David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, said:
“Given the intense work that has taken place this week it is surprising to hear that Michel Barnier is unclear on the UK’s position in relation to the implementation period. As I set out in a speech two weeks ago, we are seeking a time-limited period that maintains access to each other’s markets on existing terms.
“However for any such period to work both sides will need a way to resolve disputes in the unlikely event that they occur.
“But there is a fundamental contradiction in the approach the Commission is taking. Today they acknowledged that a way to resolve disputes and infringements is needed. Yet at the same time they dismissed the UK’s push for reasonable safeguards to ensure our interests are protected. It is not possible to have it both ways.
“We must not lose sight of the ultimate aim here — to build a new comprehensive partnership between the UK and the EU that sees us stay as the closest of friends and allies. It is in that spirit that the UK continues to approach negotiations with the Commission.”
ENDS
Elizabeth McKinnell | Spokesperson and Head of Communication and Visits | UK Representation to the EU | Tel: +32 (0)2 287 8212|Mob: NEW – +32 476 96 82 72 (Brussels) +44 7785 741 928 (UK); | Echo: NEW – 8316 6298 | elizabeth.mckinnell@fco.gov.uk |www.gov.uk/fco |www.gov.uk/world/uk-eu