The Irish backstop emerged as one of the most contentious aspects of the Brexit negotiations as Leavers voiced concerns the controversial clause could be exploited to keep the UK closely aligned to the European Union. The British Government demanded Brussels agree to renegotiate the terms of the backstop but was repeatedly refused as the bloc cited fears the lack of an insurance policy could cause the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland. But Ireland could now be facing mounting pressure from within the EU to resolve the backstop issue.
BBC’s Katya Adler told Radio 4’s World Tonight podcast: “Undoubtedly there will be pressure on Ireland but I don’t think you’ll see that.
“And it won’t be overt that the EU 27 are very keen not to be seen to lean on small country Ireland and to appear united.
“They do want to avoid a no deal Brexit but I don’t think we can predict with any certainty how the EU will act until we actually get to the Autumn.”
But the political expert said the EU “don’t seem that worried” due to the lengthy Brexit extension which she said in political terms is “light years away”.
Ms Adler said the EU do not believe either Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt would risk their premiership and push through a no deal Brexit.
She added: “They think it could come down to ambition and, therefore, they feel that actually the new UK prime minister might well just ask for a second Brexit extension.
“So, they are not feeling that heat of the no deal down their necks just yet.”
UK Prime Minister hopefuls Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are both in support of weakening the border to make “technological advances” to allow for easier access across the two nations.
But speaking on BBC Radio 4’s PM show, political commentator Chris Cook claimed the EU wants a “properly policed” border.
Mr Cook revealed only seven percent of Irish citizens are in support of backing the UK’s changes in a bid to avoid a no deal Brexit.
Tory leadership frontrunner Boris Johnson claimed the UK will be out of the European Union by the Halloween deadline “do or die”.
Speaking to talkRADIO, he said: “We are getting ready to come out on 31 October.
“Do or die. Come what may.”
He added: “It’s got to be, we need a new withdrawal agreement – if we’re going to go out on the basis of a withdrawal agreement.”
Mr Johnson has come under fire for his apparent unwillingness to face off against other candidates and make more public appearances.
He said: “I think that question is beyond satire.
“I have not noticed the criticism. What I’m concentrating on is making sure we come out on October 31, uniting our party and our country and getting ready to defeat Jeremy Corbyn.”
The frontrunner, who visited Oxshott with Dominic Raab, added: “We’re out campaigning and we’re getting a fantastic response.”
