Brexit: German Chancellor Angela Merkel vows to fight until the end

German Chancellor Angela Merkel confessed she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, adding the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake.

“I will fight to the last hour of the deadline on 29 March for an orderly exit,” she told a press conference in Berlin. “We don’t have a lot of time for it but still have a few days.”

EU ministers are, meanwhile, meeting in Brussels to prepare for this week’s summit.

Germany’s Europe minister, Michael Roth, said: “Our patience is really being put to the test at the moment and I can only ask our partners in London to finally make a concrete proposal why they are seeking an extension.”

France’s Europe minister, Nathalie Loiseau, said: “‘Grant an extension, what for?’ is always the question. Time is not a solution… we need a decision from London.”

European Commission chief Jean Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk, who is holding talks with Irish premier Leo Varadkar in Dublin. are due to hold press conferences later.

What about the opposition parties?

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to meet the leaders of the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and Green Party for talks on Brexit.

The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford, Lib Dem leader Vince Cable, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas have all released a joint statement calling for another referendum.

“The best and most democratic way forward is to put the decision back to the people in a new vote – with the option to Remain on the ballot paper,” they said.

Mr Corbyn will also meet members of the group of MPs calling for a so-called Norway Plus style of future relationship with the EU.

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