Brexit - live: Reports deal is close should be taken 'with bucket of salt', Number 10 says
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Downing Street has dismissed reports that a Brexit deal is close, saying any suggestion of an imminent agreement should be taken with "a bucket of salt".
It came after claims that Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, had told EU ministers that "the parameters of a possible agreement are very largely defined".
Earlier, Downing Street revealed that officials had been locked in negotiations until 2.45am on Monday morning as Theresa May scrambles to secure an agreement this week.
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Downing Street has rubbished reports that a Brexit deal is close, after Michel Barner told EU ministers that the “the parameters of a possible agreement are very largely defined”.
Theresa May's spokesman said:
"I've talked about taking things with a pinch of salt before. That applies here. I'd apply a bucket of salt to this one. Negotiations are ongoing."
Labour will tomorrow try to force the government to release the legal advice it has received on the proposed Brexit agreement.
The party will use an arcane procedure, known as a humble address, to try to force publication of the documents, including the guidance ministers have received on the Northern Ireland customs backstop.
Labour used the method earlier this year to compel ministers to publish a series of impact assessments on Brexit.
The motion, if it passes, is binding and the government would have to release the papers. Eurosceptic Tories, along with the DUP, are likely to join with Labour in voting for the motion, raising the prospect that No 10 could back down before the vote takes place...
Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, said:
“It’s simply untenable for the government to put forward any Brexit deal to Parliament without providing the legal advice on what’s been agreed.
“At this critical stage, MPs can’t be kept in the dark nor can we risk Parliament being bounced into a decision without having all of the facts available.
“Ministers should accept this motion and allow MPs to have an informed debate about the UK’s future relationship with the EU after Brexit.”
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