Thread by @DaveKeating

There is no prospect that leaders at today's #EUCO will somehow agree a post-#Brexit FTA in time for @BorisJohnson's 15 October deadline

But now the UK side is walking back his threat, saying tomorrow he will merely assess whether there has been enough progress to continue talks

But the elephant in the room is #CoronaVirus.

It's looking like this may be the last in-person #EUCO this year. If #Brexit talks do continue, they will likely have to be virtual.

Hard to see how a deal can be reached in these circumstances.

President @EmmanuelMacron entering #EUCO: "It is possible that there will be no [#Brexit FTA] agreement…we are prepared for it.”

“Our fishermen should not be the ones being sacrificed because of Brexit...we have not chosen Brexit, it is the British peoples' choice."

Meanwhile, President @VonDerLeyen just had to leave #EUCO because she learned one of her team tested positive.

It's quickly becoming obvious that in-person summits are going to have to stop.

How could a #Brexit deal be agreed in these circumstances?

https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1316745965206999043?s=20

The 27 EU prime ministers and presidents have just adopted their #EUCO #Brexit conclusions (though Brexit discussions will continue for awhile)

They've ignored @BorisJohnson's deadline threat, and told @MichelBarnier to continue negotiations using the existing mandate.

I've been told to expect a very blunt #Brexit discussion now behind the scenes, but don't expect leaks.

Strict confidentiality for this: mobile phones banned, and they're not doing the traditional debrief with Antici diplomats afterwards.

OK, maybe some leaks.

An EU official says there is "total support for Barnier and his negotiation approach" in the room. Leaders are united on LPF/Single Market, governance *and* fisheries

The PMs and presidents want a deal but told the Commission to prepare for a #NoDealBrexit

So if there's such agreement, why the secrecy?

I suspect #EUCO leaders are talking bluntly about emergency preparations, operating under the assumption there will be a no deal cliff edge in 75 days.

But if that got out, it might look like they're walking away from negotiations

#EUCO leaders have taken a break from their #Brexit talks.

@MichelBarnier and @eucopresident updating journalists with a press conference now.

President Michel says #EUCO is sticking with the existing mandate. The UK that needs to move now if they want a deal.

“Any agreement on our future relationship would have to be based on our mandate, in particular when it comes to level playing field, fisheries and governance"

Barnier says he has set out a schedule for two more weeks of talks, 1st in London then in Brussels

It's up to UK negotiator David Frost whether he'll accept the invitation

“We are determined to reach a fair deal with the UK and we will do anything we can, but not at any price"

Frost has responded angrily to the #EUCO result.

“Also surprised by suggestion that to get an agreement all future moves must come from UK," he's just said. "It's an unusual approach to conducting a negotiation".

https://twitter.com/DavidGHFrost/status/1316785715943014400?s=20

It appears that Number 10's hope that EU27 unity would fragment tonight has not materialised. They have not splintered, not even on fisheries.

So now the ball is in @BorisJohnson's court. Will he make good on his threat to quit #Brexit talks today if no deal has been agreed?