UK on Brexit LIVE_ Don't threaten us! Michel Barnier lashes out 'This is set IN STONE' - Express UK
- 3 years ago
BORIS Johnson is set to issue a final ‘checkmate' ultimatum if Brexit talks do not reach an agreement this week - while Michel Barnier has fired his own warning in response. Express UK. https://www.eudebates.tv/debates/special-debates/uk-politics/brexit-reality-can-a-95-eu-uk-deal-work/ #eudebates #debates #Barnier #BREXIT #negotiations
The Prime Minister remains confident a deal can be secured with talks entering their final week as civil servants start to draft EU relationship legislation. With the transition period due to end on December 31st, a deal is yet to be struck between UK and EU negotiators as fishing, governance and the level playing field remain significant stumbling blocks.
Whitehall officials are confident a deal can be secured by November 30 so draft legislation can be passed.
But the EU is remaining more cautious with any deal having to be ratified by the 27 member states before the end of December.
Whitehall sources told Express.co.uk Boris Johnson was “optimistic” on a deal but stressed any deal “needs to strictly be” in the UK’s interests.
One told Express.co.uk: “This week is the turning point in the talks, time is running out.
“It’s essentially a checkmate, we are laying down our requests and are not backing down.”
Talks will begin virtually today after a member of Michel Barnier’s team tested positive for COVID-19 last time and could be face to face in London as early as Thursday.
As Express.co.uk exclusively revealed on Saturday, it is hoped draft legislation could be debated before the Commons as early as next week.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told BBC Andrew Marr yesterday the UK should not be going for a Brexit deal "at any price",
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, indicated that there had been "better progress" towards reaching an agreement.
Boris Johnson has talked up the chances of a post-Brexit UK-Australia free trade deal being secured.
The Prime Minister was speaking after his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison received an accolade at a virtual Policy Exchange think tank event.
Mr Johnson said the two nations had strong rivalries in sport, but "there is a huge amount that unites us".
Irish premier Micheal Martin has said he is hopeful that the outline of a Brexit deal can be reached by the end of the week.
Speaking to reporters from Dublin Port on Monday, the Taoiseach was upbeat about the prospects of a deal.
He said: "(European Commission) President Ursula Von der Leyen did say to the EU leaders last Thursday night that there are texts now on all areas.
"I would be hopeful that by the end of this week we could see the outline of a deal.
"That remains to be seen. It's down to political will. One must remain hopeful that a deal can be arrived at."
EU chiefs have insisted there will be no extension to the Brexit deadline despite growing fears of a no deal.
The EU Commission spokesman said today: “You either have a deal or you don’t have a deal.
The Prime Minister remains confident a deal can be secured with talks entering their final week as civil servants start to draft EU relationship legislation. With the transition period due to end on December 31st, a deal is yet to be struck between UK and EU negotiators as fishing, governance and the level playing field remain significant stumbling blocks.
Whitehall officials are confident a deal can be secured by November 30 so draft legislation can be passed.
But the EU is remaining more cautious with any deal having to be ratified by the 27 member states before the end of December.
Whitehall sources told Express.co.uk Boris Johnson was “optimistic” on a deal but stressed any deal “needs to strictly be” in the UK’s interests.
One told Express.co.uk: “This week is the turning point in the talks, time is running out.
“It’s essentially a checkmate, we are laying down our requests and are not backing down.”
Talks will begin virtually today after a member of Michel Barnier’s team tested positive for COVID-19 last time and could be face to face in London as early as Thursday.
As Express.co.uk exclusively revealed on Saturday, it is hoped draft legislation could be debated before the Commons as early as next week.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told BBC Andrew Marr yesterday the UK should not be going for a Brexit deal "at any price",
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, indicated that there had been "better progress" towards reaching an agreement.
Boris Johnson has talked up the chances of a post-Brexit UK-Australia free trade deal being secured.
The Prime Minister was speaking after his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison received an accolade at a virtual Policy Exchange think tank event.
Mr Johnson said the two nations had strong rivalries in sport, but "there is a huge amount that unites us".
Irish premier Micheal Martin has said he is hopeful that the outline of a Brexit deal can be reached by the end of the week.
Speaking to reporters from Dublin Port on Monday, the Taoiseach was upbeat about the prospects of a deal.
He said: "(European Commission) President Ursula Von der Leyen did say to the EU leaders last Thursday night that there are texts now on all areas.
"I would be hopeful that by the end of this week we could see the outline of a deal.
"That remains to be seen. It's down to political will. One must remain hopeful that a deal can be arrived at."
EU chiefs have insisted there will be no extension to the Brexit deadline despite growing fears of a no deal.
The EU Commission spokesman said today: “You either have a deal or you don’t have a deal.