Brexit deal by Nov 21

Britain’s Brexit minister believes there could be a divorce deal with the European Union by November 21, it emerged yesterday, although Downing Street was more cautious. Dominic Raab made the comment in a letter to the House of Commons Brexit scrutiny committee, dated October 24 but only now made public.

“I would be happy to give evidence to the committee when a deal is finalised, and currently expect 21 November to be suitable,” he wrote. Both Raab and Oliver Robbins, Prime Minister Theresa May’s chief Brexit advisor, have been invited to address the committee on that date. Most of the divorce deal with Brussels is agreed but talks remain stuck on how to avoid new checks on Britain’s land border with EU member Ireland after it leaves the bloc’s single market and customs union.

Raab will visit the UK province of Northern Ireland on Friday on a “fact-finding trip”, which will include meetings with local businesses and politicians, an official in his ministry said. Raab wrote: “The end is now firmly in sight and, while obstacles remain, it cannot be beyond us to navigate them.” However, May’s spokesman refused to repeat the date of November 21, only repeating that “we wish to conclude the deal as quickly as possible”.

Previously, he had said the government was pressing for a deal this autumn. British officials are keen to avoid the negotiations dragging on, with Brexit day scheduled for March 29.