BORIS Johnson is set to issue a final ‘checkmate' ultimatum if Brexit talks do not reach an agreement this week - while Michel Barnier has fired his own warning in response. Express UK. https://www.eudebates.tv/debates/special-debates/uk-politics/brexit-reality-can-a-95-eu-uk-deal-work/ #eudebates #debates #Barnier #BREXIT #negotiations <br /><br />The Prime Minister remains confident a deal can be secured with talks entering their final week as civil servants start to draft EU relationship legislation. With the transition period due to end on December 31st, a deal is yet to be struck between UK and EU negotiators as fishing, governance and the level playing field remain significant stumbling blocks.<br /><br />Whitehall officials are confident a deal can be secured by November 30 so draft legislation can be passed.<br /><br />But the EU is remaining more cautious with any deal having to be ratified by the 27 member states before the end of December. <br /><br />Whitehall sources told Express.co.uk Boris Johnson was “optimistic” on a deal but stressed any deal “needs to strictly be” in the UK’s interests. <br /><br />One told Express.co.uk: “This week is the turning point in the talks, time is running out. <br /><br />“It’s essentially a checkmate, we are laying down our requests and are not backing down.”<br /><br />Talks will begin virtually today after a member of Michel Barnier’s team tested positive for COVID-19 last time and could be face to face in London as early as Thursday. <br /><br />As Express.co.uk exclusively revealed on Saturday, it is hoped draft legislation could be debated before the Commons as early as next week. <br /><br />Chancellor Rishi Sunak told BBC Andrew Marr yesterday the UK should not be going for a Brexit deal "at any price",<br /><br />European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, indicated that there had been "better progress" towards reaching an agreement. <br /><br />Boris Johnson has talked up the chances of a post-Brexit UK-Australia free trade deal being secured.<br /><br />The Prime Minister was speaking after his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison received an accolade at a virtual Policy Exchange think tank event.<br /><br />Mr Johnson said the two nations had strong rivalries in sport, but "there is a huge amount that unites us".<br /><br />Irish premier Micheal Martin has said he is hopeful that the outline of a Brexit deal can be reached by the end of the week.<br /><br />Speaking to reporters from Dublin Port on Monday, the Taoiseach was upbeat about the prospects of a deal.<br /><br />He said: "(European Commission) President Ursula Von der Leyen did say to the EU leaders last Thursday night that there are texts now on all areas.<br /><br />"I would be hopeful that by the end of this week we could see the outline of a deal.<br /><br />"That remains to be seen. It's down to political will. One must remain hopeful that a deal can be arrived at."<br /><br />EU chiefs have insisted there will be no extension to the Brexit deadline despite growing fears of a no deal.<br /><br />The EU Commission spokesman said today: “You either have a deal or you don’t have a deal.<br />
