Euro chief ‘disturbed by Brexit deadlock’
THE BREXIT TALKS, ROUND 5: NO SIGN OF BREAKTHROUGH
THE latest Brexit talks ended in stalemate yesterday, with the EU warning of a “very disturbing” deadlock over the UK’s divorce bill.
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said this week’s fifth round finished without any “great steps forward”.
Next week, at a European Council showdown in Brussels, he will tell 27 EU leaders not enough progress has been made for talks to switch to a trade deal.
It comes as a major blow for PM Theresa May and experts claimed it edged Britain closer to crashing out of the EU in March 2019 without a deal.
Sterling plunged on the news, tumbling 0.6% against the dollar to $1.31. Against the euro, it dropped 0.6% to 1.10 euros.
Giving his gloomy update, Mr Barnier said Mrs May’s vow in Florence last month that Britain would honour its financial commitments was “important” but the UK “was still not ready to spell out these commitments”.
Raising the stakes, he went on: “There have therefore been no negotiations on this subject. We confined ourselves to technical discussions – useful discussions, but technical discussions.
“On this question we have reached a state of deadlock which is very disturbing for thousands of project promoters in Europe and it’s disturbing for taxpayers.”
But, speaking during a tour of the North West, the PM hit back: “There has actually been good progress made in these talks and Michel Barnier himself has recognised that over the coming weeks we will be able to make constructive progress as well.” Boris Johnson said it was time to “put a bit of a tiger in the tank” of Brexit talks.
The Foreign Secretary added: “Deadlock? Let’s wait and see. We have put a good offer out there, let’s see how we get on in the October European Council going forward to Christmas.
“I remain very optimistic about the talks and the progress that can be made.
“As for getting ready for no deal, I think the Prime Minister has made it very, very clear that we are going to get a deal, we are working for a great deal but, obviously, we must make the right preparations as and when it is necessary for a no-deal scenario.”
In an increasing game of brinkmanship, Brexit Secretary David Davis piled pressure on EU leaders to back talks next week on the future relationship.
He said the EU “must talk about the future” to give certainty to the UK, Europe, business and consumers.
Mr Davis added: “I hope the leaders of the 27 will provide Michel with the means to explore ways forward with us on that and build on the spirit of co-operation we now have.” In Florence last