UK's Johnson buffeted in Luxembourg, says Brexit deal emerging

By Foo Yun Chee and Elizabeth Piper

 

People hold placards as they protest outside a restaurant where British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg, September 16, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Britain's Boris Johnson said on Monday that a Brexit deal was beginning to emerge, but the EU said he offered nothing to break the impasse during a visit to Luxembourg where he was harangued loudly by protesters and rebuked for trying to shift the blame.

 

"Don't make the EU the bad guy," Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said after a meeting with Johnson, describing the uncertainty over the timing and conditions of Britain's exit from the European Union as a "nightmare".

 

The British prime minister joined European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for lunch at the Bouquet Garni restaurant, an 18th-century building of bare stone walls and low ceilings in the medieval heart of Luxembourg.

 

A British official said their lunch included pan-cooked chicken oysters and butter-roasted pollock with creamy risotto.

 

Johnson was heckled from start of his visit with dozens of Britons - many of them retirees living in Luxembourg - booing, chanting and holding banners outside the restaurant.

 

Britain's Boris Johnson said on Monday that a Brexit deal was beginning to emerge, but the EU said he offered nothing to break the impasse during a visit to Luxembourg where he was harangued loudly by protesters. Anna Bevan reports.

 

The crowd and the booing swelled when he went on to meet Bettel, where at least 50 protesters waiting behind the gates created a scene that seemed out of place in the usually sedate centre of Luxembourg.

 

There were chants of "Fascist!", "Stop the coup! Tell the truth!" and "Shame on Boris", and the protesters played bursts of music that included the EU's "Ode to Joy" anthem and "I can't get no satisfaction".

 

Johnson was due to address journalists alongside Bettel in the courtyard after their meeting but left straight away, saying later that it wouldn't have been fair on the Luxembourg prime minister to hold a news conference amid a din of protests.

 

With less than seven weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU, Johnson has yet to reach an agreement with Brussels on how to manage the separation between the world's fifth-largest economy and its biggest trading partner.

 

"STOP SPEAKING - ACT"

Johnson is hoping a Brexit deal can be clinched at an EU summit on Oct. 17-18.

 

"Yes, there is a good chance of a deal, yes I can see the shape of it, everybody can see roughly what could be done," he told reporters after his Luxembourg meetings.

 

However, the European Commission said London had still not proposed an alternative to the Irish backstop that has stymied a deal on Britain's exit from the EU, giving a more downbeat read-out of the meeting between Juncker and Johnson.

 

Johnson reiterated that Britain would leave the European Union on its Oct. 31 divorce date, deal or no deal, and would not request a delay.

 

However, his office said it had been agreed at the Luxembourg lunch that talks to find a deal would intensify.

 

Negotiations would be raised to a political level - between EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay - from the technical-level talks of recent weeks, and meetings would take place daily.

 

The future of the land border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland is the central issue of disagreement both between Johnson and the EU and between him and British lawmakers. Britain's parliament three times rejected a deal negotiated by his predecessor Theresa May which included the so-called backstop mechanism to keep the border open.

 

Juncker told Johnson over lunch that he must present workable proposals to replace the Brexit backstop.

 

"President Juncker recalled that it is the UK's responsibility to come forward with legally operational solutions that are compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement," the European Commission said in a statement, referring to the deal struck by May. "Such proposals have not yet been made."

 

Bettel took a harsher line in his remarks after escorting Johnson out, urging the British prime minister to "stop speaking and act" and to stop trying to pass the blame to the EU for the consequences of a decision taken by the British people in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

 

"Our people need to know what is going to happen to them in six weeks time. They need clarity, they need certainty and they need stability. You can't hold their future hostage for party political gains," he said to applause and loud cheers from the protesters.

 

"So now it's on Mr Johnson, he holds the future of all the UK citizens and every EU citizen living in the UK in his hands. It's his responsibility. Your people, our people count on you. But the clock is ticking - use your time wisely."

