Attached are
the principles for further negotiations
A No.10 spokesperson said:
“We have studied carefully the statement by to the
European Parliament this morning. As the EU’s Chief Negotiator
his words are authoritative.
“The Prime Minister and have both made clear in recent days that a fundamental
change in approach was needed from the EU from that shown in
recent weeks.
“They made clear that the EU had to be serious about talking
intensively, on all issues, and bringing the negotiation to a
conclusion. They were also clear that the EU had to accept once
again that it was dealing with an independent and sovereign
country and that any agreement would need to be consistent with
that status.
“We welcome the fact that Mr Barnier acknowledged both points
this morning, and additionally that movement would be needed from
both sides in the talks if agreement was to be reached. As he
made clear, ‘any future agreement will be made in respect of the
decision-making autonomy of the European Union and with respect
for British sovereignty.’
“Lord Frost discussed the implications of this statement and the
state of play with Mr Barnier earlier today. On the basis of that
conversation we are ready to welcome the EU team to London to
resume negotiations later this week. We have jointly agreed a set
of principles for handling this intensified phase of talks.
“As to the substance, we note that Mr Barnier set out the
principles that the EU has brought to this negotiation, and that
he also acknowledged the UK’s established red lines. It is clear
that significant gaps remain between our positions in the most
difficult areas, but we are ready, with the EU, to see if it is
possible to bridge them in intensive talks. For our part, we
remain clear that the best and most established means of
regulating the relationship between two sovereign and autonomous
parties is one based on a free trade agreement.
“As both sides have made clear, it takes two to reach an
agreement. It is entirely possible that negotiations will not
succeed. If so, the UK will end the transition period on
Australia terms and will prosper in doing so.
“It is essential now that UK businesses, hauliers, and travellers
prepare actively for the end of the transition period, since
change is coming, whether an agreement is reached or not.”
