UK PM May's spokesman: Would avoid any situation when the UK would be kept in a backstop against our will

The UK PM Theresa May's spokesman was out on the wires in the last hour, saying that we have made progress in a huge number of areas but there are sticking points in 2 areas.

Key quotes:

   •  PM Cannot accept a border down the Irish Sea and ministers supported the PM’s position.
   •  Ministers discussed how to clearly define how the backstop will end.
   •  No suggestion in the cabinet that ministers were ready to quit.
   •  Cabinet discussed their shared concerns over backstop proposals as they stand.
   •  Convinced that if the government stands together and stands firm, we can achieve a deal that delivers on the referendum.
   •  Britain and EU are moving closer to one another in Brexit talks. 
   •  Always said we want a deal in autumn, the summit this week is part of that process.
   •  We want to make progress as quickly as possible.