 

(Additional reporting by David Sahl in Luxembourg; Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Giles Elgood)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-09-17

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I mean if they really want a deal, the UK must suggest something at least surely ?

These people are being undemocratic and incredibly selfish by wanting to remain in the EU for their own benefit rather than that of the UK. What these expat protestors don't seem to realise (or maybe they do) is it isn't Bojo they're shouting insults at, it's the 17.4 million democratic leave voters who took part in the referendum. The PM's just attempting to carry out their wishes. No wonder us expats don't get much sympathy from the UK govt and citizens.

 

1 minute ago, jesimps said:

The PM's just attempting to carry out their wishes.

And he’s trying rrrreeeeaallly hard. I mean, seriously. Really, really hard. Let’s give that hard-trying man some credits. สู้ๆน่ะ Boris. 

 

7 minutes ago, jesimps said:

These people are being undemocratic and incredibly selfish by wanting to remain in the EU for their own benefit rather than that of the UK. What these expat protestors don't seem to realise (or maybe they do) is it isn't Bojo they're shouting insults at, it's the 17.4 million democratic leave voters who took part in the referendum. The PM's just attempting to carry out their wishes. No wonder us expats don't get much sympathy from the UK govt and citizens.

Right,  in your idea of democracy, those who disagree with the direction the PM is taking the nation have no right to voice their opinion or demonstrate against the PM, his lies and his deceit?!

 

Edited September 17, 20196 yr by Chomper Higgot

the EU using IRELAND as an excuse, there are many EU countries that share a border with none EU countries, i did see it somewhere, but not to hand at this moment. and no problems at all. more scaremongering from the EU

Some "Dozens" are the big "crowd"! ????

Same type of Expats, who are whinging about the "strong" Baht in Thailand?

And the "Fascists" record is also played again...

So, whinging is free, and there is nothing to blame about it.

"Stars on 45"

2 hours ago, tebee said:

I mean if they really want a deal, the UK must suggest something at least surely ?

That makes perfect sense. But then I guess that guarantees that the Brexiters wont understand it.

Have to admit I had to look this up :

 

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=chicken+oysters

I just read this wonderful comment:

 

And as Bettel’s exasperation made clear, officials in Brussels, and leaders in national capitals, are running out of patience. Hopes that Britain might eventually give Brexit up as a bad job and remain in the EU are giving way to prayers that it won’t.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/16/bettels-anger-highlights-a-bleak-truth-the-eu27-just-wants-britain-to-go

 

19 minutes ago, mercman24 said:

the EU using IRELAND as an excuse, there are many EU countries that share a border with none EU countries, i did see it somewhere, but not to hand at this moment. and no problems at all. more scaremongering from the EU

Is it really so difficult to understand the problem with the Irish border?

You could google it. I just tried: About 1,690,000 results ...

15 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I just read this wonderful comment:

 

And as Bettel’s exasperation made clear, officials in Brussels, and leaders in national capitals, are running out of patience. Hopes that Britain might eventually give Brexit up as a bad job and remain in the EU are giving way to prayers that it won’t.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/16/bettels-anger-highlights-a-bleak-truth-the-eu27-just-wants-britain-to-go

 

That would be a first....wouldnt take it seriously though. 

 

Democracy EU style:

2nd June 1992. Denmark, by Referendum, rejected the Maastricht Treaty. Made to vote again.

8th June 2001. Republic of Ireland, by Referendum, rejected the Nice treaty. Made to vote again.

29th May 2005. France, by Referendum, rejected The European Constitution. Vote ignored.

1st June 2005. Netherlands, by Referendum, rejected The European Constitution. Vote ignored.

12th June 2005. Republic of Ireland, by Referendum, rejected the Lisbon Treaty. Made to vote again.

5th July 2015. Greece, by referendum, rejected punishing bail out conditions. Given even harsher conditions.

6th April 2016. Netherlands, by Referendum, rejected the EU association agreement with Ukraine. Vote ignored.

 

23rd June 2016. United Kingdom, by referendum. chose to leave the European Union.......result yet to be honoured.

