Brexit trade talks scheduled to take place in London next week have been cancelled amid the coronavirus crisis.

The meeting, between Boris Johnson’s envoy David Frost and chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier, would have been the second round of negotiations on a proposed free trade deal which is intended to be completed by the end of this year.

The two sides decided to put it on hold as they grapple to contain the spread of the disease, but are considering holding a video conference.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s latest figures, more than 22,000 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed across Europe, and 943 people have died on the continent.

A joint EU and UK statement said: ‘Given the latest COVID-19 developments, EU and UK negotiators have today jointly decided not to hold next week’s round of negotiations in London, in the form originally scheduled.

‘Both sides are currently exploring alternative ways to continue discussions, including if possible, the use of video conferences.’

The cancellation puts pressure on the Prime Minister, who has threatened to walk away from talks if can’t secure a Canada-style trade deal by June. A no-deal would leave the UK with the prospects of new trade barriers and tariffs under World Trade Organisation rules but looks increasingly likely.

The government has ruled out an extension to the year-long EU transition period, which was triggered when the UK officially left the bloc on January 31st.

Last month both sides unveiled tough negotiating mandates that clashed over how closely the UK should align with EU rules on areas such as the courts and fisheries.

Although the clock is ticking on an already tight deadly, coronavirus has largely pushed Brexit out of the spotlight. and negotiators are concerned that behind-the-scenes efforts must continue if they are to seal the ‘broad outline’ of a deal before June.

The UK and the EU have agreed to ‘dial down the rhetoric’ over Brexit in an effort to open up space for a deal, The Guardian reports.

Brussels and London are expected to produce legal texts of their negotiating positions in the comin weeks, with diplomatic sources claiming both sides have agreed to ‘lower the temperature’ to fully assess the scale of divergence in what they are demanding.

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