Brexit adviser: ‘Transition period is not a given, let’s be very clear about that’

The senior adviser to chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said that a post-withdrawal transition period is "not a given" as he pointed to tensions between Brussels and London.

Speaking at an event in London, Stefaan De Rynck said the EU’s goal was to have a fully-written withdrawal treaty ready for ratification by October next year, but stressed many issues needed to be worked out in the tight timeframe and that Britain would not be allowed to pick and choose a "buffet" option.