EU finally faces music: Brussels admits ‘no alternative’ to no deal fate

EU diplomats and officials have conceded that Britain leaving without an agreement is now the most likely outcome after Mr Johnson’s chief negotiator held meetings in Brussels last week. David Frost told European Commission officials that the Government favours abolishing the backstop in favour of “alternative arrangements” – but admitted any plan would not be ready until after Britain’s exit. After a meeting of EU Brexit negotiators, one diplomat conceded: “Even if the European Union chooses to give up on the backstop, there is no alternative.

“That message has been heard loud and clear by EU capitals, and now reality is sinking in.”

Brussels sees little room for manoeuvre in Mr Johnson’s “do or die” Brexit pledge to quit the EU – with or without a deal – on October 31.

Another EU source said: “It is clear that the UK does not have another plan. There is no intention to negotiate because that would require a plan.”

A third source revealed the “working assumption” across EU capitals remains that Mr Johnson will commit to a no-deal Brexit ahead of a general election in order to “preserve the Conservative party”.

They said: “Boris Johnson has made the same calculations as we did. If this is about preservation of the Conservative Party, nothing but no deal will do.

“Everything else will keep the Brexit Party alive. Any deal will not be Brexit and play straight into the hands of Nigel Farage. So Boris has decided to go for no deal and win an election on that ticket.

“We are now going into full no deal preparation.”

According to EU sources, Mr Frost said the UK would seek a “conventional free trade agreement” with Brussels in the event of no deal.

One said: “Afterwards he will seek some deal and hope for weak legs on the other side of the Channel.”

Others believe this is a downgrade on what Theresa May and the EU27 had designed in the political declaration, which spells out aspirations for the future trade and security relationship.

Another diplomat added: “This is a downgrade of the offer in EU mandate, which is for a comprehensive agreement that eliminates tariffs accompanied by level playing field arrangements.

“A conventional free trade agreement reduces tariffs but does not elevate them, and not having a level playing field or alignment will not fly.”

After the G7 summit in the French seaside town of Biarritz between August 24-26, the EU will undertake its last no deal preparations.

Brussels is prepared for “disruption” following a hard split, claiming the European Commission’s legislation is in place to “mitigate the impact on the EU”.

EU capitals are preparing to take a hardline stance on Mr Johnson unless the Government hands over the £39 billion divorce bill.

An EU source warned: “Tesco and Waitrose will have to start diversifying their imports as long as the UK hasn’t made good on its outstanding debts.”

Others insist that no tariff-free standstill arrangements will be negotiated in an attempt to alleviate the situation.

A Commission spokeswoman said: “We are not in the blame game, this is not our business. Our business is to prepare for a no deal.

“Both sides negotiated with the very best intentions and the very best efforts. The outcome on the table is the best deal possible and I don’t think that there is any fault or blame to be looked for in this.

“We just simply expect the UK to live up to its commitment to avoiding a hard border while protecting Ireland’s place in the internal market.

“So far it remains unchanged – this position that the withdrawal agreement is not up for negotiation but we are open to talk about the political declaration.”

A UK spokesman said: “We are ready to negotiate in good faith an alternative to the anti-democratic backstop.

“There is abundant scope to find the technological solutions necessary – and these solutions can and will be found, in the context of the free trade agreement that we will negotiate with the EU after October 31.

“We want a friendly and constructive relationship as friends and partners in facing the challenges that lie ahead. It will be a relationship based on a deep free trade agreement.”