Brussels amends draft conclusions to include 'evolution clause'

EU officials have adjusted their draft conclusion ahead of the council's summit on Thursday and Friday.

Brussels added an "evolution clause" to its draft, stating that if Theresa May was to set aside her 'red lines', the EU would "consider its offer" on post-Brexit trade.

Previous drafts of the document demanded the UK "intensify" its efforts to wrap-up negotiations over the Irish border, but in an effort to speed up discussions, EU ministers will use the summit later this week to implore May to come to a "realistic and workable" proposal for future relations.

The EU's "evolution clause" would allow Brussels to switch-up its negotiating strategy, but only if Westminster was to do so first.

Brexit will be a "footnote" on European leaders' agenda at the two-day gathering, following discussions centred around migration, security and reforms to the Eurozone.

Following the Withdrawal Bill's progress through Parliament, before being sent to Buckingham Palace for Royal Assent, Brussels has continued to ramp up its preparations for a "no deal" scenario, releasing details over several key areas that would require legislative amendments.

Under these European Commission proposals, the UK would be placed on a "visa-required" or "visa-free" status.