Video
Terms signed off but Barnier demands ‘respect’ for EU
Theresa May attending the European Council headquarter in Brussel Photo: PA / Thierry Monasse/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM - Credit: ABACA/PA Images
Leaders of the 27 remaining European Union states have approved negotiating guidelines for talks on Britain's future trade and security relations.
But the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned that any future partnership 'must respect the principles and identity of the EU and the single market'.
The move sets the scene for talks on trade to get under way in earnest, following months of wrangling over the terms of the UK's withdrawal and the transition period to the new arrangements.
Prime Minister Theresa May called for a 'new dynamic' in the next stage of negotiations, in order to reach a deal which will be good for both Britain and Europe.
Addressing the EU27 over dinner in Brussels May said it was their duty to show 'energy and ambition' in the upcoming talks.
You may also want to watch:
Barnier said the move marked a 'decisive' moment in 'this difficult and extraordinary negotiation'.
He cautioned that the future partnership negotiated over the coming months 'must respect the principles and identity of the EU and the single market'.
Most Read
- 1 Betty Boothroyd delivers scathing assessment of Boris Johnson's government
- 2 House of Lords defies No 10 and votes to heavily defeat Boris Johnson's Brexit bill
- 3 Boris Johnson 'plans to resign' in six months because he can't live on £150k salary
- 4 ERG MP says Boris Johnson should consider cutting ties with Church of England following Brexit row
- 5 Diane Abbott accuses Keir Starmer of having 'other motives' while shadow Brexit secretary
- 6 Leaked memo exposes government fears over rise in support for Scottish independence
- 7 Labour MP lashes out at Boris Johnson over £150k wage complaint during fiery debate on Manchester lockdown
- 8 Labour MP calls Dan Wootton a 'complete and utter nutcase' following Covid-19 herd immunity comment
- 9 Government told to publish impact assessments for Boris Johnson's 'Narnia' deal with EU
- 10 Dominic Cummings dodges £50k in unpaid taxes after decision to 'write off' charges
May added that 'compromise on both sides' had been required to reach a mutually acceptable legal text on the transition.
It will see the UK continue to observe EU rules until the end of 2020 while winning the freedom to negotiate and ratify trade deals with outside countries.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
