EU boss Donald Tusk announces December deadline for Brexit breakthrough
But Tusk insisted Brussels was still working towards a deal with Britain
EU COUNCIL boss Donald Tusk last night put a December deadline on a Brexit breakthrough before planning for the EU’s own doomsday no deal scenario.
And yesterday it emerged the German government are plotting to try kick talks about a Brexit transition deal into the New Year — prompting fears of a business exodus.
Mr Tusk, who represents all EU leaders, insisted Brussels was still working towards a deal with Britain adding “we are negotiating in good faith and hope for ‘sufficient progress’ by December.”
But he warned that if there is no breakthrough by the end of the year, “then - together with our UK friends - we will have to think about where we are heading.”
He was responding to Theresa May’s declaration yesterday that she is getting Britain ready for a collapse in EU talks with “no deal planning”.
While the Polish heavyweight said he was “hopeful” that the breakthrough would come soon, he poured more cold water on it coming the crunch Council meeting in nine days time.
Yesterday it emerged the German government are trying to put a three month pause on separate negotiations about a transition phase for the UK out of the bloc.
The setback could spark a business exodus from Britain, as Brussels continued put thumbscrews on the UK to try force Theresa May to cough up on their Brexit bill demands.
Businesses have warned they will trigger their Brexit contingency plans - which could see them leave the UK - if clarity is not given soon.
But last night government sources rejected the plot, claiming the political instability in Germany following Angela Merkel’s election upset was muddying the waters as the rudderless Germany “does not know what it really wants.”
But EU sources hit back, telling The Sun: “It’s just about the money going into October’s summit – pay the divorce bill, pay it in full, do that now, and even ‘sufficient progress’ for phase two could come next week.”
The UK is still pinning hopes on a breakthrough at this month’s EU council meeting, hoping the smaller EU countries will pressure Germany and France into beginning to scope out future trade talks with the UK.
But last night, Mrs May’s tough talk on “no deal” planning was hit by a major setback.
NHS boss Simon Stevens revealed he had not been asked to make plans in the event of a no deal Brexit while speaking to MPs.
Labour’s Ben Bradshaw said: “Have you been asked by your political masters to prepare contingencies for a no deal scenario which is what the Prime Minister was talking about yesterday?”
Mr Stevens replied: “We have not but I must say I don’t detect any disagreement with the proposition that in addition to continuing to grow our locally-trained staff here, the 25 per cent increase in doctors, the 25 per cent increase in nursing places, we will continue to rely on our international staff. That’s been true of the 69 years of the NHS and I don’t detect any dissent from that proposition.”
A Government spokesman said: "The Government, including the Department of Health, are working on what steps will be necessary for whatever the eventuality—whether we do negotiate a deal or whether we do not."
Chancellor Philip Hammond dismissed demands from Brexiteers to use his Autumn Budget to commit billions of pounds to prepare for a No Deal scenario.
He said it would be irresponsible to to spend taxpayers money on preparing for such a scenario.
It will fuel further anger among Brexit supporting Tories who want the government to call the EU's bluff by showing it is actively preparing to leave THE EU if Brexit talks end without a new agreement in place.
In an article in The Times he insists the Treasury will be prepared for "all outcomes" but is reluctant to sign of billions of money unless the threat of a no Deal is imminent.
EU's 'jet wreck' jibe
SNEERING Eurocrats have mocked Theresa May’s Brexit talks as a plane crash, with one official telling The Sun: “London is our black box”.
The source made the sly dig that Britain was lost as anger grew in Brussels over the PM’s claim the “ball was in the EU’s court” for further progress.
Yesterday Michael Barnier hit back at the line, saying: “Brexit is not a game, don’t forget that.”
The slapdown came as David Davis hosted a lunch for his negotiating counterpart at the UK’s official Brussels residence.
Speaking after a lunch of sea bass and Angus beef, washed down with English sparkling wine and French claret, Mr Barnier said: “The lunch was good and we had constructive talks.”
But asked if the ball was now in the EU’s court, the Frenchman spun round and wagged his finger at a BBC reporter, saying: “Brexit is not a game. Don’t forget.”
The UK hoping for “steady progress” in the fifth round of face to face talks in Brussels due to conclude on Thursday.
Despite continued deadlock over future payments to Brussels from Britain, negotiation insiders are hopeful of a breakthrough on EU citizens rights following the PM’s concession that EU judges can continue to rule over Brits during any transition phase out of the bloc.
Roddy Thomson and Harry Cole
