Michel Barnier accuses Boris Johnson of 'backtracking' in scathing attack as he warns time is running out for post-Brexit deal

Michel Barnier has launched a scathing criticism of Boris Johnson for “backtracking” on past promises and warned time is running out before Britain plunges out of the single market without a trade deal.

In a press conference on Friday, Mr Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, lambasted the lack of progress in talks and said: “I do not think we can go on like this for ever.”

He claimed the UK was breaching the political declaration agreed by Mr Johnson last year that set out possible terms including the EU’s “level playing field” rules for fair competition.

“We will not accept this backtracking on the political declaration,” he charged.

The attack came after the end of the fourth round of post-Brexit talks on future relations which took place between officials this week.

Britain is demanding the EU drop demands including for fishing quotas and for the European Court to have a role in umpiring trade disputes.

Speaking after a week of talks with Mr Johnson’s negotiator David Frost, Mr Barnier made clear there was a risk of talks ending without a deal.

Bemoaning the “lack of progress” in the talks, the EU chief negotiator said: “My responsibility is to speak to truth and to tell the truth: this week there have been no significant areas of progress.

“On fisheries the UK have not shown any true will to explore other approaches beyond zonal attachment for the sharing of quotas.

“They continue to condition access to waters to an annual negotiation which is not possible for us - not even technically possible.”

On the alleged backtracking he went on: “We must stick to our commitments if we want to move forward. We engaged in this negotiation on the basis of a joint political declaration... This document is available in all languages, including English. It is not difficult to read.”

“This was negotiated with Boris Johnson himself.”

He said there were effectively just five months left to draw up a legal agreement that could be passed before Mr Johnson’s December 31 deadline for exiting the EU single market and customs union and other agreements.

EU states were “very firm” that they would not compromise on the level playing field rules, which he said underpinned hundreds of thousands of jobs.

He told a Brussels press conference that the negotiating teams were still “very far” from reaching agreement on the level playing field, nuclear safety, and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding.

He said “round after round” the UK had sought “to distance themselves” from the political declaration agreed by the EU and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“In all areas, the UK continues to backtrack under commitments undertaken in the political declaration, including on fisheries,” Mr Barnier said.

“We cannot and will not accept this backtracking on the political declaration.”

The two sides are due to have a stock-taking pause now to decide whether it is worth carrying on with talks towards a possible deal covering trade and other aspects of the relationship, including defence.

Mr Barnier said the 27 remaining states would “request the full observance” of the withdrawal agreement, which has legal force. He said the political declaration, which lacks legal force, should be reflected in any deal.

The EU hoped to restart the negotiations at the end of June, said Mr Barnier - hopefully without the need for social distancing. “I also hope we’ll be able to start meeting face-to-face again by the end of June which is when the next time-line is supposed to be. I think it will work better, it’ll be more effective and easier.”

In a statement from London, Mr Johnson’s chief negotiator said: “Progress remains limited but our talks have been positive in tone. Negotiations will continue and we remain committed to a successful outcome.”

Despite the downbeat assessments from both sides, UK officials are still hopeful that the EU will tone down its demands and that a compromise can be struck.

Mr Frost went on: “We are now at an important moment for these talks. “

He said the system of “remote” negotiations due to coronavirus had hampered progress. “We are close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve through the format of remote formal Rounds,” he said.

“If we are to make progress, it is clear that we must intensify and accelerate our work.”