Boris Johnson to meet Ursula von der Leyen

Boris Johnson is heading for a showdown with the new president of the European Commission in a clash over post-Brexit trade.

The prime minister is meeting Ursula von der Leyen in Downing Street in their first face-to-face talks since she succeeded Jean-Claude Juncker.

And Mr Johnson will tell the new Commission chief the UK wants a speedy post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, free from rules imposed by Brussels.

The talks coincide with the government’s Brexit legislation, the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill, continuing its swift passage through the Commons this week.

After the UK leaves the EU on 31 January the PM is facing a race against time as he attempts to negotiate a trade deal before the end of this year.

Mr Johnson has vowed not to extend the so-called Brexit “transition period” beyond 31 December, a promise his critics doubt he will be able to keep.

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