Britain must speed up Brexit talks amid 'major uncertainty', EU's chief negotiator warns

The intervention comes as Theresa May prepares to deliver a keynote speech in Florence outlining Britain's stance on a new trade deal 
Michel Barnier, the European Commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain.
AFP/Getty Images
Jonathan Mitchell21 September 2017
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The EU's leading Brexit negotiator has warned the UK’s stance over a key issues in talks are shrouded with “major uncertainty”.

Michel Barnier said that British politicians must work to build trust with EU chiefs and progress must be made if the UK is to enjoy a “solid relationship” post Brexit.

The intervention comes with Prime Minister is expected to use a keynote speech in Florenceto set out her proposals to end the deadlock in the talks in Brussels.

It is reported she will travel to Italy with an assurance the UK will continue to pay into the EU until the end of the current budget round in 2020, ensuring it is not left with a black hole in the finances.

Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to outline Britains stance on key issues in a speech on Friday 
EPA

Speaking in the Italian parliament, Mr Barnier - who has made clear he is not prepared to open negotiations on a free trade deal until the issue is settled - said he would be listening "attentively and constructively" to what she had to say.

He said: "All that is necessary in this negotiation is that everyone honours the commitments that they have made to each other. To settle the accounts. No more, no less.

"Beyond money, this is a question of trust between the 27 and the United Kingdom, based on the respect of one's signature.

"Everyone knows that we will need this trust to create a solid relationship in the future."

Mrs May - who flew back from the United Nations General Assembly in New York overnight - briefed ministers on the speech in a special session of the Cabinet.

Although it is not thought she will state an actual figure for the "divorce bill", it has been reported she is willing to stump up between £20 billion and £30 billion to end the deadlock.

Following the marathon two-and-half hour session, Chancellor Philip Hammond and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson - who have been at loggerheads all summer over Brexit - left No 10 together in an apparent show of unity.

Mrs May's preparations for the Florence speech were thrown into turmoil when Mr Johnson set out his own blueprint for Brexit in a 4,000-word article in which he insisted Britain should not have to pay for continued market access.

The Foreign Secretary was forced to deny he was planning to resign if he did not get his way, while his intervention prompted angry demands from some Tory MPs that he should be sacked.

In a sign of continuing tensions at the top of the Conservative Party, Mrs May's former chief of staff Nick Timothy has accused both Mr Johnson and Mr Hammond of being "on manoeuvres" and warned they were in danger of undermining the whole negotiation.

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