Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Government was open to a “sensible approach” over fishing
(Picture: VIA REUTERS)A Cabinet minister today hinted at a possible compromise on fisheries in a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Government was open to a “sensible approach” over fishing, such as an agreement that might span a couple of years. He said the UK’s chief negotiator Lord David Frost and his team were working “very hard” to try to get an agreement.
The latest round of talks was set to begin in London today, with fishing rights and a level playing field agreement the main sticking points.
Mr Eustice told Sky News: “I understand that there are still differences. There are still some obstacles to overcome but I think there’s now some goodwill on both sides to try to progress things. Lots of work going into that. On fisheries, we’ve always been open to doing a sensible approach looking potentially at agreements that might span a couple — three years for instance.
“We’re going to be sensible in how we approach this but making sure that we have control of our own waters again and controlled access to our waters has always been a red line for us in these negotiations.”
It comes after The Sun suggested that the European Union had agreed to adopt new scientific criteria that could see UK fishing quotas double, although the change would not come in for a number of years.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier boarded the Eurostar to London yesterday as Boris Johnson said a trade deal is “there to be done”.
However, the PM has said Britain is willing to leave the single market and customs union without a deal when the post-Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
Mr Barnier tweeted: "Happy to be back in London today, redoubling our efforts to reach agreement on the future EU-UK partnership.
"Three keys to unlock a deal:
Happy to be back in London today, redoubling our efforts to reach agreement on the future 🇪🇺🇬🇧 partnership.
— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) November 9, 2020
3 keys to unlock a deal:
🔑 No 1: Respect of EU autonomy and UK sovereignty, w/ effective governance and enforcement mechanisms between international partners;
(1/2)
"No 1: Respect of EU autonomy and UK sovereignty, w/ effective governance and enforcement mechanisms between international partners;
"No 2: Robust guarantees of free and fair trade & competition based on shared high standards, evolving coherently over time;
“No 3: Stable and reciprocal access to markets and fishing opportunities in the interest of both parties.”
