UK, EU under pressure to strike trade deal, but several issues impede agreement

London

THE pressure is on for the European Union and the United Kingdom to strike a trade deal. In particular, the UK is under stress because of the deterioration in relations with China.

Following weeks of Zoom meetings, EU and UK negotiating teams are meeting face to face this week. Differences remain but there are signs of compromise.

The UK and EU are both surfacing from the worst quarterly economic downturn since World War II and the motor industry, tourism and other service industries have been especially damaged.

Since the public is still concerned about Covid-19 and nations such as Germany are experiencing a second wave, the fear is that economic recoveries won't be long-lasting.

There is thus considerable frustration in the UK and European business and financial communities that the talks are dragging on. The UK is currently in the final stages as a transitory member of…