LONDON — Britain’s Brexit secretary made a rush visit to Brussels on Sunday for surprise talks with the top European Union negotiator as Brexit talks accelerated ahead of a summit later this week. “With several big issues still to resolve, including the Northern Ireland backstop, it was jointly agreed that face-to-face talks were necessary,” Raab’s office said. The two are seeking a compromise position on the difficult Irish border question ahead of an EU summit that begins on Wednesday. May also faces obstacles from the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, which has played a crucial role in propping up her minority government in Parliament. May’s Brexit plan has also been questioned by some opposition Labour Party lawmakers, further dimming the prime minister’s hopes of winning parliamentary backing for any Brexit deal she reaches with EU officials.

Source: National Post October 14, 2018 10:50 UTC