Post-Brexit trade talks ‘are not a contest’ insists Irish Taoiseach
Varadkar urges UK to ‘work together’ with EU
NEGOTIATIONS ON the UK and EU’s future relationship do not have to be a contest with winners and losers, Ireland’s premier has insisted.
After holding talks with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Dublin, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said both sides could work together to strike a mutually beneficial deal.
Mr Varadkar also made clear there will always be a place for the UK at the EU table if Brexit does not work out well.
After his meeting with Mr Barnier at Government Buildings yesterday, Mr Varadkar was asked about comments in a TV interview when he used a football analogy to suggest the EU would have the “stronger team” in the negotiations.
“Ireland will be friends to the United Kingdom into the future, we want to be friends with our nearest neighbour,” he replied.
“But there should be no doubt that we are on ‘Team EU’, we are part of the 27 and maintain solidarity with all the member states and European institutions that showed solidarity with us over the past two or three years.
“I think if you see this as a contest, the European Union is in a very strong position – we’re 27 countries, we have a population of 450 million people and the single market is the largest economy in the world.
“But I don’t think we have to see it as a contest.
“There is a possibility for us to work together with the United Kingdom over the next few months and come to a future relationship and a trade agreement that’s mutually beneficial, and that’s the spirit in which we will be entering these talks.”
Mr Barnier said he would present EU member states with a draft negotiating mandate next month ahead of March’s EU Council summit, where the bloc’s finalised stance on talks will be ratified.
Mr Barnier said the UK’s level of access to the single market would be proportionate to the commitments Britain gave to comply with EU regulations.
“It’s time for the second round,” he said of the negotiations.
“This time it is very short, (we) have no time to lose in any politics.
I always worked with everybody in UK with respect and I will continue.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly ruled out requesting an extension to the transition period, during which the UK abides by EU rules, to facilitate
further talks. Speaking in London, Mr Johnson again insisted it should be possible to “wrap all this up” by the end of the year.
“We will be doing things very fast, (in a) very friendly and respectful way, and in a way also, I think it’s important to stress, that really ensures we look after the interests of the Republic of Ireland as well,” he said.
However Mr Barnier said if no agreement was reached by the end of the year it “cannot be business as usual”.
Separately, Mr Johnson indicated yesterday that Government departments and agencies will get a greater say in controlling immigration numbers for their industries after Brexit.
The Prime Minister also defended his plan to fast-track entry to the UK for scientists, researchers and mathematicians after it was pointed out that the current cap was never met.
Yesterday Mr Johnson launched his new ‘Global Talent’ visa to replace the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) from February 20.
Unlike the current scheme, it will not have an upper limit of applicants and will accept endorsements from a wider pool of organisations.
The programme will be managed by the UK Research and Innovation quango to enable UKbased research projects that have received recognised prestigious grants and awards to recruit global talent.
In an interview at the King’s College London Mathematics School, Mr Johnson hinted the model could be extended to other bodies overseeing industries relying on low-skilled labour.
“What we want to have is a system that is responsive to the needs of the UK economy in all its dimensions,” he replied when asked about the possibility.
This round is very short, we have no time to lose in any politics. EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.