1/3: The British government statement yesterday on the future relationship with #EU marks a significant & disturbing turning point. It’s antagonistic tone suggests a fundamental shift in national posture away from long established support for multilateralism and open trade.
2/3: UK text includes no mention of shared values & goals with other European democracies beyond “friendly cooperation”. Nor of the importance of an international rules based system... but simplistic, misleading language on recovery of “full economic & political independence”.
3/3: There’s a gulf between the narrow UK statement & the EU document setting out goals for an ambitious & comprehensive partnership. Even allowing for political posturing & negotiating tactics we should be concerned about where this is heading.
