Boris Johnson warns EU not to expect compromise ahead of trade talks

LONDON: The European Union told Boris Johnson not to tear up parts of the Brexit divorce accord he struck only a year ago, saying keeping his promises will be essential if the two sides are to reach a new deal on trade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke as the British PM ramped up his threats to complete the UK’s separation from the EU at the end of the year without a new trade agreement place. The pound fell as much as 1% against the dollar.

Johnson said on Monday he is willing to walk away from talks rather than compromise on what he sees as the core principles of Brexit, and set an Oct. 15 deadline for an accord to be struck.

And in a move that risks reopening one of the most controversial disputes in Brexit and sparking concern in Brussels, the UK government has also drawn up new laws that affects Northern Ireland, which would weaken the EU withdrawal agreement Johnson reached last year. The UK is due to leave the EU single market and customs union when the Brexit transition agreement expires at the end of December. Without a new trade deal, the UK and EU will face costly new quotas and tariffs on goods trade, and chaotic scenes at the border if customs checks are imposed. Talks are on the future trade terms are stuck and separate negotiations on resolving the details of Brexit for Northern Ireland are also ongoing.