Pay up and we will extend Brexit transition, EU tells Boris Johnson

Brussels would extend the Brexit transition if the UK agreed to pump more cash into the EU, the bloc's chief negotiator said today.

Michel Barnier told MPs EU leaders would consider extending the 11-month phase which began as soon as Britain formally left the bloc on January 31.

The transition was aimed at allowing negotiators to strike a deal on the future relationship between the UK and EU.

They must make real progress by the end of June, with a pact sealed by December 31.

But talks have reached deadlock over fishing rights, how much oversight European judges should have of a pact and the “level playing field” designed to stop either side winning an advantage by undercutting the other.

Mr Barnier said in a letter to British MPs: “An extension of one or two years can be agreed jointly between the two parties.

“The European Union has always said we remain open on this matter.

“Any extension decision has to be taken by the Joint Committee before July 1, and must be accompanied by an agreement on a financial contribution by the United Kingdom.”

Boris Johnson will take part in talks next month on the UK's future trade relationship with the EU, MPs have been told.

Speaking to the Commons Committee on the Future Relationship with the EU, Britain's chief negotiator David Frost said: "The expectation on both sides is that these are done at leader level, and therefore, yes, the Prime Minister would attend."

No10 has repeatedly ruled out requesting an extension – and insisted it would reject any such plea from Brussels.

But Lib Dem leadership hopeful Layla Moran said: "The transition period was designed to give us time to secure a trade deal and make preparations for it to come into effect.

"That time has already, and understandably, been decimated by the coronavirus response.

“This makes a dangerous no-deal Brexit more likely at the end of the year, unless we extend the transition period.

"I am urging the Prime Minister to put his pride aside, tackle the crisis in front of him and take the extension he's being offered."

SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said: "Boris Johnson must finally put his responsibilities to jobs, living standards and the economy first - and urgently agree the two-year extension on offer to the transition period.

"It would be madness to pile a Brexit crisis on top of the coronavirus crisis we already face – with unemployment soaring, businesses shedding jobs, and many struggling to survive.

"Time is running out. There is just a month left to agree an extension to prevent the UK crashing out with a devastating bad deal or a catastrophic no-deal.

"If the Prime Minister fails to agree an extension he will be responsible for every job lost, every income slashed, and every business that goes under as a result of his bad Brexit deal.”