Brexit trade talks at a critical point as UK says chances are receding



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Michel Barnier, European Union (EU) chief negotiator, departs from his hotel to attend Brexit talks in London, U.K. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images LONDON — The U.K. and European Union have reached a critical point in their Brexit negotiations, as the deadline for a trade deal nears but an agreement remains elusive. The U.K. left the European Union in January but agreed to continue following EU trade rules until the end of the year so both sides could come to a new trade agreement. However, their negotiations have dragged on for months, and without a clear end in sight, there are growing concerns the talks could collapse without a deal. In this scenario, exporters on both sides would face higher costs and barriers in their day-to-day business. […] The EU also wants to ensure its fishermen and women can keep working in U.K. waters — but Prime Minister Boris Johnson argues that as an independent nation, it will prioritize U.K. boats.