Barnier in some Q&A
It's been made clear, I am the Brexit negotiator (answering a question on the May/Jancker supposed spat)
- I will be concentrating on facts, figures, laws and not emotions
- Time is ticking and very short on reaching an agreement with Britain
- Talks on free trade will not start immediately
- Hopes in the Autumn, October or November that there's been sufficient progress to move on to second phase (so part of phase one is agreeing the bill, part two can move on to trade)
- Citizen rights are a first priority for Brexit talks (put that in the first phase)
- On finances, "sufficient progress" will mean a deal on the methodology (of divorce bill)
- Citizen rights and "sufficient progress" will include a cut off date
- (asked a q on the Brexit bill numbers) Does not know a figure
- We cannot give any definite numbers because life will continue until the UK's withdrawal
- EU seeks a schedule of annual UK payments under divorce terms
- Brexit will have legal and human consequences
- Those who say there will not be consequences are not telling the truth
- The people I have met in London are aware of the difficulties
