'When I moved on to asking what discussions there have been on future border arrangements between the UK and the EU, he seemed astonished. This was all to be decided in the future, he said.
Typical political tactics when a politician is being forced to move in a direction he really does not want to go.
Obfuscate, deny responsibility and delay.
The un-elected EU bureaucrats will delay and misdirect until the 11th hour then spring the trap; don't let them. A hard Brexit with your head held high is the only thing that will gain respect. You can deal with trade with WTO rules and the US will be at your side.
Many Eastern European nations are watching closely, objecting to the Soros financed corruption of their national identity so be the leader that you always have been Britain.
Edit: You might also consider dealing with that traitor who is pretending to be a mayor of London along the way? He would like nothing better than Sharia Law for all of the UK.