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Brexit: Boris Johnson in Dublin says no deal 'would be failure for which we would all be responsible' – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson in Dublin says no deal 'would be failure for which we would all be responsible' – live news
(30 minutes later)
And this is what other journalists are saying about the Boris Johnson/Leo Varadkar press conference.
From RTE’s Tony Connelly
RTÉ Europe Editor @tconnellyRTE says @LeoVaradkar gave @BorisJohnson a warm welcome, but didn’t hold back in pointing out the problems the UK faces securing a future trade relationship with the EU in the event of a no-deal #Brexit | Live blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/MOUxXHsNNh
From Sky’s Adam Boulton
Uncompromising opening statement from @LeoVaradkar as he meets @BorisJohnson face to face for first time, in Dublin. Tone - a bit of a telling
From the Sun’s Steve Hawkes
Leo Varadkar stands next to Boris Johnson and says there's no such thing as a clean break. The body language between the pair is dire
From the BBC’s Vicki Young
A different tone from Boris Johnson in Dublin saying a no deal #Brexit would be a failure of statecraft - “I would overwhelmingly prefer to find an agreement”
From Euronews’s Darren McCaffrey
Big change in tone this morning from @BorisJohnson in Dublin:Stood next to @LeoVaradkar:NO DEAL would be "a failure of statecraft". He tells Varadkar he would "overwhelmingly prefer to get an agreement".
From the BBC’s Faisal Islam
Key bits Varadkar-Johnson presser: - Taoiseach saying PM faces “Herculean task” in achieving FTA with EU in 3 years, that needs to be ratified in 31 parliaments- cant replace legal guarantee with a promise -havent received realistic workable legally binding proposals to date
From politics.co.uk’s Ian Dunt
Quite painful to watch. Varadkar conducting himself as a leader and grounding his comments in reality. Johnson looks like a child who won a Willy Wonka ticket to appear alongside him. https://t.co/CbbHSaUE2g
From my colleague Dan Sabbagh
In the book "The Art of the Press Conference" it will become known as "The Varadkar," the most thinly disguised contempt a leader can show for their counterpart and get away with it...
From the Irish News’s Allison Morris
There's a change of tone in the language being use by PM and Taoiseach, both sounding much more positive at the prospect of getting a deal before the October deadline #Brexit #BorisJohnson #LeoVaradkar
That was a slightly longer press conference than we had been led to expect and, given the circumstances, it was perhaps not as frosty as it might have been. During the summer it emerged that, when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary, he once said about Leo Varadkar: “Why isn’t he called Murphy like all the rest of them?” Johnson campaigned for a policy outcome that will probably cause immense damage to the Irish economy, and for the last two years his Brexiter allies have frequently demonised Varadkar as the obstacle to a successful Brexit. And then Johnson delayed his first visit to Dublin for weeks (despite this morning claiming that he believed it was important to speak to the Irish first – see 9.59am.) Varadkar could be forgiven for wanting to tell him to take a jump.That was a slightly longer press conference than we had been led to expect and, given the circumstances, it was perhaps not as frosty as it might have been. During the summer it emerged that, when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary, he once said about Leo Varadkar: “Why isn’t he called Murphy like all the rest of them?” Johnson campaigned for a policy outcome that will probably cause immense damage to the Irish economy, and for the last two years his Brexiter allies have frequently demonised Varadkar as the obstacle to a successful Brexit. And then Johnson delayed his first visit to Dublin for weeks (despite this morning claiming that he believed it was important to speak to the Irish first – see 9.59am.) Varadkar could be forgiven for wanting to tell him to take a jump.
Instead, Varadkar sounded sincere about wanting to ensure Ireland remains a friend to the UK in the future. (Realistically, that’s the only sensible economic strategy.) And Johnson sounded considerably more measured and composed than he did in his public appearances on Thursday and Friday last week (not difficult). Perhaps shaken by the way people like his brother Jo Johnson and Amber Rudd have concluded he is not serious about finding a Brexit deal, he was much more negative about the reality of a no-deal Brexit than he has been for ages, describing it as “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”.Instead, Varadkar sounded sincere about wanting to ensure Ireland remains a friend to the UK in the future. (Realistically, that’s the only sensible economic strategy.) And Johnson sounded considerably more measured and composed than he did in his public appearances on Thursday and Friday last week (not difficult). Perhaps shaken by the way people like his brother Jo Johnson and Amber Rudd have concluded he is not serious about finding a Brexit deal, he was much more negative about the reality of a no-deal Brexit than he has been for ages, describing it as “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”.
