BRUSSELS — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged Monday that reaching a new withdrawal deal with the European Union will be a challenge as there was “substantial disagreement” between the two sides, but said he remained committed to trying.
Johnson also clashed with EU officials over whether Britain must pay the so-called divorce bill agreed with the EU in negotiations over the past few years — even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile toughened his tone, saying that he was determined that any withdrawal agreement had to “protect Europe” and suggesting that Johnson “is perhaps playing poker.”
In his first news conference since becoming prime minister, Johnson reiterated comments from the weekend, suggesting that Britain would not be required to transfer 39 billion pounds ($48 billion) owed to the EU — a sum agreed under his predecessor Theresa May.
Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union by Oct. 31, with or without a deal.
