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EU's Barnier warns Britain post-Brexit transition 'not a given'


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EU's Barnier warns Britain post-Brexit transition 'not a given'

By Gabriela Baczynska and Robert-Jan Bartunek

 

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En la imagen, el negociador jefe del Brexit para la UE, Michel Barnier, en una rueda de prensa en Bruselas, el 9 de febrero de 2018. REUTERS/François Lenoir

 

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A post-Brexit transition is "not a given", Michel Barnier warned Britain on Friday, saying London had "substantial" objections to the European Union's offer and that parts of it were not up for negotiation.

 

The EU negotiator's stark message, which weakened sterling, came after EU diplomats and officials warned in recent days that sticking points in the talks were threatening the whole Brexit schedule that the two sides had agreed on to provide certainty to business and citizens.

 

Speaking to journalists in Brussels after the latest round of Brexit talks, Barnier listed Britain's issues with the transition period that the EU has offered until the end of 2020.

 

It envisages that London will remain bound by all EU laws and pay into the bloc's budget, but have no say in decisions. London has said it wants to reach a deal on transition in March.

 

"If these differences persist, a transition is not a given," Barnier said. "If these disagreements were to persist, there will undoubtedly be a problem."

 

Britain's Brexit negotiator David Davis said he was "surprised" at Barnier's comments.

 

Barnier said Britain rejected giving lifetime residency rights to EU citizens who arrive after Brexit but before 2021, wanted mechanisms to avoid any new EU laws it dislikes, and opposed a clause to unilaterally suspend Britain's access to the single market in case of disputes.

 

"Frankly, I am surprised by these disagreements," he said. "In demanding the benefits of the single market, the customs union ... the United Kingdom should logically accept all the rules and obligations until the end of the transition."

 

Barnier stressed the EU was waiting for London to explain what sort of future relationship it wanted with the bloc and how to avoid border controls between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic if it leaves the bloc's customs union, as Prime Minister Theresa May has said it will.

 

May's cabinet, however, is deeply split on how close to the EU it sees Britain eventually landing.

 

"The sooner the UK makes its choices, the better," Barnier said. "A UK decision to leave the single market and leave the customs union would make border checks unavoidable."

 

"We focus on solutions to avoid a hard border ... any solution must be precise, clear and unambiguous."

 

"NO DISCOURTESY"

 

Barnier said Britain had to sort out all issues related to its divorce from the bloc - including ties with the EU nuclear agency Euratom and personal data protection - to win a transition period after it leaves the EU in March 2019.

 

"There is no transition possible without a withdrawal agreement," he said.

 

London particularly dislikes the EU retaining the right to cut Britain off from its market. Davis on Friday also called its approach "discourteous".

 

"You will not find in our attitude ... the least trace of discourtesy or willingness to punish," Barnier responded.

 

He said the next round of Brexit negotiations, which the EU has pencilled in to start on Feb. 26, would look again at the transition, as well as whether Britain would be covered by EU deals with third countries during that time.

 

Britain wants third countries to continue their current treatment of it and has said it will seek the EU's help in persuading them to do so.

 

The bloc has only said it would expect Britain to remain bound by such deals during the transition, but cannot guarantee third parties will grant London the same benefits.

 

The EU is increasingly considering changes to the Brexit schedule, which also assumes the other 27 EU national leaders will in March give Barnier a mandate for talks with Britain on its future ties with the bloc.

 

"Maybe we can wait more," a senior EU diplomat said. "But if we don't have it all sorted out properly by the Brexit date, there will be a cliff-edge. They will crash out, there will be even more damage."

 

Another diplomat said there had been "no good atmosphere" at this week's talks. "Britain still lacks a political mandate to discuss the detail, so it's playing cat-and-mouse."

 

 
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-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-02-10
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43 minutes ago, terryw said:

It is long overdue for our representatives to stop being Mister or Mrs Nice Guy. The EU are not our friends, they are business rivals. They want to reduce the ability of the UK to decide how to develop a competitive economy.

Finally a brexitter who understands the reality. 

 

Even before the brexit vote, it's been the fact that these two sides sit on different sides of the table in case brexit happens.

 

EU's interest is to protect its own wellbeing on these negotiations. Just like UK's mission is the same for the Britain. That's what you wanted and voted for.

 

 

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1 hour ago, timewilltell said:

Time to up and walk away with our 40 billion and screw the EU.

