The European Union’s chief negotiator on the post-Brexit trade deal with Britain Wednesday publicly blamed London for a lack of progress in the two sides’ belated attempt to reach an even rudimentary agreement. Both sides have been intensely negotiating since, but, as Barnier pointed out, to little effect. “The list of fundamental divergences remains long,” said German MEP David McAllister, the legislature’s top Brexit official. The EU is insisting on stringent trade regulations to avoid having a giant buccaneering trade partner on its doorstep that could freely undercut the bloc’s state aid, social and environmental standards. After negotiating in Brussels this week, the talks are set to move to London again in the coming days.-AP

Source: The Standard November 05, 2020 04:30 UTC