First rounds fired in messy Brexit breakup
In keeping with divorce proceedings, testy words have been exchanged between the UK and EU
After their big bust-up a year ago, the estranged couple finally initiated divorce proceedings. On the one side of the table sat David Davis, representing Britain, the aggrieved party that smashed the crockery and moved into a motel with the people cheering on. On the other sat Michel Barnier, representing the EU, the sometimes angry, sometimes bemused partner who has been unable to work out exactly what went wrong. As proceedings of this nature go, the start was amicable enough. The parties agreed to meet for one week in each of the next several months and spend the other three weeks trying to come up with clever responses to each other. And that’s it. All they agreed on was the timetable. Still, Davis tried to make the most of it, saying: "We’ve laid solid foundations for future discussions and an ambitious but achievable timetable." Barnier reciprocated with something similar. Reuters reported that they exchanged gifts. Barnier gave Davis a walking stick from his native Alps. Dav...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.