The British Government has played down hopes of a Brexit breakthrough after the UK Prime Minister said talks are "now in the endgame."
Theresa May is meeting her Cabinet ministers today – however she is not expected to present them with a draft Withdrawal Agreement.
The Irish border remains the main sticking point, with the warring factions within her party and the wider House of Commons continuing to threaten mutiny over the proposals.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Guildhall in London, 12-11-2018. Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images
Speaking at a banquet in London last night, Mrs May said the talks have been “immensely difficult.”
“We are working extremely hard through the night to make progress on the remaining issues in the Withdrawal Agreement – which are significant,” she said.
“Both sides want to reach an agreement but what we are negotiating is immensely difficult and I do not shy away from that.”
She also pledged not to compromise on the result of the referendum – or to accept a deal at any cost.
Good meeting with @MichelBarnier this morning - crucial week for #BREXIT - negotiating teams engaging intensively, more work still to be done. Solidarity across the EU remains very strong. @HMcEntee @dfatirl pic.twitter.com/3dPA2GwlLL
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) November 12, 2018
It comes after the Tánaiste Simon Coveney said there was "still clearly work to do between the two negotiations teams."
"I think we need to give them the time and space now to finish that job," he said.
"The sooner that can be done, I think, the better for everybody."
