EU chief Donald Tusk labelled 'devilish, trident wielding, euro maniac' by DUP after extraordinary attack on Brexiteers
Follow live updates from Westminster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar and European Council president Donald Tusk have said they will “not gamble with peace” over Theresa May‘s demands on the Northern Ireland backstop.
In an extraordinary intervention, Mr Tusk lashed out a Brexiteers in the UK, saying: “I’ve been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.”
His comments sparked a furious reactions from Eurosceptics, with the DUP's Sammy Wilson calling Mr Tusk a "devilish, trident wielding, euro maniac".
Shortly afterwards, Labour's Emily Thornberry, standing in for Jeremy Corbyn at Prime Minister's Questions, called for Article 50 to be extended to allow for more time for negotiations with the EU.
As it happened...
Donald Tusk and Leo Varadkar are now speaking in Brussels
Tusk says the top priority for the EU remains avoiding a hard border in Ireland after Brexit, and avoiding a no-deal.
"We will not gamble with this," he says, explaining why the commission is insisting on a backstop.
He also pours cold water on the idea of the UK reversing Brexit, saying: "There is no effective force or political leadership for Remain"
He also said of the Brexiteers: “‘I've been wondering what a special place in hell looks like for people who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely."
Mr Tusk said the EU was not making "any new offer" to the prime minister on the Brexit deal.
Speaking alongside Irish premier Leo Varadkar in Brussels, he said: "The position of the EU27 is clear, as expressed in the documents agreed with the UK Government - that is the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration.
"The EU27 is not making any new offer."
Prime minister's questions has now started - Theresa May's deputy, David Lidington, is stepping in for the prime minister as she visits Northern Ireland.
Emily Thornberry, who is stepping in for Jeremy Corbyn, is asking the first question, quoting Mr Lidington's position as "effective deputy prime minister".
"The only time effective and the PM are used together these days," she says.
Thornberry asks what will happen if we approach March and the significant, legally binding changes have not been made to the backstop.
But Lidington says the PM will head to Brussels on Thursday, and discuss the next steps with her counterparts in the EU.
He says the next "meaningful vote" will take place "as soon as possible"
Emily Thornberry calls on David Lidington to seek a temporary extension of Article 50 and extend the negotiations.
She says a full customs union is the "answer staring the government in the face" which will achieve a majority in the House of Commons, and avoid the chaotic scenario of a no-deal Brexit.
She says plan A has been rejected and plan B has been dismissed by the European Union, as she accuses the government of "sleepwalking the country into no plan and no deal at all" with just 50 days to go until Brexit.
Lidington hits back, saying Thornberry and the Labour frontbench need to "do the right thing" in the national interest and vote for a Brexit deal.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments