The British Government issued an official request for the extension of the Brexit grace period in Northern Ireland amid major import disruptions with mainland UK. The European Union has been accused of taking a "purist" stance over its interpretation of the protocol relating to the UK nation included in the Brexit trade deal. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis confirmed on Sunday Brussels has yet to respond to Britain's request.
The deadline is currently set for Tuesday, June 30.
Mr Lewis told Times Radio: "We think we have put forward a sensible proposal, something actually quite moderate while we work out a long-term solution.
"And I am hopeful over the next few days that those technical discussions, we'll be able to get that secured with the EU.
"We're coming very close up against the deadline now and we've not yet formally heard back from the EU. They need to come back to us.
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"I am hopeful they will come back in a positive way."
During an earlier appearance on The Andrew Marr Show, Mr Lewis urged the European Union to back up its words about flexibility on the Northern Ireland protocol with actions.
The Tory frontbencher reiterated the British Government would act to "rectify" the "big disruption" businesses had been facing following the end of the transition period.
Mr Lewis said: "We've got to make sure that we are delivering for people in Northern Ireland, that we get the flexibility so that people in Northern Ireland have the same experience as they would anywhere else in the United Kingdom in terms of being able to receive products and goods.
READ MORE: "Now that's a two-way thing and the EU needs to show the flexibility that they keep talking about.
"Now that's a two-way thing and the EU needs to show the flexibility that they keep talking about.
A prohibition on GB chilled meats entering Northern Ireland is due to come into force this week, though the EU has indicated a willingness to grant a UK request to extend a temporary exemption period from the ban for a further three months to provide space to try to find an alternative solution.
The talks are playing out as tensions among Northern Ireland loyalists mount over the arrangements they claim have driven a constitutional wedge between the region and the rest of the UK.
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There are concerns that loyalist anger could boil over during Northern Ireland's sensitive loyal order parading season during the summer.
European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic is due to appear before a Stormont committee on Monday to face questions on the EU's stance on the Protocol.
READ MORE: "Now that's a two-way thing and the EU needs to show the flexibility that they keep talking about.