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FILE PHOTO: British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt arrives at Downing Street, London, October 16, 2018. REUTERS / Hannah McKay / File Photo
PARIS (Reuters) – British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt said Thursday that the conclusion of an agreement on Brexit was incredibly complicated and that he "was probably pushing it" to wait for one in the next seven days.
Prime Minister Theresa May steps up British efforts to secure Europe's support for a draft agreement as negotiations for a smooth divorce from the European Union, the world's largest trading block, enter in their final phase.
However, a major obstacle is on its way: an agreement on a plan to avoid any hard border on the island of Ireland.
"I am confident that we will reach an agreement as it is in the interests of all parties to reach an agreement," said Hunt, speaking in Paris. "We are in the final phase."
When asked if there would be an agreement in the next seven days, Hunt replied, "I think seven days is probably what drives him."
Mai must not only enter into an agreement with Brussels, she must also obtain the support of her own parliament where she has a very small majority with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland.
"We are confident that we can get a final deal through parliament for the simple reason that Theresa May is not going to sign an agreement that is inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the referendum," Hunt said.
Report by Luke Baker, Leigh Thomas and Richard Lough; Written by Richard Lough; Edited by Janet Lawrence
