UPDATED: Johnson in Luxembourg for key Brexit talks with Juncker and Barnier
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Acting European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (R) and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) sit for a meeting in Luxembourg, 16 September 2019.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on a one-day visit in Luxembourg to discuss the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, dubbed Brexit.
Before the talks reporters asked if Johnson if he was optimistic about the talks.
“Cautious, cautious,” he replied.
Johnson and Juncker were greeted with boos as they emerge from a working lunch in Luxembourg to discuss Brexit.
Juncker commented to reporters that he had a “friendly meeting” with Boris Johnson.
“Negotiations will continue at high speed,” he adds.
In a statement from on Juncker and Johnson’s lunch, the European Commission said “The aim of the meeting was to take stock of the ongoing technical talks between the EU and the UK and to discuss the next steps.
“President Juncker recalled that it is the UK’s responsibility to come forward with legally operational solutions that are compatible with the withdrawal agreement.
“President Juncker underlined the Commission’s continued willingness and openness to examine whether such proposals meet the objectives of the backstop. Such proposals have not yet been made.
“The Commission will remain available to work 24/7.
“The October European Council will be an important milestone in the process.
“The EU27 remain united.”
A spokesperson for Downing Street said: “The prime minister and President Juncker had a constructive meeting this lunchtime…
“The leaders took stock of the ongoing talks between the UK’s team and Taskforce 50.
“The PM reconfirmed his commitment to the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement and his determination to reach a deal with the backstop removed, that UK parliamentarians could support.
“The PM also reiterated that he would not request an extension and would take the UK out of the EU on the 31 October.
“The leaders agreed that the discussions needed to intensify and that meetings would soon take place on a daily basis.
“It was agreed that talks should also take place at a political level between Michel Barnier and the Brexit secretary, and conversations would also continue between President Juncker and the Prime Minister”.
