Barnier tells UK to take different ‘tone’ in tetchy exchange of letters

Michel Barnier has hit out at the “tone” of Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost, as the row between the UK and European Union over postbrexit trade talks continued to simmer.

The European Union’s lead negotiator said a “new dynamism” was needed in talks if they are to avoid a “stalemate”.

He was responding to a letter from Mr Frost, which was highly critical of the EU’S approach to the negotiations.

Sticking points in the talks include the EU’S call for access to British fishing waters and “level playing field” conditions on areas such as state subsidies, workers’ rights and environmental protections.

Mr Barnier said he did not think “an exchange of letters regarding the substance of the negotiations is necessarily the best way to discuss on substantial points”.

He added: “It cannot be a substitute for serious engagement and detailed negotiations and, in particular, I would not like the tone that you have taken to impact the mutual trust and constructive attitude that is essential between us.”

On the level-playing field commitments, Mr Barnier said the UK “cannot expect high-quality access to the EU single market if it is not prepared to accept guarantees to ensure that competition remains open and fair”.

He also warned that time was too tight - with the UK committed to the end-of-year deadline - for the kind of trade deal sought by Mr Johnson. The Prime Minister is prepared to walk away from talks if progress is not made by a summit in June.

Mr Barnier said: “I remain convinced that with mutual respect and constructive engagement by the UK... we can move forward in the limited available time.”