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But high-level government sources have dismissed the idea as “fantasy” and insisted it “doesn’t make sense” to reject a deal now only to accept it weeks later.
A source said: “If we go without a deal, there will inevitably be criticism of the Government, although the Prime Minister has made it clear that we will prosper either way.
“Why the hell would we go through that if we intended to go back to Brussels with the cap in hand a few weeks later and accept a deal that we have already rejected?
“If Emmanuel Macron believes that this is what is going to happen, he has made a big miscalculation.”
UK sources made it clear again on Sunday that there could only be a deal if there was a “substantial change” in the EU’s position.
Fishing rights issues and “level playing field” rules remain the two key areas of difference, and Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, said the bloc “remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced”. We respect the sovereignty of the United Kingdom. And we hope the same ”.
A UK government source said: “Unfortunately, the EU is still struggling to obtain the necessary flexibility from member states and continues to make demands that are incompatible with our independence.
“We cannot accept a deal that does not leave us in control of our own laws or waters.”
The latest offer from the European Commission on fish is to return 25% of its quota, with a transition period of six years. Britain has offered a three-year transition and wants 60 percent of the fees returned.
If an agreement is reached before 31 December, it could be applied provisionally, which does not require a vote by the European Parliament. MEPs would still have to confirm the deal with a vote in the new year.
On Sunday night Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s Prime Minister, said it was now “imperative” for Johnson to seek a deal to extend the Brexit transition period.
“The new strain of Covid and the various implications of it mean that we are facing a deeply serious situation, and it demands our 100 percent attention. It would be inconceivable to make it worse with Brexit,” he said.
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