Brexit trade talks are “in a very difficult position, there’s no point denying that”, Environment Secretary George Eustice has told Sky News.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday, he said progress was being made but then the EU “added a whole load of additional demands” which created problems and was a “setback”.
The minister said the UK is prepared to make some agreements on the level playing field, but that the EU must treat the UK as sovereign equal.
On fishing, a key sticking point, Mr Eustice told Sky News the UK wants to “control access to our waters” but the EU wants to have the “same privileges and access” it has now.
He said there could potentially be a “multi-year” agreement on fisheries.
Asked whether the talks have in fact been a “charade”, he said “we will find out in the next day or two whether it is an exercise the EU’s engaged in” and “whether this is a choreographed thing on their part”.
