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Donald Tusk expresses 'strong and ongoing' solidarity with Republic

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (right) greets European Council President Donald Tusk at Government Buildings in Dublin for talks ahead of the European Council summit later in the week 
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (right) greets European Council President Donald Tusk at Government Buildings in Dublin for talks ahead of the European Council summit later in the week  Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (right) greets European Council President Donald Tusk at Government Buildings in Dublin for talks ahead of the European Council summit later in the week 

Donald Tusk has expressed EU solidarity with Ireland amid Brexit talks in Dublin.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar welcomed the European Council president in front of the media, but neither of the men made any reply when questioned by journalists.

When asked if Monday's Westminster news posed a problem, Mr Tusk did not reply but shrugged.

The Dublin meeting was to consider any requests from the UK to delay Brexit, and other issues on the EU agenda, ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels later this week.

A joint statement after the meeting said they discussed the current state of play regarding Brexit.

Donald Tusk expresses 'strong and ongoing' solidarity with Republic
Donald Tusk expresses 'strong and ongoing' solidarity with Republic

"President Tusk expressed the strong and ongoing solidarity with Ireland of the European Council and European leaders," the statement read.

"They agreed that we must now see what proposals emerge from London in advance of the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

"Meanwhile, preparations continue in Ireland and across the European Union for a no-deal scenario, which would have serious consequences for all concerned."

Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow provoked uproar at Westminster on Monday when he ruled that the Government could not bring the Prime Minister's deal back for a third "meaningful vote" unless there were substantial changes.

The Speaker's ruling was welcomed by some Tory Brexiteers opposed to Theresa May's deal, who argued that it increased the chances of a no-deal break.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has indicated ministers will continue to press on with Mrs May's Brexit deal despite Mr Bercow's ruling.