Breaking: UK negotiators have proposed a selective approach to an all-Ireland agrifood zone, no alignment on customs or industrial goods, and no "legally operable" solutions this side of a Withdrawal Agreement, according to well-placed sources.

Officials briefed on the UK "non-papers" as well as the talks between the Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, have described the proposal as a "backward step" and "totally insane"

According to one official, the UK proposals do not meet ANY of the three objectives of the backstop which are: avoiding a hard border, protecting the all-island economy and preserving North-South cooperation