But that did not prevent Johnson being disconcerted by some of the questions. He repeatedly dodged a question about when he last visited the Irish border. He ignored a question about whether he stood by the claim he one made about how technology could solve the border issue because that is how the congestion charge is enforced on the border between Camden and Islington. And he was humbled by a brilliant question pointing out that, while he is happy to use “dead in a ditch” as a metaphor, Brexit undermines arrangements that have preserved the peace in an country where until recently hundreds of people did end up dead in ditches literally.But that did not prevent Johnson being disconcerted by some of the questions. He repeatedly dodged a question about when he last visited the Irish border. He ignored a question about whether he stood by the claim he one made about how technology could solve the border issue because that is how the congestion charge is enforced on the border between Camden and Islington. And he was humbled by a brilliant question pointing out that, while he is happy to use “dead in a ditch” as a metaphor, Brexit undermines arrangements that have preserved the peace in an country where until recently hundreds of people did end up dead in ditches literally.
Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar says the Government would oppose the introduction of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland, though he recognises the UK is the sovereign government in Northern Ireland | | Live #brexit blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/wMHQP70CXATaoiseach @LeoVaradkar says the Government would oppose the introduction of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland, though he recognises the UK is the sovereign government in Northern Ireland | | Live #brexit blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/wMHQP70CXA
Johnson claimed to have “an abundance of proposals” to resolve the backstop. (See 10.08am.) But, unless he is moving towards approving a Northern Ireland-only backstop (which is possible, although the DUP would erupt), his comments about wanting to preserve the all-Ireland economy while avoiding border checks and still taking the UK out of the EU, suggest he is still fundamentally stranded in ‘have cake and eat it’ territory.Johnson claimed to have “an abundance of proposals” to resolve the backstop. (See 10.08am.) But, unless he is moving towards approving a Northern Ireland-only backstop (which is possible, although the DUP would erupt), his comments about wanting to preserve the all-Ireland economy while avoiding border checks and still taking the UK out of the EU, suggest he is still fundamentally stranded in ‘have cake and eat it’ territory.
Johnson’s strategy is driven by the understandable belief that many British voters just want to see Brexit done, for the whole crisis to go away. But this may be misconceived. As Varadkar argued forcefully in his opening remarks, there is no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”, and this problem will be with us for years. (See 9.47am.) Johnson’s strategy is driven by the understandable belief that many British voters just want to see Brexit done and for the whole crisis to go away. But this may be misconceived. As Varadkar argued forcefully in his opening remarks, there is no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”, and this problem will be with us for years. (See 9.47am.)
Q: The Irish say they have received no new proposals today. Have you got anything today? And if you create an all-Ireland agrifoods zone, won’t that put a border in the Irish Sea that the DUP won’t accept.Q: The Irish say they have received no new proposals today. Have you got anything today? And if you create an all-Ireland agrifoods zone, won’t that put a border in the Irish Sea that the DUP won’t accept.
Johnson says the government has “an abundance of proposals”. But he does now want to share them with the media.Johnson says the government has “an abundance of proposals”. But he does now want to share them with the media.
He says he will discuss ideas with Varadkar. He wants changes to the political declaration, as well as to the withdrawal agreement.He says he will discuss ideas with Varadkar. He wants changes to the political declaration, as well as to the withdrawal agreement.
He says he thinks he has “the ideal amount of time” to sort this out. Angela Merkel said 30 days would be enough to find a solution. She was right.He says he thinks he has “the ideal amount of time” to sort this out. Angela Merkel said 30 days would be enough to find a solution. She was right.
Varadkar says “no backstop is no deal”. That is not an option Ireland finds acceptable, he says.Varadkar says “no backstop is no deal”. That is not an option Ireland finds acceptable, he says.
And that’s it. I will give a verdict, summary and reaction soon.And that’s it. I will give a verdict, summary and reaction soon.
