British Prime Minister Theresa May says the EU proposal for dealing with the Northern Ireland after Brexit border threatens the "constitutional integrity" of the UK.
Responding to MPs in parliament, Mrs May said no British Prime Minister could agree to such a scenario.
It comes after the EU's draft legal agreement to oversee the terms of Brexit suggested keeping a common regulatory area on the island to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said this was a "backstop" option and would he would be happy to look at alternatives.
Mrs May told parliament she would inform the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker of her position.
IN: "The draft…"
OUT: SOC
DUR: 36 secs
CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0228May-May1a.mp3