EU demands Britain accepts new laws in transition period
THE TORIES want the power to vet new European Union rules during Brexit transition period amid claims the UK is “wasting everyone’s time” trying to scrutinise new rulings.
The demand risks a battle between the EU and Britain and could delay a transition deal - something Theresa May wanted agreed at a Brussels summit in March.
Pro-Leave MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said the UK risked becoming a “vassal state” during the transition, adding he was concerned Mrs May was considering a deal that would see Britain remain in the EU customs union.
Pro-EU cabinet ministers are keen to keep the UK in a close customs union with the EU, and will step up their campaign at a meeting at Number 10 today.
One minister told the Financial Times: “How else do we keep goods flowing across the border and deal with the ‘no border’ pledge in Ireland?”
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The UK is wasting everyone's time
The EU is to formally adopt instructions today which say Britain should apply the bloc’s laws “as if it were a member state” during the 20 month transition period.
Some British officials described the transitional regime as “mirroring” EU law, where the British legal system would run parallel to the EU but not be subordinate to it - something that concerns EU diplomats.
The proposal has angered Brussels with one senior European government official telling the Financial Time the UK is "wasting everyone's time" looking for a way to scrutinise EU laws during the period.
Brexit Secretary David Davis has hinted at the powers and in a speech on Friday called for a “means to remedy issues” if EU laws are “deemed to run contrary to our interests.”
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Tense arguments over Britain’s exit bill and the Irish Border has raised political stakes, and a veto-like power could scupper a deal with Brussels.
One senior EU diplomat said: “It is dangerous. It could derail the whole thing if they get stuck on this.
“If there is no kind of automaticity … it does completely against out principles. We will be in for a long discussion.”
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It comes amid Tory infighting and a call for Mrs May to give Philip Hammond the boot over his push for a “very modest Brexit”.
Eurosceptics are furious at the chancellor’s remarks amid Tory disarray, and concerns “soft Brexiteers” are winning internal arguments - including the push for Britain to stay in the customs union.
Nadine Dorries became the fourth Tory MP in recent days to demand his sacking after he called for only “very modest” changes to Britain’s relationship with the EU after Brexit.
On ITV’s Peston on Sunday, she said: “He needs to go. He’s not being loyal to the Prime Minister”.
