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The Prime Minister’s European envoy Lord Frost admitted yesterday that the crisp negotiations for a trade treaty between the UK and the EU “may not be successful” given Brussels’ refusal to recognize the country’s sovereignty over fishing waters, the trade regulation and industrial policy. And Downing Street officials said Johnson is running out of patience. He is said to be preparing for a no-deal relationship with the EU similar to Australia’s.
A government source said: “We urgently need to move forward on these issues or it will end in an Australian-style deal.
“There is momentum and there is strong desire on both sides to come to an agreement, but this week is going to be tough work for Lord Frost.”
Johnson is preparing for a showdown with Brussels in the coming days as his government recovers from the week of infighting that led to the departure of senior adviser Dominic Cummings from Downing Street.
The Prime Minister will renew his drive to transform the country by making major announcements in the coming days, including publishing a 10-point plan for a “green industrial revolution.”
Brexit news: Boris issues latest ultimatum (Image: GETTY)
Brexit News: Significant gaps remain between the two parties (Image: PA)
He will also be reaching out to Conservative MPs in the captured northern “Blue Wall” territories from Labor with a meeting with the Northern Research Group of backbenchers today to hear their ideas for regenerating their region.
In a crucial week for the government, Lord Frost will go head-to-head with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier ahead of a video conference of EU leaders on Thursday seen by both sides as a deadline for moving forward.
Arriving in Brussels yesterday for talks, the pair warned that talks will fail unless the EU abandons demands for continued control over business regulation, state aid to industry and fishing quotas.
In a statement on Twitter, Lord Frost said: “We are working to reach an agreement, but the only possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, our trade and our waters. That has been our constant position from the beginning and I will not change it.
“There has been some progress in a positive direction in recent days.
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Brexit news: the two sides expected to break the deadlock this week (Image: PA)
“We also now largely have draft common treaty texts, although of course important elements have not yet been agreed.
“We will work to build on these and reach a general agreement if we can. But we may not make it.
“Either way, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson made clear on October 16, individuals and businesses must prepare for the change that is coming on December 31, most of which occurs whether there is a deal or if no”.
Last night, Brexit MPs backed Lord Frost in attacking the EU’s attempts to intimidate the UK.
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said: “Lord Frost needs to stand his ground this week. You are absolutely right in saying that we are a sovereign nation and we cannot accept anything that leaves us constrained by the EU.
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Brexit news: Boris Johnson (Image: PA)
“For the moment, Brussels wants to continue treating us as members of the EU.
“All we ask is the same commercial relationship that Canada, South Korea and other countries have with the EU.
“If it wants a deal, the EU has to stop pretending it can control the UK.”
Andrea Jenkyns, Vice Chair of the Euro-skeptical Tories Research Group, said: “Mr Frost’s comments show that we are in good hands with our negotiators and our government is serious about regaining control and keeping our promises to the British people.
“We will not bow to unreasonable demands from the EU and we are prepared to leave, negotiate or not.”
Brexit news: Lord Frost arrived in Brussels on Sunday (Image: PA)
Environment Secretary George Eustice insisted that talks with the EU on a future trade deal would not be affected by the departure of Cummings, who designed the Vote Leave campaign in the run-up to the 2016 EU referendum.
“The negotiations have been led by David Frost from the beginning. You have a team of very talented and experienced technical experts around you.
“He has led these negotiations from the beginning and obviously remains and continues to do so.
“So I really don’t think Dominic Cummings’ departure will have any impact on the negotiations, as Lord Frost has been leading them,” Eustice said.
Insisting that the government was moving on from the Downing Street fight, the cabinet minister said: “Dominic Cummings is a force of nature. He will do his thing, I’m sure.
“But look, as far as we’re concerned, there’s obviously been an episode. He chose to leave.
Fishing remains a sticking point (Image: Express)
He added: “I have known Dominic Cummings for many years. It has many strengths and one of them is winning campaigns.
“And it tends to apply in short bursts, short terms of service, in big strategic shifts like the result of the 2016 referendum, like the 2019 general election.
“And he’s very talented at it. But it is always the prime minister’s prerogative who his key advisers will be. “
With the reshuffle of his Downing Street team, Johnson is poised to make key decisions this week, including the scheduled easing of the second coronavirus lockdown next month.
He will also discuss the details of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s spending review to be held next week.
Brexit news: this Thursday is the deadline for a deal (Image: PA)
A spokesperson for Issue 10 said: “This government is determined to improve opportunities for people across the country, regardless of their background or where they live in the UK.
“We were chosen in an ambitious manifesto to fulfill this agenda, investing in education, skills and our NHS, tackling crime and introducing tougher sentences for those who commit the most heinous crimes, as well as concluding our trade negotiations with the EU.
“Our agenda remains focused on this and we will never deviate from this course as we rebuild better from the coronavirus pandemic.”
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