LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Politics

White paper on future UK-EU ties published

1
2018-07-13 11:16:55CGTN Editor : Gu Liping ECNS App Download
Screenshot of the cover of the white paper /gov.uk Photo

Screenshot of the cover of the white paper /gov.uk Photo

Britain published a much anticipated white paper on the country's future ties with the European Union (EU) after Brexit on Thursday. 

The 104-page document suggests a "new free trade area" with the EU in goods, a looser arrangement for financial services, and a "new framework" concerning the UK's control of its borders.

The blueprint also aims to avoid a hard border for Northern Ireland.

It calls for a continued security partnership between the UK and the EU in order to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

The document also sets out its plan to keep the UK's membership of several EU agencies, including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), for the sake of their ability to provide authorizations for goods.

Screenshot of the white paper entitled "The Future Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union" /gov.uk Photo
Screenshot of the white paper entitled "The Future Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union" /gov.uk Photo

Prime Minister Theresa May said in the white paper's foreword that "it requires pragmatism and compromise from both sides" to deliver the British people's "ambition" to take back "control of our money, laws, and borders."

The plan will be submitted to the EU, with the attempt of concluding a deal on trade after Brexit by the fall.

Reactions

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the EU would review the British government's latest proposal for trading arrangements after the country leaves the bloc on Thursday.

He expressed the EU side's willingness to start negotiations with the UK in a twitter post. 

Negotiators from both sides are due to hold their latest round of talks in Brussels next week.

Inside the UK, the white paper has already incurred some criticism.

Catherine McGuinness, the policy chief of London's financial district, said Britain's blueprint will damage the country's vast financial services sector.

"Today's Brexit white paper is a real blow for the UK's financial and related professional services sector," said McGuinness. 

She added: "With looser trade ties to Europe, the financial and related professional services sector will be less able to create jobs, generate tax and support growth across the wider economy. It's that simple."

Before its release, the plan also sparked anger among many Brexit hardliners in the British Parliament, who are afraid the eventual Brexit will fall short of a clean break from the EU. 

Two heavyweights of May's cabinet, David Davis, who used to be the Brexit secretary, and Boris Johnson, ex-foreign secretary, already resigned this week out of similar concerns.

(With input from Reuters)

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.