French President Emmanuel Macron told UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, alongside him, that there was not enough time to negotiate a new Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. And, it’s for Johnson alone to choose the UK’s destiny. Macron added that EU is ready for a no-deal Brexit scenario even though it’s not the bloc’s wish. And, Irish backstop was not just a technical mechanism but a guarantor of stability.
On the other hand, Johnson said he wanted to make sure works are done on both sides of the Channel to make smooth Brexit, with, or without an agreement. And that’s as ” smooth and pain-free as possible for citizens and businesses on both sides.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel challenged Johnson to come up with alternatives to the Irish backstop within 30 days, which Johnson accepted. So, focus in the upcoming weeks will be on UK’s response.
