European Commission president ‘convinced’ UK-EU trade deal can still be done

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke to reporters about the post-Brexit trade talks Picture: Francisco Seco/AP

The European Commission chief has said she is “convinced” a trade deal remains possible with the UK but called Boris Johnson’s attempt to override the Brexit treaty an “unpleasant surprise”.

Ursula von der Leyen, in comments made to reporters on Thursday, said Downing Street’s controversial UK Internal Market Bill had “distracted very strongly” from the two sides being able to secure fresh trade terms before the looming deadline.