Boris Johnson news - live: France rejects UK’s ‘artificial’ Brexit deadline, as PM mocked over emergency coronavirus meeting in three days' time

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Brexit briefing: How long until the end of the transition period?

Boris Johnson’s plan to walk away from talks with the EU by the end of June unless there is a “broad outline” of a Canada-style free trade deal has been met with dismay in Brussels. EU diplomats reportedly believe a “dramatic crisis” lies ahead this summer.

France’s Europe minister Amelie de Montchalin said the bloc would refuse to accept “artificial deadlines” in trade talks. “We do not accept time pressure,” Montchalin told an audience at Chatham House in London on Friday.

Mr Johnson will convene the government’s Cobra committee in response to a growing number of cases of the coronavirus – but has been ridiculed for scheduling an “emergency” meeting for Monday.

Key Points

• EU diplomats predict ‘dramatic crisis’ with UK this summer
• European minister rejects PM’s ‘artificial’ June deadline
• PM calls emergency coronavirus meeting – for three days’ time
• Government treatment of EU nationals ‘unacceptable’, says Labour
• Labour leadership rivals clash over antisemitism

[28 February 2020 14:47 · Adam Forrest]

Starmer will consult Labour members on electoral reform

Labour leadership contender Keir Starmer has said he would consult party members on electoral reform and make it part of a “constitutional convention” if he succeeds Jeremy Corbyn, according to the Labour List website.

Replying to a questionnaire by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS), Starmer said: “We’ve got to address the fact that millions of people vote in safe seats and they feel their voice doesn’t count. That’s got to be addressed by electoral reform.

“I would consult the party membership on electoral reform and include it within the constitutional convention that looks at wider democratic renewal – including abolishing the Lords and furthering devolution on the principles of federalism.”

Rebecca Long-Bailey also advocated electoral reform, telling the ERS that a new replacement chamber for the House of Lords could “be elected with a proportional voting system, and have a codified mandate”.

Keir Starmer (Getty)