Johnson tells UK to prepare for no-deal Brexit

A no-deal Brexit may just have come a step closer.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday (October 16) gave his response to the latest meeting of EU leaders.

He says Brussels has shown no willingness to compromise, and the UK should now prepare to go its own way:

"I have concluded that we should get ready for January 1 with arrangements that are more like Australia's based on simple principles of global free trade... And we will prosper mightily as an independent free trading nation, controlling our own borders, our fisheries, and setting our own laws."

Johnson's comments follow an ultimatum from EU leaders: compromise on key sticking points, or accept a no-deal departure.

Agreement remains elusive on fishing rights, state aid and how to resolve future disputes.

And Brussels says it's London that won't compromise.

Speaking earlier, EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said he wasn't giving up yet though:

"We are absolutely determined to reach a fair deal with the UK. We will do everything we can, but not at any price... Our positions have been crystal clear from day one of this negotiation: if you want access to our market of 450 million people there must be a level playing field."

Opponents of Brexit say a no-deal departure could sow new chaos just as the global health crisis shows signs of resurgence.

Many on both sides will be hoping an 11th-hour deal can still be done.