No Deal Brexit contingency plans published by European Commission - decision on whether deal can be reached to be made no later than Sunday

The measures would ensure basic reciprocal air and road connectivity between the EU and the UK – and allow for the possibility of reciprocal fishing access.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “Negotiations are still ongoing.

“However, given that the end of the transition is very near, there is no guarantee that if and when an agreement is found, it can enter into force on time.

“Our responsibility is to be prepared for all eventualities, including not having a deal in place with the UK on January 1.”

The contingency measures set out by the European Commission include a proposal on “basic air connectivity” for six months, provided the UK does the same.

A proposal on aviation safety would allow various safety certificates to continue to apply in the EU, avoiding the grounding of aircraft.

Another measure would cover freight and passenger travel on the roads for six months, as long as the UK reciprocated.

In a more contentious move, Brussels proposed a 12-month period for continued reciprocal access to fishing waters.

A commission statement said: “Disruption will happen with or without an agreement between the EU and the UK on their future relationship.

“This is the natural consequence of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the Union and to no longer participate in the EU single market and customs union.”

Meanwhile, Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt said Boris Johnson met with the Commission President in Brussels on Wednesday along with chief negotiators to discuss the “significant obstacles” in Brexit talks.

She told MPs: “It is clear that we remain far apart on the so-called level playing field, fisheries and governance.

“However, they agreed that talks should resume in Brussels today to see if the gaps can be bridged.

“They also agreed that a decision should be taken by Sunday regarding the future of the talks.”