A FINAL push to strike a Brexit agreement will get underway today amid warnings that a No-Deal is “feasible” if differences between the UK and EU cannot be resolved.
Following emergency talks of more than an hour yesterday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson said they were instructing their chief negotiators to resume talks in Brussels today.
However in a joint statement they said “significant differences” remain on key issues.
“We welcomed the fact that progress has been achieved in many areas,” the statement said.
“Nevertheless, significant differences remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. Both sides underlined that no agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved.
“Whilst recognising the seriousness of these differences, we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved.
“We are therefore instructing our chief negotiators to reconvene tomorrow in Brussels.
“We will speak again on Monday evening.”
It is unclear whether either – or both – of the two leaders were prepared to shift ground during the call in a way that would enable their negotiators to bridge the gaps.
In the run-up to the call, the UK accused the EU side of seeking to introduce “new elements” into the negotiations at the 11th hour.
The European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, tweeted: “We will see if there is a way forward.”
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin, whose country is expected to be among the biggest losers if the two sides fail to reach an agreement, tweeted that he welcomed the resumption of discussions on an EU and UK trade deal in Brussels tomorrow.
He said: “An agreement is in everyone’s best interests. Every effort should be made to reach a deal.”
Discussions between British and EU negotiators were paused on Friday amid the continuing divergences on key issues.
In response to the suspension of talks, Scotland’s Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said: “It beggars belief that in the midst of a pandemic and economic recession Scotland is facing what could be a catastrophic No-Deal Brexit in less than one month’s time.
“Even the type of deal the UK Government are seeking will cause significant damage, but the worst outcome of all will be No-Deal and that must be avoided.”
For months, the main sticking points in the negotiations have been the same – including over fisheries, with the EU wanting to continue to maximise access to UK waters for its fishing fleets after December 31.
The British argue the UK is now an independent coastal state and should be able to prioritise its own boats, but needs to maintain access to EU markets.
Another sticking point is the so-called “level playing field” rules, which are intended to ensure businesses on one side do not gain an unfair advantage.
In return for continuing access to the single market, the EU is seeking a high degree of alignment by the UK with its standards on workers rights, the environment and particularly state aid for businesses, but Britain wants the freedom to set its own standards.
Finally, the two sides are still at odds over the mechanisms for enforcing any agreement and resolving disputes.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel