Two week window for UK to make “clarifications”

In the latest round of negotiations the EU hardened its stance on the sequencing of talks and the “clarifications” it needs from the UK – particularly on Northern Ireland – for “sufficient progress” on phase one of talks to be reached. And the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, piled on the time pressure by saying any substantial movement in the UK’s position would have to come in the next fortnight in order for it to be put to the EU Council in December.