Brexiteer John Redwood warns EU does not want fair trade deal so they can ‘take our fish’

Brexit: Peter Bone tells Michael Gove to ‘stop talks’ with the EU

Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are set to continue for the rest of the weekend with both sides still warning the the chances of agreement remain in the balance. Both Downing Street and the European Commission said the negotiations were still “ongoing”, but that significant differences remained over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules.

The EU has made clear they do not want a fair free trade agreement

John Redwood

But Mr Redwood said the EU was not interested in agreeing to a fair deal

The Tory former minister tweeted: “The EU has made clear they do not want a fair free trade agreement.

“They want to control our laws, stop us backing our business, and take our fish.

“Time for an independent UK.”

John Redwood said the EU was not interested in finding a fair Brexit deal (Image: PA)

The European Parliament has been pressing for an agreement by Sunday so it can ratify any deal before the current Brexit transition period ends on December 31.

But it is thought EU leaders could provisionally sign off on a deal if the talks go on beyond that point, with formal ratification taking place in the new year.

In the UK, MPs are on standby to return to Westminster from their Christmas break if an agreement can be struck in the final days of the year.

Boris Johnson and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier have played down the prospects of a breakthrough.

READ MORE:Brexit Live: Businesses told to make ‘final preparations’

John Redwood said it was now time for an independent UK (Image: PA)

Boris Johnson has warned a Brexit deal is unlikely (Image: PA)

The Prime Minister said the negotiations were proving “difficult” and called on the EU to “see sense” and to bring something new to the table.

Earlier Mr Barnier told the European Parliament that the talks were approaching the “moment of truth” and that the path to an agreement was “very narrow”.

If the there is no deal by the December 31, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms – with the imposition of tariffs potentially leading to higher prices in the shops.

Even with an agreement, there will be major changes at the border from January 1 with new customs checks, with fears of long delays if businesses are not properly prepared for the new rules.

He said: “With just seven working days until the end of the transition period, significant concerns remain.

“At this late stage, the Government must be ready to implement contingency plans where necessary to mitigate the effects of any disruption.

“Failure to do so would mean the worst possible start to the new year for many people and businesses who are already experiencing the toughest of times.”