Talks set to be ‘most complex ever’ for UK
THE NEGOTIATIONS on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union may be the most complex ever undertaken by a British government.
When they finally gather round the table in Brussels, the two sides will not only have to unpick a relationship dating back more than 40 years, they will also be attempting to negotiate an ambitious free trade agreement.
One of the first issues to be discussed will be the position of the 3.2m EU nationals living in the UK and 1.2m British citizens in the EU. Both the British Government and the European Commission have declared they want an early reciprocal deal to secure future rights, but there are concerns over just how easily achievable this will be.
Then there is the thorny issue of money. Reports suggest that Brussels will be looking for a “divorce bill” of £50bn – or higher – in settlement of the UK’s outstanding liabilities. Other issues include future arrangements on security co-operation and intelligence sharing once Britain is outside the EU.
Once sufficient progress has been made on the withdrawal issues, the EU say they will open discussions on a new trade agreement. Mrs May has said that she wants to negotiate a “bold and ambitious” agreement, which has been backed by the EU, but it has made clear Britain cannot expect to enjoy all the benefits of membership from outside the bloc.