Britain and the UK step up Brexit negotiations as Michel Barnier says he wants ‘common ground’ while Dominic Raab insists he is still ‘confident’ a deal can be done by October
Britain and the EU vowed to step up Brexit negotiations today amid warnings that the chances of a no-deal outcome are rising.
At a joint press conference in Brussels, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Michel Barnier declared that talks would be taking place ‘continuously’ from now on.
The EU negotiator said the talks were entering the ‘final stage’ and he wanted to find ‘common ground’, while Mr Raab said he was still ‘confident’ a settlement could be reached by October.
However, both politicians admitted there were still major differences that needed to be overcome before an agreement can be struck.
At a joint press conference, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Michel Barnier (pictured) declared that talks would be taking place ‘continuously’ from now on
Mr Barnier also appeared to play down the idea that the EU needs to make concessions, despite saying he would be ‘pragmatic’.
‘The UK is leaving the EU, not the other way round. The EU is based on principles, on values, on laws,’ he said.
Mr Barnier said an agreement had to come quickly, suggesting it could happen by the ‘beginning of November but not much later than that’.
Mr Raab said he knew ‘how committed’ Mr Barnier was to finding a way through the impasse.
‘If we have that ambition … I am confident we can reach the agreement in October,’ he said.
Mr Raab said he knew ‘how committed’ Mr Barnier was to finding a way through the impasse
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