What Boris Johnson’s row with Angela Merkel really means

Despite the spin, the conversation that Downing Street is using as a pretence to collapse negotiations is neither new nor surprising.

By Patrick Maguire

That's when good neighbours become good friends (Photo By Getty)

Are meaningful talks on Brexit finished not just before 31 October, but for good? That’s what Downing Street would have us believe after a purportedly explosive call between Boris Johnson and Angela Merkel this morning.

In No 10’s telling, the conversation saw the German chancellor reveal the 27 EU member states’ “new position” – that Northern Ireland must remain in a customs union and in full alignment with EU regulations “forever” – and in effect rule out any deal at any time.