This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made it clear that he will not delay Brexit beyond October 31, despite British lawmakers passing a law requiring him to seek another delay if no deal is reached.
Johnson's warning came in a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, in which he said that the EU should not be lured into the mistaken belief that the UK will stay in the EU after October 31st.
Johnson's latest proposals, which were submitted to Brussels on Wednesday, centre on how to manage the post-Brexit border between British province Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.
However, European leaders have reacted tepidly to London's latest propositions, with Brussels saying that the plans 'do not provide a basis for concluding an agreement'.
British Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said that the bloc needed to show 'creativity and flexibility' ahead of October 31, when Johnson has vowed to end the country's 46 years of EU membership with or without an agreement.
Barclay added that the government was considering holding a parliamentary vote ahead of the EU summit to show Brussels the plans have MPs' support.
European leaders had reportedly balked at Britain's request to keep initial discussions on the proposals going through the weekend, and they will resume on Monday, with time running out ahead of the EU summit.
