Boris Johnson has held Brexit talks with Emmanuel Macron in Paris only hours after the French president ruled out concessions on the backstop.
Speaking on the steps of the Elysee Palace, Mr Macron said: “We cannot find a new Withdrawal Agreement within 30 days.”
It follows Mr Johnson’s meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel, who suggested a solution to the Brexit crisis could be found if the PM came up with workable alternatives to the backstop “in the next 30 days”.
Ms Merkel later clarified her remarks to say it was not meant to be a firm deadline, only “an example” to show how little time was left before 31 October.
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Ministers have said they will no longer use gagging clauses for trade groups and businesses except when necessary to protect third parties.
The use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) has been criticised - particularly in preparing for Brexit - as some organisations say they restrict their ability to properly tell members how to prepare for the UK's departure from the EU.
Ahead of the 31 October deadline, ministers decided to scrap the use of NDAs in most circumstances, agreeing to the change at a no-deal planning meeting this week.
A government spokesperson said: As we continue our preparations for Brexit on October 31, it makes no sense to engage processes which hinder constructive debate, transparency and exchange of information.
"It is vital that trade groups and businesses can speak openly to one another about preparations and so we will no longer enter into such agreements unless absolutely necessary."
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Emmanuel Macron tweeted a picture of himself talking with Boris Johnson, adding: "The relationship between the United Kingdom and France is, in my eyes, essential and unalterable.
"BorisJohnson, I see in your choice to come to Paris the need to maintain this privileged relationship. Let's work together!"
Boris Johnson is ready to “declare no confidence in himself” as a trick to thwart MPs and carry out a no-deal Brexit, a senior MP is warning.
Nick Boles, who quit the Tory party over the threat of a hard Brexit, suggested the device could be used to suspend parliament for a general election – to be held after the UK has left the EU on 31 October.
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Former Tory MP Nick Boles has rejected Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's invitation to meet to co-ordinate opposition efforts to stop a no-deal Brexit.
Boles, who quit the party in April over its approach to Brexit, warned Mr Corbyn not to pursue a vote of no confidence in the government which could lead to a general election before legislation had been passed to mandate the Prime Minister to request an extension to Article 50.
Mr Boles was one of the MPs who co-ordinated efforts to block a no-deal Brexit on March 29.
He said: "I therefore urge you and the leaders of the other opposition parties to focus on legislative measures to stop no-deal Brexit on October 31.
"This will necessarily involve doing what we did earlier this year: seizing control of the order paper and passing an Act of Parliament that compels the Prime Minister to secure the agreement of the EU Council to a further extension to Article 50.
"I am confident that, with goodwill and genuine cross-party cooperation, we can do this again."
The leaders then enjoyed coffee in the palace where there was some small talk between then, although the conversation was inaudible to the travelling press pack. It was Mr Johnson who was asking the questions of Mr Macron while the media was present.
The mirrored room was decorated with British, French and European Union flags.
Mr Johnson left the palace following the coffee and is due to fly back to the UK before conducting domestic visits on Friday.
