FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has attempted to shut down Boris Johnson’s optimism for a Brexit trade deal - with one of the UK's strongest allies insisting the EU will not discuss trade until the divorce bill is handed over.The European Union will refuse to talk trade with Prime Minister Boris Johnson until the UK gives Brussels the £39bn divorce bill.
The stark warning came from one of Emmanuel Macron’s strongest allies and former French EU minister Nathalie Loiseau.
Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge, Ms Loiseau confirmed that there would be no discussion on a future trade relationship until the divorce bill, citizens rights and the Irish border are solved.
The stark warning from the French side adds to the escalating standoff between the UK and the European Union ahead of the October 31 deadline.
Ms Loiseau said that Boris Johnson’s threat of a no deal Brexit would solve nothing.
She suggested that this approach would and the UK back in the position it is in now.
The newly-elected French MEP added that the EU would only grant an extension to Brexit "if there is something serious happening" like a general election or a people's vote.