EU would move ‘extremely quickly’ to agree a post-Brexit customs union, says Michel Barnier

The EU will move quickly to back a post-Brexit customs union with the UK if Theresa May shifts her red lines, Brussels chief negotiator has claimed.

Speaking in Dublin, Michel Barnier said he hoped the cross-party talks taking place in London would produce a “positive outcome” with the prospect of a no deal Brexit now just days away.

The Conservatives and Labour are locked in discussions around finding deal both parties could back, with the opposition pushing for the UK to enter a customs union with the EU once it had left the bloc.

Theresa May has long said the UK being in control of its trade policy – something ruled out in a customs union – was one of the prizes on offer from Brexit.

On Monday morning, her official deputy spokesperson repeated that view, but said the Prime Minister acknowledges there needs to be compromise in order to leave the EU with a deal.

Speaking on Monday afternoon, Barnier said: “I have said many times before that we can be much more ambitious in our future relationship with the UK.

“The political declaration provides for a range of outcomes including a customs union.

“We are ready to make this clearer if it helps and this work can be done extremely quickly.”

Barnier reiterated the EU’s position that the Irish backstop protocol contained in the withdrawal agreement is the only way to ensure a hard border does not return on the Ireland in the absence of a trade deal after Brexit.

He added: “If the UK were to leave the EU without a deal, let me be very clear, we will not discuss anything with the UK until there is an agreement for Ireland and Northern Ireland as well for citizens’ rights and financial settlement."

Appearing alongside him, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the talks between the Conservative and Labour could be enough in themselves to warrant a further delay to Brexit.

“From Ireland’s perspective, we’re open to extending the deadline to allow time for these discussions to run their course and come to a conclusion,” he said.

May will on Tuesday travel to Berlin and Paris to hold talks ahead of an EU summit on Wednesday where it will be decided if the Brexit negotating period should once again be delayed.