The EU’s chief negotiator believes a Brexit deal is “still possible this week” as he returned to “intense” discussions with UK officials.

Speaking on his arrival at a gathering of EU ministers in Luxembourg this morning, where Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will also be present, EU negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters: “Our team are working hard.”

“This work has been intense all over the weekend and yesterday.

“Because, even if an agreement will be difficult – more and more difficult, to be frank – it is still possible this week.”

Mr Barnier added: “Reaching an agreement is still possible. Obviously any agreement must work for everyone – the whole of the UK and the whole of the EU.

“It is high time to turn good intentions into a legal text.”

If a legal text on a Brexit deal is agreed by negotiators this week, it could be signed off by EU leaders at a Brussels summit on Thursday and Friday, with MPs possibly being given a vote on an agreement as early as Saturday.

Mr Barnier’s assessment of the state of Brexit talks contrasted with Finland Prime Minister Antti Rinne’s view on Monday.

Mr Rinne, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, claimed “there is no time in a practical or legal way to find an agreement before the EU Council meeting,” adding: “We need more time.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was told he will find it “very, very challenging” to get a Brexit deal through parliament before the current 31 October deadline.

Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, the runner-up to Mr Johnson in this year’s Conservative Party leadership contest, poured cold water on the prime minister’s vow to “get Brexit done” by Halloween.

He also raised the possibility of Brexit being delayed by “a few extra days”, as he had suggested in his leadership campaign, in order for the House of Commons to agree the terms of the UK’s departure.

Asked if a Brexit deal could be passed by MPs by 31 October, Mr Hunt told Sky News’ Kay Burley@Breakfast show: “It would be very, very challenging, I don’t want to say it’s going to be easy, but I think it’s not impossible.

“If we get a deal, people will heave a sigh of relief.

“And, frankly, if we need a few extra days beyond 31 Odctober, I don’t think the 52% who voted Leave are going to mind provided we are properly on our way.”

Reflecting on his defeated leadership campaign, Mr Hunt said: “Of course, in some ways, it’s frustrating not to be close to the action now, but – I think like everyone – I’m really just hoping upon hope that Boris now succeeds.

“Everyone is just fed up with Brexit, they want it sorted.”

He also described Mr Johnson’s chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, as a “terrier” and someone who is “very, very determined to get the job done and has a particular set of qualities to bring, but is going to break a lot of china along the way”.

“If, in the end, he succeeds in getting us out of the EU with a deal – and this is now looking more possible than anyone might have thought – if he succeeds then people will say it was a very inspired appointment,” Mr Hunt added.

Downing Street revealed a cabinet meeting due to be held today has been moved to Wednesday in order to allow ministers to recieve a more detailed update on Brexit negotiations.

More follows…

Source: Read Full Article