NEW: The UK appears to be drifting closer back to the original aims of the Northern Ireland backstop, I understand. This is the message Michel Barnier delivered to EU27 ambassadors late this morning following his meeting with Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay
2/ His briefing to EU ambassadors was shrouded in cautious optimism, and precious little detail
3/ On consent, I understand Mr Barnier said the UK is signalling a willingness to accept a simple majority endorsement in NI, rather than a veto for one party. Whether this is via a Stormont Assembly vote or even a referendum on exiting the new arrangements is not clear
4/ Barnier also said the UK is still constrained by its own red lines on customs, in particular the law. I understand this relates to the ERG's successful amendment in July 2018 forbidding NI having a different customs arrangement than the rest of the UK
5/ Member states are hostile to the notion of a tunnel, and some annoyance that the idea is being widely disseminated. Today the green light is simply for more intense negotiations to see if a deal is possible
Will file more if and when...
