Boris Johnson sparks Tory rift by refusing to give MPs vote on extending the Brexit transition period

BORIS Johnson sparked a fresh rift with Conservative moderates after confirming MPs will not be given a vote on whether to extend the Brexit transition period.

The Prime Minister binned a pledge from Justice Secretary Robert Buckland to ask the House of Commons if we should leave at the end of 2020 even without a trade deal in place.

1

Asked if Parliament would get a say, his official spokesman said: "No, the simple answer is we are not extending the transition period.

“There is no reason whatsoever to believe a trade agreement wouldn't be ready by that date."

The remarks prompted a furious reaction from Tory rebels, who accused Mr Johnson of breaking a “clear promise”.

Ex Cabinet minister David Gauke fumed: “Looks like the Conservative message is ‘we’ll be out on WTO terms by 2021’. I have to say – that is reckless.”

Former Tory MP Nick Boles added: “Johnson wants to force through a WTO Brexit next December.”

Mr Buckland had told Parliament it has a “legitimate role to play” and could “have its say on the merits of an extension of the implementation period”.

'RECKLESS'

Michel Barnier cast doubt on the Government’s claim an FTA will be in place by the end of next year, saying talks would be “difficult and demanding”.

The EU’s chief negotiator warned “the risk of a cliff-edge remains” and vowed the bloc will “remain vigilant and prepare for that possible outcome”.

He said: “Time will be extremely short if the transition ends as currently foreseen at the end of 2020. Our and the UK’s starting points aren’t necessarily the same.

“Summer 2020, in eight months, will already be a moment of truth on how far we have come and whether an extension of the transition will be needed.”

The Frenchman also warned Mr Johnson against a “pick ‘n’ mix approach by economic sector” in trade talks, saying the bloc won’t tolerate “unfair competition”.

MOST READ IN BREXIT

EUROPEAN UNION

All about Nigel Farage's wife Kirsten - plus find out about his kids

BO BLOW

Boris loses key Parliament expert just as his deadline to deliver Brexit approaches

PROJECT FUR

EU's weird Brexit muppet unveiled to 'scare' firms into preparing for No Deal

Mr Barnier stressed the EU will start negotiations on an FTA “as soon as the UK ratifies the Withdrawal Agreement”.

EU diplomats have dismissed the chances of a full trade deal being sealed within just 11 months.

One said: “Negotiating a future relationship in this climate will be torturously slow given our concerns over the Level Playing Field.”

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]