On Brexit, EU needs to accept UK is independent now, British source says

The European Union is slowing down Brexit trade negotiations and should understand that its demands on state aid and fishing are not compatible with Britain's status as an independent country, a British source close to the negotiations said.

"We have been clear from the start that we are seeking a relationship that respects our sovereignty and which has a free trade agreement at its core, similar to the one the EU has with Canada," the source said.

"We have also consistently tried to move discussions forwards but have been prevented from doing so by an EU which insists that everything must go at the pace of the most difficult issue," the source said.

"Their ask that we accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy is simply not compatible with our status as a fully independent country. The EU need to realise that what they’re asking for is at odds with what the British people voted for, twice, and not something we could accept."