The prime minister is due to chair a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning before departing for a two-day visit to Northern Ireland to underscore her commitment to avoiding a hard border with Ireland. Tell us: has talk of abandoning the backstop affected life in Northern Ireland? Read moreShe is expected to say: “I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland. But we will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland … that commands broad support across the community in Northern Ireland … and that secures a majority in the Westminster parliament.”Privately, however, there is scepticism within the government about the possibility of a breakthrough before May returns to parliament to make a statement about her Brexit plans on 13 February. If the attempt to renegotiate the backstop fails, the Malthouse compromise proposes what amounts to a managed no deal.

Source: The Guardian February 04, 2019 22:31 UTC