Britain is to propose creating a string of new customs checkpoints a few kilometres away from the Irish border, leaked proposals say, in an idea immediately rubbished by Ireland.

British prime minister Boris Johnson called on the opposition to either stop trying to prevent the government going for a no-deal Brexit, or call for an election. He also declared the Supreme Court's ruling was wrong.

Brexit Party MEPs lead the European Parliament pack in terms of earnings from side jobs, collected on top of their monthly EU salaries. Transparency International, which uncovered the findings, says an ethics body is needed to prevent conflicts of interest.

British prime minister Boris Johnson flew back to London on Wednesday as the parliament reconvened. The government plans an early election, while MPs are still keen to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

Prime minister Boris Johnson to fly back from UN meeting in New York a day early, after the UK supreme court ruled that the suspension of parliament was unlawful - and all major opposition parties call for Johnson's resignation.

Mainstream British politicians have a responsibility to find ways how to counter the growing far-right extremist threat. Overturning Brexit will only serve to intensify it.

Brussels' current vision for cooperation on defence, where third countries can contribute but have no say in decision-making and in the guidance of operations, is unlikely to be attractive to the UK.

EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said he is not emotionally attached to the Irish backstop, but workable solutions are required to keep the peace on the island.

Brexit may have another victim and it is the EU budget for 2021-2027.

A British government report, called Operation Yellowhammer, warns of public disorder, disease outbreaks, and price rises for food and fuel in case of a no-deal Brexit.

British MPs again rejected Boris Johnson's call for an early election, as the parliament began its five-week suspension period. The prime minister said he would refuse to ask for a Brexit delay - despite the law demanding it.

MPs took control of Brexit after pushing through a bill aimed to prevent a no-deal Brexit, while Johnson's call for early elections has also been defeated.

The EU commission says the backstop is the only solution to avoid a hard border. Brussels also frees up emergency funds for EU member states struggling with any unforeseen economic fallout of a no-deal Brexit.

British MPs will vote on Wednesday whether to delay Brexit once again, but the government aims to call an election to stop that.