by Louise Mclean
The current talks between Britain and the EU regarding a trade deal were resumed this week on 20th April. Officials held over 40 video conferences, looking over draft trade plans, to thrash out the terms of the deal.
Michel Barnier is demanding we allow EU fisherman access to Britain's waters and almost prepared to walk out of the talks altogether if this is not agreed! However, David Frost, our UK negotiator has once again refused.
Barnier warned: 'The EU will not agree any future economic partnership that does not include a balanced, sustainable and long-term solution on fisheries - that is crystal clear".
Although Mr. Frost has put out Tweets this week to say that the talks were going well, this seems far from the case. Barnier said this week's talks had made only 'disappointing progress'. This is because the UK is not backing down on fishing, removing the European Court of Justice's role in our affairs, carrying on following EU rules and regulations, or complying with the EU Convention on Human Rights.
The other big sticking point is Barnier is adamant that 31st December will not be enough time to agree a trade deal and accused British officials of 'running down the clock'. He said "The UK cannot refuse to extend the position, and at the same time, slow down discussions on important areas". Naturally the EU will want to drag the talks on as long as possible, using Covid19 as the perfect excuse.
One senior EU official has remarked that the British only want to discuss the areas they have an interest in and have almost ignored others. He felt that the UK may end negotiations with some things not being agreed at all, whereas the EU want agreement in all areas.
For example, Britain wants to retain a close security relationship with access to Europol's central intelligence database, although apparently this will not be possible. The EU is demanding Britain accept the ECJ and EUCHR in exchange for criminal justice cooperation.
We could be left out in the cold if we are no longer part of EU intelligence and also removed from the 5 Eyes Alliance because of our involvement with Huawei, which the USA is furious about!
Downing Street has warned that the Prime Minister will leave the EU Single Market & Customs Union with only loose trading relations unless Brussels compromises, with Boris Johnson saying reclaiming our sovereignty is his main priority.
Fortunately Boris is expected to be back at work next Monday 27th April, so we hope to get more leadership on this situation. He will be holding high levels talks with Ursula von der Leyen to evaluate progress at a later date.
The next talks are scheduled for the weeks of 11th May and 1st June.
No comments:
Post a Comment