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From: TT
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Photo: Chris Jackson / AP / TT
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks forward to continued close cooperation with the United States after Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election. Stock photo.
What does Joe Biden mean for Brexit? And for Boris Johnson?
The result in the US makes British analysts accelerate ahead of another important week for future relations with the continent.
As so many times before, this week is painted as crucial in the entire Brexit process. The lengthy negotiations on future trade and fisheries and other collaborations must be concluded soon, if everything is to be approved and come into force before the end of the year.
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier is back in London to discuss, following a telephone conversation on Saturday between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Good intentions”
In London, Environment Minister George Eustice seems to see a glimmer.
– There are still obstacles to overcome, but I believe that now there is good will on both sides, Eustice tells Sky television.
Fishing has long been one of the main conflict problems, but now it may be on the way to a temporary solution.
– We have always been open to a sensible attitude and potentially considering a deal lasting two or three years, for example, says Eustice.
Not in the high house
It is not yet clear whether the US election of Joe Biden as president instead of Donald Trump will affect the Brexit process. In any case, Biden is seen as significantly more favorable to the EU than Trump.
“Now that Joe Biden is the next president, I definitely think it’s time to reflect on 10 Downing Street,” Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told Irish television channel RTE.
During his campaign, Biden has criticized the new British legislation that Johnson wants to introduce to guarantee internal trade in the United Kingdom, but that the EU considers to be in breach of the exit agreement that both parties approved last winter.
The legislation is expected to be rejected in the British House of Lords on Monday afternoon, which, however, does not have a chance to completely halt enforcement of the law.
Who calls Biden?
At the same time, the question is what Biden’s election means for the close political relationship Britain and the United States have had for decades. The close ties between Trump and Johnson have fueled speculation that Biden will dial by letting his first phone call to Europe go to French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel or even Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin.
However, both parties have promised the continuation of the “special relationship”.
– The United States is our closest and most important ally. This has been the case with president after president, prime minister after prime minister. That will not change, Boris Johnson said on Sunday, according to Reuters.
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