Brexit trade talks can begin in December Trade talks between Britain and the rest of the EU could begin in December after Theresa May returned from Brussels […]

Trade talks between Britain and the rest of the EU could begin in December after Theresa May returned from Brussels having seemingly broken the stalemate that has dogged negotiations.

While the step forward is only a small one – leaders of the remaining 27 European member states said they are looking for more clarity from the UK about the size of its divorce bill – it is significant after months of deadlock.

The mood in Brussels also seemed to change, with leaders hailing a positive discussion.

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Insufficient progress

The European Council decided that insufficient progress had so far been made in divorce talks to move on to trade discussions now, as Britain had hoped.

But the 27 EU states did give the green light for preparations to begin for the second phase of Brexit talks, dealing with trade.

Britain has long wanted to move talks on to future trading relations, but the EU’s position has been that those talks cannot begin until agreement has been reached on how much the UK will pay for its outstanding obligation to the EU, the future rights of EU citizens and the future of the Northern Ireland border.

The second phase

The Council President Donald Tusk said in a tweet: “Brexit conclusions adopted. Leaders green-light internal EU27 preparations for 2nd phase.”

The European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker (pictured) said he hoped it would be possible to reach a “fair deal” with Britain.

He said that, prior to the current summit: “Nobody was explaining what the consequences would be of a ‘no-deal’ arrangement. I am not in favour of ‘no deal’. I want to have a fair deal with Britain.”

Deadlock, deadlock, deadlock

Mr Tusk told reporters in Brussels at the end of the summit: “After Prime Minister May’s intervention last night and our discussion about Brexit this morning, my impression is that the reports of the deadlock between the EU and the UK have been exaggerated and while progress is not sufficient it doesn’t mean there’s no progress at all.”

Mr Barnier had used the term “deadlock” three times in a press conference at the conclusion of the last round of talks.

At a press conference after her participation in the summit concluded, Mrs May said: “I am ambitious and positive for Britain’s future and for these negotiations. But I know we still have some way to go. Both sides have approached these talks with professionalism and a constructive spirit and we should recognise what has been achieved to date.”