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BORIS Johnson wants to fix Britain’s “defective” Brexit withdrawal deal – paving the way for a furious showdown with Brussels.
A source close to UK chief negotiator David Frost said January’s agreement had unfair defects the
Government did not have time to fix. In a blistering attack, EU talks boss Michel Barnier was accused of “thinking he is the referee when actually he is a player on the pitch”.the bitter
fallout follows the end of the fourth round of trade talks last week.
They saw recriminations from Mr Barnier as Britain refused to bend to Brussels’ demands.
Meanwhile a US poll showed American voters backed a trade deal with the UK.
The Democracy Institute survey shows that 55 per cent believe a UK trade deal is good for the US and 58 per cent think Britain is America’s best ally.
Mr Johnson had 51 per cent approval with a 30 per cent unfavourable rating, while 43 per cent say Brexit is good for the UK and 33 per cent believe it is bad.
With Britain toughening up its position on China, Whitehall sources have said a UK/US trade deal is now moving ahead quickly, putting more pressure on the EU. The frustration appeared to get to Mr Barnier on Friday when he delivered a post-talks attack on Britain.
He accused the UK of not wanting to fulfil its commitments in the Withdrawal Agreement.
A source close to the UK negotiating team said while the tone of talks had been positive the Political Declaration that is attached to the agreement was not binding.
Instead it states that it “establishes the parameters of an ambition, broad and deep partnership”.
Mr Barnier has demanded Britain comply with pledges he said it made in the declaration.
But the source said: “The EU are unfairly characterising the Political Declaration.
“Establishing a framework is not the same as meaning everything must go in a legally binding treaty.
“Michel Barnier seems to think he is the referee when actually he is a player on the pitch.”
However, the source also made it clear that the Prime Minister wants “defects” in the Withdrawal Agreement itself, made by his predecessor Theresa May and her chief negotiator Olly Robbins, to be fixed.
The insider said: “Unfortunately we couldn’t fix every defect with the Withdrawal Agreement last autumn.
“We had to prioritise abolishing the Backstop and getting Brexit done in the face of a Parliament that was trying to stop us.
“We’ll now have to do our best to fix it but we’re starting with a clear disadvantage.”
As an example, the source highlighted a problem over geographical indications (GIS) which have come up in the negotiations.
GIS are used to identify a product as originating in a particular country or region where its quality, reputation or other characteristic is linked to its geographical origin, such as Scottish whisky and salmon.
The UK team has made proposals to improve the arrangements in the Withdrawal Agreement with more balanced arrangements ensuring appropriate protection.
This is because EU GIS are protected in the agreement – but UK GIS are not.
Mr Johnson insists he will stick to the pledge of ending the transition period on December 31, even without a final deal.
The EU could now see aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement come into question.
Brussels has been accused of dragging its feet over negotiations and trying to force unfair demands on Britain.
They include access to British fishing waters and forcing the UK to
‘We’ll now have to do our best to fix it’ ‘They continue with ridiculous demands’
accept EU laws and the jurisdiction of the European Court.
Former Cabinet minister Owen Paterson said: “The EU continue to make ridiculous demands they have never asked from other countries.
“They haven’t got their head round the fact that we are an independent country. The UK Government could not be clearer – there will not be an extension.
Mr Paterson said it was now likely the UK would do business under World Trade Organization terms, which Britain would thrive under.
He said: “The benefits Brexit offers us are absolutely crucial to rebuild our economy following the damage done by coronavirus.”