PM to meet Irish counterpart to discuss backstop before returning to London for another attempt to force October election. Follow the latest news and developments
7.49 am BST
Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s finance minister, has told the BBC’s Today programme that his government would support a further Brexit extension but said it needed the backing of all EU27 member states. Ahead of today’s meeting between Boris Johnson and the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Donohoe said the Irish were looking forward to further understanding the UK government’s Brexit views and discussing the political standoff in Northern Ireland. Direct rule in the North from London under a no-deal Brexit would be “exceptionally serious”, according to the Irish finance minister.
7.32 am BST
Good morning readers. I’m taking over the live blogging reins until Andrew Sparrow is ready to guide you through another big day of Brexit developments.
Nobody from the government is doing any broadcast rounds this morning, it appears, but I will bring you its important politics report paths as they happen.
Read more: theguardian.com