This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Published on September 29, 2019, the UK's Brexit talks resumed in Brussels, with EU officials expressing doubts about the chances of a new deal.
UK Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay met with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to discuss alternatives to the Irish backstop, a contentious policy aimed at avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
However, Barnier described the UK's proposed solution as 'unworkable', citing concerns that it would put the single market at risk.
Downing Street maintained that 'progress has been made', but acknowledged that 'significant obstacles' remain to reaching a deal.
European diplomats believe the chances of finalizing a new Brexit deal by the crucial EU summit on October 17 are 'dwindling', with the UK's scheduled departure date from the EU on October 31 looming large.
