UK-EU negotiations will be tough, significant differences remain

Britain's negotiations with the European Union over its future relationship are going to be tough and significant differences remain in some areas, a government spokesman said on Thursday following the first round of talks. "We now have a good idea where both parties are coming from," the spokesman said in a statement.

"These are going to be tough negotiations ... In some areas there seems to be a degree of common understanding of how to take the talks forward. In other areas, such as fishing, governance, criminal justice and the so-called 'level playing field' issues there are, as expected, significant differences." The next round of talks are due to take place in London on March 18.