We still need more details before we start trade talks, says Barnier

THE EU’s chief Brexit negotiator last night praised Theresa May’s speech as a ‘step forward’ – but still refused to kick-start trade talks.

Michel Barnier welcomed the Prime Minister’s ‘constructive spirit’ as he called for Britain to set out ‘concrete’ proposals ‘to make meaningful progress’ when talks restart in Brussels on Monday.

EU leaders have said discussions on a future trade deal cannot begin until the two sides come closer to an agreement on the divorce bill, citizens’ rights and Northern Ireland.

Mr Barnier said: ‘Today’s speech does not clarify how the UK intends to honour its special responsibility for the consequences

of its withdrawal for Ireland. Our objective is to preserve the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, as well as the integrity of the single market and the customs union.’

He added: ‘Prime Minister May’s statements are a step forward but they must now be translated into a precise negotiating position of the UK government.’

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave the speech a ‘cautious welcome’ and will hold talks with Mrs May on Monday. He said: ‘I think it is a genuine effort by the PM to move things along and make progress... but we will need further clarity and understanding as to how a transition period might work. Requesting a transition period is also a step in the right direction.’

The European Parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator, Guy Verhofstadt, said MEPs would reject Mrs May’s proposal for EU migrants to be forced to register if they arrive in Britain during the transition period.

French President Emmanuel Macron said: ‘Before we move forward, we want to clarify matters concerning the settlement of European citizens, the financial terms of exit and the question of Ireland. If these three points are not clarified, we will not be able to advance on the rest.’