Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaches out during a virtual press conference on the coronavirus pandemic at 10 Downing Street in central London, Nov 9, 2020.  (TOLGA AKMEN / POOL VIA AP)

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson repeated to his top ministers on Tuesday that the most likely outcome of post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union was no deal, but his team would still try to reach an agreement, his spokesman said.

During an update for his cabinet team, Johnson “re-emphasized the desire to reach a free trade agreement, but not at any cost, and reiterated any agreement must respect the independence and sovereignty of the UK”, the spokesman said.

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“The prime minister made clear that not being able to reach an agreement and ending the transition period on Australia-style terms remained the most likely outcome but committed to continuing to negotiate on the remaining areas of disagreement.”

Australia does not have a trade agreement with the EU.

Meanwhile, Germany’s ambassador to the European Union said on Tuesday that there is still a chance for a new UK trade deal to come together by the end of the week.

“It’s not over yet. There are still a few days ahead of us,” Michael Clauss told a panel discussion held by a Brussels think-tank. “There is still a chance for a deal by the end of the week.”

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