Thread by @faisalislam

NEW: Sounds like a rather interesting call between PM Johnson and the Taoiseach... the latter ‘emphasised’ backstop “necessary as a consequence of decisions taken in the UK and by the UK government”, acc to Irish readout..

.. also the Taoiseach explained the EU was united in its view that Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened” thus far re Alternative Arrangements “satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated”

And said Varadkar “restated the need for both governments to be fully committed to the Good Friday Agreement, the protection of the Peace Process and restoration of institutions” and “recalled the Agreement requires sov Govt to exercise power with rigorous impartiality”

Varadkar invited Johnson to Dublin “to share further their respective analyses”...

So backstop not being junked, it seems. Does PM junk promise not to negotiate until it is?

Number 10 readout: “PM made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on Oct 31, no matter what”..
“In all scenarios Govt steadfast in commitment to Belfast Agreement and will never put physical checks of physical infrastructure on border”

No 10: “his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop”.

“The two leaders agreed to stay in contact”...

No clear acceptance of the invitation to Dublin communicated there.