As Expected, No Progress From Today's NI Protocol Talks

Following the latest round of talks between the UK and EU on issues with the Northern Ireland protocol, UK Cabinet Office minister Lord Frost tweets: "European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic and I met today in London to take stock of discussions on the Northern Ireland Protocol. We discussed the full range of issues causing difficulties in Northern Ireland. We would still like to find a negotiated solution. But the gap between our positions is still significant and we are ready to use Article 16 to protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement if other solutions cannot be found. Technical discussions will continue next week and we will meet again next Friday"

• Earlier, Sefcovic tweeted: "Met David Frost in London to discuss the EU's proposed solutions to facilitate the implementation of the Protocol on IE/NI + boost opportunities on the ground. Emphasis on the supply of medicines. A decisive push is needed to ensure predictability. We'll meet again next week."
• Prospect of UK invoking Art.16 before Christmas seems to be receding, despite lack of progress. More notable action could come in the New Year.