Brexit: UK-EU talks to resume in final push for trade deal

Talks between the UK and EU are due to resume later in a final bid to agree a post-Brexit trade deal.

After a weekend of tense negotiations, EU sources told the BBC an agreement on fishing was close - but this was disputed by Downing Street.

The UK's chief Brexit negotiator, Lord Frost, will continue talks with his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier.

And PM Boris Johnson will speak later to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

according to the BBC that Mr Barnier briefed EU ambassadors early on Monday morning that "divergences" remain, also telling them that he was neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but "realistic" about the prospects of a deal being reached.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove is also going to Brussels for a meeting with European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič.

UK-EU negotiations resumed on Sunday, with the issues of fishing rights, competition rules and how to enforce agreed rules still causing problems.

EU sources suggested on Sunday evening that a breakthrough in talks on fishing was close to being made.

Brussels wants EU fleets to have ongoing access to UK waters, and the two sides have been discussing a transition period where access could be reduced over time.