With time running out to agree on a deal, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, claimed the Prime Minister had acted irresponsibly during negotiations. He said UK officials were playing games and had not helped the two sides move towards a deal, despite Mr Barnier claims the EU will now “intensify talks”. Mr Weber also insisted on the integrity of the single market will never be dropped in pursuit of a deal with the UK.
Coupled with that threat, the EU official warned the UK would have to adhere to European standards on goods.
He told the Funke media group: “The blame game from London is pure show and does not help anyone.
“It is irresponsible of Prime Minister Johnson to continue betting on political games instead of finally negotiating the matter seriously.
“Everyone who wants to sell their products with us has to adhere to our standards.
“There won’t be a second Singapore on our doorstep.
“We want an agreement, we want a close partnership in the future too.”
Prior to Mr Weber’s comments, Cabinet Office Minister, Michael Gove had insisted the EU must change its position if a deal is to be agreed.
Echoing Mr Johnson’s comments last week, he said the UK was well prepared for a no deal Brexit.
JUST IN: Theresa May’s fury as Gove brilliantly dismantles former PM
In a statement, Lord frost said: “Constructive discussion with Michel Barnier today.
“Noted his proposal to intensify work, as we have been asking.
“But the EU still needs to make a fundamental change in approach to the talks and make clear it has done so.
“We will stay in close touch.”
Mr Barnier stated: “As stated by President von der Leyen on Friday, I confirmed that the EU remains available to intensify talks in London this week, on all subjects, and based on legal texts.
“We now wait for the UK’s reaction.”
Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg.
