LONG SHOT
Boris Johnson’s chances of making a deal with the EU are ‘possible’ but still a ‘long shot’ as PM’s Brexit talks lie on a knife edge
BORIS Johnson’s chances of a Brexit deal are “possible” but still a “long shot”, an EU leader has claimed.
Latvian PM Krisjanis Karins said Mr Johnson must be prepared to “compromise” over his Northern Irish plans if he wants a Withdrawal Agreement done and dusted.
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LONG SHOT
The PM’s proposals lie on a knife edge after blasts from Brussels and Dublin with Irish leader Varadkar saying his bold offer “falls short in a number of aspects".
While EU boss Donald Tusk said Brussels remains "open but unconvinced" about the ideas - as the clocks ticks down to the Brexit deadline of October 31.
Mr Karins told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “If we consider the bulk of the Withdrawal Agreement has already been agreed upon and we’re now fine tuning one issue, albeit a very important issue, it conceivably is possible.
“I’m not a gambling man, so I won't say what I think the odds are, but I’m sure there are some bookies telling us what the odds could be, it may be a bit of a long shot.
I’m not a gambling man, so I won't say what I think the odds are, but I’m sure there are some bookies telling us what the odds could be, it may be a bit of a long shot.
Krisjanis Karins
"But it certainly is possible it depends on one crucial element – Mr Johnson as well as the EU are ready and willing to move on in a compromised manner.
“If it's a take it or leave then it's going to be hard to agree."
BORIS' BRUSSELS BLAST
Under Mr Johnson’s new plan, Northern Ireland would follow EU rules on goods, food and livestock but remain part of the UK’s customs regime — with Belfast getting a veto on the set-up every four years.
It comes after The Sun revealed that Boris was preparing to offer Ireland a big money deal to seal an agreement - but they rejected it.
In his determination to get it done, The Sun can reveal the PM secretly offered to write Ireland a massive cheque to compensate businesses for any lost revenue caused by a cross-border customs system.
Despite Brussels' cold approach, MPs have suggested there is a majority in Parliament to get behind it.
Members of the ERG including Steve Baker and Mark Francois have suggested they could vote for it.
And up to 30 Labour MPs are reported to be coming around - as the fear of a No Deal Brexit grows.
Tory minister Brandon Lewis suggested that it was still Britain's "final offer" but admitted that Boris could move if the EU put down proposals too.
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He told the BBC: "We are open. I've got to say, to be frank, this is our clear final deal.
We think it's a good deal, delivers legally, security, for here... and our friends in Europe.
"This is the final deal, but we will see what our friends and partners come up with."
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