Barnier confirms that the so-called “default option” ie full alignment will be laid out in “operational terms” in withdrawal text being agreed. UK has agreed, provided the other options are discussed “in parallel”
BArnier: when I met DD, UK insisted on transition agreement by March, however then disagreed with matters that I regard as “substantial”
Eg - not extending EU law rights to EU citizens during transition period - “that is a major subject for us and the European Parliament”
Barnier: UK is asking for a “right of objection” if it disagrees with a new law or rule entering into force during transition
Barnier: Justice and Home Affairs opt -ins - “I am surprised by these disagreements
**Barnier to the Government: “To be quite frank, if these disagreements persist, the transition is not a given”
... which he then repeated in English...
BArnier then defends the enforcement mechanism that so annoyed Davis yesterday:
“Our usual infringement proceedings which apply today, may take too long and would not be operational during this short transition period, perfectly normal in international agreements”
“Our usual infringement proceedings which apply today, may take too long and would not be operational during this short transition period, perfectly normal in international agreements”
Barnier: to be objective the UKis a country that faces v few of these infringement actions..
Barnier re Davis comments: not been discourteous or vindictive, dont want to punish the UK, will be true till the end of negotiations. Q simply we have to construct a withdrawal agreement that is legally sound
