EU Parliament issues 3-day ultimatum for post-Brexit deal

  European Parliament has issued a three-day ultimatum to Brexit negotiators to strike a tre deal, warning that MEPs won't have time to ratify an agreement this year unless it is rey by Sunday night.

Teams of negotiators from European Union and United Kingdom are in Brussels seeking a deal that would avoid costly chaos at borders at end of year. To enter into force, any agreement would require European Parliament's ratification.

After EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier briefed m on negotiations on Thursday, conference of presidents of Parliament's political groups said it is rey to organize a plenary session by end of month, but on condition that an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday 20st December. 

If a deal comes later, it could only be ratified in 2021, as parliament would t have eugh time to debate agreement before that.

“We give until Sunday to Boris Johnson to make a decision," said Dacian Ciolos, president of Renew Europe group in European Parliament.

uncertainty hanging over citizens and businesses as a result of UK choices becomes intolerable.

 Britain's Parliament also must approve any Brexit deal. Lawmakers are due to be on a Christmas break from Friday until January 5, but government says y can be called back on 48 hours' tice to approve an agreement if one is struck.

Johnson's spokesman, Jamie Davies, did t respond directly to European Parliament's ultimatum.

“We want to reach a (free tre agreement) if possible, as soon as possible, and that remains our position,” he said.

He said UK and EU negotiators worked until late last night and talks continue again this morning.

 European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday major sticking points have been reduced to just two — fair competition in EU market and fishing rights for EU vessels in UK waters.

UK left w-27-nation bloc on January 31 but remains part of its single market for tre and or ecomic structures during a transition period that lasts until December 31.

After that, British firms tring with EU will face customs checks, border inspections, and — unless re is a free tre deal — tariffs.

conference of presidents — which includes European Parliament president — welcomed “efforts being me to avoid a -deal scenario, and huge negative impact it would have on citizens and businesses" but deplored London's refusal to consider an extension of transition period.

To prepare for a sudden exit on January 1, EU has proposed four contingency measures to make sure that at least air and ro traffic would continue between both sides as smooth as possible for next six months.

It also proposes that fishermen should still have access to each or's waters for up to a year, to limit commercial dam of a -deal split. plans depend on UK offering similar initiatives. 

(IM CREDITS:AP)