Brexit LIVE: Theresa May to DELAY Brexit with major EU concession that BLOCKS trade deals

The Times has reported the Prime Minister will propose a plan to keep Britain tied to European customs rules on goods following the completion of the transition period in December 2020.

This would mean that although Downing Street will claim the UK has left the customs union as planned, the ability to agree trade deals would be reduced for several years.

Brexit negotiations could also be set for another major breakthrough, with Britain ready to accept demands that goods entering Northern Ireland must meet European standards, with possible checks in the Irish Sea.

It is hoped these concessions would clear the way for a resolution on the Irish backstop, which would come into affect if no deal is reached during the 21-month transition period on avoiding a hard border between the North and Republic.

Under the proposals, this arrangement would only come to an end when both sides agree to a technological solution for the Irish border. 

It could see goods coming into Northern Ireland being electronically tracked all the way through to their end destination. 

Britain is also set to accept this cannot be time-limited and will only be implemented when both sides agree to it.

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE BREXIT UPDATES:

8.20am update: Manfred Weber demands Jeremy Hunt apologise 

European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber has told Jeremy Hunt to apologise for comparing the EU to the Soviet Union. 

At the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Sunday, the Foreign Secretary provoked a furious reaction from the EU after accusing the bloc of turning into a Soviet Union-styled prison with its uncompromising approach to Brexit negotiations.

German MP Mr Weber said: We are experiencing a new level of populism when Mr Hunt is comparing the EU to the Soviet Union. 

Mr Hunt needs to apologise for what he has said.

8.10am: Juncker refuses to budge on Irish border