News analysis

Europe lukewarm on Britain's new premier Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson portrays himself as a passionate believer in Brexit. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

LONDON - European leaders have reacted warily to the election of Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister, warning the new leader in London that he has no chance of renegotiating better terms for Britain's departure from the European Union by ditching large parts of the deal outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May struck last year.

Mr Frans Timmermans, the vice president of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, told reporters that the "EU position is clear: the United Kingdom reached an agreement with the European Union and the European Union will stick with that agreement".

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.