The Brexit Blog

The Brexit Blog
News and comment on the Brexit process, as Britain tries to leave the EU.

Tuesday 30 June 2020

Tick Tock


Those expecting to see an extension to the transition period are, in a few hours time, going to be bitterly disappointed; as the deadline for asking for one is midnight.

As from tomorrow, the UK either leaves the transition period on 31 December with a deal or on WTO terms.

Monday 29 June 2020

Frost's Ticking Clock

With the demise of Sedwill, David Frost now holds the roles of both Britain’s chief negotiator with the EU and national security adviser.

However, Frost will not take on the NSA role until late August. This sends a signal to the EU that negotiations will end by then, with or without a deal.

Friday 26 June 2020

Up, Up and Away - Building The Brand




 
The aircraft will be used by Boris and the Queen on official business.

Unsurprisingly, certain sections of the easily triggered have been carping about the cost £900K etc.

Here are a few factoids:

1 The aircraft was due for a routine major maintenance period that involves a full strip-down, avionics upgrade, and stripping the paint off so the airframe can be checked for metal fatigue & corrosion. Repainting in red white and blue, rather than grey, is the cheap part of the job.

2 The Queen and future Prime Ministers (no matter what party they represent) will use it, it is not Boris's private toy.

3 As Britain leaves the EU, it is important to build the brand. This is an effective and visually striking means of doing so.

Thursday 18 June 2020

Boris and Macron To Meet In Downing Street - #appeldu18juin


Monday 15 June 2020

Conference Call

Friday 12 June 2020

Border Controls To Be Introduced In Stages

Gove Formally Rejects Possibility of Extension

I am not entirely sure this is 100% watertight as, theoretically, Parliament could ask for an extension up to and including 30 June 2020.

I am not sure though.

Anyone care to confirm/correct me on this?

Wednesday 10 June 2020

Pope Says Boris Holds Trump Hand

Stephen Pope an analyst for Forbes said:
"Given the EU is really good at spending money it will be desperate to receive the UK’s final settlement payment of £39billion.

For that reason, I think the UK and Boris Johnson hold the trump card in the forthcoming trade negotiations."

Tuesday 9 June 2020

The EU's Two Fingered Approach To Terms

Friday 5 June 2020

Are We Entering The Tunnel?


Wednesday 3 June 2020

The Final Round

The Spectator reports that fourth round of official Brexit negotiations resumed on Tuesday, screen-to-screen.

They will determine whether the stalemate can be broken and a trade deal sealed by the end of the transition date of 31 December. By mid-June, a high-level 'stock-take' between Boris Johnson and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will assess whether sufficient progress has been made to continue negotiations.

Whatever the outcome (deal or no deal) the UK will NOT seek an extension and will leave the transition arrangement on 31 December 2020.