The BBC understands that Theresa May broke off her talks with Jean-Claude Juncker after the Democratic Unionist Party leader, Arlene Foster, held a press conference saying the party could not accept anything that led to divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The prime minister then phoned Ms Foster. During the call it was made plain to the PM that the DUP, whose support is vital to the government being able to pass their Brexit legislation, had significant concerns about the deal being discussed that gave concessions to the Dublin government.

I understand Ms Foster told Theresa May that she would not be able to support such a deal.

It’s been suggested too there are twenty or so Conservative MPs who had serious misgivings about the compromises that were understood to be on the table.