Public thinks Boris Johnson is lying about Brexit deal progress as EU says he is ‘pretending to negotiate’
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker speaks while European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, right, looks on. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) - Credit: AP
A majority of the British public dispute claims from Boris Johnson's government that it is making progress towards a Brexit deal.
Johnson had told the Mail on Sunday there were "real signs of movement" on getting rid of the backstop, the persistent stumbling block to a Brexit agreement.
He said: "A huge amount of progress is being made."
But EU chiefs have slammed the prime minister claiming that he was "pretending to negotiate".
The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, told the European parliament: "I don't think we should be spending time pretending to negotiate."
You may also want to watch:
Jean-Claude Juncker meanwhile said that there must be "operational proposals in writing" from the UK side, which has still not been provided.
Johnson's claims appear not to have convinced the public with a new YouGov poll finding a majority (55%) believe that no progress is being made towards a new Brexit deal.
Most Read
- 1 Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid reject Boris Johnson's coronavirus claim
- 2 Nigel Farage reminded of claim that 'acid test of Brexit' surrounds fishing after clip resurfaces
- 3 Sky News presenter says Boris Johnson is 'gaslighting the nation' over Covid claims
- 4 Pro-Brexit fishing campaigner says Boris Johnson's deal has left her with 'no fish'
- 5 PMQs: Boris Johnson calls for apology from Keir Starmer over coronavirus stances
- 6 Home Office launches voluntary repatriation scheme for EU nationals
- 7 European parliament agrees to add British overseas territories to post-Brexit tax haven blacklist
- 8 Jeremy Corbyn loses bid to release Labour documents ahead of High Court battle
- 9 Boris Johnson is the 'worst PM' and should resign, says Alastair Campbell
- 10 Nicola Sturgeon tells Boris Johnson to 'work from home' instead as he plans trip to Scotland
Only 11% think a great or moderate amount of progress has been made - with just 19% of Leave voters believing it to be the case.
It suggests the public believe the prime minister is lying about his claims.
A majority of 52% also believe that Johnson does not really think a deal can be achieved, with just 23% believing he thinks a deal is likely.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
