As Brexit trade talks loom, Boris Johnson risks repeating Theresa May’s mistakes

Inside Westminster: Whatever threatening noises the UK makes, the EU has heard it all before

Probably without Big Ben’s bongs, Boris Johnson will milk the UK’s departure from the EU on 31 January. After that, he hopes that Brexit will slip out of the headlines so he can show voters tired of hearing the B-word that his government is addressing their day-to-day concerns: the NHS, crime, schools and the cost of living.

Any respite will be brief.

The UK and EU are already sniping at each other ahead of what will soon become fractious negotiations on a trade deal. While Johnson wants to learn from Theresa May’s mistakes over the withdrawal agreement, he risks repeating them.