Denmark would extend its lockdown measures in an effort to combat the coronavirus, PM Mette Frederiksen said. “I believe that an extension of the restrictions is clearly necessary. Not least to ensure that the British mutation does not spread,” he pointed out cited by Reuters.

By running down the clock and refusing to ask for an extension, Boris Johnson’s hope seems to be to secure concessions from the EU at the last minute. This form of brinkmanship is likely to backfire and increases the chance of no deal.