Brexit secretary Steve Barclay gave talk in Madrid this morning warning Spaniards of a threat to Spanish sherry, manchego cheese and more in case of no deal #Brexit He said EU had to be less rigid and more creative in finding a deal with Boris Johnson’s gov. /1
The Brexit Secretary pointed to the transition period that would follow a deal and says that was a time to work out alternatives to the backstop BUT EU has said over and again it won’t sign a deal unless it’s satisfied an agreed alternative to the backstop is already on paper /2
Can’t see EU moving from that position bc if it does that will be falling to comply with its own arguament on why backstop/border backup is necessary: protect EU member Ireland and single market and peace process incl all Ireland economy + N/S co-op /3
EU could be tempted to compromise on an alternative which is not as watertight as current backstop - possibly - but so vv unlikely bloc would say: sure, let’s sign a deal and work out an alternative backstop later.” Barclay must know that /4
