UK tries to counter claims it's unprepared for Brexit talks

LONDON – The British government is fighting back against criticisms that it is divided and unprepared for Brexit.

The Department for Exiting the European Union announced Sunday that it plans to publish a set of detailed proposals on customs arrangements, the status of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border and other issues.

The Brexit department says it will release the first set of position papers this week, more than a year after Britons voted to leave the EU.

The EU is refusing to negotiate the bloc's post-exit relationship with Britain until sufficient progress has been made on three issues: how much the U.K. has to pay to settle its tab; the Irish border situation; and the status of EU nationals living in Britain.

The British government wants to show progress so the broader negotiations can commence by October.