Boris Johnson has admitted that “substantial differences” remain in trade talks over a post-Brexit deal with the EU.

“Clearly there are substantial and important differences still to be bridged but we’re getting on with it,” Mr Johnson told reporters.

“The likelihood of a deal is very much determined by our friends and partners in the EU – there’s a deal there to be done if they want to do it.”

There are “only a few days left” for UK trade talks to succeed, an EU diplomat has told Reuters, adding that British officials need to budge quickly to break the deadlock over long-standing issues.

“The gaps on level playing field, governance and fisheries remain large,” the diplomat said following a briefing by Michel Barnier.

“Without London taking the necessary decisions quickly, reaching a deal will be all but impossible. Time is running out quickly. There are only a few days left for further negotiations.”

A post-Brexit trade deal is still possible in terms of time but the question remains whether either side is willing to compromise over long-standing issues, according to the BBC’s Katya Adler.

Labour has announced the appointment of Jane Ramsey as a senior advisor on standards and ethics to work on implementing the recommendations of the EHRC’s report on antisemitism in the party.

Ms Ramsey, who is described as an expert on standards in public and political life, will work on establishing an independent complaints procedure for the party to deal with issues of racism, antisemitism and other forms of harassment and discrimination.

“I am delighted that Jane is leading our party’s implementation of the EHRC’s recommendations,” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement.

“Jane brings a wealth of experience to this role. I have every confidence she will ensure the party’s new, independent complaints process is put in place as a matter of urgency.”

Labour’s shadow justice secretary David Lammy has also criticised the Home Office today over the planned deportations, writing on Twitter that the government was treating Windrush victims “with contempt”.

Prominent public figures, including supermodel Naomi Campbell and actress Thandie Newton, have called on airlines to not operate a mass deportation flight to Jamaica planned by the government for next week.

In an open letter, addressed to the bosses of multiple airlines including Hi Fly, Titan Airways and TUI UK and Ireland, more than 90 high-profile figures, campaigners and activists have urged the companies to decline to operate the planned 2 December flight.

They are also calling for a pause on the operation of future deportation flights to Commonwealth countries.

The letter, which includes actress Naomie Harris and former Metropolitan Police superintendent Leroy Logan among its signatories, says the planned deportation of “up to 50 people” risks the “unlawful and wrongful removal of people who have the right to remain in the UK”.

The government said those on board the flight would include “dangerous foreign criminals” – including convicted rapists and murderers – and claimed none of the offenders were eligible for the Windrush Scheme.

It comes after a report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) this week found the Home Office had failed to comply with equality law when implementing its “hostile environment” immigration measures, which contributed to the Windrush scandal.

According to the authors of the letter, the report’s findings “call into question the Home Office’s competency to deal with the continuing injustices it has created.”

The UK and EU are no closer to avoiding a no-deal Brexit as they prepare for another round of face-to-face trade talks, Michel Barnier has warned.

Brussels’ chief negotiator said the “same significant divergences persist” ahead of arriving in London – with just 35 days left to avoid huge disruption and damage at the end of the transition period.

Our deputy political editor, Rob Merrick, has the full story below:

You can find a warning below from hotelier Bill Wolsey on the dire situation for businesses in Northern Ireland as the UK heads towards the end of the transition period:

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has told a closed-door meeting for national diplomats in the bloc that he is not able to say yet whether a Brexit trade deal with the UK will be ready in time, according to a Reuters source.

Mr Barnier will travel to London later today to continue negotiations with the UK following the end of his self-isolation after a colleague tested positive for coronavirus.

“In line with Belgian rules, my team and I are no longer in quarantine. Physical negotiations can continue,” he said.

“Travelling to London this evening to continue talks.”