Brexiteers have voiced anger after Brussels presented the UK with a list of demands for Keir Starmer‘s bid to get closer ties.
The PM has made renegotiating the relationship a key priority for his government, although he insists there is no question of rejoining the bloc.
According to the Financial Times, commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic set out eight demands during his first meeting with Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds last month.
They include fully implementing the existing Brexit agreements on Northern Ireland, and gold-plating the rights of EU citizens living in Britain as a ‘test of good faith’.
Brussels is said to be adamant that EU citizens living in the UK should not be required to make a separate application for ‘settled status’ after five years of residence.
EU commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic (left) apparently set out eight demands during his first meeting with Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds (pictured right) last month
Former Brexit minister Lord Frost posted on social media warning that the EU was using its ‘standard playbook’ to get concessions.
‘If Labour falls for this they will be a weak position right from the start,’ he said.
‘It’s the standard Commission playbook: ‘we can’t talk about subject B till you have satisfied us on subject A’.
‘You then only satisfy them on A by a series of concessions, which the British side is all too willing to make anyway to ‘win goodwill’.
‘Of course it’s all too likely Labour don’t mind being in a weak position because they already intend to make concessions.’
Labour insists its focus is on improving security, energy and trade ties, but there have been concerns that Sir Keir could be forced into compromises on issues such as free movement.
After the meeting on July 15, Mr Sefcovic said: ‘A constructive meeting with Minister @NickTorfaen.
‘Discussed how we can advance our joint agenda. Referred to the implementation of our existing agreements, the cornerstone of (EU-UK)relations.
Keir Starmer has made renegotiating the relationship a key priority for his government, although he insists there is no question of rejoining the bloc
‘We’re allies, sharing both values and challenges. Looking forward to our cooperation.’
The Cabinet Office told the FT: ‘We’ve had very positive engagement in our early conversations and are committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor framework in good faith protecting the UK internal market.’
The EU commission said: ‘The EU is committed to a positive agenda with the UK, based on the full respect, and the faithful and timely implementation of the withdrawal agreement, including the Windsor framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which are the cornerstone for the EU-UK relationship.’
