The last throw of the Brexit dice

Yesterday the Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission, confirming that while Britain stands ready to strike an agreement on our future relationship, the UK government will not compromise on any issues that jeopardises the UK’s sovereignty.

  • Since Britain left the EU on 31 January, delivering on the promise to get Brexit done, the government has been seeking a new relationship with the EU, based on the kind of deal that the EU has agreed with other independent states before, like Canada. 
     
  • Progress has been achieved in many areas. Nevertheless, significant differences remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. No agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved.
     
  • That is why both sides to the negotiations have agreed for the negotiating teams to assess whether these issues can be resolved, with our chief negotiators reconvening today in Brussels. The Prime Minister and President von der Leyen will speak again on Monday evening. 
     
  • The government is 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 Britain will leave on December 31 with what is described as an "Australia-style deal"

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