UK PM travels to Brussels to reactivate Brexit negotiations

UK Prime Minister Theresa May left for Brussels on Monday to hold talks with members of the European Commission in order to advance Brexit negotiations, Downing Street said.

May would attend a working dinner with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the European Union's (EU) Brexit Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, reports Efe news.

May would be accompanied by Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis and is scheduled to meet other heads of state before the EU leaders' summit on Friday.

The UK aims to persuade the other 27 members to authorise Barnier to initiate the second phase of negotiations.

However, Barnier said last week that he could not recommend progressing to the second phase since there had not been sufficient progress in the first phase.

Phase one involves the future rights of EU and UK citizens, the border with Ireland, and how much London should pay to settle pending financial commitments to the EU.

After losing an absolute majority in parliament in the June election, May's administration is divided internally on the focus of the talks.

This has led to speculation over possible resignations or a restructuring of the government, while the possibility of another General Election has not been ruled out should negotiations with the EU yield no progress.

--IANS

ksk/dg