Source : Deloitte

This Week’s Top Five:

• Trade negotiations have been ongoing all week between the UK and EU, with both sides sticking to their red lines. According to press reports, chances of a deal began to recede later in the week. Talks are set to continue over the weekend, and into next week.
• European Council President, Charles Michel spoke at a news conference today and said “in order to make a deal, we need agreement on both sides”. Michel added “we want a deal, but not at any cost” and for the European Union “the question of the level playing field is key”. French European Affairs Minister, Clement Beaune also told Europe 1 radio “if there’s a deal that isn’t a good one, we’d oppose it”.
• On Tuesday the UK government opened the new points-based immigration system which will allow businesses to “recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe”. Home Secretary Priti Patel said “this simple, effective and flexible system will ensure employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, whilst also encouraging employers to train and invest in the UK’s workforce.”
• On Wednesday, a report published by the Public Accounts Committee says “there are still significant risks to the country being ready for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020”. Evidence from the report suggests that from 1 January 2021 “we face serious disruption and delay at the short Channel crossings”. The same report stated that 36% of SMEs were still expecting an extension to the transition period.
• Following a televised news conference between Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and French President Emmanuel Macron, De Croo tweeted “a good Brexit deal means a level playing field between the EU and the UK. The integrity of the single market is non-negotiable.”