Brexit breakthrough as EU’s leaders are set to ‘enter the tunnel’ over deal
BORIS Johnson last night insisted that “a way forward” could be found to a Brexit deal following a dramatic escalation in talks between the UK and the EU.
In signs of a possible breakthrough, EU leaders gave the bloc’s negotiators the go-ahead to begin intensive discussions this weekend.
They are expected to “enter the tunnel”, diplomatic jargon for the final phase of discussions where officials are allowed to work roundthe-clock
with freedom to engage on all outstanding issues, today.
Mr Johnson yesterday said the package being worked on by negotiators would ensure “the entire UK, including Northern Ireland” could enjoy the full benefits of Brexit.
But the Prime Minister declined to comment on suggestions that the deal could leave Northern Ireland at least temporarily tied into EU customs links.
He confirmed he had “a good conversation” with Irish premier Leo Varadkar during their meeting on the Wirral in Cheshire on Thursday that appeared to break the deadlock.
“I think both of us can see a pathway to a deal, but that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal.There’s a way to go,” the Prime Minister said. “It’s important now our negotiators on both sides get into proper talks about how to sort this thing out.
“If they can’t, then we have to be ready, as this country is and will be, to come out with no deal if we absolutely have to.
“But in the meantime, of course we’re getting on with our priorities, the priorities of this government; funding our NHS properly, improving health care in this country and levelling up education provision
across the whole country.” Mr Johnson insisted he remained ready to pull the UK out of the EU without a deal on October 31 if the bloc failed to agree a deal.
“We are working very hard to get a deal. But I want to stress that if we can’t get a deal, if we can’t get the right way forward for the whole of the UK, Northern Ireland included, then clearly that will mean we will have to come out on a different terms, we will have to come without an agreement. So I think the best thing we can do now is let our negotiators get on with it and do their work,” he said.
He refused to confirm whether he had agreed further concessions to Dublin in the row over ensuring Ireland’s border with Northern Ireland remains free of border checks.
EU ambassadors, on behalf of the leaders of the 27 nations staying in the bloc after Brexit, gave the go-ahead for intense negotiations yesterday following a “constructive” meeting between EU Exit Secretary Stephen Barclay and chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
● Police have drafted new emergency laws to arrest foreign criminals if Britain leaves the EU without a deal.
People wanted for offences on the Continent will not be detained unless alternatives are found to the European Arrest Warrant. Senior officers hope the rules, drafted in the event of no-deal and designed to replicate current arrangements with the EU, will be outlined in the Queen’s Speech on Monday.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Martin said: “We could end up with the unenviable position where an officer has a person in front of them, someone wanted for burglary in France or something, and they can’t arrest them.”