UK, EU working hard for trade deal, differences remain, says UK official

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain is working hard to reach a deal with the European Union which fully respects the country's sovereignty but there are significant differences and time is in very short supply, an official from the prime minister's office said on Tuesday.

Some media have reported that a deal could be agreed next week if the two sides are able to bridge the gaps in their positions, but so far officials say two outstanding issues on fair competition guarantees and fisheries are still problematic.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Michael Holden)