UK government says Cummings’ departure will not affect talks on EU trade deal

Talks on a free trade agreement are due to resume next week in Brussels (Steve Parsons/PA)

The British government has insisted there will be no softening of the UK’s position on a post-Brexit trade deal with Brussels with the departure of Dominic Cummings from No 10.

The UK Prime Minister’s official spokesman acknowledged time was “in short supply” if they were to get an agreement before the Brexit transition period expires at the end of the year.