U.K. officials tried to accelerate Brexit negotiations by suggesting that rather than wielding its veto next month, Ireland could hold fire and block a final accord if it wished, three people familiar with the talks said.
Avoiding a hard border in Ireland is one of three key issues requiring “sufficient progress” before the European Union will allow efforts to move on to Britain’s future relationship with the bloc. Before that, the Irish government, itself battling for survival, wants a written commitment from the U.K. on the border question, a demand Britain is reluctant to concede.
