Broad outline of Brexit deal ‘can be done this summer’

BRITAIN can agree to the “broad outline of a political agreement” over the terms of Brexit with the European Union this summer, Boris Johnson’s negotiating team will tell their Brussels counterparts today.

David Frost, the Prime Minister’s chief Brexit negotiator, arrives in Brussels with a small team of 20 as talks about a deal enter an intensive phase.

The news came as Mark Francois, the chairman of the Eurosceptic European Research Group of Tory MPs, warned Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, that a deal selling out UK interests will not be passed by MPs.

At last week’s high level meeting both sides agreed to a process of intensified negotiations in the hope of injecting new momentum.

The UK now expects those words to be translated into action, officials said.

Sticking points remain over the level playing field on regulations and access to fishing waters. But a No 10 source warned that the UK “won’t waste time on talks that never move forward”.

The UK’s preparations for leaving the EU without a deal in December are now said to be “well under way”.

The source said: “The faster we can reach an agreement, the better – and there’s no clear reason why the broad outline of a political agreement can’t be reached in the summer.”

The source added: “The EU needs to realise that these talks cannot be prolonged into the autumn. This week Michel Barnier referred to ‘the real mo

‘Michel Barnier referred to the real moment of truth as October. As we have made clear, this is far too late’

ment of truth’ as October. As we have repeatedly made clear, this is far too late. Businesses need clarity as quickly as possible.”

Mr Frost said: “Any deal must reflect our well-established position on difficult issues such as the so-called ‘level playing field’ and fisheries.

“Our sovereignty will never be up for negotiation.”

In his letter to Mr Barnier, Mr Francois warned that any deal could not mean that “the UK continues to follow EU laws and judgments, even though we have now formally left the EU”.