Brexit goes down to the wire, differences remain
A Brexit deal could go down to the wire.
With big differences remaining between the EU and UK.
The two said on Friday (November 27) there were still substantial issues as the EU chief negotiator prepared to travel to London.
Michel Barnier is making a last-ditch attempt to avoid a tumultuous finale to the five-year Brexit crisis.
With just five weeks left until the UK finally exits the EU's orbit on December 31st, both sides are calling on the other to compromise.
The hurdles remain fishing, state aid and how to resolve any future disputes.
They're trying to strike a trade deal on goods that would safeguard nearly $1 trillion in annual trade
as well as the peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.
The latter is a priority for U.S. President-elect Joe Biden.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday told reporters that there is 'a deal to be done if the EU wants it.
"Let's be absolutely clear - this country can prosper and will prosper mightily in either event. And if we, if we have to come out with a so-called Australian style model, an Australian relationship with the EU, we will make a great success of it."
Barnier said on Twitter he would travel to London on Friday evening for talks with Britain's chief negotiator David Frost.
One EU diplomat said there are "only a few days left" for the talks, which have previously continued through numerous broken deadlines.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday the EU was ready for the possibility of Britain leaving the bloc without a new trade accord.
