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Horns Locked: What Are the Three 'Sticking Points' Blocking London-Brussels Post-Brexit Trade Talks?

© AFP 2023 / OLIVIER MATTHYSBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R), French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) speak upon their arrival for a round table meeting as part of a European Union summit at European Union Headquarters in Brussels on October 17, 2019.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R), French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) speak upon their arrival for a round table meeting as part of a European Union summit at European Union Headquarters in Brussels on October 17, 2019. - Sputnik International
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Time is running out on post-Brexit trade deal talks between London and Brussels as three contentious issues remain ahead of the transition deadline of 31 December, media reports have found.

UK chief negotiator David Frost and his European Union counterpart, Michel Barnier, remain deadlocked over the remaining crucial issues that could see a trade deal passed by New Year's Eve or derail negotiations under a no-deal Brexit.

Sputnik takes a closer look at the three controversial issues between both sides.

UK Fishing Water Rights

A major row over UK fishing water rights and "level playing field" on regulations could block a potential agreement over the next few days.

A Brexit pin is attached to a flag, in London, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 - Sputnik International
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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated in past negotiations that the UK should take back control of its fisheries to remain an independent coastal nation following the nation's withdrawal from the EU. But the EU negotiators have argued that keeping access to the internal market must remain on its terms with resolution mechanisms based in Brussels.

The UK negotiating side has demanded 80 percent of fishing stocks from its waters, more than quadruple the 18 percent proposed by Brussels, according to reports.

British vs European Regulations

Further sticking points between the two sides include workers' rights, environmental protections as well as contributions for trade with the single market.

A person holds European country flags in an hand and a United Kingdom flag in another. - Sputnik International
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Brussels has staunchly opposed market deregulation as the UK prepares to set new rules to attract investors, but PM Johnson has proposed a no-tariff, no quota deal with the single market despite leaving its regulatory framework in the future.

But Brussels has demanded the UK follow European market rules compared with countries such as Canada, or face a tit-for-tat trade war which could increasing tariffs and trade restrictions.

Further concerns Britain's rejection of the European Court of Justice have intensified disagreements in bilateral talks.

UK Internal Market Bill

A major sticking point is Westminster's Internal Market Bill, which has returned to Commons on Monday and could spark fresh disagreements over London's alleged violation of international law.

Commons is set to vote on amendments from the House of Lords and could inflame tensions in negotiations over the contentious Irish backstop, as well as further bills on taxation set to harden the EU's stance on post-Brexit relations.

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