UK opposition leader unlikely to support Brexit deal

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Brexit talks with the European Union to strike a last minute deal are getting serious, the British government said on Sunday (October 13) but opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn says its unlikely he'll back an agreement.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH OPPOSITION LABOUR PARTY LEADER, JEREMY CORBYN, SAYING:

"So I think the problem areas are of regulation and deregulation which come from whatever trade arrangement there is with Europe and the wider world but also perhaps very seriously is the Irish border issue. And if it creates a border down the Irish Sea rather than on the Irish border itself, I can see that bringing problems."

Intense negotiations were taking place at the weekend after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed down in key areas, including dropping a demand for customs checks on the island of Ireland.

The Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, speaking on Sophy Ridge on Sunday, said the progress was encouraging.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, JACOB REES-MOGG, SAYING:

" It's always difficult to put specific odds on things but it's certainly looking more positive this week than it did last week."

Johnson was due to brief his cabinet on the talks on Sunday afternoon.