Shares rallied and the pound surged to its highest level since 2018 as hopes grew that the UK could be on the cusp of striking a Brexit deal.
The City was buzzing after EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said there is a path to agreement now even if it may be very narrow , fuelling anticipation that an agreement on new trade terms is imminent.
The two sides have found a way forward on most issues , she said, though fisheries and competition rules are still sticking points. Downing Street said last night that a No Deal is still the most likely outcome when the transition period ends on December 31.
Analysts believe the small margin between the two bids makes another increase likely, and yesterday shares in G4S rose to 256p as markets pre-empted further developments.