Brexit talks to continue, but there are still gaps in governance

Brexit talks are set to continue between the UK and the EU as it was warned the two sides were still far apart on issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol. The first round of talks in Brussels last week was described as constructive by UK officials, which came after the EU proposed new measures earlier this month.

It is understood that while there was fundamental ground in some areas, there were still substantial gaps on what were seen as fundamental issues mainly surrounding governance. Sources close to the negotiations said real progress must be made soon and a process of endless negotiation must be avoided. But reports over Christmas crackers being delayed by the protocol was yet another practical example of the disruption caused by the agreement. A team from the European Commission is set to travel to London for several days of intensive discussions tomorrow.

Lord Frost and EU Commission Vice President Sefcovic are then due to meet in person in Westminster for talks at the end of the week. The two leaders will assess and take stock of progress so far. In a sign talks could end on a bitter note, a UK Government source said: The talks this week were constructive and we've heard some things from the EU that we can work with - but the reality is that we are still far apart on the big issues, especially governance. There's been plenty of speculation about governance this week, but our position remains unchanged: the role of the ECJ in resolving disputes between the UK and EU must end. READ MORE: Brexit Britain to get 1.4 BN boost - Rishi's foreign investment plan is a scam.

We need real progress soon rather than get stuck in a process of endless negotiation because the issues on the ground in Northern Ireland haven't gone away. Whether we're able to establish that momentum soon will help us determine if we can bridge the gap or if we need to use Article 16 to safeguard the Belfast Good Friday Agreement The protocol, which was agreed by the EU and UK to maintain a free-flowing land border on the island of Ireland, has created a series of economic barriers on the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Measures proposed by the EU would see an 80 percent reduction in checks for retail agri-food products arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Brexit LIVE: Angers as UK freezes out of 80 bn project LIVE BLOG UK 'not serious about science' as Rishi plots 22 bn fund CUT INSIGHT British expats face disaster over homes bought in Spain before Brexit ANALYSIS The proposed changes also remove the prospect of certain British produce, including Cumberland sausages, being banned from export to the region. The EU plan to ease the resultant trade friction also includes a 50 percent reduction in customs paperwork required. And more products and companies would be exempt from customs tariffs as a result of expanding trusted trader arrangements and a concept that differentiates between goods destined for Northern Ireland and those at risk of onward transportation into the Irish Republic. The EU has also offered to legislate to ensure no disruption to the supply line of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.