MPs have again raised concerns there could be long delays along the M20 if a post-Brexit trade deal is not agreed - as negotiations continue into the weekend.

Downing Street and European Commission officials say talks are still ongoing, but that significant differences remain over fisheries and the so-called level playing field rules.

But with less than two weeks to the changeover, the Commons Brexit Committee has voiced its fears for the UK’s “overall state of readiness”.

In a report published today, it says decisions have been made “too late”, while communications with businesses have been “patchy at best”.

Committee chairman Hilary Benn said: “With just seven working days until the end of the transition period, significant concerns remain.

“At this late stage, the Government must be ready to implement contingency plans where necessary to mitigate the effects of any disruption.

“Failure to do so would mean the worst possible start to the new year for many people and businesses who are already experiencing the toughest of times.”

If no deal is reached by December 31, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin trading with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms – with the imposition of tariffs potentially leading to higher prices in stores.

Even with an agreement, there will be major changes at the border from January 1 with new customs checks - prompting fears of long delays if firms are not properly prepared for the new rules.

And Mr Benn says the Government has not provided businesses, traders and citizens with “certainty” about what would happen.

The European Parliament has been pressing for an agreement by Sunday so it can ratify any deal before the current Brexit transition period ends on December 31.

However, it is thought EU leaders could provisionally sign off on a deal if the talks go on beyond that point, with formal ratification taking place in the new year.

Meanwhile in the UK, MPs are on standby to return to Westminster from their Christmas break if an agreement can be struck in the final days of the year.

On Friday, both Boris Johnson and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier were playing down the prospects of a breakthrough.

The Prime Minister said the negotiations were proving “difficult” and called on the EU to “see sense” and to bring something new to the table.

Earlier Mr Barnier told the European Parliament that the talks were approaching the “moment of truth” and that the path to an agreement was “very narrow”.

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been delays on the M20 and on the A2 Jubilee Way, as lorries queue for Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover.

The disruption is continuing today. Follow our live travel blog for all the latest.

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