DAVID DAVIS: NUL POINTS
Juncker questions MP’s role in EU talks ‘Power grab’ bid blasted in Commons
These are clearly out of date, it is clear he’s been fully involved
GOVERNMENT ON REMARKS ABOUT MR DAVIS
BRUSSELS has warned David Davis could jeopardise Brexit with his “instability and lack of involvement”, documents show.
European Commission chief JeanClaude Juncker questioned the Brexit Secretary’s commitment to talks in a meeting with the EU’s chief negotiator.
It emerged as Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer blasted Mr Davis’s “great power grab” Repeal Bill in a Commons debate.
Minutes of Mr Juncker’s meeting with Michel Barnier recorded he “expressed his concern about the stability and accountability of the UK negotiator and his apparent lack of involvement, which risked jeopardising negotiations”.
The EC said the situation had “moved on” since the July exchange.
Yet in Europe’s new Brexit position papers, Mr Barnier voiced concern that Mr Davis “did not regard his direct involvement in these negotiations as his priority”. Mr Barnier insisted they had “cordial relations”. A Government spokesman added: “These are clearly out-of-date comments. It is clear the Secretary of State has been fully involved.”
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir yesterday argued loopholes in Mr Davis’s Bill could allow future ministers to water down workers’ rights and health and safety laws without proper scrutiny. He blasted: “So much for taking back control.”
Tory Ken Clarke said he will vote against the Bill, which has a second reading Monday, if the loopholes are not filled. Mr Davis claimed the Bill did not give “unchecked powers”. He added: “Without this legislation a smooth, orderly exit is impossible.”