(Alliance News) - Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU will continue in London on Friday as Michel Barnier said both sides have a "common responsibility" to strike a deal.
The EU's chief negotiator is expected to continue discussions with his UK counterpart Lord Frost as the deadline for an agreement looms.
Talks had been in limbo after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deadline for a deal passed last week, but they resumed on Thursday as Brussels said both sides needed to compromise on trade issues.
Barnier arrived in London on Thursday evening wearing a face covering printed with the EU flag.
He told reporters: "I think we have a huge common responsibility.
"Every day counts."
Number 10 acknowledged that "significant gaps" remain between the two sides and it was "entirely possible that negotiations will not succeed".
The main stumbling blocks remain fishing rights, the governance of any deal and the "level playing field" aimed at preventing unfair competition, which includes state subsidies.
Time is short to reach an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31.
Both sides had previously said a deal would need to be reached by mid-October in order to allow time for ratification.
Meanwhile, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is set to sign a free trade agreement with Japan on Friday morning.
source: PA
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