UK-EU negotiations will be tough, significant differences remain - UK government spokesman

LONDON (Reuters) - 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.

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, editing by William James)