Speaking to Sky News, the Foreign Secretary warned the UK is not prepared to budge on “basic points of democratic principle” as he urged the EU to show more flexibility in the talks. He blasted: “The concept that the UK will leave the transition period as an independent coastal state but without control of our fisheries, that’s something that no country in the world has accepted if in a position of, why would the UK?
“And likewise, when we leave we should be in control of our laws, we will accept the kind of requirements that the EU’s own free trade agreement, whether in Korea or Canada as often talked about.
“What we’re not going to do is to allow the EU to undemocratically control our laws in this country.
“These are two basic points of principles that no other country in the world will accept in dealing with the EU or any other country.
“I think it’s important that the EU recognises that.
“If it does, a free trade deal is still there to be done.
“If it won’t, I think on Sunday we take stock and we take a decision as both sides recognise we need some finality on where we are.”
He added: “Given the gaps that remain, we will keep going at it, that’s why the Prime Minister was out in Brussels, we want a deal, we’re doing everything we can to behave reasonably, flexibly and pragmatically throughout.
“And if the EU reciprocates there is still a deal to be done.
“If it doesn’t, we’ll take stock and we will be prepared to leave on Australia-style terms and make a success of Brexit.”
More to follow…
