Boris Johnson’s proposals were described by the EU’s chief negotiator as a “repackaging of bad ideas” and “nearly impossible” to implement HOUSE OF COMMONS/PAThe European Union today warned Boris Johnson that his alternative to the Irish backstop was unacceptable and a deal would not be done in time for his October 31 Brexit deadline. Simon Coveney, Ireland’s foreign minister, said the proposals unveiled yesterday had “fundamental problems” and that unless they were substantially revised they could not form the basis of a deal. Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, said that the EU would “stand fully behind” Ireland against pressure for its government to cave into Mr Johnson’s demand for a new customs border on the island. “My message to Boris Johnson: we remain open but still unconvinced,” he said, after a 20-minute telephone call with the prime minister. Mr Tusk earlier held talks with Leo…

Source: The Times October 03, 2019 16:07 UTC