The European Union has taken a hard line in post-Brexit negotiations, demanding that security and defense be included alongside fishing rights in any agreement. This has sparked outrage among British conservatives who view the EU's tactics as bullying and accuse them of attempting to undermine Brexit.
Eurocrats attempted to pressure Britain yesterday, insisting that security and defense should be included in post- Brexit 'reset' negotiations alongside fishing rights . EU leaders hope this tactic will compel Sir Keir Starmer to further unravel Brexit , as they also advocate for freedom of movement for young adults.
Number 10 had initially desired to address security separately, viewing it as the most straightforward area for an agreement, with the intention of announcing a deal at a summit in London in May. However, one EU diplomat stated, 'Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, including security and defense.' This ultimatum was conveyed to Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, tasked with leading the Brexit reset, as negotiations commenced with his counterpart, Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels yesterday.A source privy to the bloc's resolute strategy asserted that they believe Sir Keir is eager for a 'guns for growth' deal, as such an agreement would guarantee firms can participate in European defense procurement contracts. Meanwhile, Brussels seeks a reinstatement of freedom of movement for individuals aged 18 to 30 and the right for EU nations to fish in British waters beyond 2026. This ruthless approach draws inspiration from Michel Barnier, the bloc's former Brexit negotiator, aiming to prevent Britain from gaining an advantage in talks. This has ignited fresh calls to prioritize a trade deal with the US, as senior Tories condemned Brussels' move as 'disgraceful' due to its implications for citizen safety. Conservative Party Armed Forces spokesman Mark Francois stated, 'It's precisely because of negotiating like this, attempting to bully us over fishing rights while discussing defense cooperation, that the British people voted to reclaim control and leave the EU in the first place. The EU has witnessed us being bullied by the island of Mauritius over Chagos, so of course they are trying to bully us too. It's disgraceful.' Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has been tasked with leading a Brexit reset. EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic has initiated negotiations with Mr. Thomas-Symonds. EU leaders anticipate this move will pressure Sir Keir Starmer into further dismantling Brexit, as they also push for freedom of movement for young adults. Brussels desires the right for EU nations to fish in British waters beyond 2026. Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith commented, 'This should serve as a wake-up call for Starmer. The EU seeks their pound of flesh. They want us to rescind Brexit, which makes this discussion perilous. The EU desires it all. The Government should instead prioritize a trade agreement with the United States. The EU is grappling with an economic downturn, while the US is poised for growth. It's a straightforward decision.' Mr. Thomas-Symonds asserted yesterday that talks with Mr. Sefcovic had been 'productive.' Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel stated last night, 'It is appalling that the Labour Government is poised to betray Brexit and the democratic will of the British public. This government must unequivocally declare its readiness to prioritize our national interests.
Brexit EU UK Negotiations Security Defence Fishing Rights Freedom Of Movement Trade Deal US
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