‘Boris Johnson is to say he won’t accept alignment with EU rules when Britain negotiates a trade deal with Brussels.
The prime minister will use a speech on Monday to toughen his stance ahead of trade talks following the UK’s formal withdrawal from the bloc.
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier will also set out his approach to the talks, which are due to start next month.
It comes as European leaders expressed sadness at the UK’s official departure from the EU on Friday.
In what is being described as a comprehensive speech, Mr Johnson will tell the European Union he is prepared to accept customs checks at Britain’s borders if he cannot secure the sort of trade deal he wants.
One option the PM could support would be a Canada-style free-trade deal which allows tariff-free trade for the majority of goods, but not include the UK’s dominant service industry.
Reports in recent days have suggested EU chiefs want the UK to continue to follow Brussels-made rules on standards and state subsidies – while accepting the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in any trade disputes.’
Read More: Brexit: We won’t take your rules, PM to tell Brussels
