Barnier departs after giving update on Brexit talks

The European Union's Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday departed after briefing a European Parliament plenary session on Brexit trade talks. Barnier said that the bloc and the UK are starting a “last attempt" to clinch a post-Brexit trade deal, with EU fishing rights in British waters the most notable remaining obstacle to avoid a chaotic and costly changeover on New Year.

The UK left the EU on January 31 but still remains within the bloc's tariff-free single market and customs union until December 31. The talks have got bogged down on three main issues — the EU's access to UK fishing waters, the level playing field to ensure fair competition between businesses and the governance of any deal.

(Image Credit: AP)