UK's Brexit Plans Useful, but Questions Remain - Barnier

Britain’s proposals on its future relationship with the European Union contain constructive elements, but many questions remain, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday.

Barnier, who met new Brexit secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday, also reminded Britain there could be no progress on future relations until all elements of its exit were tied up - notably ensuring no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“As I told the ministers, there are several elements in this white paper that open the way to a constructive discussion regarding the political declaration on our future relationship”, Barnier told a news conference in Brussels following a meeting of EU ministers.

Barnier said Britain shared the EU’s desire for an ambitious trading relationship, a level playing field and a security partnership.

However, he added that he had put many questions to Britain, asking whether the proposals were workable and if they would create more red tape.

“I would simply say that Brexit cannot be and will not be a justification for creating more bureaucracy,” he said.

Barnier noted that there were only 13 weeks until EU leaders meet for a summit, by when the European Union and Britain should have finalised a withdrawal agreement.