But Britain seized on conciliatory comments by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, saying they offered the chance of a breakthrough. Barnier has already agreed to “intensify” talks — a key U.K. demand — and to discuss the legal text of an agreement. Johnson’s office said that on the basis of Barnier’s words it was “ready to welcome the EU team to London to resume negotiations later this week” for “intensified” talks. The two sides have been trying to strike a trade deal since the U.K. left the EU on Jan. 31. Johnson’s about-face will reinforce suspicions that his walkout was a gesture designed to inject momentum into the sluggish talks.

Source: The Standard October 22, 2020 06:22 UTC