UK and German businesses back David Davis’ call for a Brexit that works for Britain and EU
The Brexit Secretary believes that a future trading relationship with the EU will be mutually beneficial
BRITISH and German business groups have united to back David Davis’ demands for Brexit negotiations to focus on an economic deal that works in the best interests of both the UK and the EU.
The Brexit Secretary will reiterate that Britain’s “firm goal” is agreeing a future trading relationship that is mutually beneficial when he meets the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels today.
His comments were echoed by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Association of German Chambers of Commerce in a joint plea for a deal that focuses on our “shared economic interests”.
They warned that German business was being harmed by the lack of clarity over Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU.
And they said British firms want a transition period of at least three years to cope with the change.
In particular the two groups have demanded certainty on “business critical” areas such as custom arrangements, tax and workers’ rights.
BCC chief Adam Marshall said: “As Brexit talks continue, it’s clear that companies in the UK and on the continent all want economic issues to rise to the top of the negotiations agenda.
“There is real business appetite from both sides for a focus on practical, day-to-day business concerns, and a desire for clarity on future trading arrangements.”
Mr Davis will tell Mr Barnier at the start of the third round of official Brexit talks today that these kinds of concerns must be listened to.
He will say: “We want to agree a deal that works in the best interests of both the EU and the UK, and people and businesses right across Europe.
“And we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get down to work once more.”
The Brexit Secretary is frustrated at the insistence of EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier that progress must be made on fixing the UK’s “divorce” bill before moving on to talks on future trade.
He believes a series of papers produced by his Department for Exiting the EU over the past fortnight have proved that the two issues are inextricably linked.
He will also tell Mr Barnier that the EU must prove the basis for its demands for a £80 billion divorce bill.
A briefing war between the two sides has broken out ahead of today’s talks.
Mr Davis will demand the EU shows more “flexibility and imagination” in the talks.
The British delegation will aim to make progress on the technical difficulties of the Irish border, EU citizens rights and customs checks.