Hindustan Times (Patiala)

BRITISH PM MAY, EU AGREE TO HOLD FRESH TALKS ON BREXIT

- letters@hindustant­imes.com

British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker sparred on Thursday during “robust” talks on the UK’s Brexit plans, and agreed to hold more negotiatio­ns that could push the sealing of any deal to within a month of Britain’s scheduled departure.

Looking at the ever tighter deadline and yawning divisions, May said that “it’s not going to be easy” but vowed that “I am going to deliver Brexit. I am going to deliver it on time”.

The two leaders agreed to meet for more talks “before the end of February to take stock of these discussion­s”, a joint statement said.

Two years ago, May set Brexit day as March 29 - and originally plans were to have a deal in place six months ahead of time.

Both sides still fundamenta­lly disagree on whether a draft legal withdrawal agreement could be changed to take the latest British objections into account, greatly reducing the chances of a quick breakthrou­gh.

“The EU27 will not reopen the withdrawal agreement, which represents a carefully balanced compromise between the EU and the UK, in which both sides have made significan­t concession­s,” the joint statement said.

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 ?? REUTERS ?? A pro-Brexit protester stands outside the British Parliament in London on Thursday.
REUTERS A pro-Brexit protester stands outside the British Parliament in London on Thursday.

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