I understand a draft text worked on by EU and UK negotiators late last week included a proposal for Britain to remain in a customs union with the EU, in order to break the deadlock over the Irish backstop - but there was no time limit.
The draft also watered down references to NI being part of the EU’s customs territory. However, NI wd still be part of the single mkt for goods under the backstop.
Not clear if new clauses on a time limit were included over the weekend. It sounds like they weren’t, hence no deal this evening.
More on @rtenews website shortly
