EU summit chair Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that Brexit promoters deserved "a special place in hell" - a blunt display of frustration in Brussels that drew condemnation from many in Britain. EU leaders have repeatedly said it would be impossible to replace the provision, known as the "backstop", because it is required to ensure no hard border, once a focus for sectarian violence, between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. URGENT WORKBefore arriving in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, May acknowledged that her task would not be easy. British Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington played down the outburst: "I think Mr Tusk was venting yesterday," he told BBC radio. But the EU, and particularly Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, say they will not re-open the agreement.

Source: Mint February 07, 2019 12:33 UTC