How will the Brexit trade talks work?

The scene has now been set for an almighty bust-up in the coming months, says Ashley Cowburn

UK ‘ready to walk away’ from discussions if no deal outline by June (Getty/iStock)

After several weeks of posturing, sabre-rattling and red-lines being constructed, in 24 hours the British government and the European Union will hold their first face-to-face negotiations since the UK severed its 47-year membership of the bloc.

Officials involved in the talks have the monumental task of thrashing out the future relationship and trading partnership between the two sides, but in recent days the prospect of a no-deal Brexit has been revived.

Under the terms of the 11-month transition period that began on 31 January, the UK is bound to the EU’s rules and will remain in the bloc’s customs union and single market. There are provisions to request an extension, but this must be agreed by 1 July, and Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted he will not sanction any extension.