Thread by @tconnellyRTE

Breaking: spokesman for Donald Tusk says the backstop is part of the Withdrawal Agreement and the WA is not open for renegotiation

"The December European Council Conclusions are very clear on this point."

"The Withdrawal agreement is + remains the best and only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

"We welcome and share the UK Parliament's ambition to avoid a no-deal scenario. We continue to urge the UK Government to clarify its intentions with respect to its next steps as soon as possible.

"If the UK's intentions for the future partnership were to evolve, the EU would be prepared to reconsider its offer and adjust the content and the level of ambition of the political declaration, whilst respecting its established principles.

"Should there be a UK reasoned request for an extension, the EU27 would stand ready to consider it and decide by unanimity. The EU27 will adopt this decision, taking into account the reasons for + duration of a possible extension,

...as well as the need to ensure the functioning of the EU institutions.

We will continue our preparations for all outcomes, including a no-deal scenario. We will also continue the EU´s process of ratification of the agreement reached with the UK Government.
President Tusk will stay in close contact with EU27 leaders.”