London, November 7

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the head of the European Union’s executive arm agreed to stay in contact as their negotiating teams step up efforts to conclude a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the European Union.

With less than two months to go before the UK exits the EU’s economic orbit, a spokesman at Johnson’s Downing Street office said the negotiating teams would “redouble efforts to reach a deal” when talks resume in London on Monday.

The spokesman said Johnson told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a Saturday telephone call that “significant differences” remain despite “some progress” in the negotiators’ recent discussions.

In a similar sounding statement, Von der Leyen noted some progress as well as “large differences” in the trade talks, adding that the negotiating teams will “continue working hard” to secure a deal.

Both sides said the main issues at hand related to a so-called “level playing field” governing business regulations and fisheries. — Agencies