EU chief warns UK must obey European principles to achieve Brexit deal

Ursula von der Leyen has warned the UK needs to obey EU principles in order to achieve a Brexit “future relationship” deal.

Von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, warned Boris Johnson at a press conference on Friday: “We have to bridge wide divergences which remain to be solved.

“The topics are known: level playing field, fisheries, governance, the scope of our police and judicial co-operation.

“These are important points for the EU because these are principles – fair competition, rising social standards, protecting our citizens and the rule of law – at the heart of the EU.”

Negotiations between the UK and EU for a post-Brexit future relationship deal have stalled.

Johnson, having previously delegated to his chief negotiator David Frost – is set to take part in talks himself later this month.

Von der Leyen promised the EU will do “everything” to reach a “one-of-a-kind” agreement with the UK.

Her comments came after EU leaders met via video conference on Friday for the latest European Council summit.

The UK, after leaving the EU on 31 January, is currently in a “transition period” in which the two sides have until 31 December to agree their future relationship.

During the transition period, the UK effectively remains a member of the EU.

Last week, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove “formally confirmed” the UK won’t seek an extension to the transition period.

There is mounting concern among business – already hit hard by the fallout from the pandemic – at the prospect of a “cliff edge” break to the UK’s remaining access to the EU single market with no new deal to replace it.