I am not at all clear why the EU is continually failing to name a latest date by which a trade deal can be done. Presume there is some logic, but I don't see it. Reality is 6 weeks is nothing like enough for scrutiny and implementation. Why won't anyone say this? https://twitter.com/FabianZuleeg/status/1327545264245252096

The broad outlines of the deal have been known since June. The fact we are waiting for a UK decision to go for this or not since September. These talks obviously need a deadline. Why will the EU not say what it is?

If I was a UK negotiator I could easily read the EU refusal to set a deadline as a suggestion of desperation to do a deal, just as EU negotiators think the UK might be desperate. Both would be wrong I think, but it shows these negotiations are right now in a bit of a mess.

I think this week really has to be the deadline for UK-EU talks. Otherwise how is anyone supposed to either scrutinise or prepare for January 1? https://twitter.com/jonworth/status/1327559343441653765

Detail is the wrong game right now for UK-EU talks. Both sides have to indicate that in principle they are or are not happy with the deal, typically known as a political agreement. That doesn't happen because the EU secure the right to catch more herring. https://twitter.com/BethRigby/status/1327557433456275456