Brexit: What are the key stumbling blocks to an agreement?

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Brexit talks are continuing to stutter and stall but why are the EU and UK finding it so hard to reach an agreement?

In December 2019 Boris Johnson was elected with an overwhelming majority by the UK public to bring about Brexit, and he has been adamant that the country will leave the European Union with or without a deal.

Even the global economic crisis brought on by COVID-19 has not changed the UK government's stance that it will leave the EU at the end of this year.

It was argued that being tougher than Theresa May with the EU would help the UK get a better Brexit, and there is still time, but a summer of Europe in lockdown means time is running out.

The two sides need to have an agreement by the end of October to realistically be able to put a deal in place before Brexit finally happens at the start of 2021.

Michel Barnier admitted that there was little progress made during talks this week. /Yves Herman/AFP

With both sides wanting a deal, what is holding it back?

The seventh round of Brexit talks ended on Friday with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his opposite number David Frost admitting little progress was made.

There is significant disagreement over access to British fishing waters and the so-called level playing field where the UK is seeking access to the single market.

Another key area which is holding back a deal is over the use of state aid with the EU wanting the UK to follow guidelines on this to prevent unfair competition.

Failure to get a deal would leave the UK and EU trading with tariffs and quotas and bring an abrupt end to cooperation in a whole range of areas from policing to aviation.

An 11th-hour agreement cannot be ruled out – but with the clock ticking there remains plenty to be resolved.

Video: Riaz Jugon