Irish PM says Brexit issues remain, EU sources report 'standstill'

[brooklynite]

Source: Reuters

BRUSSELS/DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday that last-ditch talks between the European Union and Britain had so far failed to resolve issues standing in the way of an amicable Brexit, with EU sources reporting a “standstill”.

Difficulties centred on trade and the status of the Irish border, although the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, was quoted as saying he was optimistic about a deal.

“There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be fully resolved,” Varadkar said in a speech. “I do think we are making progress but there are issues yet to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today.

“But if it’s not, there is still more time. October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland’s) objectives can be met.”

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu/irish-pm-says-brexit-issues-remain-eu-sources-report-standstill-idUSKBN1WV0NI

[brooklynite]

1. UPDATE: Boris Johnson 'will ask EU for extension' if no Brexit deal by Saturday

The Brexit secretary has indicated Boris Johnson will send a letter to the EU seeking an extension if there is no agreement by Saturday.

Pressed by the Brexit select committee as to whether the prime minister would obey the Benn act, Stephen Barclay said the government “will abide by that text”.

He also denied knowledge of any plan to send a second letter to Brussels asking officials to ignore the first because the government did not want an extension.

The legislation passed by MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit requires the prime minister to ask the EU to extend article 50 beyond 31 October should a deal not be agreed by 19 October.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/16/boris-johnson-will-ask-eu-for-extension-if-no-brexit-deal-by-saturday

[Soph0571]

2. There won't be a deal on the current terms

Boris is just starting to understand how bloody awkward the DUP can be. They refused to accept the back stop which treated NI in the same way as the UK, there is no way on gods green earth they will accept a wet border. Will not happen. If Boris does not have the DUP, he loses half his hard liners on the back benches and there is no way the deal can get through Parliament.
He thought he could charm his way to a deal. He was wrong.
Extension in 3..2..1... and we will go through this all again in months *sigh

[Javaman]

3. is it dawning on boris just how un-work-ably stupid brexit actually is?

probably not. he's still trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole while the whole nation sits on the brink.

if I was the EU, I would go one or the other routes. A)shit or get off the pot, kick England out. B) declare an permanent extension. whereby there will never be an exit. life goes back to normal and the tories and eat each other alive.