The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Trade deal unlikely – PM
Boris Johnson has told Britain to “get ready” for a no-deal Brexit in January, as last- ditch negotiations failed to result in a trade deal.
The prime minister said this week’s summit in Brussels has made clear the EU is not prepared to offer the kind of Canada- style deal the UK is seeking.
Number 10 went further, telling reporters that talks were now “over” and that “there’s no point” in any further discussion.
“They want the continued ability to control our legislative freedom, our fisheries, in a way that is obviously unacceptable to an independent country,” Mr Johnson said.
“Given that this summit appears to explicitly rule out a Canada-style deal, I think that we should ready for January 1 with arrangements that are more like Australia’s.”
Australia does not have a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, which means most commerce is conducted on World Trade Organisation rules with tariffs on many goods as well as some quota restrictions and customs checks.
Asked if he is now walking away from the negotiating table, Mr Johnson said: “What we are saying to them is ‘ Come here, come to us if there is some fundamental change of approach’.
“Otherwise we are more than happy to talk about the practicalities that I described – social security issues, road haulage and so on.
“But unless there is a fundamental change in approach, we are going to go for the Australia solution.
“And we should do it with great confidence – as I said, high hearts and confidence because we can do it.”
It came after the summit called on the UK to make the “necessary moves to make an agreement possible”.
The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said he is ready to travel to London on Monday to continue the negotiations.
And the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the visit will still go ahead despite a Number 10 spokesman suggesting there could be “no point” in it.
“The EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price,” she tweeted.
CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said it is essential not to give up on a deal.
“Neither side can afford to fall at the final fence,” she said.
“A deal is the only outcome that protects Covid- hit livelihoods at a time when every job in every country counts.”