MICHEL Barnier is preparing to offer Britain a partnership like there “has never been with any third country” as the European Union negotiator hopes to bring life to the stalled Brexit negotiations.
Speaking in Berlin, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator said: “We are prepared to offer a partnership with Britain such as has never been with any other third country.”
His statement comes ahead of another crunch meeting with Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab as the pair hope to inject an element of urgency into the talks ahead of the perceived October deadline.
He added: "We respect Britain’s red lines scrupulously. In return, they must respect what we are.
“Single market means single market, there is no single market a la carte.”
Mr Barnier stressed the UK and EU are entering the final stages of the negotiations and have to be "very careful because the last phase is very sensitive and difficult".
He affirmed that Theresa May's commitment to a Irish backstop, insisting it must be part of any withdrawal agreement.
The Frenchman added: "In addition to the agreement, we must publish in October or November a very important political declaration on the future relationship, that we want with the UK to be as close as possible."
The pair will meet on Friday after reports that UK officials are growing frustrated at the lack of time Mr Barnier is affording them during the talks.
Brexit news: Michel Barnier preparing to offer UK deal like no other third country (Image: SG)
The anger comes after the Brussels negotiator pledged to hold “continuous” discussions with the UK as Brexit negotiations enter their crucial final stage.
Mr Barnier has previously poured cold water on the possibility of both sides completing the withdrawal agreement and a political declaration on the future partnership ahead of the next European Council summit in Brussels on October 18-19.
Instead plans are being made to host an emergency summit which will enable EU leaders to sign off the UK-EU deal before the next formal summit in December.
Mr Raab speaking to the House of Lord’s EU Committee has said Britain still believes October is a viable date for completing the agreements with Brussels.
Brexit: Michel Barnier outlines the main points left to negotiate
However, the Brexit Secretary did admit there could be a delay amid fears Britain could crash of of the EU without a deal.
He said: “It’s important as we enter the final phase of the negotiations to the lead up to the October council and the possibility that it may creep beyond that, we want to see some renewed energy.
“We are bringing the ambition and substance of our white paper on our future relationship, and also some pragmatism to go the extra mile to get the deal that I think is in both sides’ interest.
“We need that to be matched, obviously.”
