Boris Johnson: Premier wants "more speed" in Brexit talks with EU

United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum

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"Grotesque", "unscrupulous", "ruthless" - the echo of the latest escalation of the British Prime Minister is not only evident in many newspapers in the UK. In addition comes sharp criticism not only of political opponents and an increasing protest mood on the streets.

For Boris Johnson this seems to be an occasion to convey activity. In the Brexit dispute with the EU, he urges an intensification of the talks. "It's time for both sides to accelerate," said Johnson on Thursday.

He is clearly responsible. The EU has made it very clear that it expects concrete proposals from the British side to find a way out of the situation. But so far London has apparently remained guilty of it.

In the video: Johnson threatens the wrath of the street

Video

AP

According to Johnson, the British team led by negotiator David Frost will meet twice weekly with representatives of the European Union in September. "Extending the meetings and deliberations is necessary if we want to have a chance to reach an agreement by the time we leave Oct. 31," Johnson says.

Still arguing about the so-called backstop

The prime minister does not want to step down from this exit date - even if there is no agreement with the EU. The agreement with the Union negotiated by his predecessor Theresa May rejects Johnson.

The main point of contention is the emergency regime set up there to the border between the EU member Ireland and the Northern Ireland, which belongs to Great Britain. This so-called backstop is intended to prevent a hard limit with controls. Johnson is against this rule and calls for talks about possible alternatives, such as technical solutions. According to him, there is still room for maneuver here. His recent meetings with EU heads of state and government had encouraged him.

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Johnson against the lower houseThe showdown

New demos expected on the weekend

On Wednesday, Johnson had ordered the Parliament in London a compulsory break. Many parliamentarians were angry and reminded of authoritarian regimes. And many citizens do not want to accept this, in their eyes undemocratic, step. An online petition against the controversial measure was signed within a few hours by more than one million people.

In several cities, thousands of people reacted peacefully to the streets in response. In London, demonstrators gathered near Parliament and Johnson's office on Downing Street. They called for an end to the "coup" and waved European flags. For the weekend, the organizers have already announced further, even larger demonstrations.