SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2019How is the no-deal blame game
likely to unfold?
Johnson makes his first Commons address as PM last month (UK Parliament/EPA)
LIZZY BUCHAN
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
One of Boris Johnson’s first acts as prime minister was to install large countdown clocks in Downing Street
and Conservative headquarters, to remind himself and others of the fast-approaching Brexit deadline.
With less than 70 days to go until 31 October, Downing Street is fixated on delivering Brexit, while pro-
EU factions are working tirelessly to thwart the looming possibility of a no-deal departure.
But behind the scenes, each side is laying the groundwork to blame someone else if (or when) things fail to
go to plan.
On the surface, Johnson is firm on his “do or die” pledge to leave the EU on 31 October, with or without a
deal, which he believes is the only way to deliver Brexit and keep his party together.