British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a final offensive to gain support for an exit deal regarding the UK’s departure from the EU. He aims to have a meeting on Monday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU President Jean-Claude Juncker, according to British media reports.
Johnson is calling on their assistance in order to avoid a stalemate. He is asking the EU leaders to help minimize the potential damage as much as possible. This acknowledges Johnson’s recognition that a departure on October 31 without an exit deal (‘no-deal’) would be harmful to the British economy.
Essentially, his request boils down to needing an agreement one way or another.
EU Chair Finland has informed Boris Johnson that there are only about ten working days left until October 31, and that the prime ministers and presidents of the 28 EU countries must make a final decision on October 17 and 18.
British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn says it is unlikely he will support a new deal between Johnson and the EU. He still sees issues regarding the border with Ireland. The island will remain partly in the EU, while the British province of Northern Ireland will exit along with the rest of the United Kingdom.