Sir Keir Starmer has had a breakthrough in his bid to secure a new deal with the European Union ahead of a major summit with the bloc, reports suggest.

After Government sources said talks were “down to the wire” on Sunday, it is understood there was late progress, although a deal is “not yet done” because there are still outstanding issues on both sides, PA sources understand.

Ministers had appeared confident of securing an accord, with Number 10 saying on Saturday the Prime Minister would “strike a deal” at the first UK-EU summit on Monday.

The summit will see Sir Keir meet European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the second time in four days amid efforts to reach agreement with the EU on a range of issues.

(Image: Henry Nicholls/PA Wire)........

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