Brexit: Fresh EU talks set as Boris Johnson pledges push to avoid no-deal

Boris Johnson and his opponents have pledged to step up their efforts to prevent a no-deal Brexit, with the government announcing a new series of intensive talks between UK and EU officials next week.

Following a visit to Brussels by the Prime Minister’s top Brexit adviser David Frost, negotiating teams are set to meet twice a week through September.

But talks will unfold against the backdrop of unrest on the streets and opposition in parliament, with campaigners threatening sit-in protests and parliamentarians pledging to debate through the night to pass legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit.

Meanwhile, a judge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh will rule this morning on an emergency application by dozens of MPs trying to block the suspension of parliament.

Anti Brexit campaigner Gina Miller leaves Millbank in Westminster, London. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Amid a growing backlash against Mr Johnson’s decision to close parliament for five weeks, the government now faces legal challenges in London, Edinburgh and Belfast.

After Ruth Davidson’s resignation as Scottish Tory leader, Mr Johnson suffered a second blow as Lords whip Sir George Young became the first member of the government to quit over the decision to prorogue parliament, saying he was “very unhappy”.

The Prime Minister said fresh talks in Brussels showed he is still committed to getting a Brexit deal in the final remaining weeks.

“I have said right from my first day in office that we are ready to work in an energetic and determined way to get a deal done,” the Prime Minister said.