If the EU wish to impose 'penalties' during any transition, the payments must be considered as possible retaliation.

A transition must embody a changing of the relationship, and not a liability that the UK must hold to all EU regulations, laws and restrictions, else how is that a transition not a postponement of Brexit? Not allowing negotiations with 3rd countries during the 'transition' stinks of being dictatorial' and the reason the UK wants out.

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23 minutes ago, oilinki said:

Finally a brexitter who understands the reality. 

 

Even before the brexit vote, it's been the fact that these two sides sit on different sides of the table in case brexit happens.

 

EU's interest is to protect its own wellbeing on these negotiations. Just like UK's mission is the same for the Britain. That's what you wanted and voted for.

 

 

 

Of course. Anyone who thinks the EU would take a friendly, helpful, ethical, moral, and fair attitude into these negotiations is deluded. 

 

 

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4 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Of course. Anyone who thinks the EU would take a friendly, helpful, ethical, moral, and fair attitude into these negotiations is deluded. 

UK is an adult country and can take care of itself. There is no need to play the victim card here. Simply do the negotiations and be done with the brexit. Or don't do and be treated like Turkey. It's up to you really.

 

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The EU is strickly after the money. Thats what they are all about.


Money & authority.

We’re now seeing how the EU reacts & shows it’s true colours when challenged a MS wants to leave.

Summary...Ok, leave but we’ll attempt to bleed you financially (albeit outstanding obligations) and ensure your attempts to succeed beyond the EU are a struggle.



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https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/916958/Brexit-news-update-latest-UK-EU-Michel-Barnier-BBC-Brexitcast-Katya-Adler

I know it’s the Express and sometimes the news about Brexit has to be taken with a pinch of salt like a few other papers but this is from the BBC European news editor.    

 

Funny enough I can’t find this anywhere actually being reported by the BBC itself.

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If the EU are going to be really tough,(really they have to

, to dissuade  others from leaving) but if they think they

can also take our service and banking interests,I think

we should make the UK a low business tax ,low VAT

island right on their doorstep,we need to make Britain,

Great again,(sorry for the pun and ref to Trump) <deleted> the EU,

the people  are OK, but their leaders are despots.

regards worgeordie

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6 hours ago, timewilltell said:

Time to up and walk away with our 40 billion and screw the EU.

It will hurt Southern Ireland hard...

 

But seems we have gone about this the wrong way, we and the EU should have done this the other way round, decided how we wanted then thought how to make it acceptable to the other side, then listed to the other side, then come up with a joint proposal before starting on the finer details to make it legal and watertight. it is pretty obvious that you can not have customs union EU while running trade agreements with any country outside the EU.

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The problem is that EU is much more egalitarian and socially just than England. 

 

Certainly the Komodo Cons want a low tax, low welfare, low standard society with gross inequality just like the USA. The  EU must surely fear having such a state on its door step. 

 

Who is going to benefit from this? None of you; that's for sure.

 

There is no point having a transition period. Just delay Brexit until end 2021 or leave now.

 

May as well close the channel tunnel now.

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8 hours ago, oilinki said:

Finally a brexitter who understands the reality. 

 

Even before the brexit vote, it's been the fact that these two sides sit on different sides of the table in case brexit happens.

 

EU's interest is to protect its own wellbeing on these negotiations. Just like UK's mission is the same for the Britain. That's what you wanted and voted for.

 

 

It would have been useful if Davis turned up instead of saying it clashed with something else in his diary.  Probably having his hair cut.  Anyway nothing new from Barnier, simply confirming their position at the moment.  A poster wrote that we are not friends with the EU and that is correct.  At the moment we are business partners but we have decided to depart from that business relationship in the form of Brexit.

 

But it is quite right that the EU will protect it's own well being in these negotiations.  It is being open and clear on it's position because it can be.  Britain on the other hand is also trying to negotiate what it feels is best for it's future.  The difference is that Britain can't be open and clear about their position because they know that whatever they say will cause consternation.  On one side you have the businesses and investors and on the other side you have the likes of Rees-Mogg and Johnson.

 

We are now at a point when nobody believes anyone else.  So much bullsh*t, lies and denial.   

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5 hours ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/916958/Brexit-news-update-latest-UK-EU-Michel-Barnier-BBC-Brexitcast-Katya-Adler

I know it’s the Express and sometimes the news about Brexit has to be taken with a pinch of salt like a few other papers but this is from the BBC European news editor.    

