UK team propose free trade agreement to end Brexit stalemate

Britain is proposing a move towards a “pared-down free trade agreement” to end the Brexit stalemate and get a deal done by the end of October, according to well-placed sources in Brussels.

During talks between British and Irish leaders Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar, moves were made towards turning the attention away from a wide-ranging withdrawal agreement, and instead towards a more straightforward free trade deal.

While a free trade agreement will not resolve all of the issues that have dogged the existing UK proposals, insiders have said it is a “cleaner and more straightforward” approach that could form the foundation for a more wide-ranging deal.

Varadkar’s backing could be crucial in persuading other European leaders to support a deal.

A number of EU nations – particularly those who will not suffer significant direct repercussions – have made it clear that, as an act of unity with another smaller nation, they will support a proposal if it is backed by the Irish prime minister.

Via Sky News