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The EU will refuse to talk trade with Prime Minister Boris Johnson until the UK hands over £39bn

The European Union will refuse to talk trade with Prime Minister Boris Johnson until the UK gives Brussels the £39bn divorce bill. The stark warning came from one of Emmanuel Macron’s strongest allies and former French EU minister Nathalie Loiseau. Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge, Ms Loiseau confirmed that there would be no discussion on a future trade relationship until the divorce bill, citizens rights and the Irish border are solved.


The stark warning from the French side adds to the escalating standoff between the UK and the European Union ahead of the October 31 deadline. Ms Loiseau said that Boris Johnson’s threat of a no deal Brexit would solve nothing. She suggested that this approach would and the UK back in the position it is in now. The newly-elected French MEP added that the EU would only grant an extension to Brexit "if there is something serious happening" like a general election or a people's vote. JUST IN: Brexit block: Remainers are plotting guerrilla warfare to fight Boris - REVEALED

Johnson said he wanted a deal that does not include the controversial Irish backstop

She said: “You have to make a choice. The House of Commons has to make a choice. “There is the withdrawal agreement, which is on the table, or there is a no deal - there is noting in between. "We do want to avoid a no-deal, and the agreement is on the table. Why create a crisis when there is a way out? "The only way out is the agreement, or remaining in the EU. It is your choice to make, not ours.


Loiseau said that Boris Johnson’s threat of a no deal Brexit would solve nothing

The stark warning from the French side adds to the escalating standoff between the UK and the EU