 

Funny enough I can’t find this anywhere actually being reported by the BBC itself.

Yes,it’s very strange “ not” that the BBC are not keen on making this known to the general public. Yet for some strange reason seem to give prominence to any scare story, made up by the remoaners.

 

 

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On 10/02/2018 at 2:44 PM, oilinki said:

UK is an adult country and can take care of itself. There is no need to play the victim card here. Simply do the negotiations and be done with the brexit. Or don't do and be treated like Turkey. It's up to you really.

 

 

On 10/02/2018 at 8:15 PM, Grouse said:

The problem is that EU is much more egalitarian and socially just than England. 

 

Certainly the Komodo Cons want a low tax, low welfare, low standard society with gross inequality just like the USA. The  EU must surely fear having such a state on its door step. 

 

Who is going to benefit from this? None of you; that's for sure.

 

There is no point having a transition period. Just delay Brexit until end 2021 or leave now.

 

May as well close the channel tunnel now.

Thing is, the system in the USA encourages the work ethic, the ones who do less well are the wingers and whining democrats. Of course a high taxing high welfare society can worker as in some parts of Europe however the social engineers are now running amok and Europe and the UK is doomed, just check out how the health system is going or not going, money is running out, and fast!!!

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32 minutes ago, Franko666 said:

 

Thing is, the system in the USA encourages the work ethic, the ones who do less well are the wingers and whining democrats. Of course a high taxing high welfare society can worker as in some parts of Europe however the social engineers are now running amok and Europe and the UK is doomed, just check out how the health system is going or not going, money is running out, and fast!!!

Are you referring to Germany? No? Denmark then? No? France then? No? Where?

 

In my direct experience, high tax, egalitarian counties are happier and more successful.

 

I've lived and worked in the USA on three separate occasions and had a great time. I'll tell you this though, I wouldn't want to bring up kids there....

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30 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Are you referring to Germany? No? Denmark then? No? France then? No? Where?

 

In my direct experience, high tax, egalitarian counties are happier and more successful.

 

I've lived and worked in the USA on three separate occasions and had a great time. I'll tell you this though, I wouldn't want to bring up kids there....

UK, Sweden, now France, possibly Italy,  probably Greece, Spain is stuffed, Germany is running the show and is taking all the EU money, some nordic countries are compliant so they seem to do well with a combination of socialism and free enterprise. So let me get this right you worked in the States had a great time earn plenty of money but you can't raise children there. So where are you raising kids or where did you raise kids, Thailand, UK? Just wondering how that is going compared to the high earning low-cost USA?

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4 hours ago, Franko666 said:

UK, Sweden, now France, possibly Italy,  probably Greece, Spain is stuffed, Germany is running the show and is taking all the EU money, some nordic countries are compliant so they seem to do well with a combination of socialism and free enterprise. So let me get this right you worked in the States had a great time earn plenty of money but you can't raise children there. So where are you raising kids or where did you raise kids, Thailand, UK? Just wondering how that is going compared to the high earning low-cost USA?

Well this is off topic but in response to you

 

As an American, I understand that money is the be all and end all of life for you. I understand, I get it. BUT you are SO wrong. What about happiness, social justice, morality, tranquility, peace and so on. You constitution is becoming a joke!

 

Health care, social services, great schools, infrastructure are free to all!

 

Since you ask my son and daughter from my first marriage are an airline captain and a physician respectively.

 

My second wife has presented me with two daughters, the elder is studying TV production in Thailand and U.K. My fourteen year old is at school here in Phuket ( she plays bass BTW)

 

I used to make chips for TI and others.

 

I lived in Cambridge MA, Austin TX and Los Gatos CA

 

All of my children have been to the USA and enjoyed it

 

But, for CIVILISATION, Europe is the place ?

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10 hours ago, Franko666 said:

 

Thing is, the system in the USA encourages the work ethic, the ones who do less well are the wingers and whining democrats. Of course a high taxing high welfare society can worker as in some parts of Europe however the social engineers are now running amok and Europe and the UK is doomed, just check out how the health system is going or not going, money is running out, and fast!!!

Actually not. Overwhelmingly it's the red states that are most dependent on the federal government.

