Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen have agreed their negotiating teams will continue talks next week as both acknowledged “significant differences” remain.

Downing Street said it would enable the two sides to “redouble efforts” to reach a deal as the end of the transition period looms.

The talks will resume in London on Monday.

A Number 10 spokesman said: “Prime Minister Boris Johnson today spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a stock take on the progress in the negotiations between the UK and the EU.

“The prime minister set out that, while some progress had been made in recent discussions, significant differences remain in a number of areas, including the so-called level playing field and fish.

“The prime minister and president agreed that their negotiating teams would continue talks in London next week, beginning on Monday, in order to redouble efforts to reach a deal.

“They agreed to remain in personal contact about the negotiations.”

In a tweet, Ms Von der Leyen said: “Some progress has been made, but large differences remain especially on level playing field and fisheries.

“Our teams will continue working hard next week. We will remain in close contact in the next days.”

You May Also Like

In first breakthrough of long-running dispute, nurses to begin ‘intensive talks’ with govt today

Nurses have paused strike action as they begin pay talks with the…

Top civil servant to review funding of refurbishment of Johnson’s Downing Street flat

The refurbishment of Boris Johnson’s Downing Street flat will be reviewed by…

Hunt faces calls to cut taxes after AstraZeneca snubs UK for £320m factory in Ireland

Tory MPs have stepped up calls for the government to cut taxes…

Work to end Grenfell cladding scandal to take another three-and-a-half years, data suggests

The removal of dangerous cladding from high-risk buildings is unlikely to be…