That was the assessment from European Commission President Ursula von der Lion on Wednesday.

Britain and the EU are in a last ditch effort to agree terms to preserve trade flowing without tariffs or quotas from the start of 2021.

That's when London's transition out of the European Union is supposed to be completed.

The European Union is well prepared for a no deal scenario, but of course we prefer toe haven't agreement.

I fully trust in the skilful steer off our chief negotiator, Michel Barnier.

But one thing is clear.

Whatever the outcome there has to be and there will be a clear difference between being a full member off the union on being just a valued partner.

The head of the EU executive told the European Parliament that major gaps could still lead to a rough split and trade with Britain past December, the 31st and eventuality.

She said the block was prepared for with very little time ahead of us.

We will do all in our power to reach an agreement.

We're ready to be creative, but we're not ready to put into question the integrity off the single market.

It's just five weeks before current UK trading rules expire following Brexit Fonda.

Lien added that the contentious issues remain, dividing up fishing quotas and agreeing access toe waters, as well as finding ways to settle future disputes and ensuring economic fair play for companies.

On Tuesday, U.

S President elect Joe Biden also got involved, saying he did not want to see a guarded border between Ireland and the United Kingdom, adding that he had discussed the matter with the British prime minister and other European leaders.