UK says Brexit deal 'almost within touching distance'

Published November 13, 2018
Prime Minister Theresa May's deputy says Britain and the European Union are "almost within touching distance" of a Brexit deal after another late-night negotiating session. — AFP/File photo
Prime Minister Theresa May's deputy says Britain and the European Union are "almost within touching distance" of a Brexit deal after another late-night negotiating session. — AFP/File photo

Prime Minister Theresa May's deputy says Britain and the European Union are "almost within touching distance" of a Brexit deal after another late-night negotiating session.

Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington says it's "possible but not at all definite" that the two sides can reach agreement this week.

Britain wants to seal a deal this fall, so that Parliament has time to vote on it before the United Kingdom leaves the bloc on March 29.

The European Parliament also has to approve any agreement.

Negotiators have been meeting late into the night in Brussels in a bid to close the remaining gaps.

May's cabinet is meeting on Tuesday for an update.

Differences remain between Britain and the bloc over how to ensure the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland remains open after Brexit.

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.
Concerning measures
Updated 03 Nov, 2024

Concerning measures

The govt must seek political input and consensus on the changes it is seeking to make and be open about its intentions.
Short-lived relief?
03 Nov, 2024

Short-lived relief?

POLICYMAKERS must be jumping with joy. At the close of the first quarter of FY25, the budget posted a consolidated...
Brisk spread
03 Nov, 2024

Brisk spread

THE surge in polio cases has reached distressing levels with a tally of 45 last reported, after two cases emerged in...