The heart of the problem is that we’re not negotiating with the EU as two equals starting from scratch. We’re negotiating like ex-lovers desperate to get back together — but both since married.
Any hopes that the EU would, in the light of the Ukraine war, see us as an ally rather than a recalcitrant province, have evaporated. Eurocrats have gone home with everything they wanted. Mission accompli. So long, and thanks for all the fish.
The amendment on the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill must be opposed in Parliament as it will have a profound impact on Britain’s ability to control our product standards.
Devaluation was not an option. So in 2011, unable to withstand pressure from France, Germany and the financial markets, he was replaced by a technocrat, Mario Monti.
Interrupting other pipelines would cause havoc on the energy markets and prevent Europe heating itself this winter. They would be no different to German attacks on allied food convoys in the First and Second World Wars.
It is trying to find ways to get away with violating its obligations. Not exactly in line with the image it attempts to paint of itself in the Brexit context.
Sefcovic’s language in response was more assuaging than we have seen from Brussels in previous UK-EU rows.
With the Assembly elections in May fast approaching, it is clear that there is a finite time horizon for these negotiations to bear fruit.
Šefčovič warns that if “you pull the plug” then there will be “a lot of problems” for future trading relationships.
The EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator has suggested that France needs a “constitutional shield” to disregard the European Court of Justice.
Were clause 4 of Article 5 amended as I suggest, the Protocol would have much of the flexibility it needs to work to the satisfaction of all parties.
Plus: Why as an Ipswich supporter I’m happy to see the end to the European Super League. And: My take on Mercer’s resignation.
All the same, we have to make this relationship work – because, if we do not, both sides have the capacity to do each other a lot of harm.
As Ukraine continues to fight on two fronts – against Russia’s aggression and its own entrenched corruption – it must remember that one without the other cannot be won. The bravery of its soldiers must be matched by the integrity of its officials.