Web meetings may replace the negotiating tables when the EU and the UK resume talks on trade, fisheries and other cooperation after Brexit.

This week's round was started by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and British colleague David Frost on Monday, followed by three days of long morning and afternoon sessions for the various negotiating groups.

"To achieve real and tangible progress in June," said in a joint statement last week.

"We say no"

Britain formally left the EU on 31 January, but is subject to transitional rules until 31 December this year. Unless the parties can agree beforehand on trade rules and the like, there is a risk of a "hard" Brexit, with tough customs limits and controls.

The British do not want to extend the negotiation period, although the corona pandemic has created a considerable delay.

“We will not ask for an extension. If the EU asks us to, we say no. An extension will only drag on the negotiations, create even more uncertainty, allow us to pay more to the EU in the future and stick to EU laws in a situation when we need to be able to control our own affairs, ”Frost wrote on Twitter last week.

Scottish dissatisfaction

In much more EU-friendly Scotland, the dissatisfaction is great. Ask for more time - and talk to us in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well, calling on the Edinburgh regional government and calling the British government's attitude "reckless".

"The Scottish economy cannot afford a double knock in the form of covid-19 and a contractless exit, or at best a hard Brexit deal, in just nine months," Scottish Union Minister Michael Russell wrote in a statement on Monday .