But I thought it would be the easiest deal in history?
3rd time lucky T- 22 days and counting.
source: Brexit: Full UK-EU trade deal 'impossible' by deadline - von der Leyen - BBC News
3rd time lucky T- 22 days and counting.
The UK and the EU will remain the "best of friends" but they will "not be as close as before" after Brexit, the new European Commission president has said.
Speaking ahead of talks with the PM, Ursula von der Leyen warned it would be "impossible" to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020.
She said if the deadline was not extended it was not a case of "all or nothing", but of priorities.
Boris Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by December 2020.
After their meeting in No 10, a Downing Street spokesman said talks had been "positive", but the PM had been "clear" the process of negotiation would not be extended.
After its 31 January exit, the UK will enter into an 11-month transition period in which it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the bloc's institutions. This period will come to an end on 31 December.
Only when the UK leaves the EU can the two sides begin talks on their future economic relationship.
Mr Johnson told Mrs von der Leyen he "wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership, based on friendly co-operation, our shared history, interests and values", as well as a "broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas".
He also said the UK was ready to start negotiations "as soon as possible" after 31 January.
Speaking ahead of talks with the PM, Ursula von der Leyen warned it would be "impossible" to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020.
She said if the deadline was not extended it was not a case of "all or nothing", but of priorities.
Boris Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by December 2020.
After their meeting in No 10, a Downing Street spokesman said talks had been "positive", but the PM had been "clear" the process of negotiation would not be extended.
After its 31 January exit, the UK will enter into an 11-month transition period in which it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the bloc's institutions. This period will come to an end on 31 December.
Only when the UK leaves the EU can the two sides begin talks on their future economic relationship.
Mr Johnson told Mrs von der Leyen he "wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership, based on friendly co-operation, our shared history, interests and values", as well as a "broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas".
He also said the UK was ready to start negotiations "as soon as possible" after 31 January.
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