Michael Gove: London no longer expects the Brexit trade pact

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British Secretary of State Michael Gove

Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH / REUTERS

The British Minister of State Michael Gove has called on the European Union to "fundamentally" change its stance on the planned Brexit trade pact.

As things are currently, such an agreement can no longer be expected before the end of the Brexit transition phase, said Gove.

Brussels had refused to accelerate the negotiations and only ever asked for compromises from the British side - without being willing to compromise itself.

Great Britain is well prepared for a no-deal Brexit, Gove emphasized in parliament.

The European Union, meanwhile, confirmed its willingness to talk about a Brexit trade pact and is now waiting for a reaction from Great Britain.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier announced this on Twitter after a conversation with his British colleague David Frost.

"I have confirmed that the EU is available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects and on the basis of legal texts," wrote Barnier.

The dispute is about a comprehensive trade agreement from next year.

Great Britain left the international community at the end of January, but is still a member of the EU internal market and the customs union for a transitional period until the end of the year.

Only then does the economic break come.

Without a contract, there is a risk of tariffs and high trade barriers.

The economy on both sides is warning of significant upheavals and is already feeling the first effects.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused the EU on Friday of not wanting a trade agreement with Great Britain, which is why it is now assumed that there will be a break without a contract at the turn of the year.

A British government spokesman had declared the negotiations over.

Nonetheless, London left a back door open for the talks to continue.

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