Boris Johnson mocks EU and rejects demand to appoint British Commissioner but EU bites back

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected European Commission demands that he names a new EU commissioner to serve Brussels.

Sir Tim Barrow, Britain’s ambassador to the EU, wrote to Ursula von der Leyen, the incoming European Commission president, explaining the UK would not nominate a commissioner during the general election campaign.

The incoming European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has twice written to Boris Johnson demanding he provide the nomination of a (female) candidate to the new EU Commission, in line with its obligations as a member state.

European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant said they were considering how to respond to the UK letter.

This video has EU Commission’s midday briefing. Tonight, the European Commission has announched that it launches infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom. European Commission has today sent a letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breaching its EU Treaty obligations. The UK authorities have until Friday 22 November at the latest to provide their views. This short time period is justified by the fact that the next Commission must enter into office as soon as possible.