Politics

British negotiators rule out extending the Brexit transition with the EU again


British negotiators again ruled out extending the Brexit transition with the EU.

UK ministers and officials have come under mounting pressure to delay the deadline for striking a deal with Brussels as the world battles coronavirus.

They have been unable to hold face-to-face meetings with counterparts since the outbreak began.

While Britain formally left the EU on January 31, we immediately entered an 11-month period where the relationship with the EU remains largely unchanged.

Teams have until December 31 to agree a pact on the new relationship – and either side can walk away from talks in June.

Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to extend the deadline

British chief negotiator David Frost told the EU’s Michel Barnier the UK would not request an extension to the December cut-off.

During what both sides described as a “constructive meeting” held via video link, officials “took stock of the technical work that has taken place since the first negotiating round on the basis of the legal texts exchanged by both sides,” a statement said.

It added: “While this work has been useful to identify all major areas of divergence and convergence, the two sides agreed on the need to organise further negotiating rounds in order to make real, tangible progress in the negotiations by June.”

Week-long talks over video calls will take place starting on Monday, followed by another round beginning on May 11 and a final set starting on June 1.

Acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “To press ahead with Brexit on the previous timetable – already recklessly fast – is just irresponsible and shows a fundamental disregard for the UK’s national interest.

“The Government must stop putting ideology before all else, including lives, and start working pragmatically with our European neighbours – some of whom the Government could clearly learn lessons from.

Read More

Coronavirus government action explained

“Surely even hardline Brexiteers want the negotiation process to succeed and to give it the attention it needs, and that just isn’t possible during this dangerous and damaging pandemic.”





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.