UK government to set out Brexit deals in parliament
The UK government is expected to set out its proposals for a Brexit deal in parliament later, while EU leaders also consider their response.
Boris Johnson outlined plans that would see Northern Ireland stay in the European single market for goods but leave the customs union – resulting in new customs checks.
The European commission welcomed advances but said problems remained.
The prime minister says the UK will leave the EU on 31stof October, with or without a deal.
He insists he will not ask for a further extension if no deal is reached despite legislation designed to force him to do so unless members of parliament pass a deal or approve a no-deal Brexit before 19th of October.
Irish prime minister Leo Yaradkar, whose stance is expected to guide how the EU responds, said the UK’s approach “did not fully meet the agreed objectives of the backstop”. the backstop is a mechanism designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.