Date for fourth round of Brexit talks announced

The next round of Brexit negotiations will take place in the week of September 25, a week later than expected.

Reports from Brussels quoted EU sources as saying the delay was agreed to fit in with the UK’s political calendar, with a speech on the subject expected by Theresa May on September 21.

The fourth round of talks come less than a month before the crunch October 18 EU summit at which the remaining 27 member states will assess whether sufficient progress has been made to move on to discussions on the future trade partnership.

With Brussels figures voicing frustration at the lack of progress on the key issues surrounding the UK’s withdrawal from the EU – including the Irish border, citizens rights and the expected £50 billion “divorce bill” – Britain is pushing to move to continuous rolling talks.

Theresa May.