Boris Johnson to make 'take it or leave it' final Brexit offer to EU
3 min read
Boris Johnson will on Wednesday present the UK's final Brexit offer to the EU - and vow to leave with no deal if it is not accepted.
In a blunt message to be delivered in his closing speech to the Conservative Party conference, the Prime Minister will set out precisely how the Government intends to replace the backstop plan to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland.
Mr Johnson will say it represents a "fair and reasonable compromise" which he hopes Brussels will agree to.
But Downing Street officials insisted that if the EU refuses, the UK will leave the bloc on 31 October without a deal - despite MPs passing a law forcing the PM to seek a three-month extension that the deadline.
Addressing the Tory faithful in Manchester, the Prime Minister will say: "Voters are desperate for us to focus on their other priorities - what people want, what Leavers want, what Remainers want, what the whole world wants – is to move on.
"That is why we are coming out of the EU on 31 October. Let’s get Brexit done -- we can, we must and we will."
Mr Johnson will say Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's plan to delay Brexit would lead to the "chaos and cacophony of two more referendums" in 2020 - one on the EU and another on Scottish independence.
He will add: "Can you imagine another three years of this? That is the Corbyn agenda – stay in the EU beyond 31 October, paying a billion pounds a month for the privilege, followed by years of uncertainty for business and everyone else.
"My friends, I am afraid that after three and a half years people are beginning to feel that they are being taken for fools. They are beginning to suspect that there are forces in this country that simply don’t want Brexit delivered at all. And if they turn out to be right in that suspicion then I believe there will be grave consequences for trust in democracy.
"Let’s get Brexit done on 31 October so in 2020 our country can move on."
A senior Number 10 official said: "‘The Government is either going to be negotiating a new deal or working on no deal — nobody will work on delay.
"We will keep fighting to respect the biggest democratic vote in British history. The EU is obliged by EU law only to negotiate with member state governments, they cannot negotiate with Parliament, and this government will not negotiate delay."
Downing Street has denied reports that the UK proposals will include a plan for customs checks on either side of the Irish border, up to 10 miles away from the existing frontier between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
The Telegraph reports that Mr Johnson's new plan could see Northern Ireland stay closely aligned with the European Union until 2025.
According to the paper, Northern Ireland would stay in the EU's single market for agriculture and industrial goods, with a customs border between Northern Ireland and the Republic set up.
Goods flowing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland would also face checks, with the Northern Ireland Assembly deciding whether or not to remain aligned to EU rules or follow Britain's system in the longer term.
But a source familiar with the plan - which has been briefed to EU capitals - told the Telegraph: "The proposal means you need to do declarations for goods flowing between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and manage a new border between North and South. It leaves Northern Ireland marooned, with frictionless trade with no-one."
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