Von der Leyen says chance of no deal Brexit now HIGHER than deal as UK won't back down
BRUSSELS boss Ursula von der Leyen has warned EU leaders that a no-deal Brexit is now the most likely outcome of the trade talks with Britain.
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In a gloomy 10-minute address to the European Council summit in Brussels, the top eurocrat said: “Probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal,” according to an EU official. She described the situation as “difficult” but said negotiations would continue until Sunday regardless of the lack of progress. Her warning comes after Boris Johnson told British people and businesses to prepare for the talk life after the transition period without a UK-EU free trade agreement.
The EU has also published its own contingency planning to prevent the most crippling disruptions if the future relationship talks fail.
Mrs von der Leyen said the disputes over post-Brexit fishing rights and the so-called level playing field continue to plague the process.
She said Sunday would represent a big moment for the talks, with both sides taking a decision on whether a deal is possible or not.
The Commission chief is expected to hold more talks with Boris Johnson over the weekend.
Mrs von der Leyen was urged to communicate with EU leaders over the weekend in order to maintain unity if there is going to be a no-deal Brexit announcement.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said “a clear message” must be conveyed by the bloc in the event the trade talks collapse.
Irish premier Micheal Martin pushed hard for an agreement, insisting a no-deal Brexit would be hugely costly to both the EU and UK.
Mrs von der Leyen warning followed a tense three-hour stand-off with Prime Minister Mr Johnson on Wednesday that failed to end the impasse in the talks.
Brussels yesterday published contingency plans designed to impose draconian rules on the UK if a trade deal cannot be agreed.
Under the plan, Britain would be forced to accept another year of EU rules, including uninterrupted fishing rights for European fleets, if a trade treaty cannot be finalised by January 1.
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Refusal to accept the rules could lead to British planes being banned from European airspace and British lorries forbidden from driving on continental roads, the bloc warned.
Mr Johnson’s spokesman said the Prime Minister would never accept the ultimatum.
The spokesman said: "We would never accept arrangements and access to UK fishing waters which are incompatible with our status as an independent coastal state."
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Meanwhile Mr Johnson last night warned his Cabinet ministers to begin final preparations for a clean break with Brussels by December 31.
The Prime Minister said that was a "now a strong possibility", adding "looking at where we are, I do think it's vital that everyone now gets ready for that Australian option".
But he vowed to keep fighting for a deal until the very end, insisting he would travel to Paris, Brussels and Berlin to get an agreement over the line.