Boris Johnson’s Brexit dinner outcome: Large gaps remain between UK and EU

The Prime Minister and European Commission president agreed that a “firm decision” about the future of the talks should be made by Sunday.

In a statement following a three-hour long dinner in Brussels, a senior Number 10 source said it was “unclear” whether the differences between the two sides could be bridged.

They said: “The PM and VDL had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations.

“Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged. The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams.

“The PM does not want to leave any route to a possible deal untested. The PM and VDL agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks.”

Mr Johnson was in Brussels for last-ditch talks with the European Commission’s top official aimed at breaking the deadlock in trade deal negotiations.

The Prime Minister and Ms von der Leyen had dinner with their chief negotiators Michel Barnier and Lord Frost as they race against the clock to secure an agreement.

Mr Johnson arrived at the Commission’s headquarters, The Berlaymont, on Wednesday evening after telling MPs that no prime minister could accept the EU demands.

But he insisted a trade deal was still possible, despite there being just three weeks until the current transitional arrangements expire.

Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen were to hold a short meeting at The Berlaymont before dinner with their chief negotiators and officials.

It was hoped the discussions could pave the way for fresh talks between Lord Frost and Mr Barnier in the coming days.

As the two leaders posed for the cameras ahead of the dinner, Mrs von der Leyen told Mr Johnson to keep his distance as they briefly took their face coverings off.

She then told Mr Johnson to put his mask back on, to which Mr Johnson responded: “You run a tight ship here, Ursula, and quite right too.”

Their meeting comes ahead of a European Council summit on Thursday where Mrs von der Leyen is expected to debrief the leaders of the 27 member countries on the negotiations.

Negotiations have faltered on the issues of fishing rights, the “level playing field” measures aimed at preventing the UK undercutting the EU on standards and state subsidies, and the way that any deal would be governed.