The UK’s judge on the EU court suggested Brexit was a ‘great mistake’ and a Czech minister slammed Boris Johnson as ‘unimpressive’, a leaked Irish government report has revealed.
The internal report, based on information from Irish embassies across Europe, reveals widespread moaning about the ‘chaotic’ British position on leaving the EU.
During a meeting in Luxembourg, Ian Forrester, the British judge in the European Court of Justice apparently bemoaned ‘the quality of politicians in Westminster’.
He also wondered if the British public would view Brexit as ‘a great mistake’ when they realised what leaving the EU entailed, according to the details obtained by broadcaster RTE.
During a meeting in Luxembourg, Ian Forrester, the British judge in the European Court of Justice apparently bemoaned ‘the quality of politicians in Westminster’ (file picture)
In another meeting, a minister in the Czech government described Boris Johnson (pictured in Downing Street yesterday) as ‘unimpressive’
In another meeting, a minister in the Czech government described Boris Johnson as ‘unimpressive’ but noted that at least he had ‘avoided any gaffes’ during a visit in September.
The Czech deputy minister for foreign affairs Jakub Durr told officials ‘he felt sorry for British Ambassadors around the EU trying to communicate a coherent message when there is political confusion at home’.
The report claims Brexit was barely mentioned during one meeting between David Davis and French ministers for defence and foreign affairs – something which was viewed as a wasted opportunity.
The confidential document is based on political reports from Irish embassies across Europe between November 6 and 10.
The report was compiled Theresa May fought to unblock the stand-off in Brexit talks with Brussels.
The Irish government has been stepping up its rhetoric over the border, insisting Northern Ireland should stay in the EU customs union.
They have threatened to veto moving on to trade talks unless the UK concedes on the issue.
Downing Street defended the UK’s preparations for Brexit and insisted there was a ‘good and constructive’ relationship between London and Dublin.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘I don’t comment on leaked documents.
‘The Government is working hard on preparations for Brexit.’
He added: ‘There is good and constructive working relationship with the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach.’
Mr Johnson held talks with Irish counterpart Simon Coveney in Dublin last week
There had been progress in talks on the issues with Ireland – particularly the common travel area – but there was ‘more work to be done, everybody accepts that’, the spokesman said.
‘Equally I think everybody is committed to ensuring a frictionless border,’ he added.
Asked about the reported comments by Mr Forester, the spokesman said: ‘There are strong views held on this subject.’
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin declined to comment on the leak.
Meanwhile, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator has set his sights on getting rid of Britain’s annual budget rebate in a move which would hike the cost of a transition deal by £10billion.
The rebate was secured by Margaret Thatcher in 1984 and means some of the cash the UK pours into the coffers in Brussels is paid back each year.
But Michel Barnier has failed to take into account this money when spelling out how much he thinks the UK owes the bloc.
He has pegged the UK’s financial obligations at 14 per cent of the EU’s budget – rather than the lower 12.5 per cent it is after the rebate.
And it would see the cost of the proposed two-year Brexit transition deal after we quit the bloc in March 2019 soar by a staggering £10billion.
The Cabinet is believed to have signed off an increased divorce offer of around £40billion which will be tabled by Mrs May at a crucial EU summit next month.