Reuters reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the positions in talks with Britain on a trade deal remained apart on the question of ensuring a level playing field in the future and access to UK fishing waters for EU fleets.

She said the two sides would decide on Sunday "whether we have conditions for an agreement, or not."

"One way or the other, in less than three weeks, it will be new beginnings for old friends," she told.

She said the EU understood Britain wanted to be in control of its waters from 2021 but also stressed that London "must understand the legitimate expectations of EU fishing fleets" who have fished in UK waters for decades or longer.