Boris Johnson has persisted in his pledge to deliver Brexit without additional delays despite the European Union refusing to agree to changes to the withdrawal agreement. Conservative Party vice-chair Michale Jones confirmed the British Government is not seeking to prepare a “plan B” in the event of a new extension because Mr Johnson is “adamant” the UK will be leaving on October 31. Speaking to LBC, Mr Jones said: “The plan is, and Michael Gove and Sajid Javid have been put in charge of ramping up the arrangements for no deal, to come out on October 31.

“It’s plain and simple. There is no plan B. What I’m saying is that that is not an option.

“We are going to leave the EU by October 31 – that’s what we’ve promised to the people.”

Mr Jones insisted the Prime Minister is unshakable on his commitment to leave the European Union without a new extension, saying the “vast majority” of the party backs Mr Johnson’s plans.

He continued: “What you have to consider is that we have a Prime Minister who is absolutely adamant he wants to leave the EU on October 31.

LISTEN HERE: Latest Brexit news from the Express.co.uk Final Countdown podcast

There is no plan B. What I’m saying is that that is not an option

Michael Jones

“He has the will and he has the vast majority of the Conservative Party right behind him and infused to deliver on what the people voted for.”

Mr Johnson dedicated his maiden speech in the Commons to reiterating his commitment to Brexit, announcing the UK would not nominate a British member to the European Commission as they would not be taking on their seats on November 1 due to Britain’s exit from the EU.

The Prime Minister said: “We will not nominate a UK commissioner for the new Commission taking office.”

He insisted his decision was not aimed at preventing “the EU from forming a new Commission.” The British Government had previously agreed to meet the UK’s obligations as a member until departure from the bloc, including the selection of a new Commissioner. 

Failing to nominate a British member of the Commission, the executive branch of the EU, could therefore create issues if Mr Johnson decided to ask for a new delay after all.

But in his bullish speech, Mr Johnson said yet again Britain’s participation in the European project is drawing to a close.

He continued: “I want to end by making clear that my commitment to the 31 October date for our exit. Our national participation in the European Union is coming to an end.

“This reality needs to be recognised by all parties.

DON’T MISS:

Boris sends Remainers into frenzy – he vows to use £39bn bill to fund No Deal [LIVE]
Johnson’s epic slap down of ‘negative’ Labour ‘resentful’ of strong Britain [VIDEO]
Boris Johnson poll RESULTS: Express.co.uk readers happy with Boris [POLL]

“Indeed, Mr Speaker today there are very many brilliant officials trapped in meeting after meeting in Brussels and Luxembourg when they could be better deploying their talents in preparing to pioneer new trade deals and promoting a truly Global Britain.

“I want to start unshackling our officials to undertake this new mission right away.”

In a memo circulated to EU leaders’ aides on Thursday, Michel Barnier insisted the EU is prepared to “work constructively, within our own mandate” to find a way to have the divorce deal accepted in London.

Mr Barnier also said the no deal would not be “the EU’s choice” but added that “as suggested by his rather combative speech, we have to be ready for a situation where he gives priority to the planning for no deal, partly to heap pressure on the unity of the EU27.”

He urged leaders of member states for “calm,” and to “stick to our principle and guidelines and show solidarity and unity of the 27.”

Source: Read Full Article