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-government/2700/

Overwhelmingly workers in the Tech economy, the cutting edge of the American economy, are more liberal.

http://www.businessinsider.com/charts-show-the-political-bias-of-each-profession-2014-11

 

And if the UK health system is doomed, that's only because the Conservatives are starving and trying to turn it into the disaster that is the American health system.

And no, money is not running out and fast. And if it is, what does that say about the US health system which costs a lot more?

And congratulations! You managed to make a post that was entirely false.

 

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UK, Sweden, now France, possibly Italy,  probably Greece, Spain is stuffed, Germany is running the show and is taking all the EU money, some nordic countries are compliant so they seem to do well with a combination of socialism and free enterprise. So let me get this right you worked in the States had a great time earn plenty of money but you can't raise children there. So where are you raising kids or where did you raise kids, Thailand, UK? Just wondering how that is going compared to the high earning low-cost USA?

Would you care to explain, complete with tangible evidence why the U.K. & Sweden are stuffed?

France has high unemployment.
Greece is under EU whiplash/orders.
Spain is currently struggling but basically treading water.

I agree Germany is running the show as it’s called a monopoly and quite a few MS are unhappy about it, it’s also the Germans best interests to ensure the Euro doesn’t collapse.




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16 minutes ago, citybiker said:


Would you care to explain, complete with tangible evidence why the U.K. & Sweden are stuffed?

France has high unemployment.
Greece is under EU whiplash/orders.
Spain is currently struggling but basically treading water.

I agree Germany is running the show as it’s called a monopoly and quite a few MS are unhappy about it, it’s also the Germans best interests to ensure the Euro doesn’t collapse.




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"Germany is running the show as it’s called a monopoly..."  ???

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For both Countries and more  the basic problems seem to be uncontrolled migration of people with little interest in integration  but a big interest in making full use of the welfare and social system and the other one with the UK  in particular is the abuse of the Health System by people from Europe and beyond causing great angst amongst the people from the UK . Not forgetting the sexual abuse to locals by first and second generation migrants from Islamic Countries. Don't take my word for it, Google it.

We are drifting a little off topic and we may get shut down by moderators so this conservation is now closed, time to move on.

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12 hours ago, ilostmypassword said:

Actually not. Overwhelmingly it's the red states that are most dependent on the federal government.

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-government/2700/

Overwhelmingly workers in the Tech economy, the cutting edge of the American economy, are more liberal.

http://www.businessinsider.com/charts-show-the-political-bias-of-each-profession-2014-11

 

And if the UK health system is doomed, that's only because the Conservatives are starving and trying to turn it into the disaster that is the American health system.

And no, money is not running out and fast. And if it is, what does that say about the US health system which costs a lot more?

And congratulations! You managed to make a post that was entirely false.

 

I don't agree, my comments are totally credible except to anyone who believes Hilary Clinton is not corrupt. The Health system of the British is broke and it is broke because of over use, there isn't enough money in the $$$$ pie to pay for the extaudinary abuse of the health system. And of course it the health system starved of money, there just isn't enough pounds to go around to pay for all the minority groups whims and a viable health system, it seems health has become less of a priority and so have the British people. Sad but true. 

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10 minutes ago, Franko666 said:

For both Countries and more  the basic problems seem to be uncontrolled migration of people with little interest in integration  but a big interest in making full use of the welfare and social system and the other one with the UK  in particular is the abuse of the Health System by people from Europe and beyond causing great angst amongst the people from the UK . Not forgetting the sexual abuse to locals by first and second generation migrants from Islamic Countries. Don't take my word for it, Google it.

We are drifting a little off topic and we may get shut down by moderators so this conservation is now closed, time to move on.

While the abuse of social security system has been an issue in Nordic countries, it's been addressed and the countries are force returning those people back who don't fit the refugee profile.

 

When it comes to the healthcare, shouldn't those who work, pay taxes and contribute to the country's economy, be allowed to use the services they pay for, even if they are not born in particular country? 

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17 minutes ago, Franko666 said:

For both Countries and more  the basic problems seem to be uncontrolled migration of people with little interest in integration  but a big interest in making full use of the welfare and social system and the other one with the UK  in particular is the abuse of the Health System by people from Europe and beyond causing great angst amongst the people from the UK . Not forgetting the sexual abuse to locals by first and second generation migrants from Islamic Countries. Don't take my word for it, Google it.

We are drifting a little off topic and we may get shut down by moderators so this conservation is now closed, time to move on.

Ah, now the real issue you have with the EU comes to light, migration.

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