Brexit: Theresa May heads to Brussels in hope of breaking deadlock with new plan
The IndependentSign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Theresa May will fly to Brussels on Wednesday with new plans to change Britain’s EU withdrawal agreement, as she desperately tries to save her Brexit strategy. “It will probably not mean that the major breakthrough comes this week, but it will be enough to show colleagues we are making progress.” The sticking point to Ms May winning full support from her party for her deal has always been the “backstop”, an arrangement to ensure the Irish border remains open after Brexit, but one that would see the UK potentially locked into an indefinite customs arrangement at the end of 2020 if no new trade deal is signed. We will have friendly talks tomorrow but I don’t expect a breakthrough.” Brexit 'prepper' course teaches how to survive no deal by eating dog food and fighting off rioters One cabinet source told The Independent the prime minister should go to Sharm el Sheikh at the weekend, where EU leaders will hold a summit, in order to convince them of her new proposals viability. She needs to be able to say look we are on the right track, don’t rock the boat now.” At Tuesday morning’s cabinet, Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay briefed Ms May’s top team on talks in Brussels 24 hours earlier, at which EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier poured cold water on the backbench Malthouse compromise.