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, England. (Photo by Frank Augstein-WPA Pool/Getty Images). - 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 Jacob Rees-Mogg says it's 'all the EU's fault' musicians can't tour Europe
- 2 Piers Morgan tells Gavin Williamson to resign for being a 'catastrophe'
- 3 Bob Geldof takes swipe at No 10 saying 'lying is second nature' to them
- 4 Tory minister admits UK rejected EU's music visa offer in order to 'take back control' of borders
- 5 Tory MP complains 'less scrutiny of trade deals' than when UK was in EU
- 6 This chumocracy is costing our country
- 7 Susanna Reid takes on Priti Patel over government's gaslighting of public on coronavirus
- 8 No 10 says Biden removing Churchill bust ‘up to president’ despite Obama attack
- 9 The greatest failure of government in our lifetime
- 10 Who's on the BBC's Question Time tonight?
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.
