UK 'a bit absent' from Brexit negotiations: Sir Simon Fraser
Expressing his disapproval for UK's conduct at the Brexit negotiations, Sir Simon Fraser, an ex-top official at the foreign office stated that the UK hasn't been able to get a good start at the Brexit negotiations. Attributing this to differences within the Cabinet, Fraser further said that the UK has not been able to put forth a clear negotiating position. What does this signify?
What is Brexit?
The process on Britain's exit from the EU was triggered when the results of a June 2016 referendum indicated that 52% of the voters wanted Britain to leave the Union. 'Leave' supporters wanted Britain to be rid of quintessential EU regulations including harmonized economy.
What context is this happening in?
UK triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, intending to enter into negotiations with 27 EU members to exit the EU in March 2017. Numerous differences have cropped up between EU and Britain, as well as among different political constituencies in Britain since then. Theresa May's manoeuvring room further reduced after the Conservative Party lost majority in the snap elections held in June 2017.
What did Sir Fraser say?
"The negotiations have only just begun, I don't think they have begun particularly promisingly, frankly, on the British side," he stated. He said that Britain would find it hard to arrive at a clear position until differences within the cabinet are sorted out. Adding that Britain had only put forward citizens' status up for negotiations, he urged the British government to publish more details.
Lay down the options so everyone is more clear: Fraser
"I think we need to demonstrate that we are ready to engage on the substance so that people can understand what is really at stake here and what the options are," noted Fraser while referring to Britain's lack of clarity on its position.
Everything is hunky dory: say UK's key negotiators
Following reports that lack of progress has forced EU to consider delaying the trade talks, Brexit Secretary David Davis had conveyed his confidence that negotiations would continue as planned. A Department for Exiting EU spokesman had further stated last month that progress had been made on a number of issues and hoped to commence the next phase of negotiations by October.
What does this signify?
Fraser's revelation on discordance in the UK cabinet is not the first of its kind. Chancellor of Exchequer Philip Hammond and immigration minister Brandon Lewis had differed on free movement rights post-Brexit. This is definitely alarming and could delay the negotiations.
