Germany sees way out of EU-Britain border spat

The German government is hinting at tweaks to an agreement between the European Union and Britain on how to set border controls with Northern Ireland that could help resolve on ongoing dispute between Brussels and London

BERLIN -- The German government on Friday hinted at possible tweaks to an agreement between the European Union and Britain on how to set border controls with Northern Ireland. The move could help resolve a long-running dispute between Brussels and London. Angela Merkel's spokeswoman said the chancellor plans to travel to Britain next week for talks with U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer avoided replying directly to a question on what Germany thinks of the EU executive arm's implied willingness to impose punitive tariffs if Britain doesn't comply with the Brexit deal. But she cited Merkel's comments at the recent Group of Seven meeting in Cornwall, at which the German leader had called for “pragmatic solutions" within the framework of the accord, especially on border checks between Britain and Northern Ireland.