Chief European Negotiator, MICHEL BARNIER conceded a no deal Brexit will not be the “final destination” of the relationship the European Union has with the UK as he signalled Brussels will soon agree to trade talks in the event of a hard withdrawal.
He admitted a no deal Brexit will only “temporarily” hinder the commercial relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
The chief EU negotiator insisted he received a mandate to secure a withdrawal agreement between the two parties but signalled the EU will be ready to resume talks on future trade deal soon after a no deal withdrawal.
Speaking to MEPs in the European Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Barnier said: “No deal is not the final destination but a temporary one. We will need to resume negotiations in order to build a partnership.
“But for three years I have worked with a required in mind, to tell the truth. We need to make sure we have serious legal responses. It’s not a matter of expressing wishes or desires. Alternative arrangements need to provide answers to the issue of Brexit.”
Earlier in his speech, Mr Barnier warned Ireland would pose “the most risk” for the EU as he lamented the lack of progress in the Brexit negotiations with the British Government.
Mr Barnier insisted the EU is committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement, saying the controversial backstop included into the divorce deal would help ensure no hard border is reinstated.
