EU, UK fix date to begin Brexit negotiations

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UK Prime Minister Theresa May insists the Conservatives are "steadfastly" committed to the hard-won Northern Irish peace process, despite holding controversial talks with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to prop up her minority government.

The former Northern Ireland First Minister said her meeting with Mr Varadkar was very good and that she was looking forward to a very positive relationship with the Irish premier. "It's passing quicker than anyone believes That's why we're ready to start very quickly".

Philip Hammond wants economic concerns to take centre-stage when Britain starts talks Monday for leaving the European Union, contrasting with a previous emphasis on cutting immigration.

But the Government will press ahead with the first round of Brexit talks two days before the official opening of Parliament.

"She said she will serve us as long as we want her".

The Conservative government lost their majority in the House of Commons last week, and so they need to form a deal with the ultra-conservative Northern Ireland party, the DUP, who are heavily against LGBT rights.

Prime Minister Theresa May wants to negotiate the divorce and the future trading relationship with the European Union before Britain leaves in March 2019, followed by what she calls a phased implementation process to give business time to prepare for the impact of Brexit.

'I am impatiently waiting for the negotiating position of the United Kingdom government that I hope will be more in line with the will and the interests of the British citizens'.

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DUP leader Arlene Foster, who travelled to Westminster for talks with the Tories on Tuesday, said she hoped a deal could be reached "sooner rather than later".

The Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East argues that "no deal" - a scenario where Britain leaves the European Union without any formal agreement with the other member states - could cripple the Northern Irish economy.

The EU's negotiator Michel Barnier dismissed the suggestion of postponing the negotiations and said such a delay would only prompt further instability.

"We would restore faith in politics if we could show that this parliament can at least function in presenting a view in the national interest which would command a majority on a cross party basis", said pro-European Conservative lawmaker Ken Clarke.

The performance of the British economy could also influence perceptions of Brexit.

According to the Telegraph Theresa May has signalled she will not compromise over Brexit - despite growing demands for a change in approach following Thursday's election result.

"We want to see an administration set up again that will last and one that will last for all of the people of Northern Ireland", said Ms Foster outside Dublin's Government Buildings.

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