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Is the UK now ready to close a deal? Fisheries pact with EU is close … now MPs could vote on Brexit trade deal on DAYS
- Britain and Brussels seemed to be creeping closer to a fisheries deal
- Ministers drew up ‘provisional’ plans to call MPs and Christmas companions
- Fisheries commitment similar to the one previously proposed by the former Brexit adviser
Britain and Brussels appeared to be creeping closer to a deal on fisheries last night after the EU offered new concessions.
Chief negotiator Michel Barnier originally offered to accept a reduction of just 15 per cent in the EU’s fishing quota in British waters, staggered over ten years.
This rose to 25 percent over eight years, in what was said to be a “final offer.” But last night, there were reports that the two sides could settle for the EU giving up more than 35 percent of its quota over five years. Future disputes would be resolved through independent arbitration.
Ministers have drawn up ‘interim’ plans to recall MPs and peers for their Christmas holidays the day before the Brexit transition period ends. In the photo: Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The move means that parliament could be called on to vote on a Brexit deal on December 30.
Ministers have drawn up ‘interim’ plans to call MPs and colleagues from their Christmas break the day before the Brexit transition period ends. Parliamentary sources said legislation to launch an agreement could be passed in a single day, leaving MPs with little time to analyze it.
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg also announced changes to Commons procedures that would allow MPs to participate in any Brexit debate remotely, rather than having to travel to London’s Level Four.
Barnier and his British counterpart, David Frost, have continued to meet daily to resolve their differences and reach an agreement.
Boris Johnson told the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) that in order to avoid a No Deal, the EU needed to change its stance ‘substantially
Boris Johnson told the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, that to avoid a No Deal, the EU needed to change its position “substantially”.
The fishing pledge was similar to that previously proposed by former Brexit adviser Raoul Ruparel, EU sources told the Financial Times. However, this was denied by the UK, which said “significant differences” still existed between the two parties.
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday led calls for the transition period to extend beyond December 31, saying that the Covid crisis “demands our 100 percent attention.”
Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) yesterday led calls for the transition period to extend beyond Dec. 31, saying the Covid crisis ‘demands our 100 percent attention.’
Some pro-permanency conservatives also backed the call.
Former Defense Minister Tobias Ellwood said: ‘These are far from ideal conditions to rationally determine our future prosperity and security terms. If there is no deal for the new year, let’s do our best for the UK and pause the clock. ‘ Simon Hoare said it was time to ‘stop the clock, temporarily’, adding: ‘There is no parliamentary time to analyze and agree on a deal and the clarity of the dangers to our already pressured No Deal economy is alarming.’
But Eurosceptic conservatives urged the prime minister to stand firm.
Former Brexit Minister David Jones said: “Given that the EU has taken a totally unreasonable position throughout this year’s trade negotiations, why would anyone think they would be more reasonable if there was an extension?” Conservative MP Marco Longhi said: ‘What is going to be agreed in an extension that could not be agreed in four years of negotiations?’
Barnier (pictured) said the EU could “ provisionally ” ratify a treaty until December 31, and MEPs were asked to formalize the process next year.
Downing Street said the prime minister will not extend the deadline for negotiations.
The prime minister’s spokesman also dismissed the idea that a short “suspension” agreement could be struck if talks continue beyond the end of the year. He said time was “obviously short” to reach an agreement, but insisted that deputies should approve it before the new year. He added: “We will have to ratify any agreement before January 1. The House leader made it clear that we would remove Parliament to give MPs a vote on the necessary legislation.”
Barnier said the EU could “provisionally” ratify a treaty until December 31, and MEPs were asked to formalize the process next year.
Rees-Mogg said it is “technically possible” for the UK to do the same.
But Downing Street’s refusal to approve the idea means that an agreement should be reached by December 28 to allow time to overturn parliament and finalize the legislation.
