WE WILL NOT STICK TO BRUSSELS RULES ONCE WE HAVE LEFT, WARNS CHANCELLOR
BORIS Johnson’s push for a free trade deal with Brussels by the end of the year was boosted last night when EU chiefs agreed to stagger the negotiations.
Eurocrats will be “flexible” around the possibility of breaking up the talks into a series of agreements, a diplomatic document has revealed.
The move raises the Prime Minister’s hopes of securing an outline trade deal by his December 31 deadline, with detailed agreements covering key industries to be thrashed out later on.
The news comes a day after the European Commission appeared to be stalling by insisting the next round of talks cannot formally begin until March.
It is a timely boost, with Mr Johnson’s Brexit deal expected to pass its final parliamentary hurdle today, paving the way for Britain to leave the EU.
Brussels chief negotiator Michel Barnier’s team yesterday told EU officials and diplomats that the bloc is willing to conclude a basic trade agreement which can be upgraded in the future.
Thrashed
His officials will focus on a deal that maintains trade flows between the UK and the Continent after the country exits the Brexit transition period after December, European Commission sources said.
The bloc will prioritise “substance over form” after Mr Johnson ruled out extending the Brexit transition period, which keeps the UK inside the EU’s single market and customs union until December 31.
The new proposal allows for more complicated agreements to be thrashed out at a “later stage”.
Diplomats were also briefed that Eurocrats will seek a “single comprehensive agreement” which builds a relationship in both trade and security.
But Brussels will not make a final decision on whether the main agreement needs to be ratified by all 27 EU capitals until talks have come to an end.
This leaves open the potential threat of parliaments wielding a veto over the agreement.
Mr Johnson’s spokesman yesterday said the Government wants a relationship with the EU based on “friendly cooperation”.
He declined to discuss reports that the UK could be fined if the Government breaks the terms of a trade deal agreed with the bloc.
Earlier this week, a European Commission spokesman had warned the EU could “take some time” over preparations for the trade negotiations, which can formally begin after Brexit takes place on January 31.
Eric Mamer insisted the move was required for the EU to formally agree its negotiating aims, and was
SAJID Javid yesterday warned his fellow European finance ministers that the UK will “not be rule takers” after Brexit.
At a meeting in Brussels, the Chancellor insisted Boris Johnson’s Government will not agree to stick to the bloc’s rules in exchange for better access to its markets.
His remarks were seen as confirmation that British negotiators will not accept demands from European Commission chiefs for a “level-playing field” between the UK and the European Union on state aid, taxation, workers’ rights and environmental protections.
“We have been very clear now for many months, and of course in our recent election as well, that as we leave the EU we will not be in the single market, we will not be in the not an attempt to stall the talks. Meanwhile, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill – the legislation needed to make Brexit happen – is set to be passed by MPs in the House of Commons today.
They are expected to vote to remove changes made by peers as the draft law enters the “pingpong” process which will see it go back and forth between the Commons and the House of Lords until both houses can agree to what is in it.
The comes parliamentary showdown after the Government customs union, and we will not be rule takers.
“At the same time, of course, we want a deep, comprehensive free trade agreement, and that’s what we are working on,” the Chancellor said on arriving for a meeting of finance ministers from the 28 EU member nations.
Strength
He rejected suggestions that refusing to align with EU rules could “sacrifice” some parts of UK manufacturing and industry.
“No, not at all. We look forward with confidence as we strike that new free trade agreement with our European friends, as we strike new free
suffered a further defeat in the Lords yesterday as peers backed a move to protect help for refugee children after Brexit.
The upper chamber voted by 300 to 220 in favour of an amendment designed to protect the rights of unaccompanied refugee children set to be reunited with family members living in the UK.
However, the Government is adamant it will not accept any of the changes to the Bill.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said it will seek to overturn all of the amendments trade agreements across the world, it will be a very important time for British business,” Mr Javid said.
“And I can see a British economy that continues to go from strength to strength.”
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Javid added: “I will also be expressing my appreciation of the many things we have achieved together and also my reassurance that we remain close partners and friends.”
EU chiefs are pressing for regulatory alignment because of fears the UK will be able to undercut Brussels’ standards to gain a competitive advantage.
The bloc is expected to insist that a guarantee to match its standards will be the price for continued tariff-free and quota-free access to the single market.
imposed by the upper chamber. He said: “We’re disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend the Withdrawal Agreement Bill that the Commons passed unamended with a majority of 99.
“Protecting vulnerable children will remain our priority after Brexit and the Withdrawal Agreement Bill reaffirms our commitment, while clarifying the role of Parliament and Government in the negotiations.
“We will seek to overturn this amendment as the Bill returns to the Commons.” If Mr Johnson