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Michel Barnier has torpedoed Boris Johnson’s promise that Brexit will be done and dusted by the end of next year.

The Sunday Mirror has seen minutes of a private meeting between the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator and MEPs which rubbish the PM’s pledge.

Mr Johnson has said he will not extend the transition period beyond 2020 – which raises the danger of the UK crashing out with no deal.

Trade talks are planned after Britain formally leaves the EU on January 31.

But Mr Barnier told EU Employment and Social Affairs Committee MEPs: “The EU/UK future relationship cannot be settled in 11 months.”

He added that means prioritising some areas while more time will be needed for other issues such as transport.

(Image: VICKIE FLORES/EPA-EFE/REX)

Brexit Party MEP Matthew Patten, who is on the committee, said: “Truth seems the rarest of commodities in this election.

"It’s ironic we can put more trust in the EU’s comments.”

Mr Barnier said the EU and UK must agree a “level playing field” on state aid, competition, social and employment standards, environment, climate change and tax.

But that would tie Mr Johnson’s hands by preventing UK firms from out-competing EU rivals by adopting favourable employment standards or getting state subsidies.

That goes against Mr Johnson’s assertion that his deal will allow Britain to make its own trade rules.

The minutes also reveal the EU thinks the Tories will win a majority at Thursday’s election.

It is also preparing for a hung parliament, but not a Labour win.