Brexit: Michael Gove no longer expects a trade pact



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British Minister of State Michael Gove has asked the European Union to “fundamentally” change its position on the trade pact planned for Brexit. As things currently stand, such a deal can no longer be expected before the end of the transition phase of Brexit, Gove said.

Brussels has refused to speed up the negotiations and has only asked for commitments from the British side, without being willing to commit. Britain is well prepared for a no-deal Brexit, Gove emphasized in parliament.

The European Union, meanwhile, reaffirmed its willingness to talk about a Brexit trade pact and is now waiting for a reaction from Britain. EU negotiator Michel Barnier announced it on Twitter after a conversation with his British colleague David Frost. “I have confirmed that the EU is available to intensify talks in London this week, on all issues and on the basis of the legal texts,” Barnier wrote.

The dispute is about a comprehensive trade agreement starting next year. Britain left the international community at the end of January, but remains a member of the EU internal market and the customs union during a transition period until the end of the year. Only then comes the economic breakdown. Without a contract, there is the risk of tariffs and high trade barriers. The economy on both sides is warning of major disruptions and is already feeling the first effects.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday accused the EU of not wanting a trade deal with Britain, so it is now assumed that there will be a non-contract default by the end of the year. A British government spokesman had stated that the negotiations had ended. However, London left a back door open for the talks to continue.

Icon: The mirror

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