EU gives Boris Johnson ultimatum: Show us Brexit plan in 11 days or ‘it’s over’

Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne, following talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, said Britain must outline its Brexit plans to the EU by the end of September, adding if not, "then it's over".

The rotating presidency of the Council of the EU is currently held by Finland.

"If the UK wants to discuss alternatives to the existing Brexit agreement then these must be presented before the end of the month," Mr Rinne told reporters after the meeting in which the deadline was agreed.

"We are both concerned about what is happening in Britain right now and the confusion that is going on from there to Europe.

"If no proposals are forthcoming, I believe that quite a few European leaders agree with the position. Then it's over. Now is the time to come up with clear presentations and make them verifiable."

The new deadline gives Mr Johnson just 11 days to produce proposals to replace the Irish backstop, which he has said he wants to scrap and replace with something else.

Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg expressed his confidence in the Prime Minister achieving such an outcome while stressing the need for the DUP to be consulted.

Speaking at a Telegraph event, Mr Rees-Mogg said of Mr Johnson's Brexit efforts: "I'm very, very confident the Prime Minister will deliver a deal that is fundamentally different if he can deliver before October 31."

Mr Rees-Mogg also said the Government has to "listen very carefully to what the DUP say".

Earlier, Mr Rees-Mogg labelled Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage a "very distinguished political figure and an important contributor" to what has happened in the UK.

He added Mr Farage is a "significant British statesman" but would not be drawn on whether he should receive a knighthood or a peerage.

In an appeal to Brexit Party backers to support the Conservatives at the next general election, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "If you vote for the Brexit Party at the next general election, it's a vote effectively for Jeremy Corbyn.

"Think very hard, is that what you want?

"Or do you want a Prime Minister who has completely committed to delivering Brexit and with a majority would be able to do great things for this country?"

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan also signalled her intention to stay in her post even if a no-deal Brexit looks the most likely outcome by the end of next month.

Ms Morgan, asked if she was prepared to stay in the Cabinet if it is clear Mr Johnson is taking the UK out of the EU with no deal on October 31, told ITV's Peston: "Correct."

She added: "At the end of the day I've been working with all my Cabinet colleagues across the summer on no-deal preparations.

"We are more prepared than people think we are, but there was always going to be more to do.

"But I'd much prefer, and the Prime Minister would much prefer, to have a deal."

Elsewhere, the DUP confirmed party leader Arlene Foster and Irish premier Leo Varadkar met in Government Buildings after she addressed the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

A party spokesman said: "They discussed Brexit and the need for the restoration of devolution."