Coronavirus: UK-EU Brexit trade talks could be called off due to Covid-19 outbreak

Michael Gove was speaking to MPs. Picture: PA

By EJ Ward

Michael Gove has revealed the next round of UK-EU post-Brexit trade talks could be called off due to the coronavirus crisis.

MPs were told the Government had received “indications” that the EU wishes to postpone the negotiations which were due to start in London on 30 March.

Speaking to the Commons Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union, Mr Gove said: "It's a live question.

"We were looking forward to the joint committee meeting in the UK on the 30th of this month and we were also looking forward to the next stage of the negotiations going ahead.

"But we have had indications today from Belgium that there may be a specific ... health concern."

Mr Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, promised to keep MPs informed of any developments.

The move could mean the UK crashes out of the EU at the end of the year with no trade deal in place

This is a developing story, more to follow