Stephen Barclay

The key issue is the principle of consent, that's why the backstop was rejected three times, that was the concern in terms of both sides in Northern Ireland not approving of the backstop, so the key is the principle of consent, now of course in the mechanism, as part of the intensive negotiations we could look at that and discuss that.

Stephen Barclay

We are focused on getting a deal because we think this is the best way forward, these are serious proposals and clearly we need to have a negotiation with the EU on taking them forward.

Stephen Barclay

It is now for the EU to respond and also show they can be creative and flexible. This sets out the broad landing zone.

Stephen Barclay

The prize of a deal should focus the minds of both sides on this need for creativity and flexibility, so let's work creatively to secure a deal, a deal the UK is committed to get in, a deal without a backstop ... a deal which indeed will pass both the UK parliament and the European parliament.

Stephen Barclay

The backstop will not be agreed with the United Kingdom. The UK parliament has already rejected it three times.

Stephen Barclay

We are not setting preconditions but nor is it a blank cheque, what we are saying is let's sit down, in the national interest, businesses up and down the country are saying we need to end this uncertainty, we need to respect the referendum result.

Stephen Barclay

If you pushed me to the end point where it's a choice between no deal and no Brexit ... I think no deal is going to be very disruptive for the economy and I think no deal also has serious questions for the union, but I think no Brexit is catastrophic for our democracy. Between those very unpleasant choices, I think no Brexit is the bigger risk.

Stephen Barclay

What the chief executive and others in the business community are clear on is that they want a deal to avoid the uncertainty of no deal and that is why he is backing the prime minister.

Stephen Barclay