UK likely to proceed with Brexit talks despite Irish issue

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LONDON: The United Kingdom (UK) can still proceed with Brexit talks despite unsettled issues, Downing Street stated, according to BBC.

Talks between Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and EU negotiator Michel Barnier faltered on Sunday over the so-called Irish “backstop”, which could see the UK remaining in the customs union.

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said no further talks were planned before Wednesday’s EU leaders’ summit.

But Number 10 said the government was still “committed to making progress”.

BBC Brussels correspondent Adam Fleming said Wednesday’s meeting would be dominated by the unresolved issues in the divorce process, rather than focusing on the future relationship.

He added that meant Brexit talks “might not be wrapped up in November, as the UK would like”.

This week’s summit comes as domestic political pressure on May increases amid threats of potential cabinet resignations.

And Labour’s shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer has heaped further pressure on Mrs May, calling for her government to publish its plan for the backstop.

Mr Starmer said any proposal needed full scrutiny from MPs before an agreement could be struck with the rest of the EU at the Brussels summit.

A Number 10 source said the prime minister had made sure Parliament was regularly updated on the talks.