Q: When you talk about people being dead in ditches, there is a sense that you don’t really understand what is at stake here. When did you last visit the border? Do you still think it is like the border between Camden and Islington?Q: When you talk about people being dead in ditches, there is a sense that you don’t really understand what is at stake here. When did you last visit the border? Do you still think it is like the border between Camden and Islington?
Johnson says he thinks everyone here understands the importance of the border.Johnson says he thinks everyone here understands the importance of the border.
The UK will never impose checks at the border, he says. There must be an open border, so goods and people can circulate in the normal way.The UK will never impose checks at the border, he says. There must be an open border, so goods and people can circulate in the normal way.
He says he genuinely thinks that solutions can be found.He says he genuinely thinks that solutions can be found.
Varadkar says he hopes this will get settled at the EU summit in October.Varadkar says he hopes this will get settled at the EU summit in October.
Most EU countries would prefer not to have an extension.Most EU countries would prefer not to have an extension.
But if there were a “good reason” for one, the EU would consider it.But if there were a “good reason” for one, the EU would consider it.
Q: How can you convince Varadkar that you have the power to get anything through parliament?Q: How can you convince Varadkar that you have the power to get anything through parliament?
Johnson says everyone can see the Brexit talks have been going on for far too long. The EU wants this done, and he wants this done. And he thinks parliamentarians will see the wisdom of this.Johnson says everyone can see the Brexit talks have been going on for far too long. The EU wants this done, and he wants this done. And he thinks parliamentarians will see the wisdom of this.
He claims he is “undaunted” by what is happening in parliament. The British people want him to deliver Brexit.He claims he is “undaunted” by what is happening in parliament. The British people want him to deliver Brexit.
He says he wants to “manage down” expectations.He says he wants to “manage down” expectations.
I don’t think we are going to have a complete breakthrough here today.I don’t think we are going to have a complete breakthrough here today.
Q: What would the Irish government think about London imposing direct rule on Northern Ireland?Q: What would the Irish government think about London imposing direct rule on Northern Ireland?
Varadkar says the Irish would oppose direct rule, as contrary to the Good Friday agreement.Varadkar says the Irish would oppose direct rule, as contrary to the Good Friday agreement.
Johnson and Varadkar are now taking questions.Johnson and Varadkar are now taking questions.
Q: Have you visted the border as PM? And when are we going to see the detail of your backstop plan?Q: Have you visted the border as PM? And when are we going to see the detail of your backstop plan?
Johnson says he knows what the border was like in the old days. He knows how vital it is not to return to those days.Johnson says he knows what the border was like in the old days. He knows how vital it is not to return to those days.
He claims that the “landing zone” is obvious.He claims that the “landing zone” is obvious.
There are two areas where progress can be made.There are two areas where progress can be made.
First, there is a lot that can be done on trusted traders schemes etc.First, there is a lot that can be done on trusted traders schemes etc.
Second, you can accept the unity of Ireland for sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.Second, you can accept the unity of Ireland for sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.
He says, if you can address these two points, you can go a long way towards a solution.He says, if you can address these two points, you can go a long way towards a solution.
He says he accepts “the locus for the negotiation remains Brussels”.He says he accepts “the locus for the negotiation remains Brussels”.
But he wants to discuss with the Irish how they can assist with that process.But he wants to discuss with the Irish how they can assist with that process.
Other EU leaders ask him if he has made progress with the Irish. So it is incumbent on the UK to talk first to Ireland.Other EU leaders ask him if he has made progress with the Irish. So it is incumbent on the UK to talk first to Ireland.
(But Johnson has not talked first to Ireland. He visited Berlin and Paris first, last month.)(But Johnson has not talked first to Ireland. He visited Berlin and Paris first, last month.)
Johnson says he wants a deal.Johnson says he wants a deal.
They have spent three years “masticating” over this problem.They have spent three years “masticating” over this problem.
He says their predecessors solved far harder problems.He says their predecessors solved far harder problems.
Johnson says there are two tasks before November.Johnson says there are two tasks before November.
They must restore the government in Northern Ireland.They must restore the government in Northern Ireland.
And they must get Brexit done, he says. The UK must come out by 31 October or “permanent damage” may be done to trust in the political system.And they must get Brexit done, he says. The UK must come out by 31 October or “permanent damage” may be done to trust in the political system.
There are three questions to resolve, he says.There are three questions to resolve, he says.
