The EU says it’s not possible to ‘get Brexit done’ by the end of 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses his supporters prior to boarding his general election campaign bus in Manchester - Credit: Getty Images
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has dismissed Boris Johnson's claims he can get Brexit done by the end of next year.
The Sunday Mirror reports that minutes documenting what was said between Barnier and MEPs shows the official has rubbished the pledge.
The negotiator told MEPs on the EU Employment and Social Affairs Committee: "The EU/UK future relationship cannot be settled in 11 months."
He said that there would need to be some elements of Brexit that would need to be prioritised, but there are many other issues that will need more time.
A Brexit Party MEP on the committee said they were more inclined to believe Barnier over Johnson.
You may also want to watch:
Matthew Patten told the newspaper: "Truth seems the rarest of commodities in this election.
"It's ironic we can put more trust in the EU's comments."
Most Read
- 1 The only Brexit export boom is from UK businesses rushing to Europe
- 2 Boris Johnson proposes saving United Kingdom with 'Project Love' plan
- 3 The stench of scandal seeping out from Britain
- 4 MEPs again refuse to ratify Brexit deal amid concerns No 10 is flouting conditions
- 5 Former Brexit secretary 'privately agreed' with Gina Miller's court action over Article 50
- 6 How the vaccines have shifted opinions over Brexit
- 7 Tory candidate under fire after describing Brexit chaos as a 'hiccup'
- 8 PRINCE PHILIP: Why this Danish, Greek, German immigrant epitomised Britain
- 9 PMQs: Commons speaker reprimands Boris Johnson over Greensill response
- 10 Major and Blair were right about Brexit and Northern Ireland
It suggests the country could once more head towards a no-deal Brexit at the end of next year if the transition period is not extended.
The documents reveal the EU is preparing for a Boris Johnson win at the election - but is also planning for a hung parliament too.
It follows claims from Boris Johnson that nobody would be talking about Brexit in 2020 if he wins a majority and passes the withdrawal agreement by the end of January.
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.
