Northern Ireland

Brexit talks between British government and opposition to resume today

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have not met face-to-face for talks since March. Picture by John Stillwell/PA Wire
Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have not met face-to-face for talks since March. Picture by John Stillwell/PA Wire Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have not met face-to-face for talks since March. Picture by John Stillwell/PA Wire

LABOUR had last night yet to confirm if leader Jeremy Corbyn will take part in talks with Tory ministers today aimed at kickstarting attempts to break the Brexit deadlock.

The Prime Minister's office indicated yesterday it expected ministerial discussions with the official opposition to resume this afternoon in the Cabinet Office.

Attendees for the government will include Cabinet Office minister David Lidington, chief whip Steve Barclay, and Gavin Barwell, chief of staff to Theresa May.

Mrs May has struggled to reach an agreement in the talks with Labour, with pressure increasing to secure a deal before the European elections on May 23.

The main point of contention appears to be Labour demands that the UK remain in a customs union with the EU.

The two party leaders have not met face-to-face for talks since March, with smaller "working groups" negotiating instead.

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However, on Sunday, Downing Street said the Prime Minister will be at talks alongside Mr Corbyn, the Chancellor Philip Hammond, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and other senior cabinet and shadow cabinet members this week.

According to opposition sources Mr McDonnell will discuss Brexit with Mr Hammond after tomorrow's Prime Minister's Questions

There will be a meeting of the working group on security between the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU and the Shadow Secretary of State, with further meetings of other working groups are likely to take place later this week.