Brexit - LIVE: Michel Barnier to give EU's verdict on Chequers plan after Theresa May gives speech in Northern Ireland

Theresa May has used a speech in Northern Ireland to call on the EU to accept the UK's Brexit proposals.

The prime minister is using her first visit to the region since taking office to reassure residents and businesses that she is committed to maintaining a soft border with the Republic of Ireland. 

She insisted that her government's Brexit plan "works for the whole UK, including Northern Ireland" and said it is "now for the EU to respond".

Michel Barnier, Brussels' chief negotiator, is due to deliver the EU's first official verdict to the UK plan agreed by ministers at Chequers earlier this month. He will speak to media after meeting with ministers from the 27 other member states.

See below for live updates

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11:42

Michael Roth, German foreign minister, has spoken to reporters on arrival at a meeting of member states in Brussels.

 

Europe correspondent Jon Stone has sent these quotes.

On whether the UK Chequers proposal is successful:

“That’s the one million euro question and we will discuss this issue today with our colleagues and with our chief negotiator Barnier. For us, it’s extremely crucial that the EU27 stands united.”

“I will remain an optimist, but it’s hard to be an optimist in these challenging times.

“We are committed to stand united as EU27 and it’s my job as the German minister for Europe to support this unity. It’s challenging, it’s not easy, but I’m very proud to see there is a clear message to our British friends. There’s just one joint and common response to the so-called white paper of the British government.”

On British political instability

“We are extremely aware of the current situation. No one wants to punish the British government or the British people but in the end we are negotiating on the basis of the guidelines.

“Guidelines are not red lines but we are committed to these guidelines for the next negotiations and time is running out, the clock is ticking, and that’s why I’m a little bit nervous.”

11:38

That's the end of her press conference.

11:34

11:34

Asked about chaos in parliament, she says what has actually happened is the government delivering on their policy. 

 

On no deal and the Brussels backstop, she is asked if her plan is 'dead in the water'. May says she has proposed an alternative option but the best way is finding a solution which means the backstop isn't necessary.

 

She says the EU must now sit down with the UK with 'increased pace, increased intensity' to work to solve this through the future relationship.

11:31

Asked about the chief whip, she says he and Tory chairman Brandon Lewis has apologised.

 

She jumps to the white paper now and completely dodges the question.

11:30

Asked about what has changed to give her confidence that there will not be a hard border, she says the relationship with the EU means all sides want this outcome.

11:28

There's now a Q&A.

 

May is asked about the DUP deal and Ian Paisley Jr, who has been suspended from parliament for 30 days for failing to declare two luxury holidays.

 

May says the DUP deal has meant she can deliver on the wishes of the people of the UK.

11:26

She says some EU proposals have been 'unworkable' but she looks forward to starting 'constructive discussions'.

 

I am passionate about the brighter future and the possibilities it entails, she says.

 

That is the end of her speech.

11:24

May says she understands concerns around maintaining a common rulebook over goods and agrifoods. She says it is in the 'national interest' in a way it wouldn't be if it was about financial services.

 

Brexiteers have been furious about any attempt to maintain common rules with the EU.

11:21

She repeats her position on the EU's proposals for a backstop, saying no PM could ever accept a solution where there would be a customs border down the Irish sea.

 

May defends her Chequers plan as a 'sensible, practical Brexit' as it takes back control of money, laws and borders.

11:18

No technological solution has been tested out anywhere in the world to the Northern Ireland border, she says. Interesting issue here, as the future customs rules hinge on this issue.

 

May says it would be a betrayal of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, if the UK does not find a suitable solution in the Brexit talks.

 

UK cannot 'wash its hands' of the matter - which is a bit of a jibe at the Brexiteers who are open to the idea of a no deal.

11:16

May says the notion of a hard border is 'inconceivable'. She spent the day meeting people around the border on Thursday, during her first visit to the province since the referendum.

 

Here's a summary of the key views on the Irish border question.

 

What key politicians think about the Irish border question, from Theresa May to Michel Barnier

11:13

11:12

She says it is a matter of 'enormous regret' that Northern Ireland has been without a functioning executive for 18 months, after power-sharing collapsed last January.

 

May pays tribute to the civil service for their work and says the UK government will do everything it can to support a new executive. She says it cannot be imposed. Interventions from Westminster are no match for decisions taken in Belfast, she says.

11:10

May says she 'shares the concern' over outbreaks of violence in recent weeks and says it is 'not representative of the wider community'.

 

'We are all committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland moves forward,' she says.

 

Moving onto the Good Friday Agreement, the PM pays tribute to Tony Blair, Ian Paisley, Martin McGuinness and John Major, as well as others who contributed to this.

11:08

She says Northern Ireland makes a 'major contribution to our union and also derives great benefits' from being in the UK. 

 

May points to the success of TV and entertainment, tourism and other industry in the province, underscored by UK government funding.

 

She says her government will 'never be neutral' in its support for Northern Ireland and want to protect the union.

 

However she acknowledges that many people consider themselves Irish and she promises to ensure parity of esteem for everyone.

11:05

11:03

Theresa May is now speaking in Belfast.

 

She underlines the importance of Northern Ireland in the union, and says 'far more unites than divides us' across the UK.

10:46

Businesses and consumers are going to be sent technical notices on how to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, under government plans reported in The Times today.

 

The prime minister revealed the proposals during an appearance before the liaison committee on Wednesday, where she said around 70 notices would be sent out during August and September.

 

Here's our report of the proceedings:

 

Theresa May refuses to say if 'baffling' customs plan requires EU border staff to collect duties for UK after Brexit

10:28

The row over whether the Tory chief whip should resign over breaking a voting pact is ongoing.

Northern Ireland secretary Karen Bradley said Julian Smith had made an "honest mistake" when he ordered Tory Party chairman Brandon Lewis to break a pairing agreement with an MP on maternity leave during a crucial Brexit vote.

The former whip also twice declined to say if his job was at stake.

Asked if he was going to have to resign, she told the Today programme: "Well, you know, I know everybody is fascinated by the workings of the Whips' Office.

"House Of Cards has always been a pretty successful programme, in my experience.

"But I was a whip, I can tell you that, at the point where you have a number of difficult votes - and let's be clear, over the last few days we have had a dozens, it turns out, of difficult votes - mistakes happen.

"It was an honest mistake. The Chief Whip has apologised."

Pressed again on his future, she said: "As I've said, he has apologised."

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