With just over two weeks before Britain completes its departure from the bloc, both sides are calling on the other to shift negotiating position to secure a deal governing around $1 trillion worth of trade at the beginning of next year.
The talks have missed several deadlines, and while both sides acknowledge that time is running out, there has been no clear suggestion that either side is willing yet to move far enough to open the way for a breakthrough.
Updating for his cabinet team of top ministers, Johnson βre-emphasised the desire to reach a free trade agreement, but not at any cost, and reiterated any agreement must respect the independence and sovereignty of the UKβ, his spokesman said.
