EU could pay for beastly behaviour

AS Boris Johnson toured around the UK underlining the fact that we will definitely be leaving the EU on October 31, there were signs that some members of the European Parliament were realising that he is an entirely different adversary.

Examination of the European press revealed the fact that in some countries, but Germany in particular, politicians are beginning to realise if the UK leaves without a deal it is Euroland that will take a hit.

German leaders are worried about the damage that their car industry will suffer.

As there are only nine members of the club who are net contributors, these will have to pick up the bill.

With Britain gone, the loss to the Euro exchequer will be in the order of 15 billion euros a year.

Therefore, Germany and France in particular, face the prospect of having to substantially increase their contributions.

Talking to various business contacts, I get the feeling that Brussels did not really think that Britain would leave without a deal that suited Euroland.

The arrival of Johnson is causing some revised thinking as the Continentals buzz off for their annual summer holidays, leaving very little time for negotiations.

The policy of being beastly to the Brits looks as though it could result in costly repercussions.

Some commentators believe that, for all the Johnson rhetoric, the British Parliament will refuse to allow Government to leave without a deal.

Whilst they may be right, I believe your average MP wants to be on the winning side and perhaps it would be better to grit teeth and go with the flow.

Cabinet minister Amber Rudd realised late in the day that being a Remainer would not be career enhancing, so wisely moved to support Boris, and was duly rewarded.

Other Remainers may take similar views and switch allegiance, thus making the PM’s job a little easier.

As the deadline approaches, expect Brussels to shift position, for Continental nerves are jangling.

Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris