EU presses UK to guarantee discounted tuition fees for European students before summit

■ Steady

EU states push UK on tuition fees as food deal and summit approach

On Thursday, at a meeting of senior EU diplomats in Brussels, at least six member states opposed delaying a deal on discounted tuition fees for European students until after the summit. Some argue that failure to agree on fees should delay a food and drink deal meant to cut Brexit red tape. Earlier in the week, the UK and EU agreed a draft deal to scrap Brexit-related checks on food exports, and officials were reported to have all but agreed three deals covering agriculture, youth visas and emissions. A meeting with European leaders in Brussels is set for 20 November.

• At least six EU member states opposed delaying a tuition fee deal until after the summit.
• Some argue that failure to agree on fees should delay the food and drink deal.
• The draft food export deal, agreed by the UK and EU, is described as the most significant part of the 'reset' so far.
• Officials have all but agreed three deals on agriculture, youth visas and emissions ahead of the 20 November meeting in Brussels.