Brexit talks restart as deadline nears

In-person negotiations between the U.K. and the European Union (EU) restarted on Saturday in a final attempt to reach a trade deal before the country’s transition period with the EU ends on Dec. 31.  

Reuters reported that EU negotiator Michael Barnier arrived for talks in London on Saturday morning. He and Britain’s top negotiator David Frost are working to cement a final deal before Dec. 31. 

Both sides are looking to compromise on fishing, state aid and how to resolve future disputes, Reuters notes. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Friday, according to a statement from his office. They discussed progress on trade negotiations and the “commitment to reaching a deal that respects the sovereignty of the UK.” 

Britain apparently rejected an EU proposal on the value of fish quotas that European fleets catch in the UK, Reuters reported, citing media reports. The Telegraph reported that the EU was going to concede on fishing rights. 

Britain left the EU on Jan. 31, and failing to reach a final deal by the year’s end would cause issues for borders, financial markets and supply chains as the world continues to deal with the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters notes.