The UKneeds to be more "realistic and pragmatic" in Brexit negotiations with the European Union, Germany's European affairs minister told AFP in an interview.

Expressing deep disappointment over deadlocked negotiations over Britain's future relationship with the bloc, Michael Roth said he was "disappointed that London is shifting further and further away from the political declaration agreed between us as a reliable basis for negotiations".

"I would like those responsible in London to be more realistic and pragmatic. The Brits are known for the latter," he said.

More than four years after the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU, and after tortuous divorce talks, the two sides are negotiating on all aspects of their ties, from trade to security, from 2021 onwards.

The two key stumbling blocks are access to British fishing waters and the EU's demand that the UKtie itself closely to the bloc's state aid, labour and environmental standards to ensure it does not undercut the EU's single market with poor-quality goods.

The EU says a deal needs to be done by October to allow time for ratification by the end of the year.

Both sides have said the talks may be stalling.

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Germany urges UK to be more 'realistic' over Brexit - RTE.ie