Lord Frost said that the discussions were “constructive” and “conducted in a good spirit”. He noted that in many areas, although differences remain, “the outlines of an agreement are visible”, particularly in most of the core areas of a trade and economic agreement, notably trade in goods and services, transport, energy, social security, and participation in EU programmes. However, he said, this has been “true for some time”.

Lord Frost said he was also “encouraged” that progress had been possible on a law enforcement agreement and that there had been convergence on the structure of the overall partnership. However, he noted that in other areas “familiar differences remain”. On the level playing field, including subsidy policy, the parties continue to seek an agreement that “ensures our ability to set our own laws in the UK without constraints that go beyond those appropriate to a free trade agreement”. Lord Frost said that there had in fact been “some limited progress” in this area, but that the EU needed “to move further before an understanding can be reached”. On fisheries, Lord Frost said that the gap between the parties was “unfortunately very large” and that, “without further realism and flexibility from the EU”, risks being “impossible to bridge”. Lord Frost added that these issues are “fundamental to our future status as an independent country”.

Lord Frost also expressed concern at the little time remaining before the European Council on 15 October. He concluded that “we continue to be fully committed to working hard to find solutions, if they are there to be found”. To read the statement in full, click here.