EXPATS START BREXIT TALKS
‘Divorce bill’ also leads the agenda
THE first Brexit talks in Brussels on Monday will focus on the future of British expats in Europe.
The issue will be top of the agenda for initial discussions between European negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary David Davis.
The opening negotiations will also delve into the thorny issue of the land border in Ireland.
At the same time, a final figure for the Brexit “divorce bill” is expected to emerge.
In a statement, the European Commission said: “Both sides will also discuss the structure of the negotiations and the issues that need to be addressed over the coming months.”
Brussels chiefs want to keep the discussions strictly political but Mr Davis is hoping to open parallel talks on future trading arrangements with the EU.
Government bosses want to nail down a tariff deal as soon as possible and a spokesman said Britain had been “crystal clear” about its approach.
“Our view is that the withdrawal agreement and terms of the future relationship must be agreed alongside each other,” he added.