"Many Photos" - EU fears 'Brexit Cold War' after Boris Johnson warns on Irish backstop

Fears are rising in the EU over a 'Brexit Cold War' after Boris Johnson dramatically ramped up his rhetoric.

Member states are starting to contemplate the possibility that the UK will not bow to pressure from the bloc - raising the danger of a bitter economic and security standoff lasting years.

Diplomats are reportedly scrambling to create a 'bridge' amid questions over whether negotiations will even re-start, after the new PM made clear the Irish border backstop must be scrapped altogether.

Mr Johnson went on the attack yesterday in his first Commons statement since entering Downing Street.

He was cheered by Tory MPs as he urged the EU to 'rethink' its refusal to make more concessions in talks - threatening to withhold the £39billion divorce bill unless the UK gets a better deal. 

Boris Johnson went on the attack yesterday in his first Commons statement since entering Downing Street

Insisting tweaks to the Irish backstop were 'not enough', Mr Johnson said the UK was 'better prepared' than many thought for No Deal. 

The remarks drew a sharp response from EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.  

In a memo circulated to diplomats in Brussels, Mr Barnier said the demand to abolish the backstop was 'unacceptable' and breached the EU's negotiating mandate.

'As suggested by his rather combative speech, we have to be ready for a situation where he gives priority to the planning for no-deal, partly to heap pressure on the unity of the EU27,' he said.

'In any case, what remains essential on our side is to remain calm, stick to our principles and guidelines and show solidarity and unity of the 27.' 

A call between EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and Mr Johnson last night showed no signs of breaking the deadlock - although they did exchange mobile numbers.  

According to The Times, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told friends she believes No Deal could create an Iron Curtain-style divide between the EU and UK.

There are concerns that the blame game could escalate quickly if the UK refuses to pay the divorce bill. 

France has previously been adamant that economic chaos from crashing out would force the UK back to the table within weeks, but this is starting to be questioned after Mr Johnson's bullish start to his premiership. 

Diplomats are anxious that Donald Trump would wade in on the UK's side, potentially leading to a protectionist trade war spiralling out of control.  

One ambassador said: 'There is no shortage of acrimony. 

The remarks drew a sharp response from EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier (pictured left with Brexit Secretary Steve Baker in Brussels earlier this month)

'I don't think there will be any circumstances under which there will be anything other than a Brexit cold war. 

Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that Mr Johnson is considering a snap election, perhaps even before the Brexit deadline of October 31.

The new PM is heading for the Midlands today to promote his pledge to hire 20,000 extra police officers.

However, Tory tensions have been on show after Brexiteer 'spartan' Steve Baker turned down an offer to become a minister.

Mr Baker, a senior figure in the European Research Group (ERG) of Tories, said he did not want a repeat of the 'powerlessness' he felt in the Brexit department under Theresa May, with all the real work being done by the Cabinet Office.

He insisted he had 'total confidence' in the Prime Minister to deliver on his commitment to meet the October 31 Brexit deadline, but in a sign that hardliners will force him to keep the pledge Mr Baker said: 'Disaster awaits otherwise.'

Some Eurosceptics blame Mr Johnson's maverick new adviser, former Vote Leave chief Dominic Cummings for the friction. Mr Cummings previously branded the ERG a 'tumour' that was preventing progress with getting out of the EU.

ERG vice-chairman MP Mark Francois said last night it would oppose any attempt by Mr Johnson to bring back the deal thrashed out with Brussels, even if he succeeded in removing the Irish backstop - the most contentious element of the divorce deal.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told friends she believes No Deal could create an Iron Curtain-style divide between the EU and UK.  Separately, Tory tensions have been on show after Brexiteer 'spartan' Steve Baker turned down a ministerial job 

He told the BBC's Newsnight: 'If there were any attempt to revive the Withdrawal Agreement, even without the backstop, the ERG would vote against it.'

Mr Francois said he believed Brussels would 'blink' and agree to talks on a free trade deal instead.

Despite Mr Baker's refusal to join his government, Mr Johnson filled a series of ministerial jobs outside the Cabinet, rewarding allies and removing MPs who would not sign up to his commitment to leave the EU on October 31 with or without a deal.

And in an effort to show he is acting on his Tory leadership campaign pledges, Mr Johnson announced that a drive to recruit extra police officers would begin in September.

The Prime Minister wants the process completed over the next three years.

'As I said on the steps of Downing Street this week, my job as Prime Minister is to make our streets safer,' Mr Johnson said.

'People want to see more officers in their neighbourhoods, protecting the public and cutting crime.

'I promised 20,000 extra officers and that recruitment will now start in earnest.'

He also set out plans to urgently review pilot schemes which make it easier for forces in England and Wales to carry out stop-and-search operations.

Mr Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel have also set out plans for a new national policing board.

The panel will be chaired by the Home Secretary and bring together key police leaders, holding them to account for meeting the 20,000 officers target and working on a national response to other issues.

Ms Patel said: 'Officers up and down the country put themselves in danger every day to keep us safe, they deserve our support.

'The rise we've seen in serious violence is deeply worrying. An additional 20,000 officers sends a clear message that we are committed to giving police the resources they need to tackle the scourge of crime.

'This is the start of a new relationship between the Government and the police working even more closely together to protect the public.'

But shadow police minister Louise Haigh said: 'When it comes to policing, Boris Johnson simply cannot be trusted. He served in a government which promised to protect the police, then voted for brutal real-terms cuts.'

 

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News Photo EU fears 'Brexit Cold War' after Boris Johnson warns on Irish backstop
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