The fifth round of negotiations will end tomorrow with "significant differences" on a string of issues, including fishing rights and following EU rules. According to the Telegraph, it is now the government's central working assumption that there will be no deal by the time EU rules end on December 31. That will mean having to trade on World Trade Organisation terms - with strict rules and steep tariffs on everyday goods sent to and from the EU. Boris Johnson's official spokesman said the "preference" was for a trade deal but warned "we will make sure that we are prepared for all possible scenarios." That means a host of EU rules will end on January 1 without any new deal to fall back on.

Source: Daily Mirror July 22, 2020 14:27 UTC