Boris Johnson urges EU to help him ‘thrash out a deal’ as he does frantic ring-around of EU capitals to woo them over
BORIS Johnson has urged EU leaders to help him “thrash out” a deal this week as he does a frantic ring-around of EU capitals to woo them over. The PM’s hopes of securing an agreement are fading fast as stubborn Brussels bosses refuse to re-open official talks on his bold Brexit plans. President Macron said […]
BORIS Johnson has urged EU leaders to help him “thrash out” a deal this week as he does a frantic ring-around of EU capitals to woo them over.
The PM’s hopes of securing an agreement are fading fast as stubborn Brussels bosses refuse to re-open official talks on his bold Brexit plans.
President Macron said last night he’s set a deadline of the end of the week for a decision on whether a deal can be done or not ahead of the crunch October summit.
But Boris has insisted it would be a “historic misunderstanding” if EU leaders think he will delay Brexit yet again.
Speaking as he visited a hospital in Watford this morning, the PM said: “I think they can see there is an argument for pushing on and getting substantive talks on the detail.
“We’ve gone a long way – keeping Northern Ireland in alignment with Ireland is a big concession by the UK.
“It’s time for us to get together and really thrash that thing out. I think we can.”
He’s due to speak to the leaders of Sweden, Denmark and Poland today as he continues his ring-around of member states.
Last week Boris’ new Brexit plans did not go down well with Brussels – who said they fell short of what was needed to break the deadlock.
Finnish PM Antti Rinne claimed Mr Johnson “only now understands what a big mess it is”.
Yesterday Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said the Government was “considering” a Commons vote on the proposals before next week’s EU summit to show they enjoy MPs’ support.
David Frost, Britain’s negotiator, is in Brussels again today to try and sell his proposals.
Several EU leaders said they are willing to consider another Brexit delay.
Last night the Telegraph reported that the PM might use the Supreme Court to force him into seeking an extension, rather than do it voluntarily.
And today No10 refused to deny that he could turn to the top courts to try and stop him having to get a delay from the EU.
The PM’s spokesperson said: “The PM has been clear throughout that he will obey the law and we will leave on Oct 31.
“The manner in which this policy is lawfully achieved is a matter for the Government.”
They refused to go into detail about exactly how this would be achieved.
Tory rebels refuse to back Jeremy Corbyn's rebel alliance plan to derail Boris Johnson's Brexit plans
TORY rebels have sunk an Opposition plot to try and disrupt Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans today.
A cross-party bid to try and force an emergency debate in Parliament today was called off after the 21 Tory rebels refused to back it.
Labour and the SNP wanted to take control of the order paper to force ministers to publish information on a No Deal Brexit – and the legal text for Boris’ new Brexit deal.
They could also have used the powers to pass more emergency laws to try and stop a No Deal Brexit.
But many now think the Benn Act – which Boris has dubbed the Surrender Act – is actually watertight and the PM won’t be able to get around it.
He will have to write a letter to the EU asking for another Brexit delay if he doesn’t get a deal sorted by October 19.
A court heard last week that Boris will comply with this request and with the law.
But in public he’s insisted he will not delay Brexit.
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The news came as Remainers lost a crucial court battle in Scotland to try and force the PM to seek a Brexit delay.
The Court of Sessions in Edinburgh concluded that they would not need to instruct on what would happen if Boris didn’t follow through and obey the so-called ‘Surrender Act’.
But an appeal is set to take place tomorrow.
Earlier today Boris Johnson’s alleged lover Jennifer Arcui refused six times to answer whether she had an affair with him.
The 34-year-old former model described claims the then-Mayor helped her business as “fake news”.
Instead, she said the pair bonded over their “mutual love of classic literature” and admitted she was blown away when she first met him – describing him as “electrifying”.
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