BREXIT NEGOTIATIONS

It is hoped ‘position papers’ will unify a fractious Cabinet towards a more agreeable position. This comes amid criticism that the UK is woefully underprepared for talks with the EU.

The UK Government is to start publishing a series of ‘Brexit position papers’ ahead of the next round of talks at the end of August in a bid to show the British prime minister is “getting on with the job” and that the Cabinet is unified around a collective position.

At the time of writing it is understood that a number of position papers have been sent to Cabinet ministers for sign off as No 10 prepares to publish the documents outlining its stance on some of the most pressing Brexit matters.

Some of those papers could be published in the next two weeks.

“These papers are meant to facilitate collective decision-making based on facts and evidence,” a senior source has said.

Position papers have been prepared on a range of issues from digital economy and data protection, to Northern Ireland, customs agreement and goods and services arrangements once Britain quits the European Union.

No 10 hopes the position papers will unify a fractious Cabinet on an agreed position; counter the perception that the British Government is unprepared for Brexit; and ease the burden of workload on the civil service.

“I know there is a desire to narrow the set of options and that is coming from departments rather than DExEU. It is a lot of work to keep open five or six scenarios, so there is a desire to make some decisions now, regardless of negotiations,” the source said.

Ministers and officials have been working flat out to draw up the position papers, aware that the Brexit deadline is fast approaching.

“Position papers may determine whether or not we can move to the second stage of negotiations, work in recess is vital,” the source added.

The Government is planning a ministerial write round – where relevant ministers beyond the Cabinet are given sight of the position papers – for the week beginning 21 August, suggesting papers could be published from that week onwards.

Britain and the EU cannot move onto talks about Britain’s future relationship with the EU, the second stage of negotiations, until the European Commission is satisfied “sufficient progress” has been made on the top three priorities: citizens’ rights, Britain’s Brexit bill and the Irish border.

The border issue is proving difficult. The Irish government has rejected a proposal from the British to use technology – cameras, pre-registered cargo – to avoid a hard border, and is instead pushing for the UK to join a new bilateral customs union with the EU.

Mrs May’s renewed focus on Britain’s Brexit position comes after a chaotic few weeks, with her cabinet split over a possible transition period after the UK quits the European Union and what a post-Brexit immigration policy might look like.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said in recent weeks there is now “broad acceptance” among the cabinet that a transitional period will be needed after Britain quits the EU and has said “many things will look similar” for up to three years after leaving.

That position is expected to be formalised in the position paper, with the government seeking a transitional customs arrangement to avoid a hard cliff edge for business.