On Tuesday (19th May), the UK government decided to make public the various draft legal texts on the UK's approach to negotiations with the European Union (EU). The documents that have been released set out the government's approach to the UK's future relationship with the EU.
In a letter to Michael Barnier, Secretariat General, European Commission, David Frost, Sherpa and EU Advisor said: "We are making the texts public as a constructive contribution to the negotiations, and in particular as a response to your suggestions in the last two Rounds that it would help you explain our proposals in more detail to Member States. We are very clear that we are not seeking to negotiate directly with Member States and that it is for you, as the EU’s negotiator, to manage any differences of perspective that may emerge. I hope that this publication will facilitate that work and clear up any misunderstandings about the purpose and effect of what we have put to you."
The Future Relationship with the EU document lays out a suite of proposals for our negotiations with the EU. The draft legal texts are the legal articulation of this approach and have formed the basis of discussions with the EU.
The main element of government's approach is the comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), covering substantially all trade. The government has also proposed a separate agreement on fisheries that will take back control of UK waters, as is its right as an independent coastal state; an agreement on law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters to help protect the public and bring criminals to justice; and agreements in technical areas covering aviation, energy and civil nuclear cooperation which will help ensure continuity for the UK on its new footing as an independent sovereign nation.
Government is seeking the type of agreement which the EU has already concluded in recent years with Canada and other friendly countries.
The proposal draws on previous EU agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, the EU/Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and the EU/South Korea Free Trade Agreement. And it is consistent with the Political Declaration agreed last October, in which both sides set the aim of concluding a ‘zero tariffs, zero quotas’ Free Trade Agreement.
The approach is based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals. The offer represents a clear and unwavering view that the UK will always have control of its own laws, political life and rules. Both parties will respect each other’s legal autonomy and the right to manage our own borders, immigration policy and taxes.
The government believes that this approach and proposals are fair and reasonable. This government is committed to establishing the future relationship in ways that benefit the whole of the UK and strengthen the Union.