25 August, 2017
Boris Johnson said that the United Kingdom would meet its legal obligations but declined to say how much it would be prepared to pay, as negotiations continue with Brussels over the final figure.
The Foreign Secretary went significantly further than Theresa May in his criticism of the US President.
Asked whether Britain would have to pay, Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Of course we will meet our obligations, we are law-abiding, bill-paying people".
In May, The Financial Times newspaper reported that the European Union had increased its demands regarding United Kingdom financial obligations up to some $109 billion, compared to just $64 billion announced by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in early March.
Johnson said in July that the amount of money the European Union could demand from the United Kingdom as a Brexit divorce payment was "extortionate".
The issue of the "divorce bill" has split the pro-Brexit camp, with some leave supporters demanding that the United Kingdom decline to pay a penny, and Johnson told the Commons last month that a demand for €100bn (£92bn) would be extortionate.
The EU says progress must be made on these issues - also including the Irish border and the rights of EU citizens in the United Kingdom - before the two sides can move on to discussing trade deals.
Questioned about his comments last month, Johnson said: "I think I was being asked then about some very large sums of money, I think 100bn euros or pounds, that the European Union commission suggested we were on the hook for".
But he added: "I'm not saying I accept Mr Barnier's interpretation of what our obligations are". But I'm certainly saying that we have to meet our legal obligations as we understand them.
He dodged questions on whether he would support a transition deal, backed by Chancellor Phillip Hammond, which would allow for temporary arrangements on trading conditions after Brexit.
Negotiators are gearing up for the third round of formal talks starting in Brussels next week.
