We’ve got 2 weeks to settle our multi-billion Brexit bill, say EU
BRITAIN has just two weeks to offer tens of billions more to break the deadlock on Brexit, the EU’s chief negotiator said yesterday.
Michel Barnier’s message came as talks in Brussels ended without any breakthrough.
He said clarification on the money Britain is ready to pay is necessary if he is to urge that trade talks can start when the European Commission meets next month.
A source played down fears trade talks would be delayed until March if Britain misses the deadline, suggesting that Brussels would remain “flexible”.
But France and Germany say they could push talks back if the UK does not soon move on money.
Theresa May was last night reportedly ready to increase Britain’s offer significantly beyond the £18billion she put on the table in September.
It came amid suggestions that Eurosceptic Tories might be willing to tolerate a bigger bill if it ensured a speedy deal on trade.
May yesterday revealed she planned to write the exact date of Brexit into law – an attempt to head off speculation that the timing could slip if negotiations do not go to plan.
The latest meetings in Brussels focused on the “divorce” bill, Northern Ireland, and citizens’ rights.
Brexit Secretary David Davis said “significant technical progress” was made on the issues.
But Labour MP Ian Murray said talks were “stuck in quicksand”.