EU Agrees To Intensify FTA Talks W/ UK

From the statement from the European Commission following the latest Joint Committee on the Withdrawal Agreement (see 1440BST bullet): "Vice-President Sefcovic welcomed the clear political steer and commitment given today by Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and co-chair of the Joint Committee, so that the EU and the UK can reach mutually agreed solutions on all outstanding issues on the table, in particular with regard to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. In this context, it was agreed that contacts at all levels will significantly intensify. It was also agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Committee would take place in mid-November."

• An intensification of talks (potentially including tunnel negotiations) is something the UK has pressed for in attempting to achieve a deal.
• While the statement highlights on a number of occasions the difficulties still faced by both sides in reaching a deal, the EU comments are some of the most positive released in some time.