 

 

Edited September 17, 20196 yr by englishoak

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

2nd June 1992. Denmark, by Referendum, rejected the Maastricht Treaty. Made to vote again.

That’s a lie. 

 

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

8th June 2001. Republic of Ireland, by Referendum, rejected the Nice treaty. Made to vote again.

That’s a lie. 

 

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

29th May 2005. France, by Referendum, rejected The European Constitution. Vote ignored.

That’s a lie. 

 

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

1st June 2005. Netherlands, by Referendum, rejected The European Constitution. Vote ignored.

That’s a lie. 

 

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

12th June 2005. Republic of Ireland, by Referendum, rejected the Lisbon Treaty. Made to vote again.

That’s a lie. 

 

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

5th July 2015. Greece, by referendum, rejected punishing bail out conditions. Given even harsher conditions.

And?

Yawn.

4 hours ago, webfact said:

A British official said their lunch included pan-cooked chicken oysters and butter-roasted pollock with creamy risotto.

The risotto sounds nice...

Give the EU (german republic to be) nowt Boris....walk away now...we the British public should be allowed to make our own decisions on the way OUR country is run...not by a bunch of fat salaried non elected cronies who have absolutely no interest of what is best for our still great country

5 minutes ago, petermik said:

Give the EU (german republic to be) nowt Boris....walk away now...we the British public should be allowed to make our own decisions on the way OUR country is run...not by a bunch of fat salaried non elected cronies who have absolutely no interest of what is best for our still great country

You would prefer to have decisions made by your own non-elected cronies, like Cummings?

Cameron-Publicly humiliated while in office by an EU that thought they were bomb proof.

 

May- Publicly humiliated as above by an EU that knew full well she wasn't up to it. 

 

Johnson- Publicly humiliated, this time by a mickey mouse state with a population no bigger than an average London council when he was Mayor.

 

"that'll learn 'em!" ????

 

Can you imagine Gibraltar doing this in the other direction to the likes of Merkle or Makron, and why are the 44 consecutive weekend riots across France not being covered by MSM? 

 

Edited September 17, 20196 yr by evadgib

9 minutes ago, petermik said:

Give the EU (german republic to be) nowt Boris....walk away now...we the British public should be allowed to make our own decisions on the way OUR country is run...not by a bunch of fat salaried non elected cronies who have absolutely no interest of what is best for our still great country

I take it, this is a troll post?

 

For your information, the UK is in control of how our country is run, even though it doesn't look like the current government is capable of that. As for the British public they can demonstrate and lobby but only parliament can decide what course to take.

 

Go and complain to your MP. Or better still, ask him/her to explain that it's certainly not the EU who runs the UK.

14 minutes ago, evadgib said:

Cameron-Publicly humiliated while in office by an EU that thought they were bomb proof.

 

May- Publicly humiliated as above by an EU that knew full well she wasn't up to it. 

 

Johnson- Publicly humiliated, this time by a mickey mouse state with a population no bigger than an average London council when he was Mayor.

 

"that'll learn 'em!" ????

 

Can you imagine Gibraltar doing this in the other direction to the likes of Merkle or Makron, and why are the 44 consecutive weekend riots across France not being covered by MSM? 

 

Public humiliation, because of 75 protesters? Are you sure Boris is in the right profession? If you can’t stand the heat you have no business in the kitchen..............

By the way, this ‘mickey mouse’ state is doing extremely well, unlike the UK.

1 minute ago, damascase said:

Public humiliation, because of 75 protesters? Are you sure Boris is in the right profession? If you can’t stand the heat you have no business in the kitchen..............

By the way, this ‘mickey mouse’ state is doing extremely well, unlike the UK.

Orchestrated protesters + Blanket coverage = the desired effect.

1 minute ago, damascase said:

Public humiliation, because of 75 protesters? Are you sure Boris is in the right profession? If you can’t stand the heat you have no business in the kitchen..............

By the way, this ‘mickey mouse’ state is doing extremely well, unlike the UK.

