EU trade commissioner, Phil Hogan claimed the Prime Minister will not "die in a ditch" over the timeline of the future relationship going forward. Mr Hogan did also admit a no deal Brexit would "pour salt on the wounds" in an interview for the Irish Times. Boris Johnson will reportedly set up a new taskforce in Number 10 to spearhead talks with Brussels. The UK is set to leave the EU next month and Mr Johnson wants a team which will decide the UK's future relationship and trading agreement with the trade bloc.

According to The Mail on Sunday, the team will be led by the Prime Minister and his Europe adviser, David Frost.

The creation of "Taskforce Europe" coincides with the dissolving of the Department for Exiting the European Union.

On the continent, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, insisted an extension to the transition period is still possible despite Mr Johnson's previous claims.

Ms von der Leyen said: "It would be reasonable to evaluate the situation mid-year and then, if necessary, agree on extending the transition period.”

The transition period can be extended by July 1 and can last until 2022.

However, Mr Johnson's withdrawal agreement did include legal parameters to stop Parliament from voting on such a measure.