EU-UK talks on Northern Ireland appear close to collapse on eve of G7

Patience wearing very thin,' says EU negotiator, while Joe Biden expected to raise deep concerns' about issue at summit

Talks between the EU and the UK over Northern Ireland appear on the brink of collapse as London indicated it was still considering unilateral action to keep unhindered supplies flowing from Great Britain into the region.

The European commission vice-president, Maro efovi, said patience was wearing very, very thin" and described the relationship with the UK as at a crossroads".