European Union President, Ursula von der Leyen has warned;that the bloc will not hesitate to use the “real teeth” in the Brexit deal to punish;the British government for breaching its obligations.
Her warning came ahead of a vote later today, April 27, where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are expected;to formally consent to the Brexit trade deal.
The EU had earlier this year, accused the UK government of breaching its commitments in Northern Ireland and agreements on fisheries.
The MEPs, as a result, delayed their consent vote to the end of April, citing unilateral decisions by Downing Street
Addressing the Parliament, von der Leyen noted that the trade deal would give the EU more leverage over the UK.
The EU President said she hoped the trade deal would be a foundation for a “strong and close” partnership,;citing the vision of Theresa May in her letter of 29th March, 2017 when negotiations started. She, however, also conceded;relations were;at a crossroads.
“This agreement comes with real teeth with a binding dispute settlement mechanism and the possibility for unilateral remedial measures where necessary.
“And let me be very clear; we do not want to have to use these tools, but we will not hesitate to use them if necessary. They are essential to ensure full compliance with the trade and cooperation agreement, and with the withdrawal agreement, which both were;negotiated;in such fine details and agreed;by;both sides.
“On this point of compliance, I know that there was;some reluctance in different parts of the house on whether it is right to ratify this agreement when existing commitments are not being;respected by one side. I agree with you that this agreement on paper is only as good as implementation and enforcement in practice.”
Difficult issues still remain
von der Leyen also revealed that there had been “constructive” talks in recent days between Lord Frost, the UK’s minister for Brexit affairs, and Maroš Šefčovič, the EU Vice-President, over the border issues in Northern Ireland.
However, she said, there remain difficult issues to resolve, particularly over checks on dairy, meat and plant products. Earlier, France’s EU affairs minister, Clément Beaune, also said he was concerned by the UK’s attitude to French fishermen.
“We are asking for the whole deal, nothing but the deal, and for as long as it has not been implemented…we will carry out reprisals in other sectors if it is necessary”.
French fishermen recently blocked the port of Boulogne sur Mer, claiming that only 22 of the 120 boats that usually work from the Hauts de France had been given access to the zone, six to 12 miles from the UK coast. The UK government however, denied the claim.
“We have obviously seen a number of issues arise,” Von der Leyen said.
“Some were to be expected. Others are teething issues, and many are the consequences of the type of Brexit the UK chose.
“But regardless of the reasons we need to focus on joint solutions, unilateral decisions will get us nowhere. And this is one of the reasons ratifications is so important.
“It will give us the tools we need to ensure full and faithful compliance with the obligations, to which both sides signed up. And it will also focus minds on finding pragmatic solutions where they are needed most urgently around the protocol of Ireland and Northern Ireland.”
The result of the vote is expected to be announced on 28th April.
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