DAVIS: TRADE UP OR WE SHUT UP
‘EU must begin talks on market’
BREXIT negotiations are at a standstill, with no more progress possible unless Brussels backs trade talks, David Davis admitted yesterday.
The Tories are “reaching the limits of what we can achieve without consideration of the future relationship”, the Brexit Secretary told MPs. Mr Davis added: “Our aim remains to provide as much certainty to business and citizens on both sides. To fully provide that certainty, we must be able to talk about the future.”
PM Theresa May flies to Brussels tomorrow for crunch discussions with EU leaders, who feel not enough progress has been made on citizens’ rights, the border with the Republic of Ireland and the divorce bill. Mr Davis said: “They’re using time pressure to see if they can get more money out of us. But we will get there in time, I’m quite sure.”
His warning came as the Organisation For Economic Cooperation And Development claimed a U-turn on Brexit would boost our economy.
A report from the Paris-based body said: “In case Brexit gets reversed by political decision (change of majority, new referendum, etc), the positive impact on growth would be significant.”
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said no deal is not an option, splitting from other Tory ministers who say the UK should be ready to go without a pact. She told the Commons Home Affairs Committee: “It is unthinkable there would be no deal.”
But Mr Davis earlier said the Government must “prepare for all the other alternatives” as talks “could go wrong”.
To provide certainty, we must be able to talk about the future DAVID DAVIS ON IMPASSE WITH EU CHIEFS OVER DEAL