Von der Leyen and Boris Johnson in emergency talks over Brexit trade deal

The UK side has accused Brussels of trying to introduce “new elements” into the talks at the eleventh hour putting the chances of a deal in jeopardy.

Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are to hold emergency talks. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are to hold emergency talks as negotiations on a post-Brexit trade deal go down to the wire.

With time for an agreement rapidly running out, the two sides’ chief negotiators announced on Friday they were putting the talks on “pause” to allow political leaders to take stock.