Chief EU negotiator with the UK Michel Barnier...>

EU: Chief EU negotiator with the UK Michel Barnier delivers his first press

conference following the initial FTA meeting between EU and UK officials.

- Main concern from the EU immediately appears to be UK's commitment to the

withdrawal agreement and in particular the protocol surrounding Northern

Ireland. 

- Barnier "we agreed with UK to avoid unfair competitive advantage...keep high

standards."

- Also major concerns surrounding security, but UK did not want to discuss

foreign policy and defence in 2st round of talks. 

- "Our differences come as no surprise, but some are very very difficult. Past

few days have been constructive."

- UK seems to have made clear it doesn't want any level-playing field provisions

in the deal. 

- Barnier says UK's stance on fisheries 'impractical' and a balance solution is

required.