‘ON THIS basis I am not able, in the current circumstances, to recommend to the European Council that we should start discussion on the future relationship,’ between the EU and the UK, the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier announced yesterday, confirming that the Brexit negotiations are at a complete ‘deadlock’.
On two of three burning issues: the question of the border between the Republic of Ireland and the north of Ireland, the status of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa, both Barnier and Brexit Secretary David Davies said that some progress has been made but more work needed to be done to reach an agreement.
However on how much the UK was prepared to pay to get out, Barnier said that they are at ‘deadlock’. On the so-called ‘divorce bill’ Barnier said: ‘This week however the UK repeated that they are still not ready to spell out these commitments, therefore there has been no negotiations on this subject.
‘We confined ourselves to technical discussions – useful discussions, but technical discussions. On this question we have reached a deadlock which is disturbing for thousands of projects promoters in Europe and it is also disturbing for taxpayers.’
This week’s fifth round of talks are the final discussions before a crucial EU summit on 19th and 20th October. The UK has been hoping EU leaders at the summit will decide enough progress has been made to open trade talks.
But Barnier reiterated: ‘I am not able in the current circumstances to propose next week to the European Council that we should start discussions on the future relationship.’ When asked about the ‘risks of a no deal arising’ and what preparations have been made, Davies responded: ‘The UK is planning for all outcomes. We have allocated £250m pounds for that scenario.’
Barnier said: ‘No deal, would be a very bad deal and we are clear on our side that we are ready to face any eventualities and all eventualities.’
Chris Moyes from BBC news said: ‘You both accentuate the positive where you can, but it is obvious that the hope and expectation was that progress would have moved a lot further by now. Especially given the two-year Article 50 timetable. Businesses are worried, citizens are worried. You both pride yourself on being good negotiators. What are you doing that is so badly wrong?’
Barnier said: ‘We haven’t made enough progress on citizens rights. We have to settle accounts. We have to draw conclusions to the important decision taken in a sovereign manner by the UK. To withdraw from the European Union has consequences, including this consequence. We need to break the deadlock and then we can make progress on other matters.’