We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again.

Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar said the future of the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland must be clarified before Brexit talks can progress to the second stage.

The threat was issued during a joint press conference held by Mr Varadkar and president of the European Council Donald Tusk.

Mr Varadkar said: “I believe with the right engagement and political will we can reach an agreement on the way ahead.