In European Parliament plenary session,..........>

EU: In European Parliament plenary session, Parliament President David Sassoli

maintains EU line that no-deal Brexit is an increasing likelihood, with the UK

backstop proposals no basis for an agreement.

- As well as talking to PM Johnson last night, Sassoli has supposedly spoken to

Speaker John Bercow about potential extension of Art. 50 in order to hold

general election/2nd ref. 

- European Parliament could provide a further obstacle to an already unlikely

deal. Would have to be approved by the body. Individual MEPs and groups of MEPs

could seek to hold out on giving UK deal if it were seen against their or their

nation's interests.