Raab ‘confident’ Northern Ireland obstacles can be overcome to secure Brexit trade deal

DOMINIC RAAB HAS said he is “confident” that Northern Ireland’s obstacles can be overcome to ensure the UK secures a trade deal.

The UK Foreign Secretary added that he believed the government could allay American fears and navigate the Northern Ireland issue to satisfy allies in the US After Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election.

It comes as Boris Johnson and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, agreed during a phone call on Saturday to “redouble efforts” to reach a trade agreement between the UK and the EU and signed the talks that will continue next. week.

Downing Street said the prime minister had told his Brussels counterpart that “significant differences” remained in the negotiations between the UK and the EU, and that the two sides remain separate in their positions on fishing rights and a level playing field agreement.

The call follows two weeks of intense talks between the UK’s top negotiator Lord Frost and his European Union counterpart Michel Barnier before further talks between the pair take place in London next week.

Rabb told BBC One’s Andrew Marr: “We have been very clear that we are absolutely committed to abiding by the Good Friday Agreement, but our argument is, and it was good to have the opportunity when I was in Washington to explain, it is the EU who it has put pressure on that with the approach it has taken.

“We want to solve all these problems with the EU; Obviously, the negotiations are ongoing, there is a good chance of reaching an agreement if we get the flexibility of the EU on fisheries and a level playing field.

“I am sure that we will navigate all of these issues in a sensible, correct way and, as I said, we listen very carefully to our American friends, particularly on Hill and in the Irish lobby; they feel very committed to the Good Friday Agreement, we understand that, and I pay tribute to what George Mitchell and Bill Clinton did, but it is not the UK that is putting it at risk, it is the EU’s approach ”.

When asked if a trade deal with the EU could be secured by the end of the week, the Foreign Secretary added: “I would not make assumptions, that’s the only thing we know about the Brexit process.

“I spoke with David Frost yesterday, the problems are where they are. The Prime Minister has spoken with Ursula von der Leyen, Head of the Commission, and negotiations are ongoing.

“What I would say is that it still boils down to two basic questions. Progress is being made, but we have to see if it is enough to cross the line.

“There are some fundamental interests at stake for the UK, points of democratic principle around the control of our laws, the control of our fisheries as an independent coastal state.

“I don’t think we can put them aside. But if the EU shows the flexibility, the goodwill to meet with us halfway through, I’m sure a deal can still be reached. “

Johnson and von der Leyen’s conversation last month led to discussions “escalation” ahead of fallout after the October 15 European Council meeting briefly derailed the negotiations.

UK chief negotiator Lord Frost was in the Belgian capital to speak face-to-face with his European Union counterpart, Barnier, earlier this week as the deadline for reaching a deal approaches.

After the phone call on Saturday, Lord Frost tweeted: “Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the chair of the commission, Ursula von der Leyen, spoke today about our negotiations with the EU.

“My conversations with Michel Barnier will continue in London on Monday.”