Final throw of Brexit dice
Boris Johnson told the EU Britain must have ‘‘freedom’’ to make its own rules yesterday as cabinet ministers said he should pursue a no-deal Brexit unless Brussels backs down.
The prime minister and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission,yesterday agreed to a ‘‘final throw of the dice’’ this week to salvage a deal.
But a senior No 10 figure warned the chances of getting an agreement were now ‘‘no better than 50-50’’ after more than four years and five months of talks.
The two leaders agreed that ‘‘no agreement is feasible’’ without movement on three key issues, admitting the talks were ‘‘totally stuck’’ on fishing quotas, regulations and governance.
If there is no progress, Johnson’s team is discussing plans for him to announce no-deal in a televised address to the nation, placing the blame squarely on EU and particularly French intransigence.
Even cabinet ministers who backed remain said Britain should now prepare for no-deal and insisted Johnson should not bow to demands to ‘‘mirror’’ EU rules after the transition period ends.
Thirteen cabinet ministers – including eight who opposed Brexit – confirmed that they would support no-deal if Johnson concludes that is necessary. ‘‘Just get it done,’’ said one who voted remain.
‘‘The PM should do what is best. He has total, 100 per cent rock-solid cabinet support.’’
Another cabinet remainer said: ‘‘I’d much rather we had a deal but he’s got a no-deal mandate if that is his judgment. Covid and its economic impact is much bigger and we can’t be seen to sell out on key sovereignty issues.’’
Ministers are also proposing that the government’s XO committee, which co-ordinates planning for no-deal, sit almost around the clock. The group, chaired by Michael Gove, already meets every day but the number of meetings will dramatically increase.
A UK source close to the negotiations said: ‘‘This is the final throw of the dice. There is a fair deal to be done that works for both sides but this will only happen if the EU is willing to respect the fundamental principles of sovereignty and control.’’
But sources in Brussels questioned whether there was the political will to reach a deal. An EU official said: ‘‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way – the question is whether there is a will,’’ accusing Johnson of ‘‘still wanting to have his cake and eat it’’.
The toughening of Johnson’s stance came as Brexiteer Tory MPs threatened a leadership challenge if he ‘‘sells out’’ to Brussels.
Two MPs said they were prepared to send a letter demanding a vote of no confidence if Johnson accepts its terms.
Steve Baker, who led rebellions against David Cameron and Theresa May, told colleagues he is willing to break cover and lead an uprising if Johnson ‘‘betrays’’ hard Brexiteers.
The moves may help persuade the EU that the prime minister is serious about walking away if Brussels does not change its approach.
Britain’s chief negotiator, Lord Frost, will travel to Brussels this morning to continue the negotiations.
His team was shocked on Thursday after the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, tabled legal text saying Brussels could impose unilateral ‘‘lightning tariffs’’ on the UK if Britain failed to mirror future changes in EU rules.