Britain is 85-90 percent on the way to agreeing a deal with EU

Britain is over 85 percent of the way to agreeing on a deal with the European Union on its exit from the bloc, Cabinet Office minister David Lidington told Irish radio on Thursday, adding that a deal could be reached by October or November.

"The withdrawal agreement - we're 85 percent...90 percent of the way to fixing the text," Lidington said.

When asked if a deal was possible by an October or November deadline, he replied: "Yes I believe that there can be, and I remain, despite the outstanding difficulties, I remain optimistic."

He said that the key outstanding element to be agreed was what has become known as the Irish backstop issue.