“After down-to-the-wire trade negotiation talks between officials ended in deadlock, the PM Boris Johnson travelled to Brussels to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where talks took place over dinner as time runs out to reach a deal before the December 31 deadline, when the UK stops following EU trading rules. After the dinner, an agreement was not met.
“Mrs von der Leyen said the two sides were still “far apart”, while Downing Street said “very large gaps remain”.
“Talks between the UK’s chief negotiator Lord Frost and the EU’s Michel Barnier will resume in Brussels later, but Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was “unlikely” the negotiations would be extended beyond Sunday.
“After their meeting, the prime minister and European Commission president “agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks”, a No 10 spokesperson added.
“Just over 20 days remain to resolve a process which began in 2013 when then Prime Minister, David Cameron promised a referendum if he was victorious in the 2015 general election. 7 years on and the UK is on the verge of leaving the customs union without a trade deal in place, unless the Prime Minister can find common ground on major sticking points.
“With just weeks to go, businesses need answers and they need them now. The issues that we are talking about are not new and have been apparent for 4 years now. With the clock ticking down, the government must do everything in its power to provide businesses with answers as they prepare to navigate a New Year like no other.
“The majority of UK businesses are hoping that talks end in a deal on the future relationship with the EU, the two sides must put aside political differences and compromises for the betterment of UK businesses across the country.
“In addition to clarity on the new arrangements in any deal, it is crucial that the UK and the EU governments agree to implement changes in a way that helps businesses to adjust to the new procedures and systems that will come in to force from January 1.
“As hard as officials have worked over the past week to finalise trade talks, the possibility of a no-deal exit from the customs union remain a possibility. If no agreement can be reached, the Chamber network urges both the UK and EU to take steps to help keep trade flowing – in the interests of businesses on both sides.
“Regardless of if a deal or no deal is agreed in the subsequent days, UK businesses will feel implications on cross-border trade, because of this it is hugely vital that all businesses are aware how the EU exit will affect them in their day-to-day operations and prepare for these changes. Many businesses may not even know of the overnight changes that will come into force on January 1, for further information on the support and guidance available to businesses please visit our EU Exit business support hub.”
Sharon Smith – Chief Executive
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
How can businesses prepare?
Businesses are urged to:
- Visit the EU-Exit Hub to access all of the resources, guidance and training you need.
- Sign up for our Chamber International Trade and E-Exit Focus e-communications here
- Contact our International Trade Advisors for support and advice