‘Don’t put politics above prosperity’
David Davis last night sent a clear warning to EU leaders not to put “politics above prosperity” as he repeated calls for Brexit negotiations to move on to the future trading relationship.
DAVID DAVIS last night sent a clear warning to EU leaders not to put “politics above prosperity” as he repeated calls for Brexit negotiations to move on to the future trading relationship.
Speaking at an event in Germany, the Secretary of State spoke of the “urgent” need to progress talks while cautioning against letting “short-term interests” risk “hard-earned gains”.
His comments came as the Justice Secretary David Lidington gave the strongest signal yet that the Government may be willing to back down over attempts to enshrine the date of Brexit in law.
Ministers are reportedly facing a rebellion by up to 20 MPs over an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill – more than enough to secure a Government defeat. Addressing the Süddeutsche Zeitung Economic Summit in Berlin, Mr Davis began by highlighting the different “starting points” from which the two countries joined the EU. He argued that while Germany saw it “as a foundation for peace and stability”, for the UK it has always been “an economic endeavour”.
Mr Davis, who has made clear his impatience to move on to the next phase of Brexit talks, went on to spell out the strength of trade links between the nations – estimated at 176bn euros a year. In a veiled warning to EU leaders who have so far refused to give the green light to trade discussions, he suggested that “no one would allow short-term interests to risk those hard-earned gains”, adding that “putting politics above prosperity is never a smart choice”.
His comments follow an intervention by the German MEP and close ally of Angela Merkel, Manfred Weber, who on Wednesday said it seemed unlikely that leaders will agree to progress talks at a crucial meeting next month.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier has repeatedly called for the UK to provide more clarity on its financial obligations and citizens’ rights before they move on.
Yesterday also saw confirmation of the next days for debate on the EU Withdrawal Bill. Between 15-20 Tory backbenchers are believed to be opposed to the Government’s Brexit date amendment, with many warning that it could tie the UK’s hands in negotiations.
Ministers have defended the move, describing it as proof of the Government’s “determination” to press ahead with Brexit. However, as the extent of the rebellion became clear, there appears to have been a softening of the Government’s stance.
During this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Theresa May hinted at the possibility of a concession when she told MPs that she was “listening very carefully” to their contributions.
Yesterday afternoon, Mr Lidington added to speculation when he told reporters that the Government will “listen to ideas”.
“As the PM said, there are various constructive suggestions that have been made during the committee debates about how the bill might be improved and obviously we’ll listen to ideas coming from colleagues across the house,” he said.
“All that clause was designed to do was to clarify and put beyond doubt what was already inherent in Article 50.”