This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47781254

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Brexit: Varadkar and Macron to meet on Brexit deadlock Brexit: Varadkar and Macron to meet on Brexit deadlock
(about 3 hours later)
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will go to Paris later for discussions with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, about the Brexit deadlock.Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will go to Paris later for discussions with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, about the Brexit deadlock.
On Monday, MPs again failed to find a majority on an alternative to the government's plan.On Monday, MPs again failed to find a majority on an alternative to the government's plan.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) voted against all four options. Ahead of the visit Mr Varadkar said he was "keen to discuss the possible scenarios arising from this week".
"It is now up to the UK to show how it plans to proceed and avoid a no-deal scenario," he added.
"We are preparing for all outcomes, and have prepared intensively for a no-deal.
"But no-one should underestimate the difficulties that a no deal will present, for all of us."
On Tuesday, Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator said a no-deal Brexit is now more likely but can still be avoided.
The outcome of Monday's votes in the House of Commons will be on the agenda for Mr Varadkar and Mr Macron in Paris.
They will also discuss their no-deal plans.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) voted against all four options tabled on Monday.
The party's deputy leader Nigel Dodds said if the Irish border backstop was addressed, the DUP could "do business" with the government.The party's deputy leader Nigel Dodds said if the Irish border backstop was addressed, the DUP could "do business" with the government.
Speaking after the indicative votes, Mr Dodds said the only proposition that MPs had ever supported was an amendment - known as the Brady amendment - calling on the government to negotiate changes to the backstop.Speaking after the indicative votes, Mr Dodds said the only proposition that MPs had ever supported was an amendment - known as the Brady amendment - calling on the government to negotiate changes to the backstop.
No-deal plans
The backstop is the insurance policy to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland, unless and until another solution is found.The backstop is the insurance policy to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland, unless and until another solution is found.
The DUP and some Brexiteer MPs oppose it because if it took effect, it would keep Northern Ireland only tied to some EU regulatory rules, and would keep the whole of the UK in a customs union with the EU.The DUP and some Brexiteer MPs oppose it because if it took effect, it would keep Northern Ireland only tied to some EU regulatory rules, and would keep the whole of the UK in a customs union with the EU.
On Monday night, independent unionist MP for North Down, Lady Hermon, backed two of the options.On Monday night, independent unionist MP for North Down, Lady Hermon, backed two of the options.
She voted for another referendum and to revoke article 50, but against a customs union or single market arrangement.She voted for another referendum and to revoke article 50, but against a customs union or single market arrangement.
The outcome of the votes will be on the agenda for Mr Varadkar and Mr Macron in Paris.
They will also discuss their no-deal plans.
'Real possibility'
Ahead of the visit, Mr Varadkar said he would thank President Macron for the "ongoing solidarity from France, including the clear commitment that the withdrawal agreement must include an operational backstop to avoid a hard border".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Dublin on Thursday, as pressure mounts over Parliament's failure to ratify the withdrawal agreement.German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Dublin on Thursday, as pressure mounts over Parliament's failure to ratify the withdrawal agreement.
On Monday, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said he believed a no-deal outcome was now a "real possibility".
The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 12 April, if it cannot propose a way forward to the EU.The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 12 April, if it cannot propose a way forward to the EU.
An extraordinary EU summit is due to take place on 10 April.An extraordinary EU summit is due to take place on 10 April.
Mr Varadkar said he would discuss with his French and German counterparts how the European Council should respond to a request for another extension from the UK, to seek a delay to the Brexit process.Mr Varadkar said he would discuss with his French and German counterparts how the European Council should respond to a request for another extension from the UK, to seek a delay to the Brexit process.