( November 15, 2018, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Britain had all but given up on a Special Brexit Summit at the end of November 2018 as there were too many “sticking points” when suddenly it was announced a 500 page Draft Agreement had been agreed between UK and EU negotiators.
Summary of events
1. UK and EU negotiators come up with a draft agreement
2. Special Cabinet meeting to be held at 2 p.m.14 November 2018
to discuss the full text.
3. One on one meetings with Britain’s Cabinet ministers were held by
Prime Minister Theresa May last evening and this morning. Ministers
are tight-lipped.
4. Last sticking point in talks has been the Northern Ireland border.
5. Any deal has to be agreed by the Cabinet, UK Parliament and
by the 27 EU Member States.
6. The mood is there but not for an open revolt.
7. Nothing is off the table.
The hours seem to be endless since this “Draft Agreement” was announced.
Updated later:
British Cabinet approves Brexit deal
After a marathon sitting of the Cabinet today 14 November 2018, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on the steps of 10 Downing Street that her Cabinet has given its blessings to the terms of the Draft Agreement clearing the way for a Special Brexit Summit of all 28 EU members in Brussels expected on 25 November 2018.
The Deal – the UK and EU 585 page text Brexit Withdrawal Agreement – sets out the terms of Britain’s divorce from the EU after its 45 year membership.
Theresa May said: “I firmly believe that the draft withdrawal agreement was the best that could be negotiated. The choices before us were difficult. This is a decisive step which enables us to move on and finalise the deal in the days ahead. I know there will be difficult days ahead”.
Speaking against the backdrop of boos and shouts from anti-Brexit campaigners in Downing Street she further said:” this deal which delivers on the vote of the referendum, which brings back control of our money, laws and borders, ends free movement, protects jobs, security and our Union, or leave with no deal or no Brexit at all.”
Key developments
- EU Ambassadors were briefed by EU officials earlier in the day in Brussels.
(We are told all 27 Members of the EU are not required or expected to agree, a simple majority of the Founder Members is sufficient).
- A Political Declaration is to be agreed between EU and UK.
(We understand that this Declaration has to be signed by the 29 March 2019).
- The terms of the Agreement of the Political Declaration have to be agreed by UK Parliament.
(A series of Commons votes will have to be needed to settle the fate of the deal).
- A Top Brussels official boasts: “Deal will leave us with the upper hand”.
(EU negotiator Sabine Weyand reportedly said the UK would “have to swallow a link between access to products and fisheries in future).
- The Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland,has warned the PM there would be “consequences” if her deal treats Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the UK.
(Arlene Foster, DUP Leader and her Party props up Mrs. May’s minority Government in the Commons).
- The Prime Minister was today warned not to break up the United Kingdom, as she faced a backlash from Scotland and Wales rebels over the deal.
(SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland and N.I. might have to compete Investment, Welsh are also dissatisfied if Northern Ireland is treated separately).
7. The UK Opposition Leader, Jeremy Corbyn aims to trigger a general election by voting down the deal and forcing a confidence vote.
(Theresa May astutely has in her hands some Labour MP’s support).
8 The whole Brexit process is long drawn and can take many years.
(The EU wants a early settlement to move on to other matters.UK wants this deal done and dusted to achieve a Trade deal).
Post a Comment