At his first meeting with the EU’s chief negotiator since taking over from David Davis he said ‘progress had already been made’ as he sought to sell the benefits of Theresa May’s white paper
THE NEW Brexit Secretary has promised to “intensify” the negotiations with Michel Barnier as the EU warns other nations to get ready for “no-deal”.
At his first meeting with the EU’s chief negotiator since taking over from David Davis, Dominic Raab said “progress had already been made” as he sought to sell the benefits of Theresa May’s white paper.
His visit comes as the European Commission published a document this morning warning of a considerable impact on its business and citizens if an agreement is not reached.
Arriving at the EU headquarters for his meeting with Mr Barnier, Mr Raab told reporters while there was movement on sorting out citizens' rights, it was now "vital" to move forward on the framework of a future relationship between the UK and EU.
The Cabinet minister said: "I have come out to discuss the detailed proposals we have got in our white paper that you will have seen.
"I'm looking forward to, with renewed energy, vigour and vim, looking at the detail of all of this.
"As Michel has told us, the clock is ticking so I'm looking forward to intensifying, heating up the negotiations and making sure we are in the best position to get the best deal."
Mr Barnier said that "we have a lot of work to do", adding: "There are 13 weeks left before the October European Council. During this short time we have two things to do.
"We must finalise the withdrawal agreement and we are not yet there. We must also prepare a political declaration on our future relationship.”
He added: "On the withdrawal agreement, it is a matter of urgency to agree a legally operative backstop for Ireland and Northern Ireland. We need an all-weather insurance policy."
This morning the European Commission's 15-pages of strongly worded advice talks about the possibility of long queues at borders and ports, disruption to planes and new restrictions on data transfers.
Today's meetings are a baptism of fire for Mr Raab, who takes over the reins after Mr Davis stood down over the Prime Minister’s Chequers agreement.
It also prompted the resignations of several other members of Government, including Boris Johnson – who yesterday said it would leave Britain in "miserable permanent limbo".
The former Foreign Secretary said it was "Brexit in name only" in a devastating speech, and urged Mrs May to ditch her plan.
But instead Mr Raab has to sell that to Brussels today, who so far have said little negative about it in public – but in private are said to be unconvinced it will work.
However while Mr Davis, who only spent four hours in the Belgian capital this year, had little in common with Mr Barnier – the Frenchman may find Mr Raab a more kindred spirit.
They may seek to bond over a love of exercise and healthy eating when they have dinner at the British ambassador’s residence tonight.
It might not be enough to win over the EU however, with one senior diplomat telling the Guardian: “The white paper is not going to form the basis of the negotiations.”
Mr Raab tweeted ahead of his trip today: “Looking forward to taking questions from MPs on Brexit this morning, with our excellent Ministerial team @DExEUgov, then off to Brussels to meet Michel Barnier and his team.
“Time to intensify our negotiations.”
It comes as the commission’s leaflet states that it is the responsibility of each individual nation and institution in the EU to hire staff and make arrangements to deal with the UK crashing out without a deal.
It also warned that preparations must be stepped up immediately at all levels to take in all possible outcomes, listing potential problems in areas including borders, transport, data and movements of medicines.
Yesterday Mrs May confirmed Mr Raab’s department would begin issuing advice to UK businesses on how to prepare for a “no deal” outcome.
Meanwhile she is making her first visit to the Irish border since the referendum today, as it remains a crunch issue in the withdrawal negotiations.
And after a bruising few weeks, the PM is set to hold a series of meetings with grassroots Tories over the summer in order to boost support for her Brexit stance.
