EU Gives UK Fishing Ultimatum as Condition for Brexit Deal

In a speech to the European Parliament on Friday,  European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier gave a stark assessment of the ultimatum the EU is giving to the British: access to the EU's single market will be conditional on keeping British fishing waters open to boats from the bloc.

That puts him on collision course with UK PM Johnson, who said on Thursday the negotiations will fail unless the EU softens what he called its "not reasonable" stance on fish.

British negotiator issued a statement on Thursday night describing the talks as "blocked," but Barnier said a deal could be struck if both sides make "a real effort."

Johnson said on Thursday the negotiations will fail unless the EU softens what he called its "not reasonable" stance on fish.

"If the U.K. wants to cut access to these waters for European fishermen, at any given time, then the EU also has to maintain its sovereign right to react or to compensate by adjusting the conditions for products, and notably fisheries products, to the single market," Barnier said.

The fishing industry has a minimal economic impact -- it accounts for just 0.1% of U.K. gross domestic product -- but is of high political significance, with Johnson's government seeing it as a symbol of national sovereignty.

By linking fishing to trade, the EU is betting that the U.K. will grant European boats better access to its waters in return for being able to do business with the bloc in other areas.

 "We're at the moment of truth," Barnier told the European Parliament. "We have very few hours left if we want an agreement."

Amid the rhetoric, officials in Brussels expressed confidence that a deal could still be struck before next week. Behind the scenes, the talks are progressing,...