Karen Connaughton, London Office, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board

This week marks the first year anniversary of Teresa May as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and within that year there have been dramatic events such as triggering of Article 50, a snap General Election, conservatives losings their commons majority and Mrs May losing her popularity rating with the public.

In the news this week, acknowledging the fragility of her position, the Prime Minister reached out to the opposition parties to “Come forward with your own views and ideas how we can tackle” the challenges the UK faces in light of the challenges of Brexit and a divide government. From this statement, it is recognition that the Prime Minister will need aid and support to deliver Brexit. In a speech made on Tuesday 11th July, Mrs May urges rival parties to ‘contribute and not just criticise’ signalling a post-election change in her style or running of the UK Government. As her time as Prime Minister positon posting is now inexact, the message of cross-party ideas and views can be seen as an approach to use this is a time for the opposition parties to be constructive and compliant rather than trying to defeat the government in parliamentary votes.

Post-election and results, Mrs May went from a strong stance to unstable and unpopular position overnight. The Conservatives lost their Commons majority and Brexit plan have gained further uncertainty under a looming deadline.

To add to the divided government, further uncertainty in regards to Brexit has been added. Michel Barnier-EU chief negotiator said he had warned the British government there was no cost-free way to leave the single market and believed some people in the UK had not understood that Britain cannot leave the EU without losing out.

Barnier stated no deal would incur losses for both sides, moreover the British. He raised the scenario of 19% tariffs on British beer, wine and spirits entering the continent and 12% on British lamb and fish, most of which is exported to the EU.

Barnier also dismissed the “no deal is better than a bad deal”. He disputed that “a fair deal is far better than no deal” and pointed out Brexit talks were not a classic negotiation, where “no deal” meant reversion to the status quo. Barnier stated EU was not looking to punish Britain, but he made his view clear, that the UK had failed to understand the EU would act in its own interest to protect the single market.

Barnier highlighted the pressing deadline, a UK is outside the EU should happen in 20 months’ time, he urged the British to reach agreements on key areas, such as, the divorce issues, a financial settlement, EU citizens’ rights and the Irish border.