Protesters with amplifiers, does it make any sense to give a speech when it would not be heard over the mob, Bettel whose only intention was to try and humiliate Boris, but Boris was one step ahead of Bettel who was made to look like a jilted bride at the church alter.

Luxenbourg maybe doing ok, but the UKs economy is only second to Germany, whilst Luxenbourg is down at number 25.

1 minute ago, evadgib said:

Orchestrated protesters + Blanket coverage = the desired effect.

Let’s have your evidence that these protests where ‘orchestrated’.

 

Come on, out with it!

17 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Let’s have your evidence that these protests where ‘orchestrated’.

 

Come on, out with it!

You'll find everything on the nearest telly.

HTH

Edited September 17, 20196 yr by evadgib

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Johnson was due to address journalists alongside Bettel in the courtyard after their meeting but left straight away, saying later that it wouldn't have been fair on the Luxembourg prime minister to hold a news conference amid a din of protests.

Getting mote like Trump everyday...

 

What next Lara Kuenssberg and other journalists banned from his press conferences?

This will probably be the highlight of Bettel’s career, trying to belittle the absent British PM while hiding behind the skirt of the EU.

 

He’s had his 5 minutes of fame. Nobody had heard of him before and he will soon be forgotten, the irrelevant <deleted> ????.

1 hour ago, welovesundaysatspace said:

That’s a lie. 

 

That’s a lie. 

 

That’s a lie. 

 

That’s a lie. 

 

That’s a lie. 

 

And?

Just typing "That's a lie" is akin to a six year old child saying the same thing.

If you dispute the OP's post - why don't you tell us why it is untrue - and furthermore - please tell us what the truth really is regarding his claims.

Otherwise - it would appear that you just don't like the 'truth'......

I, for one, would really like to see a structured response. 

Thank you!

1 hour ago, welovesundaysatspace said:

That’s a lie. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Danish_Maastricht_Treaty_referendum

A referendum on the Maastricht Treaty was held in Denmark on 2 June 1992.^[1] It was rejected by 50.7% of voters with a turnout of 83.1%.^[2] The rejection was a blow to the process of European integration, although the process continued. As the Maastricht Treaty could only come into effect if all members of the European Union ratified it, the Edinburgh Agreement, negotiated in the months following the referendum, provided Denmark with four exceptions which eventually led to Denmark ratifying the Maastricht Treaty in a 1993 referendum.

 

I dont take kindly to being called a liar, so ill list just give the first proof on Denmark, the others are just as easy to check and are just as accurate and true... 

 

It is in fact you who are making false claims and now also proven to lie, not I. 

2 hours ago, mercman24 said:

the EU using IRELAND as an excuse, there are many EU countries that share a border with none EU countries, i did see it somewhere, but not to hand at this moment. and no problems at all. more scaremongering from the EU

You mean like Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland? Or like Turkey? I'm sure the EU would be amenable to similar arrangements with the UK.

7 minutes ago, Bundooman said:

Just typing "That's a lie" is akin to a six year old child saying the same thing.

If you dispute the OP's post - why don't you tell us why it is untrue - and furthermore - please tell us what the truth really is regarding his claims.

Otherwise - it would appear that you just don't like the 'truth'......

I, for one, would really like to see a structured response. 

Thank you!

When you accuse someone of something, it’s up to you to prove it, not the other way round. Would you want to prove you’re not a criminal? 

24 minutes ago, englishoak said:

I dont take kindly to being called a liar, so ill list just give the first proof on Denmark, the others are just as easy to check and are just as accurate and true... 

 

It is in fact you who are making false claims and now also proven to lie, not I. 

1. You made an accusation that the EU made Denmark hold a referendum. 

 

2. I told you that’s a lie. 

 

3. You still couldn’t prove your accusation. 

 

4. It’s obvious that your accusation is a lie, since Denmark is a sovereign state and there’s no legislation that would give the EU a say over Denmark’s referendums. 

 

5. Posting lies makes you a liar. 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 17, 20196 yr by welovesundaysatspace