British and EU officials will begin to take a closer look at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s proposal to solve the controversial Irish backstop, in what is seen as the last chance to reach an agreement ahead next week’s final EU summit before the October 31 deadline. Downing Street and Brussels have remained tight-lipped about the details of any potential agreement after an initial breakthrough following talks between Mr Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. On Friday the EU reiterated its commitment to honouring its red lines on preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland after “constructive” talks between Mr Barnier and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay.
In a statement, the EU insisted any solution to the backstop must be “legally operative” and opposes Northern Ireland leaving the customs union with the rest of the UK.
However, Sky News understands Mr Johnson plan involves Northern Ireland still being subject to EU tariffs despite leaving the customs union.
Following talks in Brussels the Prime Minister was adamant he would not accept any arrangement which damaged the ability of “the whole of the United Kingdom” to take full advantage of Brexit, including any new trade deals struck with countries around the world.
Mr Johnson said: “Under no circumstances will we see anything that damages the ability of the whole of the United Kingdom to take full advantage of Brexit.”
Mr Johnson said he could see a “pathway to a deal, but that doesn’t mean it is a done deal”.
DUP leader Arlene Foster fired a warning to the Prime Minister and stated its 10 MPs in Westminster could not agree to any deal that “traps” Northern Ireland within the blocs trading rules.
Ms Foster said: “We have been consistent in our opposition to the backstop, whether UK or Northern Ireland only.
“Anything that traps Northern Ireland in the European Union, whether single market or customs union, as the rest of the United Kingdom leaves will not have our support. The prime minister is very mindful of that.”
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10.30am update: Sadiq Khan calls on Labour to back 2nd referendum before a general election
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called on Labour to back second referendum before a general election.
The ardent Remainer has said Jeremy Corbyn’s plan to have a general election and then give the public another vote on Brexit “does not make sense” because the party’s Brexit position is “so unclear”.
Mr Khan, who is seeking a second-term as London Mayor, said voters should be given the choice between the terms negotiated by the Government and Remaining in the European Union.
Mr Khan, when asked whether a second referendum should come before a general election, he told The Guardian: “Absolutely. Let’s resolve the issue of Brexit, give the British public a final say.
“Leave the EU on terms negotiated by the government or the option of remaining.
“Once that’s been resolved, have a general election as soon as possible and we’ve got such an exciting policy offer when it comes to the NHS, policing, schools, a Green New Deal.”
10.00am update: Remainer Grieve reveals who he will stand for in general election
Ardent Remainer Dominic Grieve has revealed which party he will stand for in an upcoming election after being ousted from the Tory Party for rebelling against a no deal Brexit.
Mr Grieve told Express.co.uk: “Should there be a general election, it is likely I will not be able to stand as a Conservative, so I will be standing as an Independent.”
9.20am update: Nicky Morgan says prospect of a Brexit deal are ‘promising’
Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said the prospects of a Brexit deal with the EU appear to be “promising”.
Mrs Morgan told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “After the meeting between the Irish Prime Minister and our Prime Minister on Thursday, there is no doubt that things do look promising.
“The mood music seems positive, but clearly there are lots of details to be worked out.”
Mrs Morgan also said reports that Boris Johnson is preparing to fight a general election on a no deal platform if he is unable to get an agreement are “wide of the mark”.
She said: “The Prime Minister has always been clear that a deal is infinitely preferable and that is what we want to see.
“These talks with our EU friends and neighbours are obviously at a very delicate stage. I think it is incumbent on all of us to stand back from briefings and speculation and just allow these talks to happen.”
