British politicians have reacted with concern at the lack of a breakthrough in negotiations on a trade deal with the EU.
The opposition is already pointing an accusing finger at Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He flew to Brussels on Wednesday for a working dinner with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The talks between the two leaders were seen as an attempt to get the stalled talks going, but little progress appears to have been made. Angela Rayner of the British opposition Labor party complained that Johnson already promised his countrymen a deal a year ago.
“The inability to close the deal he promised is entirely his credit,” the left-wing politician said, according to the BBC.
Johnson indeed suggested last year that a deal was ready, but says himself that he has already delivered it. He is referring to the withdrawal agreement that has been concluded with Brussels.
In it, the United Kingdom and the EU made agreements about the Brexit, which took place earlier this year. Talks are now being held about a possible trade agreement.
The Scottish SNP party is also unhappy about the lack of progress. “Failure to reach a deal would mean an enormous diplomatic and leadership failure,” concluded MP Ian Blackford, party leader in the British House of Commons.
“Boris Johnson has to take responsibility for that.”
Conservative Brexiter John Baron stood up for his political leader. He said it was commendable that Johnson was “holding his ground” and not trying to compromise quickly. “We all want a deal, but it has to be a good deal. Because as we have often said: no deal is better than a bad deal.”