UK and EU leaders spar during ‘robust’ Brexit talks in Brussels

British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sparred on Thursday during “robust” talks on the UK’s Brexit plans, and agreed to hold more negotiations that could push the sealing of any deal to within a month of Britain’s scheduled departure.

The two leaders agreed to meet for more talks “before the end of February to take stock of these discussions,” a joint statement said. Two years ago, May set Brexit day as March 29 – and originally plans were to have a deal in place six months ahead of time.

Both sides still fundamentally disagree on whether a draft legal withdrawal agreement could be changed to take the latest British objections into account, greatly reducing the chances of a quick breakthrough.

“The EU27 will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, which represents a carefully balanced compromise between the European Union and the UK, in which both sides have made significant concessions,” the joint statement said.

The simmering tension was evident in the leaders’ body language as they met in a stiff ceremony. Instead of his usual jovial kisses, Juncker held out his hand for May to shake and quickly ushered her off into his offices. One reporter shouted at her: “Is this Hell, prime minister?”