Talks between the UK and EU on a post-Brexit trade deal are in the "end phase", an EU official has told Sky News. With both sides trying to reach an agreement before the end of the transition period next week, sources in London and Brussels have told Sky News that a deal could be close. Sky News understands a call of Boris Johnson's cabinet will take place in the "coming hours" to update ministers on the state of play. Sky's Europe correspondent Michelle Clifford said there was a "sense of optimism" in Brussels, with an EU official telling her: "We are in the end phase now."

Source: The Standard December 24, 2020 00:22 UTC