Johnson to reject any concessions and alignment from EU in first speech since Brexit

2 February 2020, 22:59 | Updated: 2 February 2020, 23:06

Johnson is expected to lay out his draft plans on Monday
Johnson is expected to lay out his draft plans on Monday. Picture: PA

Boris Johnson is expected to say he will reject any concessions to demands from Brussels in his first speech since taking the UK out of the European Union.

The prime minister will also refuse alignment and jurisdiction to European courts, and will say he is not afraid to put border checks in place.

He will then lay out his vision of a Canada-style trade deal with the EU, which would make way for tariff-free trade without touching the dominant services sector.

The speech, to be made on Monday at a building with "historic trade ties" in front of an audience of national and international businesses, marks the beginning of a negotiation process until its deadline in November.

Many experts have expressed concern that a final agreement could be reached in such a short time, but Mr Johnson is expected to assure that "no achievement lies beyond our reach".

READ MORE:

- An independent Scotland would be welcomed ‘enthusiastically’ by EU – Tusk

- PM to get tough on EU after being infuriated by Brussels trade demands

- Leo Varadkar admits election looks ‘tight’ after rise in support for Sinn Fein

As the dust settles on a weekend of celebrations - or commiserations - across the UK over it's historic departure from the bloc, work has now begun on securing future trade partnerships further afield.

On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News he planned to travel to Japan and Australia next week to explore "global" post-Brexit deals.

Speaking about the Canada-style deal being a preferred option for the UK, he said: "We will want to co-operate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitments to a Canada-style free trade agreement.

"That's what we are pursuing. There is a great opportunity here for a win-win."

Meanwhile, the EU is also expected to reveal its negotiating mandate on Monday - the same day as Mr Johnson's speech.

Brussels has so far called for the UK to agree to its environmental and social standards and rules on state subsidies.

According to the Observer, the territorial claims over Gibraltar may also be on the table in the EU's opening mandate.

Quoting a senior EU diplomat, it said the EU would be insisting the Rock is excluded from the future trading relationship unless permission from Spain is given.

Territorial claims for Gibraltar, which came under British sovereignty in 1713, have long inflamed diplomatic ties between the UK and Spain.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Vessel involved in North Sea crash 'may have been hacked' US claims as toxic chemical cargo continues to burn

Vessel involved in North Sea crash 'may have been hacked' US claims, as ship carrying toxic cargo continues to burn

Exchequer Secretary James Murray, second furthers from the left, is set to scrap tax returns for hundreds of thousands of Brits.

Government set to scrap tax returns for 300,00 Brits with 'side-hustles'

FILE - Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte speaks inside the Southorn Stadium during a thanksgiving gathering organized by Hong Kong-based Filipino workers.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte arrested over crimes against humanity following drugs crackdown

Minah Smallman called in to LBC's Ben Kentish on Online Safety Day.

Social media sites must take blame for harmful content, mum of murdered sisters whose killer was 'radicalised' tells LBC

Fiancee of 80s rocker Taime Downe presumed dead after plunging from cruise ship following show

Chilling update on death of 80s rocker's fiancée after she plunged overboard during Caribbean cruise

HM Coastguard was deployed to the incident, which is said to have taken place in the North Sea on Monday at approximately 9.48am.

Search called off for crew member missing on ship with toxic chemicals involved in horror North Sea crash

Stock Exchange on Wall Street on Monday, March 10, 2025 in New York City. Stocks dropped after President Donald Trump didn't rule out a recession with U.S. tariffs being implemented.

US shares plummet again as Trump's refusal to rule out recession continues to rock America's economy

A general view from Hampstead Heath, where locals are clashing over the park being used by gay men for sex.

Furious residents slam 'homophobic' posters as locals clash over 'f*** tree' in Hampstead Heath

Exclusive
Baroness Beeban Kidron, who is also chairwoman of the 5Rights Foundation, said children are not being kept safe enough with the Online Safety Bill.

Government is 'not putting children first' when it comes to online safety, crossbench peer tells LBC

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Portrait

Tragic reason it took so long to find Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa after couple died

Shabana Mahmood

Sentencing Council chief hits back at 'two-tier justice' criticism - as he warns against ministers 'dictating' guidance

Rome, Italy. 25th Jan, 2025. Pope Francis seen during the Celebration of Vespers

Vatican issues major health update on Pope Francis as pontiff remains in hospital

Most Brits support jailing social media bosses if they fail to protect children.

Two thirds of Brits support giving social media bosses jail time if they fail to protect young people online

Joanne Penney, 40, has been named as the suspected victim of a shooting in a quiet Welsh neighbourhood.

Tributes pour in for ‘bubbly’ mum shot dead at point-blank range outside front door

HM Coastguard was deployed to the incident, which is said to have taken place in the North Sea on Monday at approximately 9.48am.

One crew member missing as ship with toxic chemicals hits US military jet fuel tanker in North Sea

The Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales after attending the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, in London.

Kate and Charles attend Commonwealth Day celebrations for first time since their cancer treatments