01/11/2018
Brexit Deal On Irish Border Expected Soon
Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has told MPs he expects a deal on the UK's exit from the EU by 21 November, and said agreement on the Irish border issue was "not far off".
Officials said that concluding the negotiations by the middle of this month remained an aspiration, but that there had been no major breakthrough in recent days.
The UK is due to leave the EU on 29 March 2019.
Both sides are hoping for a confirmed outline of the withdrawal, as well as details for future relations, before the end of the year in order to give Parliaments, both at Westminster and in Brussels, enough time to vote on it.
The talks have stalled in recent weeks over how to prevent the return of physical checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Plans for a special summit in mid November to seal the withdrawal agreement were put on hold after insufficient progress on the issue was made at a meeting of EU leaders earlier this month.
Despite this, Dominic Raab showed a more upbeat outlook in his letter to Brexit committee chairman, Labour MP Hilary Benn.
He said the end of negotiations was "firmly in sight and while obstacles remain it cannot be beyond us to navigate them", and that an agreement on the border "should be possible".
"We have resolved most of the issues and we are building up together what the future relationship should look like and making real progress," he added.
(JG/CM)
Officials said that concluding the negotiations by the middle of this month remained an aspiration, but that there had been no major breakthrough in recent days.
The UK is due to leave the EU on 29 March 2019.
Both sides are hoping for a confirmed outline of the withdrawal, as well as details for future relations, before the end of the year in order to give Parliaments, both at Westminster and in Brussels, enough time to vote on it.
The talks have stalled in recent weeks over how to prevent the return of physical checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Plans for a special summit in mid November to seal the withdrawal agreement were put on hold after insufficient progress on the issue was made at a meeting of EU leaders earlier this month.
Despite this, Dominic Raab showed a more upbeat outlook in his letter to Brexit committee chairman, Labour MP Hilary Benn.
He said the end of negotiations was "firmly in sight and while obstacles remain it cannot be beyond us to navigate them", and that an agreement on the border "should be possible".
"We have resolved most of the issues and we are building up together what the future relationship should look like and making real progress," he added.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
New Support Programme For NI's 'Global Businesses Of The Future'
A new programme to support Northern Ireland's early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to become "global businesses of the future" has been announced Economy Minister Conor Murphy.
New Support Programme For NI's 'Global Businesses Of The Future'
A new programme to support Northern Ireland's early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to become "global businesses of the future" has been announced Economy Minister Conor Murphy.
06 March 2024
Education Minister Pledges To Address School Uniform Costs
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has pledged to act on the affordability of school uniforms, stating that they should not be a barrier to education for children and young people. The Minister was responding to a motion in the Assembly today on making school uniforms affordable.
Education Minister Pledges To Address School Uniform Costs
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has pledged to act on the affordability of school uniforms, stating that they should not be a barrier to education for children and young people. The Minister was responding to a motion in the Assembly today on making school uniforms affordable.
29 February 2024
New Strategy For Future Development Of General Practice Pharmacy Sector
A new strategy for the future development of the General Practice Pharmacy sector has been published by the Department of Health following positive evaluation of its benefits.
New Strategy For Future Development Of General Practice Pharmacy Sector
A new strategy for the future development of the General Practice Pharmacy sector has been published by the Department of Health following positive evaluation of its benefits.
29 February 2024
'Future Of The Union Is In The Hands Of Our Children' – Sir Jeffrey
The choices unionists make today will either grow support for Northern Ireland or "cede ground to the enemies of the Union", DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has told a meeting of Party members and supporters.
'Future Of The Union Is In The Hands Of Our Children' – Sir Jeffrey
The choices unionists make today will either grow support for Northern Ireland or "cede ground to the enemies of the Union", DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has told a meeting of Party members and supporters.
15 March 2024
Latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme Opens
Northern Ireland's aspiring craftspeople have been urged to apply for the latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, which has opened for applications.
Latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme Opens
Northern Ireland's aspiring craftspeople have been urged to apply for the latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, which has opened for applications.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.