World

New Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab vows to 'intensify' talks

July 19, 2018 4:02 pm

The UK’s new Brexit secretary has offered to meet Michel Barnier throughout August to “intensify” talks and “get some energy” into them.

Dominic Raab said his first meeting with the EU’s chief negotiator in Brussels had been “constructive”.

He replaced David Davis, who quit in protest at Theresa May’s trade policy.

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It comes as the IMF says some EU countries will suffer significant economic damage if the UK leaves without a trade deal.

Both the UK and EU are stepping up preparations for a “no deal” Brexit.

The two sides insist it is not what they want – and that reaching a deal by the autumn is still very much on the cards.

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But they have yet to agree how their final relationship will work, with key issues around cross-border trade unresolved, and the UK’s official departure date of 29 March 2019 fast approaching.