Is a Brexit deal really dead or could it be revived before 31 October?

The chances of a deal with the EU are not completely extinguished, writes Ashley Cowburn, but it will take a massive effort from both sides

Will the PM budge on his red lines? (AFP)

With just 21 days remaining, Boris Johnson appears to be on course for a resounding failure in delivering on his pledge to end the UK’s membership of the European Union by 31 October.

Despite unveiling his plans to Brussels last week at the climax of the Conservative Party conference, the UK and the EU are no closer to reaching a fresh agreement.

Potential extension dates to the Brexit negotiating period are already appearing in British newspapers after being briefed out by EU diplomats intimately involved in the talks.