Fishing the ‘major bone of contention’ as Brexit talks enter ‘last week or so’, says foreign secretary

Politics

The EU and UK are entering “the last week or so” of “substantive” post-Brexit trade negotiations, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has told Sky News.

With the Brexit transition period set to end in little more than a month’s time, Mr Raab suggested talks might soon be reaching a conclusion.

However, he called on the EU to accept a “point of principle” on fisheries, which has so far been a key sticking point in reaching a deal.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier wearing a protective face covering to combat the spread of the coronavirus, waves to members of the media as he leaves a conference centre as negotiations on a trade deal between the EU and the UK continue in London on November 28, 2020. - Britain's chief negotiator David Frost on Friday said a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union could still be secured, despite a looming deadline and deadlock on key areas. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Image:
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived back in London this week to continue talks

“As we leave the transition (period), we are an independent coastal state – we’ve got to be able to control our waters,” the foreign secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.

“We can talk about transitions and things like that and we recognise the impact it has on other countries around Europe.

“But that principle comes with sovereignty, comes with leaving not just the EU but the transition period.

“I think the answer is, can the EU accept that point of principle that comes with us leaving the political club?”

More from Brexit

Face-to-face negotiations on a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU recently resumed after Brussels’ chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and his team had been forced to quarantine due to a positive COVID-19 test among their number.

And Mr Raab appeared to reject what is reported to be the EU’s current offer on fishing – to return between 15-18% of fish stocks currently caught by EU fleets in British waters.

He said: “Does that sound right? 18% of control over fish in our own waters. That can’t be right.”

A flotilla of fishing boats leave South Shield Fish Quay, near Newcastle in a protest, organised by Campaign for an Independent Britain and Fishing for Leave, against the deal that will see the UK obeying the EU Common Fisheries Policy for the transition period of Brexit.
Image:
The foreign secretary told the EU to accept a ‘point of principle’ on fishing

Asked if a possible deal could collapse over the issue of fisheries, Mr Raab added: “I think it’s important the EU understand the point of principle.

“If they show the pragmatism, the goodwill and the good faith that, in fairness, has surrounded the last leg of the talks – and certainly we’ve shown our flexibility – I think there’s a deal to be done.”

On other outstanding issues, the foreign secretary said it “feels like there’s progress towards greater respect” for the UK’s position on so-called “level playing field” commitments – a set of post-Brexit common rules and standards.

Mr Raab said the coronavirus pandemic – and the accompanying economic crisis – “ought to focus all of our minds on doing everything we can to give the economy a bit of a boost – both on the UK side but also on the continental European side”.

:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

And, asked when the final deadline for a deal might be, the foreign secretary replied: “I’m a bit reticent to give an ultimate backstop because the goalposts sometimes shift on the EU side.

“But I think we’re into the last week or so of substantive negotiations. To be honest with you, the EU do shift the goalposts.”

Without a trade deal being agreed before 31 December, the EU and UK will likely trade from 1 January on World Trade Organisation terms – with the establishment of tariffs in both directions.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

State Medicaid offices target dead people’s homes to recoup their health care costs
Family of Missouri Teen Beaten on Video Say They Are ‘Hopeful’ She Will Recover Despite ‘Long Road Ahead’
Apple Patent Application Hints at AirPods Sensors That Allow Measurement of Brain Electrical Activity
Ireland win Six Nations title after victory over Scotland | World News
A 15-year problem that has plagued corporate America is finally turning around