Boris Johnson: UK must get ready for Australia-style trade deal with EU
UK will walk away from post-Brexit trade deal talks unless ‘fundamental change’ in EU approach
Boris Johnson said the UK is ready to walk away from post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union unless there is a significant change of approach from the bloc.
In a video statement to leaders attending the European Council summit in Brussels, he said that the UK would be willing to embrace a no-deal exit at the end of the year unless the EU could offer Britain a Canada-style free trade agreement.
“Of course, we’re willing to discuss the practicalities with our friends where a lot of progress has already been made, by the way on such issues as social security, aviation, nuclear co-operation and so on,” Johnson said.
“But for whatever reason, it is clear from the summit that, after 45 years of membership, they are not willing, unless there is some fundamental change of approach, to offer this country the same terms as Canada.”
Speaking at the summit on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Johnson to stay at the negotiating table, saying both sides needed to find common ground as the troubled talks look set to wind down.
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