Business chiefs in the county are urging the government to persevere in the hope of securing a Brexit divorce deal.

It was announced at the weekend that talks would continue up until the end of the month - and the point the existing transition period comes to an end.

But businesses have been left in limbo - unable to plan with certainty as to what the future will hold.

The European Union’s lead negotiator Michel Barnier updated diplomats from the 27 member states this morning as talks continued on a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK.

The UK and EU refused to set a new deadline following a decision to continue discussions, but time is tight for a deal to be reached and approved by the end of the month when current arrangements expire.

There was fresh hope on the prospect of a deal after Boris Johnson and Europe’s top official Ursula von der Leyen agreed to “go the extra mile” and continue discussions beyond Sunday’s initial deadline.

For months the talks have been deadlocked on the issues of fishing rights and the “level playing field” to ensure that neither side can unfairly compete with the other on environmental standards, workers’ rights or state subsidies.

Mr Barnier confirmed that those remained the main issues, telling reporters in Brussels “two conditions are not met yet” but “this deal, it is still possible”.

Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: "If a few more hours or days makes the difference, keep going - and get an agreement that delivers clarity and certainty to businesses and trade on both sides.

"Businesses will need time and support to adjust in a New Year like no other - whatever the eventual outcome."

It comes at a time when businesses are already struggled to cope with the challenges posed by the health crisis.

The ongoing talks has fuelled speculation that Parliament may be forced to sit over the festive period to vote on any agreement.

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