Brexit news: Nigel Farage MOCKS 'one glimmer of hope' in EU agreement
Brexit Secretary David Davis and EU negotiator Michel Barnier outlined a “decisive step” that will lead “orderly withdrawal” of the UK during their transition agreement on Monday. Nigel Farage mocked the European Union for “allowing” Britain to negotiate trade deals during the implementation period. Speaking on his LBC show, the former Ukip leader outlined the positives and negatives in Britain’s agreement with Brussels. He said: “To the transition deal. Back to, as I see it, the complete sell-out on fisheries and continued free of movement.
LBC•GETTY Brexit news: Nigel Farage mocked Michel Barnier over the terms of the transition agreement
“But the one little glimmer I suppose of hope is they are allowing us the world’s fifth largest nation, that will have left the European Union next year, they are allowing us to go out a negotiate trade deals. “Oh thank you, Mr Barnier, very nice of you Mr Barnier, three bags full, Mr Barnier.” He added: “The upside is we will be able to talk to other countries during that period of time and talk about future trade relationships. “But what are the downsides? The downsides are that the Prime Minister has agreed that Northern Ireland will have full regulatory alignment as a backstop, so if they can’t reach an agreement on the Irish border… we will have full regulatory alignment which effectively means Northern Ireland would stay part of the single market and customs union. Something that Theresa May told the House of Commons no British Prime Minister could accept. “And, anybody that arrives at the end of Article 50 right through to the end of 2020 from the European Union will have the same rights as those who came before Brexit. It means free movement will continue.
Oh thank you Mr Barnier, very nice of you Mr Barnier, three bags full, Mr Barnier Nigel Farage
“Here is the one that has really got me going, we will not be taking back our territorial fishing waters or the control or management of them, but we will be able to consult. That’s nice isn’t it.” Speaking on Monday David Davis said the transition period offers Britain a platform to build its future relationship. Mr Davis added: “The United Kingdom will be able to step out, sign and ratify new trade deals with old friends and new allies around the globe for the first time in more than 40 years. “These will come into force when the implementation period is over, providing new opportunities for businesses across the United Kingdom and seizing one of Brexit’s greatest opportunities. “During this period we’ve agreed those international agreements which arise from our European Union membership continue to apply as now.” The agreement between the UK and EU comes just two weeks after Prime Minister Theresa May dismissed the EU’s draft agreement.
Brexit latest: David Davis meets EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier Mon, March 19, 2018 David Davis meets EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels ahead of a crunch meeting of European Union leaders later this week Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 10 British Brexit minister David Davis (L) and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier meet at the European Commission in Brussels