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Brexit bill confirmed: Downing Street says London will pay Brussels up to £39bn | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Britain’s Brexit divorce bill will reach up to £39bn ($52bn) when the nation leaves the European Union, Downing Street has confirmed. The so-called divorce bill, which is being paid to meet Britain’s “commitments” to the union until 2020, had been the cause of a rift between Brussels and London. | |
In September, EU officials scoffed at Prime Minister Theresa May’s attempt to offer £20bn ($26bn) after a speech in Florence. | In September, EU officials scoffed at Prime Minister Theresa May’s attempt to offer £20bn ($26bn) after a speech in Florence. |
READ MORE: Confirmed! Brexit deal brokered between May and EU - no hard border for N. Ireland | READ MORE: Confirmed! Brexit deal brokered between May and EU - no hard border for N. Ireland |
Insiders claimed the bloc wanted as much as £60bn, since Britain’s exit will leave a yawning black hole in the budget. | Insiders claimed the bloc wanted as much as £60bn, since Britain’s exit will leave a yawning black hole in the budget. |
On Friday, after news the first round of negotiations were signed off, the figure was reported. Significantly, no officials have denied it. | On Friday, after news the first round of negotiations were signed off, the figure was reported. Significantly, no officials have denied it. |
EU lead negotiator Michel Barnier said it would be subject to change, while not officially confirming the figure. | EU lead negotiator Michel Barnier said it would be subject to change, while not officially confirming the figure. |
Downing Street confirmed it, hours later. | |
“I’ve never quoted any figures so I’m not going to start today, even if figures are bandied about. Some can be regarded as realistic. That’s not what I’m interested in – I wanted us to reach an unambiguous agreement,” