Donald Tusk says 'time practically up' for Brexit deal and calls on Boris Johnson to reveal new plan
2 min read
Donald Tusk has warned Boris Johnson that "time is practically up" for the UK to agree a new Brexit deal with the EU.
The European Commission president said he had received "promising signals" from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar following talks on Thursday with the Prime Minister.
But he warned that Mr Johnson had still not come up with a "workable, realistic proposal" for breaking the Brexit impasse, just days before a crunch Brussels summit.
Mr Tusk was speaking following talks between Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and top EU negotiator Michel Barnier.
Hopes of a breakthrough rose in the wake of Mr Varadkar and Mr Johnson's meeting in the Wirral.
Speaking afterwards, the Irish premier said: "I think it is possible for us to come to an agreement, to have a treaty agreed to allow the UK to leave the EU in an orderly fashion and to have that done by the end of October.
"But there is many a slip between cup and lip, and lots of things that are not in my control."
Mr Tusk said he had told Mr Johnson that unless he had come up with acceptable plans by Friday, there would be no chance of a deal.
"Unfortunately, we are still in a situation in which the UK has not come forward with a workable, realistic proposal," he said.
"A week ago I told PM Johnson that if there was no such proposal by today, I would announce publicly that there are no more chances – because of objective reasons - for a deal during the incoming European Council.
"However, yesterday when the Irish Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister met they both saw - for the first time - a pathway to a deal. I have received promising signals from the Taoiseach that a deal is still possible.
"Technical talks are taking place in Brussels as we speak. Of course, there is no guarantee of success and the time is practically up. But even the slightest chance must be used. A no deal Brexit will never be the choice of the EU."
Speaking after "constructive" talks with Mr Barclay, Michel Barnier told reporters: "As I've already said, Brexit is like climbing a mountain. We need vigilance, determination and patience."
Meanwhile, UK government sources have played down the chances of an imminent breakthough, despite the positive noises coming from Dublin.
One told PoliticsHome: "This morning's newspaper coverage felt a little too optimistic. There is a very long way to go."
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