EU boost for May as Tusk signals start of trade talks
Fury at Spain’s veto threat over Gibraltar
his guidelines yesterday after talks in Malta with Maltese premier Joseph Muscat, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
“When talking about our future relationship, we obviously share the UK’s desire to establish a close partnership between us,” he said.
He also insisted the EU “will not pursue a punitive approach”.
Mr Tusk said four key needed first to be addressed.
These include the status of EU citizens living and working in the UK, avoiding a “legal vacuum” for business when Britain leaves and ensuring the UK “honours all financial commitments and liabilities it has taken as a member state”.
Also, “flexible and creative solutions” needed to be sought to deal with the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
The Polish politician added: “Only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal can we discuss the framework for our future relationship.” Starting parallel talks issues EU chiefs yesterday provoked fury after hinting that Spain may get a veto over any Brexit trade deal unless it has a say over the future of Gibraltar.
A draft document detailing the EU’s negotiating strategy suggested the status of the British Overseas Territory could become an issue.
But angry Tory MPs warned that sovereignty of the Rock was not up for negotiation. Senior backbencher Bob Neill said: on all issues will not happen, he said. However, Mr Tusk held out hope that talks could move on to future trade relations “if sufficient progress has been achieved, probably in the autumn”.
Mr Tusk will visit London for talks with the Prime Minister ahead of an April 29 summit in Brussels, when “Gibraltar’s friends in the UK will be watching this very carefully. There will be no sell-out.”
Jack Lopresti, Tory chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gibraltar, added: “It’s predictable that given Spain’s previous behaviour, they would try and use Brexit as a fig leaf for trouble-making over the status of Gibraltar. It is shameful that the EU have attempted to allow Spain the remaining 27 member states are expected to approve the guidelines, clearing the way for talks to begin in earnest.
Downing Street officials said Mr Tusk’s statement showed both sides wanted to work “constructively”. A Government spokesman said: “It is clear both sides wish to approach an effective veto over the future of British sovereign territory.
“There will be no negotiation over the status of Gibraltar.”
Tory MP Andrew Rosindell said: “Any agreement must apply equally to the whole British family and that includes Gibraltar.”
The document published by EU Council president Donald Tusk stated that no Brexit trade agreement between the EU and the UK will apply to Gibraltar unless agreed by Madrid. these talks constructively, and as the Prime Minister said this week, wish to ensure a deep and special partnership between the UK and the European Union.”
Anti-Brussels campaigners last night insisted that British taxpayers should not pay any divorce fee for leaving the bloc. Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: “It is beholden on the UK Government to get the best deal possible for the people of this country. To do so will require patience, flexibility, good will and imagination. Sadly none of these qualities are visible in the EU position paper.”