,
14 tweets,
4 min read
Read on Twitter
A few comments on this thread by @MarcusFysh.
First, Marcus rightly acknowledges (some of those who invoke Art 24 don’t) that it requires the EU to agree.
But it’s a bit misleading to say the agreement doesn’t need the agreement of EU members states with the implication it could be done in an afternoon. Try reading Article 218 TFEU (the relevant provision). eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/…
It needs a Council mandate, approval of the Council (ie of most Member States) and of the European Parliament. And there are rules about liaising with the EP throughout the process.
It’s called democracy and accountability, folks. And Member States want to control the process (as we did when we were a member). As a third country we have to live with it - and its implications, namely time taken.
So the idea that even a short form no tariff agreement could (with the best will in the world) be reached in less than a few months is a pipe dream.
And in the meantime, we face EU standard WTO tariffs on our exports and associated checks ...
(@BorisJohnson has suggested that we would be protected against that consequence by the “implementation” or transition period. As @DLidington points out, that is piffle: we get the implementation period only if we ratify the Withdrawal Agreement. )
Second, as many commentators with knowledge and experience of the EU have pointed out, the EU won’t be interested in such a deal unless we sign up to money, citizens rights and a backstop to keep the Irish border soft. See
The bargaining power is with them, as I point out here: and as Switzerland - also quite a large economy - well knows.
(And on Switzerland see .)
Third, none of this helps with non tariff barriers (regulatory checks/standards). Nor does it help service suppliers from U.K. lawyers to U.K. consultants to U.K. musicians trying to do gigs or concerts in the EU27). As I pointed out in my thread.
The WA is essential if these sectors of our economy (which are hugely net exporters to the EU) are to be protected while long term arrangements that minimise the damage are sorted out.
Fourth, none of this helps with the legal mess no deal would create. Marcus is a lawmaker. He is failing in that basic duty if he proposes to leave the U.K. in such a legal mess. See .
