Chancellor seeks to rebuff UK ‘fantasy’ Brexit talks claims
PHILIP Hammond attempted to rebuff claims by EU officials that Britain has a “fantasy” approach to Brexit.
The Chancellor hit back after critics said the UK’s plan seemed to be “let’s just keep everything we have now”.
He said: “We are having very constructive discussions, I don’t think that is a particularly helpful comment. We are very conscious of the ticking clock and the need to make significant progress.” The row came after talks on future defence, intelligence and cyber co-operation stalled. The UK is seeking a Security of Information agreement with the EU after it leaves, which allows the UK to “retain control” of information shared. The increase in tension came after the UK said it would seek a return of £1billion it has put into the Galileo satellite system if the EU shut it out of aspects of the project post-Brexit.