France warns UK of harsh trade negotiations after Brexit

Britain has been given a warning by France to expect a severe fight with the EU in Brexit trade negotiations.

Foreign minister of France Jean Le Drian said at a conference in Munich that Brussels would justice his stance when negotiations begin next month.

He also said that both the countries would “rip each other apart” as they tried for a favor in the negotiations.

On the other hand, the UK government has clarified that it wanted an agreement based on “friendly co-operation between sovereign equals”.

Mr. Le Drian said while talking at the security conference in Munich that the UK would find it difficult to achieve its aim of getting a free trade deal by the end of this year, with the two sides having issues.

He said, “I think that on trade issues and the mechanism for future relations, which we are going to start on, we are going to rip each other apart.

“But that is part of negotiations, everyone will defend their interests.”

Mr. Le Drian is a close ally of President Emanuel Macron. He is the latest senior person from the EU to warn about negotiations.

The EU has threatened that the UK cannot expect to get “high quality” market access if it insists on separating from EU social and environmental standards.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK will act as an “independent coastal state” and will take control of its fisheries.

The Downing Street spokesperson said,  “Our approach is clear – we are not asking for anything special, bespoke or unique, but are looking for a deal like those the EU has struck previously with other friendly countries like Canada.

“We want a relationship based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals, one centered on free trade and inspired by our shared history and values.”