A leading European minister believes the UK and the European Union will “rip each other apart” in negotiations over a new trade deal. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Foreign Minister in the French government, said that talks between Britain and the EU could turn nasty when the sides clash over contentious issues like fishing and EU rules.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Le Drian said, “I think that on trade issues or on the measures for our future relationship that we are going to discuss, we are going to start on, we are going to rip each other apart. But that is part of the negotiation. Everyone is going to defend their interests.”
Talks between both parties are due to start next month. Both sides aim to reach some sort of agreement by the end of the year, when the 11 month Brexit transition period comes to an end. EU trade chief Phil Hogan said last month it was “just not possible” to negotiate a comprehensive free trade deal in that time.
UK PM Boris Johnson said it's “epically likely” that a deal will be done. His administration has promised that Britain will take back control of its waters as part of leaving the EU. However, the union countries like France are prioritising access to British waters as part of a new trade relationship.
French minister Le Drian said he hoped the UK and EU would overcome the difference in opinion to negotiate a close relationship, telling the conference, “We must realise that we have common interests.”
