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Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar have spoken over the phone this evening.

Mr Varadkar, whose support is crucial for any hope of a wider UK-EU agreement, has issued a short statement in response.

He suggested the UK's proposals "do not fully meet the agreed objectives of the backstop". In other words, they do not go far enough in upholding the integrity of the EU's single market and protecting the peace settlement in Northern Ireland.

But he reiterated that he wanted an agreement and he would consult with the European Commission and other member states in the coming days.

He said he expected to speak to Mr Johnson again early next week.