Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator claimed on Wednesday that Britain has ‘shunned’ offers to make progress in negotiations over the future trading relationship. He accused London of wanting to turn Europe's fishermen into a “bargaining chip” in the talks. The comments by Michel Barnier followed talks in London with UK chief negotiator David Frost on Tuesday — discussions that Mr Barnier said have failed to end the impasse that has dogged talks over the summer. Speaking at an event organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs on Wednesday, Mr Barnier dialled up his criticisms of Britain's approach to the trade talks.

Michel Barnier warned last Thursday that ‘no progress’ was made on key issues in Brexit talks. Speaking in London at the end of the fifth formal round of future-relationship talks from July 20th-23rd, Mr Barnier said the two sides remained far apart on how to ensure a “level playing field” between EU and UK businesses, as well as on the vexed question of access to British fishing waters, warning that “the time for answers is quickly running out”. This month’s negotiations had been billed as crucial to the chances of the UK and EU securing an agreement by the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31st.

The UK Government on Monday released their new UK Border Operations Model. This announcement came following Sunday’s announcement of a £705 million investment in new infrastructure, jobs and technology at border points. The model is over 200 pages and outlines details of the government approach to customs declarations, safety and security declarations, VAT collection processes, and SPS & fishery controls post the end of the UK transition period on December 31st 2020.