Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Theresa May will meet EU officials later as the two sides scramble to finalise a Brexit deal in time for Sunday’s summit of European leaders.
The EU missed its deadline on Tuesday to complete the text of its declaration on future relations with the UK, amid concerns from several member states.
Stumbling blocks remain over UK access to the EU single market, access to UK waters for EU boats and Gibraltar.
The PM is under pressure from her own MPs not to give any further ground.
During a flying visit to Brussels designed to prepare the ground for this weekend’s summit of EU leaders, Mrs May will hold talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.
Mr Juncker has cancelled a two-day trip to the Canary Islands, on Thursday and Friday, to deal with “the many important events taking place at the moment”.
European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said “sherpas” – officials tasked with doing the detailed work ahead of summits – were due to meet on Friday to work on the final texts of the withdrawal agreement and the future relationship.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “Both documents need to be ready by Sunday so that we can sign the exit agreement and accept the declaration on the future relationship.”
Before heading for Brussels, Mrs May came under fire from every Brexit faction in the House of Commons at a noisy Prime Minister’s Questions – from those who want another referendum, to those who want Britain to leave the EU without a deal.
One of her own MPs, Andrew Rosindell, called on the PM to “lead our country in a new direction, completely cutting away the tentacles of the EU over our cherished island nation once and for all”.
Mrs May responded by saying her deal delivered on the promises of Brexit and ensured a continued close trading relationship with the EU.