Boris Johnson’s sherpa intensifies Brussels talks in hope of Brexit breakthrough
Boris Johnson’s chief negotiator David Frost is to meet twice a week with his European counterparts throughout September, as the two sides step up efforts to reach a new Brexit deal.
Frost, the Prime Minister’s sherpa, has been travelling to Brussels regularly since he was appointed to the role last month. But those meetings will now be “intensified” from the start of next week and continue throughout the period that parliament is prorogued.
Read more: Court scuppers legal bid to stop Boris Johnson proroguing parliament
On top of Frost’s twice-weekly sit downs, there will also be the possibility of “additional technical meetings” aimed at breaking the deadlock on issues such as the Irish border.
Frost met with the EU’s Article 50 task force on Wednesday. Discussions so far have shown that the two sides “remain some distance apart on key issues but that both sides are willing to work hard to find a way through”, Downing Street said.
Talks will continue throughout party conference season and the Queen’s Speech on 14 October, in the hope of finding a compromise before the Halloween deadline.
The change of pace comes after successful meetings between Johnson and EU leaders including German chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron last week.
The Prime Minister also met with European Council President Donald Tusk at the G7, and has been having regular phone contact with Jean-Claude Juncker, who was too ill to attend.
Johnson said: “While I have been encouraged with my discussions with EU leaders over recent weeks that there is a willingness to talk about alternatives to the anti-democratic backstop, it is now time for both sides to step up the tempo. The increase in meetings and discussions is necessary if are to have a chance of agreeing a deal for when we leave on 31 October, no ifs no buts.”
A Commission spokesperson said: “David Frost has asked to meet the Commission twice a week to discuss the UK’s withdrawal. We have always said that our doors remain open and we have demonstrated our willingness to work 24/7 throughout this long process.
“We expect the UK to come forward with concrete proposals as President Juncker made clear to Prime Minister Johnson earlier this week. “
Privately, however, EU officials remain cynical despite the increase in visits.
One told City PM last night: “When I saw that they had said there would be meetings twice a week, I actually laughed. They are totally blowing this up. We’ve always said our door is open.”
The official, who asked not to be named, stressed the only solution to the multiple issues at stake – the Good Friday Agreement, the Single Market, Ireland’s economy and security – was the backstop. “We can call it a different name if they like?” he joked.
“We are p****d off with the rhetoric that the EU must compromise because the UK hasn’t agreed on a deal. The UK triggered Article 50, the UK is the one that can stop a no deal – the EU has no role in this. It is not up to us, it is up to the UK.”
Meanwhile pro-Remain MPs are fast-tracking their own efforts to prevent Johnson from forcing through a no-deal Brexit, should no Brussels breakthrough occur.
They were caught off-guard on Wednesday by Johnson’s secret plot to prorogue parliament, reducing the amount of time would-be rebels have to act.
One component of the plan – to block conference recess to give MPs more time to challenge Number 10 – has been rendered obsolete by the prorogation.
But one option remains a fast-tracked legislative route of extending Article 50 using the recycled Cooper-Letwin bill from spring this year. MPs are expected to act next week, with the government issuing a three-line whip for Tory MPs – many of whom are unhappy about the handling of the matter – to attend.
Other options could include a “sit-in” by MPs, with the possible support of speaker John Bercow, who has already slammed Johnson’s move as a “constitutional outrage”.
Tory MP Richard Harrington announced tonight he would not stand in the next General Election, though is said to have insisted his departure is unrelated to Johnson’s suspension of parliament.
Having been blindsided by Johnson and his adviser Dominic Cummings, Remainers are now keeping their cards close to their chest.
Read more: UK consumer confidence staggers in face of no-deal Brexit
Dominic Grieve, former attorney general, told City PM: “Things have changed but I don’t intend to tell the Prime Minister what we are about to do.
“Everything has to be adapted to the circumstance, so yes our plans have changed. But I’m not prepared to give anything away.”
Main image: Getty