Britain on the brink of history as Brexit talks start
Davis warned that failure will plunge us into chaos
We want both sides to emerge strong and prosperous. David Davis ahead of Brexit talks with the European Union.
THE GOVERNMENT will today embark on the intricate negotiations to extricate the UK from the European Union as Prime Minister Theresa May faces ongoing questions over her premiership, with warnings that a failure to secure a Brexit deal will plunge Britain into deepening political chaos.
The landmark in British political history will see the formal discussions for the nation’s exit from the European Union begin in what is seen as perhaps the most complex negotiations ever undertaken by a British government.
Brexit Secretary David Davis, who is the MP for Haltemprice and Howden, will today call for a “deal like no other in history” as he heads to Brussels to launch the negotiations.
However, Chancellor Philip Hammond has issued a grave note of caution, as he warned yesterday that failing to secure a Brexit deal would be “very, very bad” for Britain.
Mr Davis will be accompanied by a nine-strong negotiating team that includes the most senior civil servants at the department as well as officials from the Treasury and Home Office as well as Mark Sedwill, the national security adviser to the Prime Minister.
In a speech today, the Brexit Secretary is due to say: “Today marks the start of negotiations that will shape the future of the European Union and the United Kingdom, and the lives of our citizens. We want both sides to emerge strong and prosperous, capable of projecting our shared European values, leading in the world, and demonstrating our resolve to protect the security of our citizens.
“I want to reiterate at the outset of these talks that the UK will remain a committed partner and ally of our friends across the continent.
“And while there is a long road ahead, our destination is clear – a deep and special partnership between the UK and the EU. A deal like no other in history.
“I look forward to beginning work on that new future today.”
Talks with the European Commission’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier will focus on the status of expats, the UK’s “divorce bill” and the Northern Ireland border. But officials insisted the UK would continue to push for an agreement on trade relations to be dealt with alongside a deal on the withdrawal process.
The agenda for the meeting was agreed earlier this month following preparatory “talks about talks”. The European Commission released a statement at the time saying discussions would focus on “issues related to citizens’ rights, the financial settlement, the Northern Irish border and other separation issues, as part of the sequenced approach to the talks”. But the Government wants to negotiate future trade relationships with the EU “alongside” talks on terms for Brexit.
Mrs May has repeatedly insisted the Government is prepared to walk away from the talks, claiming no deal is better than a bad deal. Mr Hammond’s warnings over Brexit were seized on by critics, with Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell claiming the Government is in “disarray”.