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The UK has called for a new way of thinking from the European Union and has criticized “laughable” proposals on fishing quotas amid mounting tensions as the two sides enter what could be the final week of trade talks. post-Brexit.
There was anger from the UK after reports emerged that the EU could accept only a 15-18 per cent cut in its share of fishing rights in UK waters, emphasizing how far off talks are from a agreement.
The UK, led by chief negotiator Lord Frost, is understood to believe that the potential benefits of a no-deal Brexit are underestimated, despite dire warnings about the effect on business and the economy.
A source close to the negotiations said the UK was not going to “sell” its sovereignty.
They said: “In the coming days we will continue to negotiate with creativity and intensity. We hope that the EU will come up with new ideas because what we have seen so far is not enough. They must understand that we are not going to sell our sovereignty ”.
A government source added: “These (fishing) figures are laughable, and the EU knows very well that we would never accept it. It appears that the Commission has failed to internalize the scale of change needed as we become an independent nation. ”
However, it is understood that a potential path has emerged that could pave the way for an agreement on one of the other main points: a level playing field.
Face-to-face Brexit negotiations have resumed in London, just over a month before the transition period ends on December 31.
But there is believed to be growing skepticism among other EU states about the prospects for a deal.
Home Secretary Priti Patel suggested that UK ministers were still prepared to leave even at this late hour.
The government promised to ensure that the Brexit talks were “conclusive,” he said.
“But at the same time, we are preparing in the way our country would expect us to prepare for the end of the transition.”
Earlier, French MEP Pierre Karleskind, who chairs the European Parliament’s fisheries committee, defended the fisheries proposal.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today program: “You asked your companies to access the European Union common market, and we ask our fishermen to access your waters … it is reciprocity.”
On Friday, Lord Frost said that any deal must respect UK sovereignty.
“That is not just a word, it has practical consequences. That includes: controlling our borders; decide on a robust and principled subsidy control system; and control our fishing waters. ”
Boris Johnson also underscored his commitment to reaching a Brexit deal that respects UK sovereignty in a call with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.
It is understood that the UK government believes that a critical point in the talks, when it will be clear whether a deal can be reached or not, may come in a few days.
Chaos is expected in British ports, whether a deal is reached or not.
However, a no-deal is expected to do more damage to the British economy.
