British negotiators have reportedly reduced the demand for an EU catch reduction in British waters after the transition period potentially ending the deadlock in the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Downing Street has made a major counter-offer on fishing access for EU fleets in British waters, according to reports – the British demand for a 60% reduction in the catch by value in British waters had been reduced to 35%, far closer to the 25% reduction that the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier, had said the bloc would be prepared to accept.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also accepted a five-year phase-in period for the new arrangements, with a compromise also likely on the application of tariffs or export bans on goods where fishing access changes after the phase-in period, it is understood.
Where the quota share is reduced, an independent arbitration panel will deduce the cost and allow either side to levy tariffs on goods, according to those briefed on the terms, a termination clause will also be implemented, opening the field for fresh negotiation on all aspects of the trade deal if one side invokes it.
British sources have so far declined to comment on the revelation of this compromise
One senior diplomat said: “It is not enough – but it may be enough to unlock things.”
France’s European affairs minister, Clément Beaune, said France would be vigilant about Britain’s proposals, he said: “There have been successive proposals from the UK, sometimes on fishing, that don’t respond to European priorities and demands,”
“Difficulties remain, in the fishing sector, but not only, so it would be an error of judgment and unacceptable stigmatisation to say that a few countries or a few sectors are blocking.”
The news follows after Downing Street rejected calls from some MPs and the Mayor of London to consider extending Brexit talks beyond the new year.
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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