16/10/2019
Brexit: Varadkar Expresses Hope For A Deal
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed confidence that a Brexit deal between the UK and EU can be reached by Wednesday evening.
Speaking this afternoon, the Irish premier said he has discussed the matter with Prime Minister Boris Johnson again today and is optimistic that progress is being made. It's hoped a deal could be ratified at the European Council summit on Thursday or Friday.
Currently, the Brexit deadline remains set for 31 October, with Parliament due to sit this Saturday, 19.
Mr Varadkar's comments come as the DUP visits Downing Street for continued talks with the PM.
"There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be resolved, particularly around the consent mechanism and issues around customs and VAT," he commented.
"I spoke with the Prime Minister this morning by phone and the European Commission and I do think we are making progress but there are issues that need to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today, allowing us to ratify it at the European Council tomorrow, and allowing the House of Commons to give its view on it on Saturday, but if it's not there is still more time.
"The 31st of October is still a few weeks away and there is a possibility of another summit before that if we need one.
"A lot of things have changed in the last three years, many twists and turns, but what's never changed is our objectives."
The Taoiseach said his key aims remain simple, including the avoidance of a hard border in Ireland, ensuring an all-island economy will continue to thrive and prosper, continued north-south cooperation as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and protections for the single market.
"Although time is running short I am confident these objectives can be achieved," he added.
"In the mean time, we must continue to make our plans and prepare for no deal, because we have to prepare for the worst case scenario no matter what."
Negotiators will meet at the EU summit on Thursday as talks continue.
(JG/CM)
Speaking this afternoon, the Irish premier said he has discussed the matter with Prime Minister Boris Johnson again today and is optimistic that progress is being made. It's hoped a deal could be ratified at the European Council summit on Thursday or Friday.
Currently, the Brexit deadline remains set for 31 October, with Parliament due to sit this Saturday, 19.
Mr Varadkar's comments come as the DUP visits Downing Street for continued talks with the PM.
"There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be resolved, particularly around the consent mechanism and issues around customs and VAT," he commented.
"I spoke with the Prime Minister this morning by phone and the European Commission and I do think we are making progress but there are issues that need to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today, allowing us to ratify it at the European Council tomorrow, and allowing the House of Commons to give its view on it on Saturday, but if it's not there is still more time.
"The 31st of October is still a few weeks away and there is a possibility of another summit before that if we need one.
"A lot of things have changed in the last three years, many twists and turns, but what's never changed is our objectives."
The Taoiseach said his key aims remain simple, including the avoidance of a hard border in Ireland, ensuring an all-island economy will continue to thrive and prosper, continued north-south cooperation as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and protections for the single market.
"Although time is running short I am confident these objectives can be achieved," he added.
"In the mean time, we must continue to make our plans and prepare for no deal, because we have to prepare for the worst case scenario no matter what."
Negotiators will meet at the EU summit on Thursday as talks continue.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 January 2019
Brexit: PM Facing No Confidence Vote After Huge Defeat
Prime Minister Theresa May's government will face a vote of no confidence later today after MP's voted down her Brexit deal. Following the agreement setting out the terms of the UK's divorce from the EU was rejected by 230 votes last night, 15 January, Labour launched the bid to trigger a general election.
Brexit: PM Facing No Confidence Vote After Huge Defeat
Prime Minister Theresa May's government will face a vote of no confidence later today after MP's voted down her Brexit deal. Following the agreement setting out the terms of the UK's divorce from the EU was rejected by 230 votes last night, 15 January, Labour launched the bid to trigger a general election.
03 September 2019
Retail Chiefs Slam Gove's Fresh Food Claims
Local retail representatives have dismissed Michael Gove's claims that fresh food supplies would be unaffected in a no-deal Brexit. The minister, who is responsible for the Government's no-deal preparations, said, "there will be no shortages of fresh food" if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
Retail Chiefs Slam Gove's Fresh Food Claims
Local retail representatives have dismissed Michael Gove's claims that fresh food supplies would be unaffected in a no-deal Brexit. The minister, who is responsible for the Government's no-deal preparations, said, "there will be no shortages of fresh food" if the UK crashes out without a deal on 31 October.
16 April 2025
Funding Extension Secured For Belfast 5G Innovation Region
The Belfast 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) programme, spearheaded by Belfast City Council, has been granted a one-year extension and additional funding from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) following a successful initial year. The programme has now secured a total of £5.
Funding Extension Secured For Belfast 5G Innovation Region
The Belfast 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) programme, spearheaded by Belfast City Council, has been granted a one-year extension and additional funding from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) following a successful initial year. The programme has now secured a total of £5.
11 October 2022
Former Minister In Belfast For Net Zero Review
Former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore MP has visited Belfast as part of the independent review he is leading of the government's net zero target delivery. The Review is seeking to ensure that the UK's fight against climate change maximises economic growth, while increasing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses.
Former Minister In Belfast For Net Zero Review
Former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore MP has visited Belfast as part of the independent review he is leading of the government's net zero target delivery. The Review is seeking to ensure that the UK's fight against climate change maximises economic growth, while increasing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses.
08 May 2019
Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal
The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane. The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.
Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal
The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane. The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.