This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50016853
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Brexit: EU gives go-ahead for 'more intense' talks | Brexit: EU gives go-ahead for 'more intense' talks |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| EU countries have given the go-ahead for more "intensified" Brexit talks to take place, the BBC has been told. | |
| This comes after a meeting between Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, described by both sides as "constructive". | This comes after a meeting between Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, described by both sides as "constructive". |
| The UK is due to leave the EU at 23:00 GMT on 31 October. | The UK is due to leave the EU at 23:00 GMT on 31 October. |
| A summit next week is seen as the last chance to agree a deal before the Brexit deadline. | |
| UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson put forward revised proposals for a deal last week, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit. | |
| BBC Brussels correspondent Adam Fleming said it was "not clear" how the forthcoming talks were going to be described, but "some form of intensified negotiations" would take place. | |
| He added that, although there would be a "measure of confidentiality", EU states would still be briefed on any developments. | |
| Following his "technical" discussion with Mr Barclay in Brussels, Mr Barnier told reporters: "Be patient." | Following his "technical" discussion with Mr Barclay in Brussels, Mr Barnier told reporters: "Be patient." |
| He added: "Brexit is like climbing a mountain. We need vigilance, determination and patience." | He added: "Brexit is like climbing a mountain. We need vigilance, determination and patience." |
| Earlier this week, several senior EU figures played down the chances of Brexit happening with a deal agreed to by both sides. | Earlier this week, several senior EU figures played down the chances of Brexit happening with a deal agreed to by both sides. |
| But on Thursday, Mr Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar held a one-to-one discussion - described by both as "very positive and very promising". | But on Thursday, Mr Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar held a one-to-one discussion - described by both as "very positive and very promising". |
| Mr Varadkar said talks were at a "very sensitive stage" but he was now "convinced" the UK wanted a deal, adding: "I do see a pathway towards an agreement in the coming weeks." | Mr Varadkar said talks were at a "very sensitive stage" but he was now "convinced" the UK wanted a deal, adding: "I do see a pathway towards an agreement in the coming weeks." |
| What are the PM's border plans? | |
| Under Mr Johnson's proposals, which he calls a "broad landing zone" for a new deal with the EU: | |
| With less than three weeks to go until the Brexit deadline, Mr Johnson continues to insist the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal at the end of the month. | With less than three weeks to go until the Brexit deadline, Mr Johnson continues to insist the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal at the end of the month. |
| That is despite the so-called Benn Act - passed by MPs last month - demanding he request a delay to the Article 50 deadline from the EU until January 2020 if a deal, or a no-deal exit, has not been approved by Parliament before 19 October. | |
| Should any new deal be reached between the EU and UK, it will still have to be approved by MPs, as well as the European Parliament. |