Brexit talks began again today as the coronavirus crisis triggered fresh calls for a delay.
The Government has until December 31 to strike a trade deal with Brussels – and progress must be made by the end of June.
No10 has insisted it will not accept an extension to the 11-month transition, which started when the UK formally left the EU on January 31.
British chief negotiator David Frost and European counterpart Michel Barnier talked via video link.
Downing Street expects the week-long negotiations to be “constructive” with the “aim of making progress” ahead of a high-level meeting in June to review the situation.
Topics include trade, transport, law enforcement, energy, governance, fisheries and social security.
The next two rounds are scheduled for May 11 and June 1.
Anti-Brexit campaigners stepped up calls for the December deadline to be delayed.
Best for Britain’s Naomi Smith said: “Right now there is no bigger priority than coronavirus.
“Nothing should distract the Government’s attention.”
The Scottish Government’s Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said: “Instead of its reckless decision to pursue a hard Brexit in the middle of this unprecedented crisis, the UK Government should today be asking the EU for the maximum two-year extension to the transition period.”
But the PM’s spokesman said: “It is a matter of UK law that we will be leaving on December 31, 2020.”
