Boris faces Friday Ultimatum – EU furious at PM’s blatant snub

The UK Government has so far declined to nominate a candidate despite two written requests by Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. Last week, the UK’s ambassador to the EU, Tim Barrow wrote to the Commission to inform them that there would be no nomination for a candidate before the general election on December 12 despite having agreed to do so as part of the last Brexit extension.

In the wake of the UK’s refusal to nominate a candidate, Boris Johnson once again issued his pledge to finally “get Brexit done” in a speech at the annual CBI Conference on Monday.

Mr Johnson also warned that the current uncertainty over Brexit is hindering UK business but that if he were to win a majority in next month’s election, he would finally have the ability to deliver the UK’s exit from the EU.

The Prime Minister added that his Brexit deal “gives business complete stability and certainty as we come out in January”.He added: “It’s time for us to get Brexit done because it’s the best thing for our national mood.”

8.09am update: UK warned that it will get “bare bones” deal

The EU trade chief, Sabine Weyand has told businesses that talks with the UK will resume as soon as possible.

In a warning to Boris Johnson, Ms Weyand also insisted that his vow to seal a new arrangement with the bloc by December 31, 2020, does not leave enough time to come to a comprehensive agreement.

With that in mind, the EU official said that the UK will likely get a “bare bones” deal or a hard exit from the transition period.

7.34am update: UK refuses EU nomination 

The UK has twice refused to nominate an EU Commission representative, thus sparking the legal action from the EU.

A spokesperson for the UK Government said in a statement: “We have written to the EU to confirm that pre-election guidance states the UK should not normally make nominations for international appointments during this period.” 

The Government has until this Friday to respond to the allegations as Brussels has claimed that the UK is “in breach of its EU treaty obligations”.