Government to publish new Brexit papers as Davis urges EU to start trade talks
2 min read
The Government will this week publish a raft of new position papers as David Davis urges Brussels to get started on negotiating a comprehensive trade deal.
Among the documents will be proposals on the future of trade in goods and services between the UK and Europe.
The Brexit Secretary will push the European Commission to widen the scope of discussions to include services associated with goods - a crucial area for both the British economy and those on the continent.
The Department for Exiting the EU will also further papers on judicial cooperation, data protection and the role of the European Court of Justice.
The latest from from the Government comes after reports suggesting the start of trade talks could be delayed until Christmas time.
Ministers will also set out its stance on protecting confidential information exchanged during the UK's membership of the bloc.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Davis says it makes sense to have trade talks take place in tandem with negotiations on withdrawal arrangements.
He pointed to Northern Ireland as one area where it would not be possible to come to an agreement without some discussion of trade.
“It is simply not possible to reach a near final agreement on the border issue until we’ve begun to talk about how our broader future customs arrangement will work.
“Furthermore, if we get the comprehensive free trade agreement we’re seeking as part of our future partnership, solutions in Northern Ireland are easier to deliver.”
The position papers have been released a week ahead of the next round of talks between Mr Davis and the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier.
'SUFFICIENT PROGRESS'
In a separate statement Mr Davis said the proposals would help speed up the negotiating process, which he hopes can begin in the autumn.
“In the coming days we will demonstrate our thinking even further, with five new papers - all part of our work to drive the talks forward, and make sure we can show beyond doubt that we have made sufficient progress on withdrawal issues by October so that we can move on to discuss our future relationship.”
He also stressed the importance of making clear which issues will be discussed in which set of talks.
“With the clock ticking, it wouldn’t be in either of our interests to run aspects of the negotiations twice.”
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