Statement by David McAllister (EPP, DE), Chair of the
Parliament's EU-UK Coordination Group, after the latest round of
talks on the future relationship between the UK and the
EU:
"Michel Barnier just debriefed the UK Coordination Group in the
European Parliament about the seventh negotiation round with the
United Kingdom. Unfortunately, the past weeks have shown few
results. Another month has passed without any meaningful
progress. Losing precious time now in the hope of getting a
better deal in a last-minute poker game is not helpful, and
potentially very detrimental for both sides.
We only have a few weeks ahead of us. The EU is not gambling and
has no incentive to do so. I reiterate that the European
Parliament needs time to scrutinise the agreement before giving
its consent. The end of October remains the solid deadline for
starting to ratify the agreement by the end of the year. Parallel
progress on all crucial topics (level playing field, governance,
fisheries) is therefore essential. We do need fair economic and
social conditions in order to preserve our EU model. This is not
a technocratic position, but the expression of the European
Parliament’s determination to preserve EU standards and
achievements in many areas including environmental standards, for
the sake and well-being of EU citizens.
In parallel, continued engagement on implementing the Withdrawal
Agreement remains as essential as time goes by. In particular on
the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and citizens’ rights."
