Little sign of cross-party Brexit deal

Government and Labour Party negotiating teams will not meet again to discuss a compromise Brexit deal until tomorrow following an EU Council summit to decide on a further extension to Article 50.

Labour figures said there had not yet been a “clear shift” in the Government’s position, with little sign of a breakthrough as a long delay to Brexit looms.

The latest round of meetings on a possible customs union compromise came as shadow Brexit minister Matthew Pennycook appeared to go beyond Labour policy on a so-called People’s Vote, saying there was a “requirement for seeking public approval for any agreement that might emerge at this late hour by means of a confirmatory referendum”.

Negotiating teams began their talks around 1pm yesterday over an informal lunch of sandwiches, sausage rolls, onion bhajis, fruit and biscuits. Labour’s Brexit negotiating team left the Cabinet Office after more than three hours of meetings with senior Conservatives, including Theresa May’s deputy David Lidington and environment secretary Michael Gove.

Speaking outside, shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-bailey said: “There’s not really been any fundamental shift or a change in position of the deal itself. But we’re hopeful that progress will be made.”

Mr Gove said: “There are number of issues where we differ, but we are anxious to ensure that we can carry on with this process.”

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We have had further productive and wideranging talks this afternoon and the parties have agreed to meet again on Thursday once European Council has concluded.

“We remain completely committed to delivering on Brexit, with both sides working hard to agreeing a way forward, appreciating the urgency in order to avoid European elections.”