Brexit Trade Negotiations – At A Distance
Three years of in-depth Brexit negotiations could not have foreseen the global outbreak of a serious viral disease that would bring nations to lock down. So where does that leave the post-Brexit trade talks and other negotiations still to take place?
By 26 March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was facing mounting demands to suspend all post-Brexit trade talks during the pandemic, or at least, until it was under control. The following day, he was himself diagnosed with Covid-19 (along with the health secretary and the UK’s chief medical officer).
The day after that, the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier, then tested positive; and David Frost, the UK’s own chief Brexit negotiator was reportedly in self-isolation after experiencing symptoms. Could these developments colour the PM’s insistence thus far that his deadline of 31 December for the transition period to end must be met? This date is, remember, enshrined in law.
Negotiations have, for now, been delayed but have not, as yet, official paused. Face to face negotiations are off the table (for obvious reasons). With social distancing a key tool in the battle to flatten the curve, the “wizardry of modern technology” (in Boris Johnson’s words) may allow negotiations to continue – if the other side/s allow.
At the time of writing talks on a trade deal with the EU via video conference were to restart by 30 March - with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove the proposed chair.
But video conferencing between the PM and other British politicians and experts in recent dates is said to be proving difficult, with screens disappearing and connections poor.
They also have other, more pressing issues on their minds for the foreseeable future. The worsening Covid-19 crisis is leaving little room for unrelated talks and negotiations. It seems only a matter of time before a formal delay is requested, but whether a request is accepted by the EU remains to be seen. According to YouGov on 20 March, a majority of the UK (55 per cent) would now support extending the Brexit transition period. That number if likely to increase as the pandemic accelerates.
There is a myriad of issues still to negotiate and resolve if the UK and the EU is to reach a deal. Both sides, for example, want a free-trade agreement with no restrictions on the quantity of imports or exports. But there are complex issues to be negotiated.
Further matters relate to fisheries, the future role of the European Court of Justice in dispute settlement, financial services, security, foreign policy and defence, transport and science and research.
We have quickly discovered that one day is as a thousand years in this Covid-19 environment. How the negotiations will be managed and - pan out in the days to come - will be watched with great interest.
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