Published 13:34 IST, September 16th 2019
Boris Johnson the Brexit 'Hulk' to meet European Commission's Junker
Six weeks before the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is planning for Britain's exit from the European Union, he finally meets the European Commission's Junker.
Six weeks before the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning for Britain's exit from the European Union, he will finally meet the European Commission's Jean-Claude Junker on September 16. Both personalities will meet face-to-face for the first time since Johnson took the office in July. The British leader, who has compared himself to Marvel comic's superhero Hulk, will meet the EU commission over a 'working lunch' today in Luxembourg just before the EU summit which is scheduled on October 17. Johnson also believes that there shall be a lot of work before the EU summit on Brexit.
Hopes from the meeting
Downing Street is hoping for an agreement in Luxembourg that can assure Britain's safe exit from the European Union. However, Brussels believes that the UK PM has yet to come in terms with the “legally operable” proposal for the withdrawal. In this meeting, the Chief European Union negotiator, Michel Barnier will also join the leaders in their talks to negotiate a systematic divorce. Barnier still believes that there is “no reason to be optimistic” about this union. On September 12, the chief EU negotiator met with the leaders of the European Parliament for an update on Brexit. He said under the leadership of President of the Parliament, and the support of Brexit steering groups, the role of the European Parliament shall remain crucial.
The European Parliament's stand
This week, the European Parliament will seek a vote on the resolution that will reject the Prime Minister's demand to reject the clause of 'Irish Backstop' from the Brexit deal. Johnson believes that this part of the deal temporarily keeps the UK in the EU customs union has to be erased if he will bring the agreement back to the House of Commons. But he will have to win the support of other leaders the European Union along with the Parliament. Only then will Britain be able to leave without any deal on October 31. David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament said that they want to defend the interests of the EU and protect the EU citizens in UK and UK citizens in EU who are most affected by this deal.
Boris Johnson's belief
The UK Prime Minister wants Brexit to happen, deal or no deal on October 31. He believes that any other discussions and agreements are just “pointless dealy” to what is needed for the betterment of the UK. Johnson also posted an update on Twitter, about his meeting with different leaders regarding the Brexit and is “cautiously optimistic” about it. He also said that there's a need for Queen's speech for the people who think his approach is “anti-democratic”. Johnson further said that he has offered an election that was rejected by the leader of the Labour Party. There were three years to decide a deal on Brexit and the leaders will have a “plenty of time” to decide about the summit even after the EU summit to debate Brexit. The UK leader openly challenges the leaders to have a “democratic event”, the elections and let the people decide where they want to spend their money on.
Updated 16:56 IST, September 16th 2019