France accuses Boris Johnson of trying to BLACKMAIL the EU over trade

France lashed out at Boris Johnson’s ‘blackmail’ tactics today as it warned the EU will not be bounced into a quick trade deal.

As the two sides finalise their plans for a bitter battle over post-Brexit terms, the French minister for Europe, Amelie de Montchalin, said the PM could not force the bloc to accept an agreement ‘at any cost’.

The blunt rebuke came ahead of ministers from the remaining 27 EU states meeting in Brussels tomorrow to agree the negotiating mandate for Michel Barnier.

They are preparing to take a hard line, with fears that opening up a debate on Gibraltar’s sovereignty and the return of the Elgin Marbles could be among the demands.  

Ms de Montchalin insisted that her country’s farmers, fishermen and businesses would not pay the price for a trade deal to be in place by the end of the year.

Tweeting a video of an interview on France 2, she said: ‘Just because Boris Johnson wants an agreement at any cost doesn’t mean we will sign a bad deal for the French, under pressure of blackmail or the timetable’

Tweeting a video of an interview on France 2, she said: ‘Just because Boris Johnson wants an agreement at any cost doesn’t mean we will sign a bad deal for the French, under pressure of blackmail or the timetable.’ 

Mr Johnson has ruled out extending the transition period beyond December 31, meaning the UK will do business with the EU on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms on January 1 2021 unless an agreement with Brussels is in place.

In a further indication that access to UK fishing grounds will be one of the main flashpoints in the talks, the French minister said: ‘The fishermen have the right to be protected, they know very well that if we sign a bad deal they will lose enormously.’

The UK government is expected to commit to seeking a Canada-style agreement with zero tariffs when its negotiating mandate is published on Thursday.

But that could set up a clash with the EU after its chief negotiator Mr Barnier ruled out the possibility the UK can have the same deal as the North American nation.

The Brexit inner cabinet will meet tomorrow to sign off on the UK’s mandate before it is published online and laid in Parliament on Thursday.

The PM’s Europe adviser David Frost and his team will then head to Brussels for the first round of negotiations on March 2.

Downing Street insiders have accused the EU of being ‘hamstrung by indecision and delay due to the competing interests of different member states’ ahead of Tuesday’s meeting.

The Government is expected to up the pressure by publishing its negotiating mandate for a free trade agreement with the US the following week.

Environment Secretary George Eustice drew criticism on Sunday after repeatedly refusing to rule out chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef being imported from the States in the deal.

Boris Johnson has ruled out extending the post-Brexit transition period beyond December 31

Businesses have urged Mr Johnson to drive down post-Brexit red tape in a trade deal with the EU as the UK prepares to sign off on its own negotiating demands.

A Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report on Monday called on the Prime Minister to ensure a deal with Brussels minimises bureaucracy to ensure a strong economy. 

CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: ‘With talks now in touching distance, the CBI has asked employers across the country what practical outcomes they need from the future EU relationship so they can concentrate on what they do best: investing, innovating, creating jobs and supporting a strong economy.

‘The message is clear: keep trade easy and minimise red tape. For this reason, British firms back many of the Government’s objectives set out in the negotiating mandate, such as on zero tariffs and data.’