Boris Johnson has claimed his Brexit proposals have picked up support in Parliament as he urged the European Union to compromise.
Writing in two Sunday papers he said: “We are leaving in 25 days. We can do it with a deal if the EU is willing. “
Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told the EU and opposition MPs: “We are not backing down.”
The UK offer must not be “take it or leave it”, Latvia’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins told the BBC.
Talks are due to resume on Mondayas both parties try to find a new agreement in time for a crucial summit of European leaders on 17 – 18 October.
But arrangements for preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland continue to be a stick ing point, with the EU calling for “fundamental changes” to the UK’s latest proposals.
Ireland’s taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he believes a deal is possible but saidcurrent proposals do not go far enough.
The UK has said there is “no path” to a deal without a replacement for the Irish backstop, which is opposed by many MPs.
Writing in theSun on Sundayand theSunday Express, Mr Johnson said his untested plan to use technology to eliminate customs border checks would take the UK out of EU trade rules while respecting the Northern Ireland peace process.
“I say to our European friends: grasp the opportunity our new proposal provides. Join us at the negotiating table in a spirit of compromise and co-operation, “he said.
He claimed MPs from “every wing of the Conservative Party”, Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party and from Labor have said “our proposed deal looks like one they can get behind”.
But he said “there will be no more dither and delay” and the UK will leave the EU on 31 October with or without a deal.
Mr Johnson did not explain how the government would comply with a law passed by MPs which forces the prime minister to seek an extension to the Brexit deadline if no agreement has been made by 19 October.
In court documents, the government has saidthe prime minister will request a delay as the law requires, despite his public and Parliamentary statements.
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