Brexit trade deal appears close as deadline for agreement looms

Post Brexit trade deal appeared close between the UK and EU Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

The UK and Brussels appeared close to finally striking a post-Brexit trade deal on Wednesday as speculation mounted that both sides were poised to make an announcement.

Britain and the EU were understood to have made progress on their differences over fishing rights and “level playing field” mechanisms on competition issues as the clock ticked down to the December 31 deadline for the end of the Brexit transition period.