Great Britain prepares companies for "No Deal" Brexit

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Threats to the EU, requirements for companies

Photo: Peter Nicholls / REUTERS

Another attempt is to start this Monday to get the talks between Great Britain and the EU still on a successful path.

To this end, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier travels to London again for talks.

At the same time, however, preparations are under way for the British to leave without an agreement with the EU: the momentous "hard" Brexit.

Great Britain is therefore calling on British entrepreneurs to prepare for such an exit.

Around 200,000 traders would receive a letter in which new customs and tax regulations are set out, the government said on Sunday evening.

"Make no mistake, there will be changes in just 75 days and the clock is ticking for companies," said British Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove.

Now everyone must work together so that Britain can take advantage of the new opportunities that would arise "from an independent trading nation with control over its own borders, territorial waters and laws".

Chamber of Commerce criticizes the British authorities

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) accused the government of being responsible for the lack of preparation by companies.

"With the triple burden of a coronavirus resurgence, tightened restrictions and a disorderly exit from the EU after the transition period, it's no wonder companies are struggling to prepare," said Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC.

Companies are tired of constantly navigating new "cliffs and deadlines" as they struggle with fundamental challenges as a result of the pandemic.

He continues to hope for an agreement with the EU.

"A deal would give companies more clarity so that they can plan".

According to an agency report, the UK could change a controversial but not yet passed internal market law in order to still reach a deal with the EU.

In its current form, the law would allow the UK government to repeal parts of the binding divorce treaty with the EU.

Dramatic words from Boris Johnson

Before the next Brexit negotiations, the fronts between the EU and Great Britain have hardened.

At the weekend, both sides again accused of showing too little willingness to compromise.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that talks about a future trade agreement were "over".

But then the head of government left a back door open: If Europe "fundamentally changes its position", a result would still be possible, said Johnson.

Britain will "prosper as an independent free trade nation by controlling our own borders and our fisheries and setting our own laws," Johnson predicted - and thus maintained the tone of the past few months.

How seriously is the British threat to be taken?

This is "all just rhetoric," said a diplomat for the Reuters news agency.

He pointed out that Johnson had not said that there would be no further talks.

This was also emphasized by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: The EU is continuing to work for an agreement, but not at any price.

At the end of the year, the transition period, during which Great Britain still applies EU rules, expires.

The future relationship is currently being negotiated, but so far without any result.

Johnson had last set a deadline of October 15 for an agreement.

Then he made his latest threat.

At least on the European side, however, there still seems to be a certain willingness to negotiate: Negotiator Barnier wants to spend the entire week in London and, if necessary, stay over the weekend.

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jok / Reuters