The never-ending political drama surrounding an elusive new trade treaty between the European Union and its former member the UK escalated one more step on 7 September, with a martial statement by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson threatening to walk away from the talks if no deal is struck by 15 October.

At the same time, the UK government confirmed news reports that it is preparing legislation that would renege on the “political declaration” both sides signed a year ago, a few months before the 31 January formal exit of the UK from the EU.