'Good weekend reading': Barnier says UK backtracking on Brexit declaration

The EU's chief negotiator says little progress has been made on reaching a post-Brexit agreement, as 'the UK continues to backtrack' on commitments agreed to in a political declaration that sets out the framework for the future relationship between the bloc and Britain. Michael Barnier held up the document calling it 'good weekend reading' in what appeared to be frustration at a lack of progress in negotiations

The Guardian YouTube network:

[TomBridle]

There are so many comments here about wanting Brexit, about being strangled by the EU, but I don't understand the perspective.
It's like some of these comments are implying we're still in the EU, we're not. Brexit has happened, this is now trade negotiations. The UK is now separate from the EU and as such the EU will use what power they have to ensure they have the most advantageous trade deal for themselves, which is entirely normal and expected (say this as someone who voted to remain and still wishes to). The quality of the deal to come out of this is entirely down to the quality of the UK negotiators and how much political and economic power the UK is able to exercise against the EU. This is exactly what brexit asked for, the ability for the UK to negotiate it's own trade. You're literally watching that in success.

[MrEggo]

Political declaration is not legally binding 👍

[SailPink]

A declaration is not a document enshrined in law as such it is the basis of dialogue and can be negotiated.

[wellandgary]

No deal, and let’s get rid of this lot

[andrewlusty]

I am getting sick of all this now the political declaration is not legally binding let's just walk away now and got to WTO on 01/01/2021 .

[owen]

“The UK has failed to concede to our demands” 😥

[hopeforbetter]

A little Brexiteer playground; come in first to defend your sand castles and your dream will come true!

[Ange]

Read the political declaration M. does it say the UK must give up our sovereignty in fact it says both parties should respect the others independence and specifically the United Kingdom will be an independent coastal state’. And the UK will REMAIN as such which obviously eliminates the demanded level playing field. Please take note M. Barnier.

[utubebroadcaster]

These complex key trade deals can take 7 years to negotiate, so let's just do it in 7 weeks whilst dealing with the biggest financial crisis in 300 years, along with a pandemic that as a result becomes priority for other nations.

No deal = COVID-20 for UK (enjoy)

[glenngaamble]

if you don't like it froggy hop it

[andrewwhite]

Silly Old Man. Stick your declaration.

[Architrion]

If UK doesn't want/need a deal, well, leave EU alone and stop negotiations at all.... Oh, wait

[OldHiker]

so perhaps no deal is the way forward...

[public.public]

The very best deal is no brexit.
And everyone knows it.

[canzukcommonwealth]

No deal thanks and the political declaration is not law binding see ya

[jeremiegrimalcarat]

Barnier really has courage in the face of this stupid government

[funstermcr]

Sounds like he's auditioning for Allo Allo

[bertoldriesenteil]

He doesn't understand. What part of brexit means brexit doesn't he understand? Mrs May said that while she was negotiating the political agreement. I don't believe that she meant it. Boris does. The political agreement is not binding. It is supposed to funktion as a roadmap for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It is purposefully vague. It is not a blueprint for a trade agreement but goes far beyond that. Boris will have signed up to it because the EU was saying rien ne va plus. Their fault.

[gubusgubus]

the Political Declaration isn't legally binding

[stephenbawa]

We are living all the EU institutions and we are NOT going to be rules takers! Which part of NO do you not understand Mr Banier?