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The Brussels diplomat insisted that his British counterpart Lord Frost has asked for much more generous terms, and some that are only available with EU membership. In a private meeting, Barnier expressed frustration that No. 10 has claimed that the deal the EU offers is a “low value” trade deal. Before withdrawing from the talks last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “There is still an agreement. We will continue to work hard in September to achieve this. It is based on our reasonable proposal for a standard free trade agreement like the one the EU has agreed with Canada and so many others. “
Barnier’s intervention came after both sides failed to break the deadlock after nearly two weeks of intense disputes over the post-Brexit deal.
The Frenchman told MEPs that he had shown a genuine willingness to compromise, but this had not been reciprocated by the British side.
He said the UK’s refusal to move toward the bloc’s position had prolonged the stalemate in line on access to Britain’s fishing grounds and future common standards.
Barnier said the talks are currently “not on a trajectory” to reach an agreement unless the UK changes its approach.
Lord Frost, the prime minister’s envoy for Brexit, said “divergences” remain on key points in the talks.
But he affirmed that progress had been made in putting pencil on paper in the legal text.
Lord Frost said: “We have just finished two weeks of intense talks with the EU.
“Progress has been made, but I agree with Michel Barnier that large divergences persist on some fundamental issues. We continue to work to find solutions that fully respect the sovereignty of the UK. “
In a mockery of Britain’s claim that it only wants a Canadian-style trade deal, an EU diplomat said: “This is not a flimsy trade deal. This is serious stuff.
“If all you want is a Canadian-style deal, then just ask for it.”
And Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, insisted the UK would have to abide by the bloc’s rules if it wanted to keep trading.
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Barnier warned that such a high-stakes showdown would have Britain pitting access to its coastal waters with the demand for the block of a level playing field.
A Brussels source said Barnier was furious at continued attempts to sideline him in favor of more lenient EU leaders.
“I keep telling them that that is not going to happen,” the bloc’s Brexit chief said, according to sources.
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