PM Johnson: 'Situation At The Moment Is Very Tricky'

BBC's Nick Eardley tweets comments from UK PM Boris Johnson on Brexit talks:

• "I'm always hopeful... but I've got to be honest with you the situation at the moment is very tricky"
• "You've got to be optimistic, you've got to believe there's the power of sweet reason.... but I've got to tell you it's looking very difficult at the moment"

It was announced last night that Johnson will travel to Brussels at some point this week (most likely Wednesday) to try to reach an agreement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

• Initially some optimism that the in-person meeting could be setting up an opportunity for a final dramatic agreement where both sides can claim 'victory'. However, with the seemingly major divisions still evident on the three key issues (fisheries, governance, LPF) there remains the notable prospect of no deal being reached.