Defiant Boris Warns Macron: ‘We Won't Let Brexit Talks Drag On'

80th Anniversary of call to Arms

- Martyn Brown

Boris Johnson has warned French President Emmanuel Macron that Brexit trade talks cannot stretch on into the autumn.

The Prime Minister’s insistence came as the leaders met yesterday to mark the 80th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s historic radio broadcast from London to rally the French Resistance.

Mr Johnson said it “does not make sense” to keep extending talks on a new trading relationship with the EU beyond the summer.

They are set to be ramped up in July in the hope of making a breakthrough to seal a deal by the time the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.

Downing Street said Mr Johnson and Mr Macron addressed the issue during their meeting.

A spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister welcomed the agreement to intensify talks in July and underlined that the UK does not believe it makes sense for there to be prolonged negotiations into the autumn.”

Admiration

The leaders also agreed to work together to help tackle the coronavirus crisis and were understood to have discussed the UK’s 14-day quarantine measures.

No 10 said: “They agreed that the partnership between our countries will be crucial in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and ensuring the global recovery is green and sustainable.”

After Mr Macron’s meeting with Mr Johnson a presidential source said: “France reminded its commitment to a deal and its support of (EU negotiator) Michel Barnier”.