Ministers reveal Brexit talks “momentum” raising the prospect of imminent breakthrough

A Brexit breakthrough is on the cards ahead of a crunch summit between UK and EU leaders next week.

The government tonight revealed “recent momentum” in Brexit talks, raising the prospect a deal could be finalised in the coming days. Such progress came amid reports both sides had already agreed a multi-billion euro divorce bill.

Markets responded positively – sterling rose over one per cent against the US dollar, hitting levels last seen in late September.

Finalising terms would come as a boost to Prime Minister Theresa May, who is set to meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday.

“Intensive talks between the UK and the European Commission continue to take place in Brussels this week as we seek to reach an agreement,” a DexEU spokesperson said.

We are exploring how we can continue to build on recent momentum in the talks so that together we can move the negotiations on to the next phase and discuss our future partnership.

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The statement comes after reports the UK had agreed on a figure with EU representatives for the so-called “Brexit bill”.

A final figure of between €45bn (£39.9bn) and €55bn has been agreed by the parties, reports by the Daily Telegraph stated – less than €60bn demanded by the EU. The reports suggested the final figure has been deliberately being left open to interpretation.

An agreement on the final figure was reached at a meeting in Brussels late last week, following discussions led by the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator Oliver Robbins.

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