Where are we and what does it mean for business?
With slow progress over the summer, and less than 100 days to go until the end of the transition period on 31 December, it was always likely that the negotiations would hit a crunch point in Autumn. The publication of the UK Internal Market Bill (IMB) in September heightened tensions between the two sides as they head into the final month of negotiations.
A non-negotiated outcome later this year remains a real possibility. But despite the fire and fury of the past few weeks, both sides remain committed to negotiating a deal. While the publication of the internal markets bill was met with dismay in Europe, behind the scenes the mood is more measured. While in London the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet have stood at the dispatch box and insisted a deal remains their priority.
However, the timelines remain extremely tight with little room for error on e