Barnier: UK must keep EU red tape to get trade deal
BRITAIN will have to accept European red tape for years to tie up a free trade deal with Brussels, the bloc’s chief negotiator warned yesterday.
Michel Barnier said the EU is prepared to offer its ‘most ambitious’ package only if the Prime Minister guarantees to keep Britain tied to a wide range of Brussels rules.
He urged Theresa May to quickly make a decision, which he said would be hugely important to the chances of a deal.
He also warned that national parliaments across Europe would strike down any eventual deal if the UK follows the advice of Donald Trump and decides to cut all ties with the EU.
The message will rankle with Brexiteers who believe the desire to distance the UK from EU rules was one of the main factors behind the referendum result. Mr Barnier said: ‘Does it [the UK] want to stay close to the European model or does it want to gradually move away from it? The UK’s reply to this question will be important and even decisive because it will shape the discussion on our future partnership.’
He said trade talks with the UK will begin only when the ‘divorce bill’ is addressed.
But senior British politicians and officials believe guarantees about the payment should be given only once it is clear what shape of deal Brussels is weighing up.
Mr Barnier said: ‘The EU will of course be ready to offer its most ambitious FTA [free trade agreement] approach.’
But he said any attempts by the UK to attract other investors by turning the country into a tax haven would scupper the chances of a deal. He also warned against relaxing rules on the environment, competition and food safety, which will be viewed as cautioning against a possible deal with the US.