EU’s Juncker: EU will do all it can to avoid a hard border in Ireland

Delivering his State of the Union address, the European Union Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker said that the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is masterfully handling Brexit negotiations.

Key quotes:

   •  EU respects the UK's decision to leave, but we regret Brexit deeply.
   •  Hopes that the UK understands that leaving EU means losing privileges.
   •  EU will do all it can to avoid a hard border in Ireland.
   •  EU will work day and night to ensure orderly UK withdrawal.
   •  EU Commission will not be the one to stand in the way of a deal on orderly UK withdrawal.
   •  Says that he welcomes UK PM May's proposal for a close partnership.
   •  Agrees with Chequers proposals to start close partnership via free trade agreement.