phase” and that the country wanted the EU to recognize it as “a sovereign and independent nation” for any deal that can be reached, Xinhua news agency reported.
French Minister of State for European Affairs Clement Beaune has said his government could “veto” any deal reached, if it did not satisfy his country’s demands, particularly on fishing rights.
However, European Council President Charles Michel urged the EU’s 27 member states, which would each have to ratify any trade deal with Britain, to maintain “unity” as negotiations continue, the BBC reported.