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Bookies’ odds of a Brexit deal shorten to 70% as UK and EU continue crunch trade talks

Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen have been trying to break the deadlock

Wednesday 23 December 2020 at 13:58

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been in close contact, hoping to secure a deal before Christmas
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been in close contact, hoping to secure a deal before Christmas Photo: Andrew Parsons/No10 Downing St

The odds on the UK and EU striking a trade deal by the end of the year have shortened to 70% as the two sides push for a pre-Christmas accord.

The chance of a trade deal going through this year has increased to 70% on 23 December, from 65% on 22 December and 58% on 21 December, according to betting exchange Smarkets.