‘Brexit progress as EU makes concessions’

A GOVERNMENT Minister has claimed Britain is closing in on a deal for Brexit amid reports that major concessions had been made by Brussels.

The Sunday Times reported yesterday the EU would allow the creation of a whole-UK customs union which would avoid the need for a Northern Ireland border “backstop” that has been at the heart of the impasse in negotiations. At the same time, the newspaper said Prime Minister Theresa May was on course to agree a future economic partnership that would leave open the possibility of Canada-style free trade deal sought by Brexiteers.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire, who appeared yesterday on Sky’s Ridge On Sunday, was asked if a deal was close, replying: “Well, we want to get that deal, we’re obviously working hard to see that that happens.

“Negotiations are still very firmly continuing, and therefore we are 95 per cent of the way there in relation to the Withdrawal Agreement. Obviously still having this issue in relation to the insurance arrangements for Northern Ireland and Ireland, and that very much remains our focus and attention in getting that deal.”

A Downing Street spokeswoman added: “The Prime Minister is clear we are leaving the customs union. We are making good progress on the future relationship, and 95 per cent of the Withdrawal Agreement has been settled.”

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday insisted that MPs should “resist” agreeing to what may be labelled a “reasonable deal”.