Boris Johnson claims Brexit talks ‘have reached moment of crisis’ and urges Britain to ‘resist being pushed around’ by EU
Boris urged Theresa May to stand up to EU bosses in Brussels and to 'scrap the backstop' during negotiations over Northern Ireland
BORIS Johnson has claimed Brexit talks have “reached a moment of crisis” and wants Britain to “resist being pushed around” by the EU.
He also told Theresa May to “scrap the backstop” as a trade deal with Brussels is held up over a debate over Northern Ireland's future.
Speaking in his Daily Telegraph column, the former foreign secretary said: "We are now entering the moment of crisis. Matters cannot go on as they are.
"In presuming to change the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom, the EU is treating us with naked contempt.
"Like some chess player triumphantly forking our king and our queen, the EU Commission is offering the UK government what appears to be a binary choice.
"It is a choice between the break-up of this country, or the subjugation of this country, between separation or submission."
He added: "It must be rejected, and it must be rejected now."
Boris also had his say on negotiations regarding Northern Ireland after Brexit.
A proposed "backstop" would see the UK and Northern Ireland remain in the Brussels customs union until a new trading relationship with the EU is agreed.
Criticising the proposal, Boris wrote:"It is time to scrap the backstop, and simply agree what is manifestly the case - that no one wants any new physical checks at the Northern Irish border, and nor is there any need for them".
His comments come after EU negotiator Michel Barnier thrashed out emergency talks with Brexit secretary Dominic Raab in Brussels.
But yesterday Four diplomats confirmed a key meeting of EU leaders’ top advisors - known as Sherpas - due to take place on Monday had been cancelled due to a lack of progress.
Mr Raab dashed out to the Belgian capital to thrash it out with Mr Barnier yesterday afternoon amid hopes of a breakthrough.
But last night the EU boss said: “Despite intense efforts some key issues are still open including the backstop.”
And it is understood Mr Raab told the Frenchman that the UK has objections to the terms of the withdrawal treaty beyond just the border solution.
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