Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has emerged from "serious detailed discussions" with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier emphasising their "shared desire" to secure a deal.
Mr Barclay told reporters in Brussels that the technical teams had been "getting into the detail" of reaching a deal and would meet again next week.
Their meeting in Brussels follows European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s admission that the UK and EU could feasibly reach a viable withdrawal agreement by the Halloween deadline.
However, Irish deputy PM Simon Coveney dampened the spirit of optimism, insisting "we are not close to a deal right now" and there remains a “wide gap” between London and Dublin over a new withdrawal agreement.
The European Commission issued a statement following Mr Barclay and Mr Barnier's meeting, confirming that a “fully workable and legally operational solution” for the Irish border would have to be included in any withdrawal agreement.
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