Britain edges closer to finalising EU deal

A deal aimed at keeping Britain in the EU was inching its way to a successful conclusion in Brussels overnight, with Ireland poised to limit children’s allowance to workers from other EU countries whose family lives abroad.

By the time British prime minister David Cameron completed his shuttle-round of talks with the most problematic capitals yesterday, there were just five questions left to be resolved by the 28 national leaders.

These are expected to be thrashed out over an “English breakfast” this morning.