By Ben Kerrigan-
The EU has branded proposals by the Uk as n0t good enough, as the block set a midnight deadline for a better package that addresses all the sticky issues.
Michael Barmier said a deal cannot be finalised on time for the meeting of leaders in Brussels on Thursday unless a better package is ready and presented by the end of the day
Irish deputy PM Simon Coveney is more optimistic, and said a deal is ‘doable’ but a ‘big step forward’ is needed in the coming hours. British negotiators have been working tirelessly in the past 24 hours to present better proposals in a desperate attempt to break the deadlock which threatens to delay talks beyond October 31 if Boris Johnson is forced to send a letter requesting an extension of the deadline.
A more worrying scenario is if both sides settle for a no deal in the event of failed talks. Downing Street is said to have had productive talks with the French prime minister , Emmanuel Macron over the potential of striking a last minute deal before the summit but are unlikely to give up even if deal is not agreed before then.