Brexit letters 'meaningless' - DUP

The DUP has described letters exchanged between the UK and EU giving assurances on the Irish border backstop as “meaningless”.

The letters were published 24 hours ahead of the crunch vote on Brexit at Westminster.

Prime Minister Theresa May has made a last ditch attempt to get MPs to support her withdrawal deal, saying it is the only one on the table.

However DUP MP Nigel Dodds said there is nothing new in the letter, but that it instead “bolsters our concerns”.

Mr Dodds said: “Instead of meaningless letters, the Prime Minister should now ask for and deliver changes to the withdrawal agreement.”

The crucial vote will take place in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.

Ms May warned that voting down her deal - which many on both sides of the debate said they intend to do - risks blocking Brexit.

"You can take no deal off the table by voting for that deal and if no deal is as bad as you believe it is - it would be the height of recklessness to do anything else,” the PM said.

The Irish Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Coveney, welcomed the letter, which was published by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.

It claims to offer “clarifications” to the deal that Brussels “does not wish to see the backstop enter into force” and confirming its “determination” to see it replaced.

Mr Coveney described it as “very clear and strong” and said it gives “clarity, support and a positive commitment to work with UK in the interests of both EU and UK through Brexit”.