By far the most positive statement to date on UK-EU talks. We're still talking, deal possible in September, both sides starting to show a bit of room for compromise. But time is short and many differences remain. As we know. Even so, cautious grounds for optimism.
Watching this thread develop, the biggest problem remains conceptual for the UK government. You can't do modern trade deals without accepting restrictions on your law making abilities. As is also being shown in US talks. Big mistake to claim otherwise.
Whether its the US wanting to ensure access to UK markets for their farmers, or the EU wanting to stop preferential access if the UK is deemed to be undercutting (and by the way this tells us a lot about EU and US approaches to trade) larger partners expect concessions in deals.
This by the way is no great cause for alarm. If at the end of September only level playing field and fisheries remain to be decided a UK-EU deal is possible, with leaders getting involved. Key is ensuring only a few issues remain at that time.
Most interesting thing today - pessimistic mood music from EU. Think that's targeted at Number 10, to say don't expect us to cave on level playing field and fisheries. Over to you if you want a deal. So, PM, do you want a deal or not? We find out soon...
On balance I now go up to 60:40 for a UK-EU deal this year. Because the two sides are still talking. Because talk of compromise has started on both sides. And because the language is tough but less hostile than before.
How about you @Mij_Europe ?
How about you @Mij_Europe ?
Plenty of possible difficulties in the detail though...
The great thing about a line like the EU must "realise they are negotiating with an independent state" is that since it doesn't really make sense now it is easy to claim victory on it later.
