Brexit deadlock continues as government and Labour fail to agree deal before EU summit
2 min read
Labour has accused the Government of failing to shift on its Brexit red lines after talks aimed at breaking the ongoing deadlock broke up without agreement.
Following more than three hours of negotiations, Downing Street announced that both sides will meet again on Thursday after Theresa May returns from an emergency European Council summit.
The Prime Minister had hoped to be able to go to the Brussels gathering having agreed a way forward with the opposition which would win the backing of a majority of MPs.
Confirming the stalemate was continuing, a Number 10 spokesman said: "We have had further productive and wide-ranging talks this afternoon, and the parties have agreed to meet again on Thursday once European Council has concluded.
"We remain completely committed to delivering on Brexit, with both sides working hard to agreeing a way forward, appreciating the urgency in order to avoid European elections."
Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long Bailey - who was part of the Labour negotiating team alongside Keir Starmer, Sue Hayward and John McDonnell - blamed Conservative intransigence for the failure to find a breakthrough.
She said: "There's not really been any fundamental shift of a change in position in the deal itself, but we are hopeful that progress will be made. We are continuing discussions with the Government over the coming days."
Speaking ahead of the talks, Shadow Chancellor Mr McDonnell said there had been "no movement" from the Government on a customs union, which Labour has insisted must form part of any deal.
A Labour spokesperson said: "We have yet to see the clear shift in the government’s position that is needed to secure a compromise agreement.
"We have agreed to hold further talks on Thursday in an effort to break the Brexit deadlock, and find a compromise that can win support in Parliament and bring the country together."
Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who was part of the Tory negotiating team with Philip Hammond, Greg Clark, Julian Smith and Steve Barclay, said after the meeting: "The talks we’ve had with the Labour oarty were open and constructive.
"Both sides engaged seriously on a number of issues. We’re looking for a wat forward as you’d expect there are a number of areas where we differ, but we are anxious to ensure that we can carry on with this process."
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