Brexit news: Boris Johnson accepts 30-day deadline to replace Irish backstop, as EU unites against British PM
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Boris Johnson has arrived in Berlin to hold crunch talks with Angela Merkel as the EU closed ranks in opposition to his Brexit demands.
In his first European trip as prime minister, Mr Johnson attended a meeting with the German chancellor, where he was expected to spell out his commitment to taking the UK out of the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal.
It comes as Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney warned no deal was more likely than ever, a view echoed by the French government, according to diplomatic sources.
Here's how we covered developments as they happened:
Business leaders have raised concerns about potential further delays to HS2 rail project, following the announcement of a review by transport secretary Grant Shapps.
Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “For far too long businesses across the UK have had to cope with heavily congested Victorian-era railways – with passengers and freight traffic vying for priority. Businesses count the cost of this in delayed journeys, overcrowded trains, uncertain deliveries and unreliable services.
“HS2’s importance goes far beyond train services. Its anticipated completion is already attracting investors and will continue to attract investment to surrounding areas, rejuvenate local economies and create opportunities for businesses across the supply chain.
“While no project should have a blank cheque, business communities across the UK will be concerned about the potential for further delays to HS2. This review must work at pace with our business communities to improve and hone this crucial infrastructure project, which is so important to business confidence.”
Norbert Röttgen, chair of the German parliament’s foreign affairs committee and an Angela Merkel ally, has spelled out the opposition to Boris Johnson's Brexit demands in a stern tweet.
Ireland's foreign affairs minister has said that a no-deal Brexit is much more likely now than it has ever been.
Speaking ahead of Boris Johnson's Europe trip this week, Simon Coveney said: "There is a consequence to the approach that the British government is taking and that consequence is that they are making a no-deal far more likely.
"There is a reason why Boris Johnson is visiting Berlin today and Paris tomorrow, to try to talk to EU leaders about finding a way forward.
"I think he will get a very consistent message from EU leaders that the negotiations over the last two to three years are not going to be abandoned now.
"We will try and find a way to give the reassurance and clarification that Boris Johnson needs to sell a deal.
"We will try and be imaginative about that and be helpful on that."
A new poll by Kantar has given the Tories a 14-point lead over Labour - in a major surge for Boris Johnson's party.
However, there are some questions about the methodology of the poll, laid out here by YouGov director Anthony Wells.
Carrie Symonds, Boris Johnson‘s girlfriend, has reportedly been refused entry to the US for a planned visit.
She had applied for permission to enter the country in the next few days as part of her role at Oceana, an environmental group, but the request was blocked by American officials, the Daily Mail reported.
It could become a source of embarrassment for Mr Johnson, who is due to meet Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France at the weekend.
Ahead of Boris Johnson's meetings with the leaders of Germany and France, European Commission spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud said: "It's normal that our member states meet and talk to one another.
"Beyond this, the EU27 have had from the outset - and continue to have now - one single, united position on Brexit matters."
No10 is distancing itself from a story in The Sun, which claimed Boris Johnson was considering a plan for Ireland to temporarily diverge from EU rules so it can stay aligned with the UK to prevent a hard border.
The paper said: "The Sun has learned that Mr Johnson is ready to propose a new bilateral deal between London and Dublin to act as a bridge until stand-off border checks - dubbed ‘alternative arrangements’ – are ready.
"Under the new idea, Ireland would win a special dispensation from Brussels to diverge from EU rules temporarily so it can stay aligned with the UK.
"In turn, the London government would agree a common rule book on goods and standards with Dublin while the temporary arrangement lasts."
However the Sun's political editor suggests No10 did not deny the reports when he raised it initially.
Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson has announced her new top team after taking over the party last month.
Chuka Umunna, one of the party's new MPs, becomes foreign affairs spokesman, while Ed Davey, who challenged Swinson for the leadership, becomes shadow chancellor.
Sarah Wollaston, who recently defected to the party from The Independent Group, will attend cabinet, as will former health minister Norman Lamb. The MPs both chair select committees - health and science respectively.
Sir David Attenborough has said that many people are “fed up” with the European Union, and suggested a major political change like Brexit was inevitable.
The revered broadcaster said the EU may not have paid enough attention to member states’ concerns and had allowed itself to do things that “irritate” people.
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Ex-Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has raised concerns that the HS2 review could lead to the project being scrapped.
The party's spokesman for the North said: “For the Conservatives to even suggest cancelling HS2 is a slap in the face for people living across the North.
"HS2 is far from perfect. It needs to have greater transparency and accountability so the public know what’s happening with their money, but that does not mean the project should be consigned to the scrapheap.
“Building better infrastructure across the North is vital if we’re to rebalance our economy. HS2 is vital to do this. HS2 will benefit our economy, our planet and our roads and Liberal Democrats unequivocally support the project.”
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