Sterling gapped lower as the week started with negative Brexit news again. The backstop on Irish border remained an unresolved issue despite efforts from both sides. And furthermore, as the negotiations stalled, there will be no more scheduled talks before the EU summit on later this week.
EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier tweeted after meeting UK Brexit secretary Dominic Raab in Brussels that “Despite intense efforts, some key issues are still open, including the backstop for IE/NI (Ireland/Northern Ireland) to avoid a hard border.”
Brexit Ministry said that there was progress “in a number of key areas”. “However there remain a number of unresolved issues relating to the backstop. The UK is still committed to making progress at the October European Council.”