Free Trial

Brexit Chief Fears Being Tied To EU By Subsidy Details (The Times)

UK

Britain's chief Brexit negotiator has privately voiced fears that the UK may be tied to European subsidies policy through the back door. Talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier, his EU counterpart, this week will try to rescue the negotiations amid growing pessimism in European capitals. Mr Frost will tell Mr Barnier that the prime minister is ready to pull the plug on talks unless the EU drops a demand that Britain commit itself to a specific subsidy policy. After the EU dropped demands for Britain to be fully aligned on competition rules, policed by judges in Luxembourg, Mr Frost fears that any specifics will in effect tie Britain to EU rules. "We think the right thing to focus on is how we solve disputes and solve transparency, not to tie in to continuity with something that looks like the EU's policy," a source close to the talks said.

MNI London Bureau | +44 0203-865-3809 | anthony.barton@marketnews.com

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.