Trying to break the Brexit deadlock.British Prime Minister Theresa May travelling to Brussels on Monday (October 16) for crisis talks with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.The journey coming after British hopes were dashed that a summit later in the week could launch negotiations on future trade ties.May's office said the meeting was long planned but gave no details.However, it was not on Juncker's agenda published on Friday (October 13) - or that of Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.After talks with his UK counterpart David Davis last week, Barnier said negotiations were deadlocked.The main point of contention between the two parties is an inability to agree on how much the UK owes the EU financially.Other sticking points are the rights of expats and avoiding a new EU-UK border disrupting a fragile peace in Northern Ireland.While Theresa May wants a close relationship and even a transition period with Europe after the UK leaves the bloc, Barnier has told EU leaders not to launch any talks on a future relationship until they have solid answers.May's visit comes as concern rises across Europe that the process may collapse, as the March 2019 exit deadline inches closer.
