Is Boris Johnson about to U-turn and reopen Brexit negotiations with the EU?

Politics Explained: The prime minister vowed not to ‘sit down’ with EU leaders until they gave ground on Brexit, but he will be in both Berlin and Paris in the next few days, reports Rob Merrick

Boris Johnson’s spokesperson was emphatic, when the new prime minister entered No 10 – there would be no fresh talks with EU leaders until they budged on Brexit.

Any greetings in Germany planned? A parley in Paris perhaps, for the new leader? Nope, nothing. Not until the other side agreed to bin the hated Irish backstop, we were told.

“The prime minister would be happy to sit down with leaders when that position changes,” the spokesperson said. “But he is making it clear to everybody he speaks to that that needs to happen.”