Brexit negotiations intensified

Michel Barnier has promised to intensify Brexit negotiations with the UK as the two sides enter the final stages of talks over the UK’s planned exit from the EU next March.

“Negotiations are entering the final stage”, Mr Barnier, Brussels’ lead Brexit negotiator, said on Tuesday after his third meeting with Dominic Raab, his UK counterpart.

“The EU and UK will negotiate continuously from now on”, he added.

To watch the Press conference, click here: Barnier Raub Press Conference

The two men have agreed to meet in Brussels again next week as negotiators focus on such sticking points as the future of the Northern Ireland border.

“The EU will not let itself be cowed by this blame game.” Michel Barnier

Mr Barnier said on Tuesday that talks on the withdrawal agreement should be wrapped up “well before the end of the year, roughly October, perhaps several weeks later, but it cannot be much more later”.

When asked about the prospect of a “no deal” Brexit, Mr Barnier said: “The EU will not let itself be cowed by this blame game.”

Source: FT