EU ‘will not’ accept Brexit customs deal where London collects tariffs

The EU “cannot and will not” accept any post-brexit customs deal with the UK that gives a third country responsibility for tariff collection, chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said in a blunt rejection of a key component of Theresa May’s strategy.

Following talks with UK Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, Mr Barnier said the EU had “doubts” the UK’S plan for a“facilitatedcustomsarrange- ment” where London would collect tariffs and perform checks on goods destined for Europe could work.

The two men pledged to meet every week ahead of a crucial EU summit in October when both sides hope the UK’S withdrawal agreement can be signed off by European leaders.

Mr Barnier said he wanted to “bring new energy into these negotiations” over coming weeks. He said UK proposals on foreign policy and security marked “a real step forward”.

Mr Barnier also welcomed the acknowledgement in Mrs May’s White Paper the European Court of Justice was the only arbiter of EU law. But he said: “In contrast, on our future economic relationship, it comes as no surprise that finding common ground between the EU27 and the UK is more difficult.”

Mr Barnier warned retaining control of the EU’S money, law and borders also applied to the EU’S customs policy.