The Republic of Ireland’s foreign minister has stated that a post-Brexit trade deal could now be struck within days. Simon Coveney said as he urged Ireland’s fellow European Union members to “hold our nerve”, as talks look set to go to the wire. UNN’s Oliver Down understands that UK and EU negotiators talked late into the night on Wednesday and even had pizzas delivered.
Some reports are still citing clear differences in positions between the UK and the EU, but Mr Coveney has insisted that there is still a “good chance” a deal can be done. Mr Coveney said: “It’s the time to hold our nerve, to trust Michel Barnier, who has done a phenomenal job to date. I believe, if we do that, there’s a good chance that we can get a deal across the line in the next few days”.
However, Downing Street sources are playing down the prospect of an imminent breakthrough. One Downing Street insider has reportedly said “I haven’t seen any white smoke”. In addition to this, Tesco’s chief executive Ken Murphy has said that his business is preparing for a no-deal scenario. He has said: “We have been doing everything in our power to make sure that we are well placed to continue trading, to continue to supply our customers regardless of whether there is or isn’t a no-deal Brexit”.
Other reports have suggested that the UK is set to water down its demands for control of fishing rights, by asking EU fishing fleets to hand over up to 60% of the value of stocks currently caught rather than the 80% previously sought. However, this is likely to cause outrage amongst Leave voters in one of the symbolically important aspects of the negotiations.
UNN’s Oliver Down will bring you more as we get it.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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