With the clock ticking on Britain’s scheduled departure from the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to maintain that a deal may still be struck.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media.

Johnson makes the optimistic prediction in two separate columns for two Sunday newspapers.

Writing for the Sun on Sunday, Johnson claims that: “We will be packing our bags and walking out [of the EU] on October 31”.

“The only question is whether Brussels cheerily waves us off with a mutually agreeable deal, or whether we will be forced to head off on our own”, Johnson adds.

Meanwhile in his Sunday Express article, Johnson strikes a more conciliatory tone by reaching out to EU leaders.

“So I say to our European friends: grasp the opportunity that our new proposal provides. Join us at [the] negotiating table in a spirit of compromise and co-operation. And let’s make Brexit work for both sides”, Johnson writes cheerfully.

The PM’s optimistic assessment does not chime with the prevailing political mood, as both the EU and even his own officials continue to strike a negative tone.

Writing for The Telegraph yesterday, Brexit Secretary, Stephen Barclay told the EU and dissenting British MPs that the “government won’t back down on Brexit”.