Hopes of light at end of tunnel as Europe’s verdict looms

Boris Johnson will know the European Union’s verdict on his plans for a Brexit deal by the end of next week.

Boris Johnson outside at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will know the EU’s verdict on his plans for a Brexit deal by the end of next week as Labour prepares to force a snap election.

The government will make its official offer to Brussels in the form of a “legal text” at the beginning of next week before any formal negotiations.

The proposal is expected to include further concessions to address EU concerns over its plans for the Irish border. Sources said that they expected to enter into a “tunnel” of secret negotiations after the offers had been made if there was any likelihood of a deal. “The more you hear, the less likelihood there is of a deal,” the source said. “We’ll know by the end of next week (that it is off), if we are seeing leaks.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was to hold talks with other opposition leaders on Tuesday on further moves to prevent a no-deal Brexit and bring together a government of national unity. He is also considering tabling a bill as soon as next week calling for a general election as he seeks to fight off efforts to make him stand aside for another interim leader.

He is under pressure from the Scottish National Party, who want to move a confidence motion against the government “as soon as possible”. Opposition parties have twice blocked attempts by Mr Johnson to hold an election before October 31.

The government will present its proposals for a deal to Brussels on Monday or Tuesday of next week. The Times understands that the proposals are likely to include a limited extension to the number of checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from Britain, a key demand of the EU.

The government is also expected to table plans to reassure the Democratic Unionist Party that Northern Ireland will be consulted by both London and Brussels over any changes in the province.

The Times