Boris Johnson ‘pretty optimistic’ about Brexit trade deal as UK and EU take stock on talks

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

Boris Johnson said he is “pretty optimistic” about striking a trade deal with the European Union as he prepares to discuss progress in the talks with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

The British Prime Minister is due to take stock of the negotiations in a conference call with Ms von der Leyen on Saturday following the final scheduled round of talks between Brussels and the UK this week.