Friday 14 April 2017

Michael Barnier accused by EU businessmen for delaying their time on striking a trade deal with the UK

Michael Barnier

Business leaders from the EU member nations lambasts Barnier for going into a sluggish trade deal with the United Kingdom.

This was made known by a top figure from a leading engineering firm based in France, as businesses are being forced to hold on as Barnier slowly leads the EU on Brexit negotiations with the UK.

Also speaking was Laurent Viatte, director of marketing and development at Spirax Sarco France, as he was joined by European wine producers who together said lack of EU negotiations could possibly make UK purchasers to look elsewhere for their products instead of the European continent.

Speaking to Yvelines Television, Mr Viatte said: “We’re firstly worried about the effect on the exchange rate, which could impact our purchasing power, which is hugely important in England.

“Secondly, we are worried about the customs union and our ability to access the European market.

“We’re effectively waiting on Michel Barnier, who will negotiate in the interests of Europeans within the framework of an agreement.

“We’re waiting to see whether free trade of goods between the UK is going to continue as normal, which would limit the impact on our business between France and the UK.”

They accused Michael Barnier and his colleagues from the EU for being reluctant in discussing future trade deals with the UK, as they keep insisting for the UK to pay the huge divorce bill before any deal on trade could be reached.

It has been said that should the two years end without any deal being reached by both parties, there could be queues of Lorries at Dover.

He said: “The price of greatness is responsibility. When a country leaves the union, there is no punishment.

“There is no price to pay, but we must settle the accounts. No more, no less. We will not ask the British to pay a single euro for something they have not agreed to as a member.”

His reluctance to negotiate is also biting hard on Italian wine makers who are fearful of their future. They believe if the EU does not strike a deal UK purchasers will favour products from the Commonwealth region, where they are likely to strike a deal quicker.

Speaking to AFP, Cesare Cecchi, director of Italian firm Famiglia Cecchi wine cellar, said: “Clearly the level of taxation is a crucial element because if it increases the price of our wines too much, I mean European ones, they won’t be able to compete with other types of wine.

“Honestly, I am very concerned, above all because of the uncertainty.”

The Italian said firms “have to hope” Brussels can reach a successful conclusion to trade talks with the UK Government.

Mr Cecchi added: “We have to hope that good common sense prevails.

“Don’t forget the UK exports over two billion euros of spirits to Europe.”

Alex Canneti, of Berkmann Wine Cellars, a British wine wholesaler, said he had warned his European counterparts of the potential dangers.

He said: “I warned the Italians, we may have bilateral treaties with Commonwealth countries like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.


“That will be pretty quick after the two-year negations with Europe.”

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