FILE PHOTO: The Union Jack flags are seen above number 11 Downing street after Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London, Britain, March 27, 2020. REUTERS/Toby Melville

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will continue to engage constructively with the European Union in talks on a future relationship, but London is not willing to give up its rights as an independent state, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

The two sides will resume talks on Tuesday after Britains chief negotiator David Frost hosts his EU counterpart Michel Barnier for dinner later on Monday, but there has been little movement on the significant differences that divide them.

Britain left the EU in January and is in a status quo transition period until the end of the year, when some companies fear disruption if the two fail to secure a free trade deal.

Our position on our sovereignty, laws and fisheries is clear, we will not give up our rights as an independent state, the spokesman told reporters.

We will continue to engage constructively with the EU on these key issues and will work hard to reach the broad outline of an agreement, but as we have been clear all along we are not asking for a special, bespoke or unique deal.

Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by William James and Alistair Smout

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Britain will be constructive with EU in Brexit talks, says PM's spokesman - Reuters