Discussions on Brexit: part one

Today the Prime Minister met with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to continue discussions on our future relationship with the EU – whilst we are working hard for a trade agreement, we will not agree to an arrangement that jeopardises the UK’s sovereignty.

  • Since we left the EU on 31 January, delivering on our promise to get Brexit done, we have been seeking a new relationship with the EU, based on the kind of agreement that the EU has agreed with other independent states before, like Canada.
     
  • Progress has been achieved in many areas, but the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there yet due to significant differences that remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance, and fisheries.
     
  • We are working hard to find solutions that fully respect UK sovereignty, but it is far from certain that an agreement will be possible, and time is now very short.
     
  • Success depends on the EU recognising that the UK is a sovereign equal. If they do not recognise that, then we are ready to leave the transition period on Australia terms on 1 January. If we have a trading arrangement on terms similar to Canada’s or Australia’s, as the Prime Minister said yesterday, we will prosper either way and be in full control of our destiny.

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