Boris Johnson rejects Brussels’ trade demands in just four hours after EU sets out string of conditions for Britain
BORIS Johnson binned trade demands from Brussels yesterday in just four hours.
He rejected key calls on business, fishing rights and the courts.
The PM’s hardline stance saw ministers predicting “an almighty punch-up” when trade talks start next week.
In a 46-page document, EU leaders called for a string of conditions on Britain.
They include following EU rules on a level playing field for business, the same access to our fishing waters and an oversight role for EU judges.
The PM’s official spokesman said: “The UK did not vote twice to take back control of its fishing waters only to give that control up again."
“It doesn’t matter what the EU puts in its mandate as we become an independent coastal state on December 31, 2020."
“Any access by non-UK vessels to fish in UK waters will be for us to determine.”
'DRAMATIC CLASH'
No10 also lashed out at Brussels for refusing to offer Britain similar trade terms as the US, Canada and Japan.
Downing Street said: “The EU has respected the autonomy of other major economies when signing trade deals with them. We just want the same”.
A minister reckoned: “The problem is the EU still thinks it’s negotiating with Theresa May.”
The dramatic clash leaves Britain and the EU facing a major impasse before talks even start in five days time next Monday.
Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier’s mandate also includes beefed up French demands that the UK keeps in step with swathes of EU rules by upholding “common high standards over time”.
Brussels regulations will be the “reference point” for the so-called level playing field, meaning Brussels wouldn’t have to match new British laws.
The bloc also wants Britain to keep European agricultural standards including a ban on chlorine chicken, which could derail US trade talks.
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Boris, who met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at Downing Street yesterday, will publish Britain’s mandate tomorrow.
Unveiling the EU position, Mr Barnier warned there “won’t be any agreement” unless its demands on fishing and standards are met.
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok warned the “time pressure is immense” to do a deal and “the interests are huge”, saying: “It will be very hard work.”
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