A BREXIT deal between Britain and the EU is still possible this week, Michel Barnier insisted this morning.
The EU negotiator raised hopes that an agreement could be on the cards as he went to update ministers from across the block on the progress of talks.
Michel Barclay said a deal was possible ‘this week’
Negotiators have been working around the clock to try and come to an agreement ahead of this week’s crunch European Council summit on Thursday.
Boris Johnson wants to seal a deal that he can bring back for MPs to have a vote on on Saturday as the Commons gears up for a bumper session.
Mr Barnier said this morning: “This work has been intense all over the weekend and yesterday, because even if the agreement will be difficult, more and more difficult to be frank, it is still possible this week.”
He went on: “Reaching an agreement is still possible. Obviously any agreement must work for everyone, the whole of the UK and the whole of the EU.
“Let me add that it is also high time to turn good intentions into a legal text.”
It came as:
- Reports that the UK would table fresh legal proposals as early as this morning to push both sides closer to a deal.
- Senior DUP figures came to No10 last night for talks as Brexit discussions went on in Brussels
- Last night the Finnish PM said there wasn’t enough time left to seal an agreement ahead of Thursday
- No10 admitted a deal may not come in time for the summit, paving the way to a possible extension and a Parliament showdown on Saturday
Last night hopes were damped by Antti Rinne, whose country holds the rolling presidency of the EU.
He said: “I think there is no time in a practical or legal way to find an agreement before the EU council meeting. We need more time.”
If Boris doesn’t seal a deal in time for the summit, it’s unlikely he will have a proposal to put forward to MPs on Saturday.
Irish PM Leo Varadkarsdeputy Simon Coveneyraised the prospect of an emergency EU Council next week but only if the UK compromises further.
It came amid talk of a fudge that would see leaders sign off on a political deal before the 31st but leave the technical details for later.
The next 36 hours of talks are deemed to be crucial to crack a legal solution on customs and consent.
Crunch week for Brexit
TODAY:
Michel Barnier updates EU ministers on Brexit progress.
TOMORROW:
Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron set to meet ahead of the summit.
THURSDAY:
Boris Johnson and other EU leaders fly to Brussels for the European Council.
FRIDAY:
Day 2 of the summit where Boris hopes to have sealed a deal.
SATURDAY:
Commons set to sit on a Saturday for the first time in decades.
PM could bring back a deal for MPs to vote on.
Remainer MPs could try and push a vote on a second referendum.
No10 insisted there would still be time to pass the Withdrawal Act through Parliament if negotiations slip into next week as theyll force MPs to work through the night.
The PMs official spokesman added: The public would expect we work round the clock in order to pass that legislation in time for October 31.
This morning ex-Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said it was going to be “very difficult” but it was still possible to get a deal done.
“If we get a deal, people would heave a sigh of relief.”
But he added: “If we need a few extra days beyond October 31, I don’t think the 52 per cent who voted leave would mind as long as we are on our way.”
