Boris Johnson news: Ireland government says it ‘cannot possibly’ accept PM's Brexit plan, as he faces fresh Jennifer Arcuri claims

Home secretary Priti Patel will ask a police watchdog to review the actions of the Metropolitan Police over disastrous investigation into fabricated claims of a VIP paedophile ring in Westminster, according to reports.

Patel is expected to write to the Chief Inspector of Constabulary Tom Winsor on Friday, asking Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to examine the bungled probe.

It comes on the same day the force publishes more of an already heavily critical report into the same investigation – based on false claims made by fantasist Carl Beech.

Beech is serving an 18-year jail term for fabricating a series of claims of rape, torture and murder by innocent, well-known names from the military, security services and politics.

Northern Ireland’s agriculture department has warned that it will not be able to provide the necessary paperwork for trade to continue as normal in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

All the details here:

Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, one of the leading “Spartans” in the ERG, has said the chances of a deal passing in parliament is “much more positive”.

“I am quite optimistic that, if the EU were to agree these backstop proposals, it sounds like the DUP would support them and that would change the whole chemistry of the way the Conservative Party thinks about this,” he told the Today programme.

Sir Bernard said he was in Downing Street for a meeting on Wednesday night, and that there is a “very solid” understanding in Downing Street about how “draconian” Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement was.

“We may have to accept a compromise and I think compromise is in the air. The question is whether the EU can compromise,” he said.

Sir Bernard added that he has an “open mind” about voting for a deal and that a lot of his colleagues in the ERG are “looking at this very realistically”.

Tory peer Lord Hayward has called for the prime minister’s right-hand man Dominic Cummings to have his parliamentary pass removed – since he has refused to turn up to give evidence at a parliamentary committee.

BREAKING: Climate change activists have used a fire engine to spray red 1,800 litres of fake blood at the facade of the Treasury.

After the stunt, four Extinction Rebellion activists stood atop the fire engine which had a banner saying “Stop funding climate death.” The steps of the Treasury were soaked in red paint.

According to The Spectator’s political editor, Boris Johnson plans to treat the EU and the opposition with “glutinous emollience” for a few days. Roughly translated, that’s “highly soothing”.

The Republic of Ireland’s minister for European affairs Helen McEntee has said there are “concerns” and “obvious challenges” with the plan tabled by Boris Johnson

“I’ve always said there are grounds for a deal but there are key objectives we need to meet: protecting the Good Friday Agreement, and to prevent border infrastructure, protecting the economy and the single market,” she said.

“The European Commission are still pouring over the plan, as are we, I think from initial look there are some concerns about the proposals but it is a basis for discussion, but we have to be clear that our objectives are clear and they won't change.”

Referring to headlines that claimed Dublin was under pressure to accept the proposals, McEntee said it was not.

“Our EU partners have stood beside us for the last three-and-a-half years, and that has not changed,” she said. “We are not coming under pressure to change those key objectives.”

Good grief. Speaker John Bercow sounds as hoarse as a crow this morning. He’s promised it “won’t last long”.

He’d better get on the hot water and honey before Boris Johnson’s statement at 11.30am.

Labour MP Barry Sheerman has asked attorney general Geoffrey Cox who would arrest the prime minister if the government breaks the law.

Speaking in the Commons, Sheerman said: “If, hypothetically, if the government was seen to be breaking the law, who would arrest the prime minister? Would it be the Met, or who would arrest him?”

Cox replied: “I don’t think really it’s for me to comment on ridiculous speculations and hypotheticals of that kind. But I must say it is good to see the honourable gentleman looking calmer this morning.”

Sheerman turned very shouty and red in the face when asking his question in the Commons last week.

John Bercow has launched a defence of parliament after attorney general Geoffrey Cox refused to apologise for labelling it “dead”.

Cox told the Commons: “When this parliament assumes its responsibilities to pass a Withdrawal Agreement then I might reconsider but certainly not at the moment.”

Bercow added: “I completely respect the right of the attorney to his view, this parliament is entirely legitimate, is doing its work, it should be expected to do so and no amount of cheap abuse and vituperation directed at this parliament will stop it doing its job.”

Cox was earlier asked if he will publish his advice given to the government on last month’s prorogation before parliament is temporarily suspended again next week.

He replied: “I have been considering that question, I’m still considering it, I have not reached a conclusion.”