Boris Johnson ‘seeking veto’ to avoid Brexit delay
2 min read
Boris Johnson hopes Hungary will veto Britain’s potential request for a Brexit delay, according to reports.
The Prime Minister has previously insisted he would rather be “dead in a ditch” than ask for another delay.
However, a submission to the Court of Session in Edinburgh said Mr Johnson would obey the so-called Benn Act, the law passed by MPs forcing him to request a three-month extension to the 31 October deadline, if no deal is agreed upon.
According to the Daily Telegraph, a senior Downing Street source said the Act “only imposes narrow [duties]…which can be interpreted in different ways”.
The source added: “The Government is not prevented by the Act from doing other things that cause no delay, including other communications, private and public…
“The Government is making its true position on delay known privately in Europe and this will become public soon.”
Reports say Michael Gove was among three senior ministers to hold meetings with the Hungarian foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, on Thursday.
According to reports, video footage later emerged of Mr Szijjarto leaving the Cabinet Office around the same time Mr Johnson chaired an “emergency” Cabinet meeting on Friday morning – sparking speculation around Hungary’s role in Mr Johnson’s plans.
The news came after Mr Johnson made his “final offer” for a Brexit deal to the EU. A Government spokesman said: “We have made a significant offer this week. Our proposals represent a fair and reasonable compromise. We want a deal and talks continue on Monday on the basis of our offer.”
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