LONDON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Brexit Secretary David Davis returned to London from Brussels Thursday, saying important progress had been made in the latest round of talks with the European Union (EU) negotiators.
"We've made important progress and capitalized on the momentum created by the Prime Minister's speech in Florence," said Davis.
But Davis said the government was not yet at the stage of specifying exactly what Britain will pay as its so-called "divorce" settlement.
"Our negotiating teams have held very constructive discussions this week on detailed technical issues relating to that. This work is necessary so that when the time comes we will be able to reach a political agreement. And discussions will continue," he said.
Davis said there are differences of opinion with Brussels, but he added that with the continued diligence and creativity of the two negotiating teams he was confident these can be resolved.
"This week my negotiating team came to Brussels armed with the detailed thinking that underpins the proposals set out by the Prime Minister Theresa May."
In Brussels, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said there were still big gaps between the two sides on some withdrawal issues.
Davis said considerable progress had been made on the issues that matter, including increasing certainty for citizens and businesses and providing reassurance to EU partners about Britain's mutual financial obligations. He also said both sides had agreed on some of the key principles in relation to the issues arising for Northern Ireland and Ireland.
"I make no secret of wanting to talk about the future, and the importance of this to business and citizens both in the European Union and the United Kingdom," said Davis.
He said real progress had been made on citizen's rights which will enable citizens on both sides of the English Channel to continue to live their lives broadly as they do now.
But Davis said a major question remained open between the two sides over the enforcement of citizen's rights after Britain leaves the EU.
Davis added: "The UK has been clear that as a country outside of the EU it would not be right for this role to be performed by the European Court of Justice. But we have listened to the concerns that have been raised. As a direct result of hearing those concerns the United Kingdom has committed to incorporating the final withdrawal agreement fully into UK law. We also recognize the need to ensure the consistent interpretation of EU law concepts."
He said the government negotiators also provided further reassurance to Brussels on how EU citizens will be able to apply for a new status, once Britain leaves.
