Theresa May has reportedly secured concessions from Brussels to keep the whole of the UK in a customs union in the wake of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.
The agreement reached would prevent the need for Northern Ireland to be treated differently from the rest of the UK, the main stumbling block during Brexit negotiations.
The “secret” deal would avoid the need for an Irish backstop and will be written into the legally-binding deal, according to The Sunday Times.
However, Downing Street has poured cold water on the report, calling it speculation.
The EU has reportedly suggested a backstop post-Brexit customs arrangement covering all of the UK could give mainland Britain some scope to set trade rules.
Preparations for a final deal were far more advanced than previously disclosed, the report said and would lead to a document of 50 pages or more being published. Read more