British rely on EU taking a fresh look

AFTER two years of what can only be politely described as clueless time-wasting, the British government has finally published something remotely resembling a Brexit implementation plan. The 98-page White Paper followed British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Chequers agreement, which has resulted in so much fallout within her cabinet.

British negotiators hope their efforts will prompt the EU to also soften its approach. A number of red lines appear to have been removed by the British side – arguably in desperation to put realistic options on the table.

The EU side has issued a muted welcome for the plan. The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator said he would analyse the UK’s proposals.

However, Michel Barnier did issue a veiled threat that the proposals may yet be rejected and is not hiding the fact there will be conflict to come.

The EU’s red lines, including the insistence the UK cannot benefit from cherry-picking its favourite parts of the EU rulebook, are still firmly the basis for negotiations.

Barnier pointed out the EU had offered the UK an ambitious free-trade agreement and cooperation on a wide range of issues – but this falls short of British ambitions.

The formal EU response to the May proposals will be formulated at a meeting of EU ministers in a week’s time.

The main snag point will be the UK proposal to create a single market in goods, as it is not compatible with the EU’s demand there can be no cherry-picking of its internal market. The proposals on customs, put forward to avoid a hard border on this island, will also face resistance.

The British side is reliant on some goodwill being shown and a ‘wipe the slate clean’ attitude from the EU side.