News / UK and world by Press Association October 15, 2018, 12:53 pm Updated: October 15, 2018, 12:55 pm FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmail Sign up to our Daily newsletter Downing Street has insisted that the Prime Minister remains “confident” of getting a Brexit deal, despite the failure to bridge differences over the future of the Irish border ahead of this week’s crunch summit. Theresa May is set to address MPs in the House of Commons on the state of Brexit negotiations on Monday afternoon after talks over the weekend failed to produce the hoped-for breakthrough on the so-called “backstop” arrangements for Ireland. The impasse means that meetings between “sherpas” in Brussels have been cancelled, and UK Government ministers will have no withdrawal plan to approve at Cabinet on Tuesday, before Mrs May travels to the European Council summit the following day. European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said: … [Read more...] about Downing Street ‘confident’ of Brexit deal despite Irish border impasse
Brexit
What may happen in critical week for Brexit
It's crunch time for Brexit and Theresa May's leadership and this week could bring resignations, leadership crises, or a last-minute deal. He is what may happen... :: A deal is doneDowning Street is still cautiously confident that a deal will be struck which is acceptable to both Brussels and Mrs May's cabinet.EU negotiations famously go down to the wire, and the prime minister will have a final chance to persuade the 27 leaders into a compromise on Wednesday night.On Monday morning, ministers were still holding the line that it will "all be alright on the night", with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt saying "with goodwill on all sides, we can get there" - but maybe not this month, he conceded. The latest British proposals for the Northern Irish "backstop" - the main sticking point in the negotiations - have not been published, but compromise on both sides will be required.If a way forward is found, the withdrawal agreement could be finalised on Thursday, signed at a special EU summit … [Read more...] about What may happen in critical week for Brexit
Corbynistas including Lily Allen claim the Royal Baby is a Brexit conspiracy
MEGHAN Markle's pregnancy was announced this morning to distract from Brexit negotiations, Jeremy Corbyn's hardcore fans including Lily Allen have bizarrely claimed. The singer joined Labour supporters on pro-Corbyn Facebook groups this morning to claim the happy news that Prince Harry's wife Meghan was pregnant was all part of an ongoing conspiracy. Allen wrote on Twitter this morning: "That should take the heat off #BrexitShambles for a week. Well played everyone." And Corbynistas were already in full flow with conspiracy theories. Giles Blower posted in one popular group supporting the Labour leader: "[...] The royals have agreed to coincide a royal 'big news' announcement at any time when the Tories are in deep s***. "I made this point back in April just after Philip's ill health had twice coincided with a Brexit deadline and then Harry and Megan's wedding announcement. "And this week when Brexit is going to s*** in a hand cart, guess what???? [...] Meghan's caught for a sprog … [Read more...] about Corbynistas including Lily Allen claim the Royal Baby is a Brexit conspiracy
Nigel Dodds says Brexit stand-off ‘turning into a battle for the Union itself’
The deadlock in the Brexit negotiations over the Irish border issue is turning into a battle for the Union itself, the DUP’s deputy leader has said. Speaking on the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster radio programme this morning, Nigel Dodds MP reiterated his party’s position that the EU’s insistence on a Northern Ireland-only backstop to prevent a return to a hard border is unacceptable. And he stressed that no British government or Prime Minister could ever accept a backstop that would break up the United Kingdom.With talks continuing this week in a bid to find a way forward on the complex border issue, Mr Dodds accused EU negotiators of “arrogance” and said he hopes the now very real prospect of a no-deal Brexit will help them realise the British government is serious about its stand.“I do hope that the prospect of a no-deal will actually force negotiators to realise on the EU side that the British government is serious, that we’re serious, … [Read more...] about Nigel Dodds says Brexit stand-off ‘turning into a battle for the Union itself’
Theresa May seeks to give Brexit update after talks break down
Theresa May is expected to give an update on Brexit negotations this afternoon, a day after high level talks between the UK and EU broke down after little more than an hour. The prime minister is looking to reassure her minority government partners the DUP a proposed "backstop" keeping Northern Ireland in a customs union with the EU to avoid a hard border would be time-limited."We need to be able to look the British people in the eye and say the backstop is a temporary solution," her spokesman said on Monday.She is expected to make a statement in the Commons this afterrnon, after pressure to explain why Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab was rushed to Brussels last night.More follows... … [Read more...] about Theresa May seeks to give Brexit update after talks break down