1) Can they ensure that unchecked movement of goods and people, and cattle, continues at the border? Johnson says he thinks the answer is yes.1) Can they ensure that unchecked movement of goods and people, and cattle, continues at the border? Johnson says he thinks the answer is yes.
2) Can they maintain the Belfast agreement? Johnson says he thinks the answer is yes.2) Can they maintain the Belfast agreement? Johnson says he thinks the answer is yes.
3) Can we protect the economic unity of Ireland. Again, Johnson says he thinks the answer is yes.3) Can we protect the economic unity of Ireland. Again, Johnson says he thinks the answer is yes.
Johnson says the government must achieve these aims, while allowing the UK to leave the EU.Johnson says the government must achieve these aims, while allowing the UK to leave the EU.
He says he thinks, when you look at these problems, there are practical solutions.He says he thinks, when you look at these problems, there are practical solutions.
If there weren’t, the backstop would not be described as a backstop.If there weren’t, the backstop would not be described as a backstop.
Johnson says he wants to get a deal.Johnson says he wants to get a deal.
A no-deal Brexit would be “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”.A no-deal Brexit would be “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”.
Boris Johnson is speaking now.Boris Johnson is speaking now.
He says he first met Varadkar at a St Patrick’s day parade in London when he was mayor.He says he first met Varadkar at a St Patrick’s day parade in London when he was mayor.
He says the “vast crowd” illustrated the close and intricate relationship between the British and the Irish.He says the “vast crowd” illustrated the close and intricate relationship between the British and the Irish.
He says their predecessors took the two countries forward in circumstances that were much harder.He says their predecessors took the two countries forward in circumstances that were much harder.
He says the British eat 50% of cheese and beef produced in Ireland.He says the British eat 50% of cheese and beef produced in Ireland.
And the England cricket captain was born in Dublin, he says.And the England cricket captain was born in Dublin, he says.
Varadkar quotes from something Gen Alan Brooke wrote about seeing Ireland when flying back after a visit to the US with Churchill during the second world war.Varadkar quotes from something Gen Alan Brooke wrote about seeing Ireland when flying back after a visit to the US with Churchill during the second world war.
Leo Varadkar is speaking now.Leo Varadkar is speaking now.
He says there will be no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”. He says if there is no deal, the UK will have to renegotiate a new relationship with the EU anyway.He says there will be no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”. He says if there is no deal, the UK will have to renegotiate a new relationship with the EU anyway.
And he says that, even if there is a deal, they will have to negotiate a trade deal.And he says that, even if there is a deal, they will have to negotiate a trade deal.
Varadkar says there can be no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”.Varadkar says there can be no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”.
He says he thinks a Brexit deal is possible.He says he thinks a Brexit deal is possible.
And he says Ireland wants to be a friend to the UK in a future.And he says Ireland wants to be a friend to the UK in a future.
On the backstop, he says Ireland cannot replace a legal deal with a promise.On the backstop, he says Ireland cannot replace a legal deal with a promise.
Varadkar he says is not willing to replace the backstop with a promise.Varadkar he says is not willing to replace the backstop with a promise.
He says he and Boris Johnson have spoken twice by phone.He says he and Boris Johnson have spoken twice by phone.
But the UK has still not proposed a legal, operative alternative to the backstop, he says.But the UK has still not proposed a legal, operative alternative to the backstop, he says.
Boris Johnson overheard mentioning “very well behaved press” in Dublin as he meets Leo Varadkar. pic.twitter.com/gSIruWP5dYBoris Johnson overheard mentioning “very well behaved press” in Dublin as he meets Leo Varadkar. pic.twitter.com/gSIruWP5dY
Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar have posed for a picture on the steps of Government Buildings.Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar have posed for a picture on the steps of Government Buildings.
But they just gone in without speaking to the media.But they just gone in without speaking to the media.
Er, what do we do now? Leo meets Boris pic.twitter.com/pr1PDnBjosEr, what do we do now? Leo meets Boris pic.twitter.com/pr1PDnBjos
But they might come out again. Someone has been testing the microphones.But they might come out again. Someone has been testing the microphones.
And the two podiums have been moved, so they are now near the door, and under shelter.And the two podiums have been moved, so they are now near the door, and under shelter.
There is a live feed at the top of this blog.There is a live feed at the top of this blog.