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UK and EU Aim for Deal to End Brexit Clash in Fresh Talks

“Tunnel” talks aim to unlock Northern Ireland protocol dispute
The advance comes after an agreement on data sharing

Haulage trucks near the European Highlander ferry at Larne Port in Larne, Northern Ireland. — Haulage trucks near the European Highlander ferry at Larne Port in Larne, Northern Ireland.
Photographer: Paul Faith/Bloomberg

By

Alberto Nardelli,

Alex Wickham and

Morwenna Coniam

January 12, 2023, 10:32 AM UTCUpdated onJanuary 12, 2023, 6:37 PM UTC

The European Union and the UK are preparing to enter an intense phase of negotiations starting next week aimed at overcoming the dispute over the post-Brexit trading relationship well ahead of the anniversary of Northern Ireland’s peace agreement in April, according to people familiar with the matter.

The aim is to move into a negotiating “tunnel” after UK foreign minister James Cleverly and European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic take stock of talks on Jan. 16, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private talks.