Jean-Claude Juncker plots to cut Boris Johnson an 11th-hour Brexit deal to cement his reputation as ‘ultimate political fixer’
JEAN-Claude Juncker is plotting to cut Boris Johnson an 11th-hour Brexit deal to secure his reputation as the “ultimate political fixer”, insiders claim.
The EU chief has told his inner circle that he plans to offer a glimmer of hope to Mr Johnson – despite Brussels blasting his recent Brexit proposals.
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Mr Juncker will step down on October 31 – the Brexit deadline – and is concerned that any delay could affect his legacy, Mail On Sunday reports.
The PM has urged Brussels to “grasp the opportunity” his new Brexit proposal provides, as he repeated his vow not to delay the UK’s departure from the EU.
Mr Johnson insisted Britain will pack its bags and walk out on Halloween, but said it remains to be seen whether Europe will “cheerily wave us off” with a deal.
If we’re to leave with a deal, we now need the EU to jump over from its side and join us there, showing its own willingness to do a deal that the UK Parliament can support.
Boris Johnson
The comments come after he revealed his Brexit plan last week.
Under the proposals, Northern Ireland would follow EU rules on goods, food and livestock but remain part of the UK’s customs regime — with Belfast getting a veto on the set-up every four years.
But the proposals lie on a knife edge after Irish leader Varadkar said the PM’s bold offer “falls short in a number of aspects”.
While EU boss Donald Tusk said Brussels remains “open but unconvinced” about the ideas – as the clocks ticks down to the Brexit deadline of October 31.
Describing his blueprint for an agreement as a “practical compromise that gives ground where necessary”, Mr Johnson said it represents the UK “jumping to the island in the middle of the river”.
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Writing in the Sun on Sunday, he added: “If we’re to leave with a deal, we now need the EU to jump over from its side and join us there, showing its own willingness to do a deal that the UK Parliament can support.”
But the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier poured scorn on the chances of the new proposal succeeding.
He told an event in Paris: “If they do not change, I do not believe, on the basis of the mandate I have been given by the EU27, that we can advance.”
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