BREXIT THREAT: Barnier DEMANDS Britain sign up to key EU standards in post-Brexit deal
MICHEL BARNIER declared Britain must sign a “non regression” clause to prevent “key pre-Brexit” standards from being lowered in any future UK-EU trade deal.
Brexit news: Michel Barnier insists UK must sign up to pre-Brexit standards for future deal
Speaking at an environmental conference, the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator said the UK would not be allowed to lower standards on the environment, tax and food safety if a post-Brexit deal is to be achieved.
Mr Barnier insisted a “level playing field” must be achieved in not only environmental areas but also fiscal.
The Frenchman said: “In the future relationship, we should commit to no reduction to standards of environmental protection.
“The agreement of the future relationship, the UK should include a non regression clause.
The agreement of the future relationship, the UK should include a non regression clause
“This can be inspired by Ceta or Japan, but will need to go further. It should prevent any reduction key pre-Brexit standards.”
Mr Barnier insisted a “strong level playing field” must be put in place to protect the “environment, social and consumer rights”.
He hinted fiscal policy will also have to obey the EU’s demands for a level playing field in any post-Brexit deal.
Michel Barnier greets Theresa May at the EU Summit
The Frenchman added: “This is needed to ensure the confidence of citizens and companies for the fairness of the future relationship with the UK.”
Remaining on the environmental theme, Mr Barnier said Britain must remain strong to its current environmental commitments – such as the Paris Climate Agreement – after the country leaves the EU.
He said: “The UK has always pushed for strong global action and high emissions reduction targets.
“We expect it will continue to set the same level of climate ambition after leaving the EU, this will also open the way for practical cooperation between us.
Britain would also have to implement fishery policies and the Birds and Habitats Directive set by the EU.
Mr Barnier admit he was reassured that Theresa May is not committed to a race to the bottom in environmental standards, but insisted he would remain “vigilant” of the possibilities it could.