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David Frost, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator and Michel Barnier have continued talks and progress towards Brexit while the deadly COVID-19 pandemic rages on. the EU representative has recently revealed there have been no “significant areas of progress” in the process.

David Frost released a statement as well, saying the process was testing the limits of remote exchanges.

He said: “We are now at an important moment for these talks.

“We are close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve through the format of remote formal rounds.

“If we are to make progress, it is clear that we must intensify and accelerate our work.”

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“We are discussing with the commission how this can best be done.

“We need to conclude this negotiation in good time to enable people and businesses to have certainty about the trading terms that will follow the end of the transition period at the end of this year, and, if necessary, to allow ratification of any agreements reached.

“For our part we are willing to work hard to see whether at least the outline of a balanced agreement, covering all issues, can be reached soon.

“Any such deal must of course accommodate the reality of the UK’s well-established position on the so-called ‘level playing field’, on fisheries, and the other difficult issues.”

Speaking in a Brussels press conference, Michel Barnier revealed negotiating teams were “very far” from reaching agreements on the level playing field, nuclear safety, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding.

Mr Barnier added UK representatives were seeking to “distance themselves” from the declaration agreed by the EU and the Prime Minister.

He said: “In all areas, the UK continues to backtrack under commitments undertaken in the political declaration, including on fisheries.

“We cannot and will not accept this backtracking on the political declaration.”

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