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Brexit: EU gives go-ahead for 'more intense' talks Brexit: EU and UK agree to 'intensify' talks
(32 minutes later)
EU countries have given the go-ahead for more "intensified" Brexit talks to take place, the BBC has been told. EU countries have agreed to "intensify" Brexit talks with the UK over the next few days.
This comes after a meeting between Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, described by both sides as "constructive". The development comes after a meeting in Brussels between Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, described by both sides as "constructive".
The UK is due to leave the EU at 23:00 GMT on 31 October.The UK is due to leave the EU at 23:00 GMT on 31 October.
A summit next week is seen as the last chance to agree a deal before the Brexit deadline. A European leaders' summit next week is seen as the last chance to agree a deal before that deadline.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson put forward revised proposals for a deal last week, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson put forward revised proposals for a deal last week, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
BBC Brussels correspondent Adam Fleming said it was "not clear" how the forthcoming talks were going to be described, but "some form of intensified negotiations" would take place. In a statement, the European Commission said: "The EU and the UK have agreed to intensify discussions over the coming days."
He added that, although there would be a "measure of confidentiality", EU states would still be briefed on any developments. BBC Brussels correspondent Adam Fleming said that, although there would be a "measure of confidentiality", EU states would still be briefed on any developments.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron was asked if there was hope of a deal, replying: "Let's wait for the next few hours."
Following his "technical" discussion with Mr Barclay in Brussels, Mr Barnier told reporters: "Be patient."Following his "technical" discussion with Mr Barclay in Brussels, Mr Barnier told reporters: "Be patient."
He added: "Brexit is like climbing a mountain. We need vigilance, determination and patience."He added: "Brexit is like climbing a mountain. We need vigilance, determination and patience."
Earlier this week, several senior EU figures played down the chances of Brexit happening with a deal agreed to by both sides.Earlier this week, several senior EU figures played down the chances of Brexit happening with a deal agreed to by both sides.
But on Thursday, Mr Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar held a one-to-one discussion - described by both as "very positive and very promising".But on Thursday, Mr Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar held a one-to-one discussion - described by both as "very positive and very promising".
Mr Varadkar said talks were at a "very sensitive stage" but he was now "convinced" the UK wanted a deal, adding: "I do see a pathway towards an agreement in the coming weeks."Mr Varadkar said talks were at a "very sensitive stage" but he was now "convinced" the UK wanted a deal, adding: "I do see a pathway towards an agreement in the coming weeks."
What are the PM's border plans?What are the PM's border plans?
Under Mr Johnson's proposals, which he calls a "broad landing zone" for a new deal with the EU:Under Mr Johnson's proposals, which he calls a "broad landing zone" for a new deal with the EU:
With less than three weeks to go until the Brexit deadline, Mr Johnson continues to insist the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal at the end of the month.With less than three weeks to go until the Brexit deadline, Mr Johnson continues to insist the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal at the end of the month.
That is despite the so-called Benn Act - passed by MPs last month - demanding he request a delay to the Article 50 deadline from the EU until January 2020 if a deal, or a no-deal exit, has not been approved by Parliament before 19 October.That is despite the so-called Benn Act - passed by MPs last month - demanding he request a delay to the Article 50 deadline from the EU until January 2020 if a deal, or a no-deal exit, has not been approved by Parliament before 19 October.
Should any new deal be reached between the EU and UK, it will still have to be approved by MPs, as well as the European Parliament.Should any new deal be reached between the EU and UK, it will still have to be approved by MPs, as well as the European Parliament.
MPs will be called to Parliament for a special Saturday sitting following next week's EU summit, the first since 1982, when the House of Commons was summoned after the invasion of the Falkland Islands.
Timeline: What's happening ahead of Brexit deadline?
Monday 14 October - The Commons is due to return, and the government will use the Queen's Speech to set out its legislative agenda. The speech will then be debated by MPs throughout the week.
Thursday 17 October - Crucial two-day summit of EU leaders begins in Brussels. This is the last such meeting currently scheduled before the Brexit deadline.
Saturday 19 October - Special sitting of Parliament and the date by which the PM must ask the EU for another delay to Brexit under the Benn Act, if no Brexit deal has been approved by Parliament and they have not agreed to the UK leaving with no-deal.
Thursday 31 October - Date by which the UK is due to leave the EU, with or without a withdrawal agreement.