BREXIT DEAL ‘IS WITHIN REACH’
Eu chief hopeful ahead of talks
THE EU’S chief negotiator Michael Barnier has said a Brexit deal is “within reach”.
He also claimed there had been “good progress” in the talks and that 80% to 85% of the withdrawal agreement had been finalised.
Mr Barnier added: “An agreement is within reach for October 17, next Wednesday,”
He confirmed Brexit would trigger the need for customs, VAT and compliance checks with EU standards between the Republic and the North.
Yesterday Micheal Martin said a Brexit deal was possible next week.
The Fianna Fail chief was speaking after DUP leader Arlene Foster’s threat to bring down the Tories next week in a budget vote. Mr Martin said: “The international situation today is very tense and there are a series of events which could quickly reduce growth figures.
“Equally, it may well be that the impact of Brexit is already hitting not just individual firms but at an overall economy level. It is clear there will be a deal because a failure to reach a deal suits no one.
“A chaotic Brexit is a lose-lose outcome which is highly unlikely – though of course we must be ready.”
Democratic Unionist MPS who prop up Theresa May’s Government are preparing to vote against her Budget if the Prime Minister breaks their Brexit red lines.
The radical move is one of the options being considered by the DUP if attempts to nail down a deal with Brussels include any proposals that would leave the North being treated differently to the rest of the UK. Losing the party’s support would mean possible defeat on the budget and a no-confidence vote.
The development came as former foreign secretary Boris Johnson warned that a “backstop” arrangement for the North being negotiated by the Government would leave the UK “a permanent EU colony”.