EU ‘demands Farage clause’ in Brexit reset talks with Starmer
The EU is said to be demanding that any future British government pay financial compensation if it reneges on the post-Brexit “renewal” deal struck with Sir Keir Starmer, as part of an attempt to protect against a possible UK Reform government.
The draft text of the proposed EU-UK “veterinary agreement”, which would cut red tape for UK food and drink exporters, reportedly includes a termination clause that would require the UK to pay penalties if it leaves the agreement; This condition is said to be called the “Farage clause” by EU diplomats.
Sources told Finance Times Any party withdrawing from the agreement will have to cover the cost of reintroducing border and infrastructure checks in the future.
It comes after Nigel Farage said he would refuse to hand any money to Brussels under any deal signed by Sir Keir. F.T.: “I would break it.”
He said: “No parliament can bind his successor, we will not consider any clause. If Starmer signs this it would be a democratic affront.”
However, a Labor Party official said talks to determine the exact terms of the deal had not yet begun, claiming that “it is standard for deals to have contingencies for termination and it would work both ways”.
The source added: “Exit clauses are a key element of any international trade agreement. It is frankly exhausting to argue that these routine legal contingencies constitute a democratic disgrace.”
An EU diplomat, referring to the proposed article, said: F.T. This was “a security provision that would provide stability and deterrence for Farage and his partners”, he said, saying the bloc wanted to sign a deal that would run until the end of the current parliamentary term in Britain in 2029.
“The EU wants a long-term deal, not just until 2029 in case there is a change at the next election,” they said.
The draft text of the agreement also calls for the UK to “adapt dynamically”. [with] It will simultaneously implement the rules on animal and plant products put into effect in Brussels.
But both Reform Britain and the Conservatives have vowed to reverse dynamic alignment plans (which would see Britain automatically accept future changes to EU rules), arguing they would weaken Britain’s legal independence since Brexit.
It comes as the government prepares a bill that would give ministers the power to bring Britain into line with EU law as part of a bid to reduce paperwork and boost growth in the UK.
The bill, to be put forward this year as part of the government’s Brexit reset, would give ministers sweeping powers to bring the UK into line with EU law in certain areas such as food standards, animal welfare and pesticide use.
It is understood that the new powers could be used to implement agreements reached with the EU, such as agreements to harmonize electricity and carbon markets or plant and animal standards.
When he became prime minister, Sir Keir vowed to reset Britain’s relationship with Brussels and restore ties with the bloc after years of tension and distrust under the Conservatives.
In an interview earlier in the year, the prime minister signaled the government would be ready to move closer to the EU single market if that move was in the national interest, and insisted Britain must “go further” in strengthening post-Brexit ties with Brussels.
The Cabinet Office has been contacted for comment.
