British Prime Minister Theresa May says there is a shared determination among European leaders to find an acceptable compromise on the Irish border issue which is currently scuppering her proposed Brexit deal.
In a dash across Europe to see leaders from the Netherlands, Germany and EU officials, Mrs May said she was beginning a negotiating process to clarify the controversial position which could see Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of the the UK to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. This would come into force if London and Brussels fail to negotiate a trade agreement in the time available.
It comes as Mrs May faces a fierce backlash for postponing a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal with speculation opponents within her own Conservative party have the numbers to challenge her leadership.
However speaking in Brussels Theresa May said she was making progress on clarifying the backstop issue.
IN: "What has been shown to me…"
OUT: …available."
DUR: 22 secs
However speaking in Brussels Theresa May said her opponents must be realistic that any deal would require some form of backstop to deal with the border issue.
IN: "The backstop..…"
OUT: …coming days."
DUR: 22 secs