One worried EU diplomat says: « We hope if Boris Johnson gets a big majority that will mean a softer Brexit but the truth is, we don’t know what Johnson really wants. It could be a harder Brexit than imagined. » /1
I’m told EU leaders at their summit tomorrow will a) formally welcome result b) assuming it is a Tory majority they will call for speedy ratification of the Brexit deal in Parliament c) They will underline ambition for broad comprehensive EU/UK trade deal BUT /2
Brussels does not believe an ambitious trade deal is possible to be negotiated and ratified by Dec next year as Johnson claims. Only possibility in short time says EU is quick n dirty free trade deal ON EU TERMS ie alignment with EU regulations /3
EU says will want to work as fast as possible to agree a negotiating mandate for Michel Barnier on a trade deal. Brussels estimates trade talks would start with UK in March .. doesn’t leave much time to negotiate and ratify if has to be done and dusted by Dec 2020 /4
