UK and EU to strike Brexit transition deal as Ireland says talks are 'moving forward'

Ireland's foreign minister has hinted at a breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations just a few hours before a press conference in Brussels where David Davis, the UK's chief negotiator, will unveil transition plans with his European counterpart. 

"The Brexit negotiations are moving forward - progress on Irish issues remains a key priority for both negotiating teams and solidarity with our EU partners remains strong," Simon Coveney wrote in a message on Twitter, along with a beaming photograph of himself and Mr Barnier. 

Mr Coveney, who is also Ireland's deputy prime minister, has previously warned that there could be no "backsliding" from the UK over the Irish border issue. 

The EU says Britain must agree to the terms on avoiding a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland before it will sign off on the final version of their divorce agreement and advance to trade talks in April.

That agreement includes a "backstop" clause which would see Northern Ireland adopt EU rules and regulations to prevent a border, in the event that no better solution is proposed by the British side. 

EU diplomats were optimistic about the progress made so far. 

"Good progress I understand but let's see why Barnier and Davis have to say," a senior EU source told AFP on condition of anonymity when asked if there was an agreement.

"Looking good," another EU diplomat said.

The Telegraph will be live-streaming the press conference, which is due to begin around 11.45am. Join the debate in the comments below by signing up for a free account.