THE European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has revealed his frustration at the UK Government’s failure to compromise in the ongoing negotiations.

It comes as a Scottish councillor, who is also a farmer, spoke of the devastating consequences of a

No-Deal Brexit for her industry.

With just over a month until the deadline for a deal, Barnier said yesterday: “We did not see any change in the position of the UK. This is why I express publicly that I am worried and I am disappointed because, frankly speaking, we have moved.

“I’ve shown clearly openness to find compromise. If they don’t move on the issues which are the key issues of the EU – the level playing field, fisheries and governance – the UK will take itself the risk of a No-Deal.”

Barnier said the EU will not accept the livelihoods of fishermen and women being “used as a bargaining chip in these negotiations”.

Asked about those Brexiteers who want a No Deal because they think leaving without a trade deal has opportunities, Barnier said with some sarcasm: “good luck, good luck”. He added: “Frankly speaking, there is no reason to underestimate the consequences for many people, many sectors, of a No Deal – it will be a huge difference between a deal and a No Deal.”

The UK Government said that it remains committed to gaining a deal with the EU, but time is running out.

Former SNP MEP Heather Anderson, a Scottish Borders councillor and co-chair of the SNP South of Scotland Regional Steering Committee, is an organic farmer.

She said: “We know first-hand that the UK Government has made absolutely no preparations. No attention has been paid to developing custom and excise protocols or recruiting and training customs and excise officers. To put it politely, it’s a shambles, quietly waiting for a crisis to make it a catastrophe.

“We also know that nothing is in place to protect our beef, lamb, fish and shellfish exports.

“Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy Cabinet Secretary, has again requested compensation for sheep farmers who may be facing 50% tariffs. These tariffs would make the price of lamb prohibitive and would decimate the sheep sector in Scotland.”

Anderson revealed what the new tariffs under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) rules will mean for Scottish exports. She said: “It now looks likely that WTO/GATT will be initiating punitive tariffs of a minimum 15% with an average tariff of 36% on UK exports to the EU – so all our exports will be affected.

“Scotland didn’t vote for this. We voted to remain in the world’s largest free-trade market. We are now being denied free access to 446 million citizens, whilst being told we will be unable to protect the environmental, welfare and food standards we hold so dear.

“The UK Internal Market removes any protections we can offer.”

Andrew McCornick, president of the National Farmers Union Scotland, said: “All sectors of Scottish agriculture remain in the dark about crucial future trading arrangements with the EU. There is absolutely no doubt that quota and tariff-free trade with the rest of Europe remains the best option for Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector”.

Anderson added: “Brexit is coming and the SNP South of Scotland Regional Steering Committee has been working to identify key priorities for the South of Scotland.

“We have been highlighting the need for key investments in our road, rail and ports infrastructure in order to protect our tourism, farming, food and drink businesses.

“In 2014 two unions were on offer. Now people have to choose one. Historically the south, particularly some rural and farming communities, put their faith in the Tories.

“With Douglas Ross in charge, that’s about to change. Europe is how we win the south.”