EU’s stubbornness is frustrating trade talks

IT’S frustrating that Wales For Europe and, surprisingly, Plaid are still agitating for an extension to the transition period before we leave the EU. (Not Europe, just the EU.)

If the EU had any intention of genuine negotiation, all would have been settled by now. There are several reasons why they obstructed talks – first, they want to continue access to our fishing grounds and want to hold everything up until they get that; secondly, there is that rigid Continental mind-set that can’t see past one grand allembracing agreement and can’t see that the way forward is separate discussions and agreements on the different issues; thirdly, there is an arrogance based on a mystical vision of Europe as an paramount ideal rather than as a practical matter.

Extending the transition period would simply mean more uncertainty for the industries calling out for a settlement and give the EU more hope of wearing us down.

Faced with a deadline, there is good reason to hope the EU will at last get down to the basic issues.

Some of our industries stand to benefit immediately. Regrettably our sheep farmers face severe problems. The real answer to that is not to sacrifice all else but rather to give them special help to adapt and diversify – improving breeds for a switch to wool production maybe or to other hardy animals like alpacas. Could the farming industry in the lower areas change from beef production to vegetable and mountain farmers concentrate on beef?

David Sage Penclawdd, Swansea