'It's the UK's responsibility': Michel Barnier warns that Britain risks no deal by refusing to compromise

Rebecca Speare-Cole2 September 2020

Brussels' chief Brexit negotiator has said 'it is the UK's responsibility' to find a compromise and avoid crashing out of the EU.

Michel Barnier said on Wednesday that he is “worried and disappointed” after his counterpart, David Frost, made no concessions to end the impasse during informal talks.

The pair met in London on Tuesday ahead of the eighth round of formal negotiations next week.

The EU negotiator has reiterated that a deal must be brokered by the “strict deadline” of the end of next month ahead of the transition period on December 31.

The pair met in London on Tuesday ahead of the eighth round of formal negotiations next week
AP

“We need a breakthrough, we need to move,” Mr Barnier said after a speech hosted by Dublin’s Institute of International and European Affairs think-tank.

“If the UK wants a deal with us and a fair agreement for a zero-tariff, zero-quota access for British access to our market of 450 million consumers then they will have to move and it is their choice, it is their responsibility.

“We are ready to make fair and constructive compromise but not at the detriment of the EU.”

Number 10 acknowledged “it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve” a deal
AFP via Getty Images

Number 10 acknowledged “it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve” a deal.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said David Frost and Michel Barnier had a “useful review of the whole agenda before our talks” during informal Brexit discussions on Tuesday.

“But as I said, major difficulties remain and the EU’s instance on progress on state aid and fisheries is an obstacle to making progress overall but we remain in close contact with the EU side and we will look forward to the next round of talks next week in London.”

Mr Barnier said: “We did not see any change in the position of the UK. This is why I express publicly that I am worried and I am disappointed because, frankly speaking, we have moved.

“I’ve shown clearly openness to find compromise.

“If they don’t move on the issues which are the key issues of the EU, the level playing field, fisheries and governance, the UK will take itself the risk of a no-deal.”

Mr Barnier said the EU will not accept the livelihoods of fishermen and women being “used as a bargaining chip in these negotiations”.

And he said “good luck, good luck” to those who say leaving without a trade deal has opportunities.

“Frankly speaking, there is no reason to under-estimate the consequences for many people, many sectors, of a no-deal – it will be a huge difference between a deal and a no-deal,” he added.

Mr Barnier also “warmly” thanked Phil Hogan, the Irish politician who resigned as EU trade commissioner after intense scrutiny over whether he broke coronavirus regulations.

He said: “I will miss Phil Hogan, on whom I could always count to relay any Irish concerns to me very directly over the last four years.”

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