UK PM spokesman: There remains some distance between UK and EU

Pleased that EU has agreed position on Brexit transition

A UK spokesman to Prime Minister May is on the wires saying:

• There remains some distance between UK and EU on more than one transition deal issue
• Pleased EU has agreed position on Brexit transition, it is well aligned with UK stands

Barnier meanwhile is lobbing back with:

• Will need time to ratify Brexit treaty before March 29, 2019
• Still aimed to have Brexit treaty text in October
• EU understands UK must discuss trade deals with other states quickly