Matthew Taylor

Sunday shows round-up: ‘One year is enough’ to complete a UK-EU trade deal, says Tusk

Donald Tusk – ‘One year is enough’ to complete trade deal

Andrew Marr spoke to the former President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. Boris Johnson’s critics have heaped scorn upon the idea that the UK and the EU can reach a comprehensive free trade agreement without extending the current Brexit transition period past the end of 2020. Tusk however, begged to differ on this:


DT: One year is enough to finalise our negotiations… We have to demonstrate good will on both sides… Business is business… The campaign is also over. The game is over.

The EU was either ‘bogeyman’ or ‘whipping boy’

Tusk lamented how he felt the EU had been made a scapegoat in British politics over many years, and blamed what he saw as an ‘irresponsible, even hostile narrative’ towards the institution, which contributed towards the eventual referendum result:


DT: The only two roles the EU played in the British narrative was the bogeyman or a whipping boy. We were responsible for every failure. I think this is the main problem.

EU would be ‘enthusiastic’ to see Scotland join

Tusk’s most controversial comments came on the subject of a future independent Scotland seeking to join the EU after the UK has left. Tusk stopped short of saying that the EU would reward an independent Scotland with an easier application process, but openly welcomed the principle of Scotland becoming a member:

DT: A new country… means a new process… Emotionally I have no doubt that everyone will be enthusiastic here in Brussels… Still, there are treaties and some formalities, but if you ask me about our emotions… you will witness only empathy.

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