The government is reportedly ready to share its “concrete proposals” aimed at securing a Brexit deal with the EU.
The BBC reported the plans will be revealed after the Conservative Party conference next week, allowing enough time for them to be scrutinised ahead of the vital EU summit on October 17.
But Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay tempered expectations in an interview with the corporation, saying “there’s still a long way to go”.
With 34 days until the October 31 deadline, Mr Barclay - who on Friday met the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier - said: “We are coming to the moment of truth in these negotiations.
“We will see if there’s a political will on both sides. We are committed to securing a deal, we’re committed to leaving on October 31, but that deal has to be without the backstop.
“Parliament has rejected the backstop three times, I have been very clear with Michel Barnier in the negotiations: the backstop has to go.
“But with goodwill on both sides, a deal can be done.”
The European Commission had earlier said in a statement: "Michel Barnier stressed that it is essential that there is a fully operational solution in the Withdrawal Agreement to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, protect the all-island economy and the integrity of the single market.
"The EU remains open and willing to examine any workable and legally operative proposals that meet all these objectives."
