Star comment: Now time for the UK to deliver
The diplomatic language of Jean-Claude Juncker and Michel Barnier is a million miles from the high octane rhetoric of Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump.
While the latter might warn of fire and fury or launch a ballistic missileacross a neighbouring country, messers Juncker and Barnier are more likely to frown unhappily.
Yet they make their point with the same potency as those who prefer more dramatic methods. And both have furrowed brows presently as attention turns to the next round of Brexit negotiations.
While David Davis is certainly winning support from within his own party as Britain’s chief negotiator, it is clear his European counterparts are unhappy with the lack of tangible progress to date. There have been delays and a clear dragging of feet as Britain has taken its place at the table. Its negotiating position has changed and the EU is gradually applying diplomatic pressure. Though the language remains relatively measured and positive, the message is clear: You voted for this, now get on with it.
The words of Juncker and Barnier cannot be ignored. These are powerful individuals whose negotiations on behalf of 27 other EU countries will have a profound effect on the future of our country.
The UK will need to construct a number of new relationships with Europe based on trade, immigration, security and other key issues. It has had ample time to formulate a bargaining stance – and also to accept that it cannot have its own way on every issue.
The task ahead is complex, of course, and no doubt Mr Davis and Prime Minister Theresa May will have many misgivings about the way in which the EU might wish to strong-arm the United Kingdom into accepting a deal it does not want.
However, the onus is very much on Mr Davis and Mrs May to ensure that Britain emerges with a deal that protects the interests of Britain and its people. As the summer holidays come to an end, the political temperature will continue rise as these painstaking talks continue.
What is clear from Jean Claude-Junker’s comments is that progress is unlikely to be smooth and that give and take is required on both sides. How much – and much give and take both sides are ready to concede – remains to be seen.
The conclusion is clear. Mrs May and Mr Davis are playing a high-stakes game for this country and must deliver.
