While coronavirus may have dominated 2020, Brexit was back on the cards in early January and the UK formally left the EU on 31st January, beginning an 11-month transition period. No doubt influenced by Brexit, the term ‘Megxit’ was coined a week into the new year when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced plans… Continue reading Dec 2020. The Story of 2020 Part 2
Tag: Brexit
Dec 2020. The Story of 2020 Part 1
As revellers celebrated the start of a new decade last New Year’s Eve, authorities in China confirmed doctors were treating more than a dozen cases of “pneumonia of unknown cause” in the city of Wuhan. This unknown virus, which would later be named Covid-19, led to a global crisis in 2020, with more than a… Continue reading Dec 2020. The Story of 2020 Part 1
Brexit Part 30
It’s not over, not yet. The two sides in this complicated and drawn out process have agreed that it is worth trying one last time to find a way through their profound differences. But the statements from the prime minister and the EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen, signal clearly that a trade deal is… Continue reading Brexit Part 30
Brexit Part 29
The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, tweeted after the statement was published, saying: “We will see if there is a way forward.” Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheal Martin also took to Twitter, welcoming the news that the teams would resume trade talks. He said: “An agreement is in everyone’s best interests. Every effort should be… Continue reading Brexit Part 29
Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 11 Dec
Boris Johnson is being accused of putting Britain on course for a no-deal Brexit, claiming it is now “very, very likely”, as it emerged that Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel have flatly rejected his appeal for direct talks. In a pointed toughening up of his language, the prime minister claimed Britain was on a path… Continue reading Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 11 Dec
Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 10 Dec
Boris Johnson and the European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, met in person over a three-hour scallop and turbot dinner to try to unlock the Brexit trade negotiations deadlock. As expected, both sides agreed to continue talking – but they agreed that the gaps between their positions remain wide. https://rumble.com/vc6w9a-dec-2020.-brexit-talks-10-dec.html
Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 9 Dec Part 2
EU and UK negotiators have until Sunday to reach agreement on a future trade deal following an inconclusive three-hour meeting between British Prime Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. A senior UK source described the discussion as “frank”. “Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear… Continue reading Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 9 Dec Part 2
Brexit Part 28
In their statement, Mr Johnson and Ms Von der Leyen said they “welcomed the fact that progress has been achieved in many areas”. But, they added: “Nevertheless, significant differences remain on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. Both sides underlined that no agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved. “Whilst… Continue reading Brexit Part 28
Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 9 Dec Part 1
The Prime Minister and President von der Leyen met for dinner in Brussels this evening. The leaders had a frank discussion about the state of play in the negotiations. They acknowledged that the situation remained very difficult and there were still major differences between the two sides. They agreed that Chief Negotiators would continue talks… Continue reading Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 9 Dec Part 1
Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 8 Dec
Brexit talks in recent weeks have been dominated by numerous, anonymous “sources” briefing reporters in both the U.K. and on the continent about the perilous state of negotiations aimed at clinching a post-Brexit trade deal. Both sides have accused each other of being unwilling to compromise on key issues, with sticking points and “red lines”… Continue reading Dec 2020. Brexit Talks 8 Dec