British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to the EU regarding the Brexit deal and asked it to scrap the “undemocratic” and “unviable” backstop plan.
In a letter addressed to European Council President Donald Tusk, Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated his desire to finalise the Brexit deal and opposed the contentious backstop plan. The backstop plan entails keeping UK in EU customs arrangement in order to prevent a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“You have my personal commitment that this government will work with energy and determination to achieve an agreement. That is our highest priority,” Johnson stated in the letter. He stressed that his government is keen on finalising a deal with Brussels.
Brussels, on the other hand, has asserted that the backstop plan is essential as it acts as a fallout option. The backstop will preserve the integrity of European trade and prevent the return of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
Johnson averred that he is ready to leave the EU by October 31, with or without a deal. He also asserted that the backstop plan is “anti-democratic and inconsistent with the sovereignty of the UK as a state.” He further added that keeping UK in the customs union would hinder the former’s trade policy.
The backstop was initially part agreement reached by former premier Theresa May with the European Union, but it was rejected by the British parliament thrice. The EU had repeatedly stated that it will not renegotiate the Brexit deal finalized with May.
Meanwhile, Johnson has decided to seek support from other countries. He will be meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and go to Paris on Thursday for talks with the President of France Emmanuel Macron.
