UK and the EU CANCEL post-Brexit trade talks due to take place in London next week and could instead chat via videolink ‘over coronavirus fears’ as pandemic sweeps Europe
- Second round of talks due to take place in London from March 18 – 20
- Both sides ‘jointly decided’ to change the plan because of pandemic
- Comes amid coronavirus cases in both the UK and European Parliaments
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Key post-Brexit trade talks due to take place in London next week were cancelled today over coronavirus travel fears.
Michael Gove hinted yesterday that discussions due to take place from March 18 – 20 – could fall victim to the pandemic sweeping the globe.
And today a source in Brussels told the AFP news agency: ‘Given the latest COVID-19 developments, EU and UK negotiators have today jointly decided not to hold next week’s round of negotiations in London.
‘Both sides are currently exploring alternative ways to continue discussions, including if possible the use of videoconferences.’
The PM said it was clear that the disease will continue to spread around the world and people should brace for the ‘reality’ of ‘severe disruption’ for many months
Micheal Gove hinted yesterday that discussions due to take place from March 18 – 20 – could fall victim to the pandemic sweeping the globe
Meanwhile, the European Commission, the EU’s vast executive arm, ordered non-essential staff to work from home starting on Monday.
‘As much as it can affect our daily life, it is necessary to follow the experts’ advice and apply social distancing measures at work,’ commission head Ursula von der Leyen said in a note to staff.
‘As of Monday, all colleagues in non-critical functions will have to telework,’ she added.
Boris Johnson today branded coronavirus the ‘worst public health crisis in a generation’ and warned that ‘many more’ people are going to die – but still held off drastic measures.
The PM said it was clear that the disease will continue to spread around the world and people should brace for the ‘reality’ of ‘severe disruption’ for many months.
He said the government was considering measures like a ban on sporting events – but the time to act was not now.
‘At all stages we have been guided by the science. We will do the right thing at the right time,’ he said.
The PM formally declared that the UK’s tactics have shifted from ‘containing’ the killer disease to merely ‘delaying’ its inevitable spread after chairing a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee.
Mr Johnson said comparisons to seasonal flu were wrong.
‘This is more dangerous and it’s going to spread further. And I must level with you and the British public: more families, many more families, are going to lose loved ones before their time,’ he said.
The number of UK cases has risen by 130 and the death toll hit 10 in the last 24 hours, with experts increasingly bracing for turmoil as the overwhelming majority of the population becomes infected and the country develops ‘herd immunity’.
Mr Gove yesterday told MPs that the two sides were discussing the practicalities given that there are coronavirus cases in both capitals.
Asked by the Future Relationship with the European Union Committee whether negotiations could be impacted by the spread of coronavirus and whether face-to-face meetings would continue, Gove said: ‘It’s a live question.
‘We were looking forward to the joint committee meeting in the UK on the 30th of this month and we were also looking forward to the next stage of the negotiations going ahead.
‘But we have had indications today from Belgium that there may be a specific … health concern.’