YP Comment: Brexit realities

For all the talk of a '˜hard' Brexit in recent months the word '˜compromise' is the one most likely to be the guiding principle when it comes to the complex task of extricating ourselves from the EU.
David DavisDavid Davis
David Davis

It was a word conspicuous in its use by Brexit Secretary David Davis in a speech yesterday ahead of the arrival in the UK last night of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, for talks with Theresa May.

The Haltemprice and Howden MP said the Government wants a comprehensive Free Trade agreement as Britain leaves the EU and promised not to “pull up the drawbridge” on immigration, as he conceded that both sides would have to make compromises.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was a carefully calibrated speech and rightly so. Mr Davis was one of the most vociferous Leave campaigners during last year’s bitter referendum, however, since being tasked with the onerous task of steering Britain out of the EU he has sought to temper the public’s expectations given the scale of the challenge that lies ahead.

His measured tone comes as CBI Director-General, Carolyn Fairbairn, will say in a speech today that the cost of any EU “divorce bill” would be dwarfed by the overall value of EU trade to the British economy.

It’s a reminder that even if Mrs May wins the forthcoming General Election and returns to government with a handsome majority this will not be the end of her problems.

In truth the opposite may be true as Britain embarks on momentous negotiations that will redefine its position in the world.