UK PM denies intention to extend Brexit transition period

British Prime Minster Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions, in London, Britain on March 18, 2020. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)

Asked by an MP on whether he "recognizes the inevitable" and will extend the post-Brexit transition period,Boris Johnsonsaid: "There is legislation in place and I have no intention of changing it."

LONDON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnsonindicated Wednesday night that he is sticking to the timetable that will see Britain and European Union (EU) end the Brexit transition period at the end of this year.

Currently, Britain and the EU are involved in talks to reach a permanent trade deal to come into force when a transition period ends by Dec. 31 of 2020.

Seven Dials Market food halls are empty at lunchtime in London, Britain on March 17, 2020.(Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)

Asked by an MP on whether he "recognizes the inevitable" and will extend the post-Brexit transition period, Johnson said: "There is legislation in place and I have no intention of changing it."

His response came after trade talks between the two sides were put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak.

That fueled speculation that with Europe in the grip of a pandemic, Britain may have to seek extending its links to Brussels beyond Dec. 31.

A cinema in West End is closed in London, Britain on March 17, 2020.(Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)

A view of City of London in London, Britain.(Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)

A restaurant is empty at lunchtime in London, Britain on March 17, 2020.(Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)

A sign states a cinema in West End is closed in London, Britain on March 17, 2020.(Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)