Sunak Spox-'Still Significant Gaps Between UK & EU'

Comments from UK PM Rishi Sunak's spokesman hitting wires. States that, 'There are still significant gaps between the two sides of the UK and EU [on the Northern Ireland protocol].' Cautions that, 'I would guide away from speculation that the UK and EU on Northern Ireland talks are about to enter the so-called tunnel final-stage negotiations'.

• There comments come ahead of this afternoon's videoconference between UK Foreign Sec James Cleverly and EU Commission VP Maros Sefcovic on the protocol. A joint statement is expected, and could lay out a path to resolution but not a resolution itself. No set timing yet, early-mid afternoon UK time most likely.