The European Union has accused Britain of stalling post-Brexit trade talks and of creating a no-deal cliff edge by ruling out an extension to the transition period.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, showed his anger at what Brussels views as a deliberate policy to slow down talks that have already been delayed by his sickness from coronavirus.

“The UK did not wish to commit seriously on a number of fundamental points,” he said. “The UK cannot refuse to extend the transition and at the same time slow down the progress of the negotiations in important areas.”

Despite time pressure, David Frost, the prime minister’s negotiator, who also had to take time off with a suspected Covid-19 infection, began talks by video conference