Boris: I want EU deal ... but we won’t cave in
BORIS Johnson has warned Brussels the UK will not cave in to demands to give up sovereignty in the trade talks.
The Prime Minister remains “absolutely committed” to securing a deal but insisted any pact must deliver on voters’ demands to “take back control”.
Eurocrats warned discussions are reaching a make or break moment and the outcome still hangs in the balance.
Emmanuel Macron is trying to collapse negotiations to force the UK into giving the EU widespread access to British fishing waters.
The French President wants the EU to haul Britain back to the negotiating table in the new year without the “time pressure” of having a deal in place ready for the end of transition arrangements on December 31.
But Mr Johnson said: “We remain absolutely committed to trying to get a deal if we can.
“I think our friends know what the UK bottom line is and what people voted for on June 23, 2016.
“They voted to take back control. It’s about making sure that the UK’s able to run its own laws, its own fisheries and so on. That’s what we are all working for.” Mr Macron believes EU negotiator Michel Barnier should walk away from the talks instead of accepting a bad trade deal for the bloc.
The French President is demanding a significant compromise on post- Brexit fishing states and common standards.
Mr Barnier was told he has until the end of the week to decide whether Britain had offered enough concessions, according to a diplomatic note seen by the Daily Express.
Yesterday he briefed EU ambassadors on the situation.
Mr Macron’s EU envoy, Philippe Leglise- Costa, insisted a no- deal would only “add a small shock to the big shock of Brexit but avoids negative consequences in the long run”, according to EU sources.
An EU diplomat said: “We are quickly approaching a make or break moment.”
Hardline states, led by Mr Macron, are concerned Mr Barnier could compromise to clinch a last- minute agreement.
France, Belgium and Denmark fear being largely shut out of UK coastal waters.