In advance of publication of the Government’s white paper on the
UK’s future relationship with the EU, the House of Lords EU
Committee has today published its own report on post-Brexit UK-EU
relations. The Committee says that both sides in the negotiations
“need to change their mindset”. So far they have focused too much
on incompatible ‘red lines’, rather than on the potential
benefits of a new relationship.
The Committee says that both the EU and UK
negotiators must now identify “areas of mutual
interest”.
The Committee also emphasises that for the UK, “the
greater the benefits sought from the new relationship, the
greater the compromises that will be needed”. Forming a deep and
durable partnership will entail trade-offs, and there will be “no
free lunch” for either the UK or the EU.
The Committee therefore identifies five principles
against which the Government’s forthcoming White Paper on future
UK-EU relations will be judged:
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It should focus on achieving benefits from the
future UK-EU relationship, rather than on defending 'red
lines';
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It should identify and build on areas of mutual
UK and EU interest;
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It should acknowledge that the benefits to be
realised by means of the new relationship will come at a
cost, requiring compromises and trade-offs;
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It should express an inclusive vision of future
UK-EU relations, commanding broad support;
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It should use the language of partnership between
the UK and the EU, and should acknowledge the potential
evolution of the EU post-Brexit.
Commenting on the report, , Chairman of the House of
Lords EU Committee, said:
“Time is running out for a framework to be
established for the post-Brexit UK-EU relationship. An agreement
at least in outline will have to be reached in a matter of weeks.
We are worried about the continuing uncertainty over the
Government’s approach.
“Any deal will require compromise on both sides. So
far both sides have focused on ‘red lines’, but add the two
sides’ red lines together and they cancel each other out. That’s
a zero sum game.
“The whole approach has to change urgently, if the UK
and the EU are to build a beneficial relationship. The Government
needs to use the language of partnership, to change the dynamic
of the negotiations. And the EU needs to
reciprocate.
“We know there are models for UK-EU relations which
would deliver substantial benefits to the UK. But they will come
at a cost. So achieving the right outcome will require courage,
and a readiness to reach out across parties and to the whole of
the United Kingdom.”
