Brexit transition period may need to be extended beyond agreed deadline

The planned transition period for Britain when it leaves the EU may has to be extended beyond a deadline agreed by Brussels, Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said.

His comments come as EU and British negotiators this week attempt to hammer out a draft transition deal amid continued stumbling blocks ahead of a crucial EU leaders’ summit next week.

Tensions are mounting after suggestions from London that people may have to pre-register on the island of Ireland before crossing the border after Brexit.