The UK government has said talks with the EU on reaching a post-Brexit trade deal have reached a "critical stage".

(RTE)

With time running out, the two sides are still arguing over fishing rights and business competition rules.

Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen have been discussing the state of negotiations - their second phone call in 48 hours.

The EU mood was described as "gloomy", while the UK said it was still "working to get" an agreement in place.

If a deal is not reached and ratified by 31 December, the UK and EU could introduce import charges on each other's goods.

The phone call between the UK prime minster and European Commission president is reported to have lasted for 90 minutes, but neither side has yet to release a statement on what was discussed.

(Financial Times)

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart Lord Frost are still locked in talks.

Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt told the House of Commons: "We are at a critical moment in the negotiations."

She added: "We are all working to get a deal, but the only way that's possible is if it's compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our country's trade and waters."

The UK was prepared to walk away from negotiations if the EU could not "find compromises", Ms Mordaunt said.

Asked when the cut-off point for a deal was, a European Commission spokesman said: "We are not going to speculate on a last-chance date.

"We are fully committed to substantial negotiations. We've always said and continue to say it's the substance that prevails over timing."

Earlier, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney described the EU negotiating team's frame of mind as "gloomy" and "downbeat".

(Lupni.com/BBC)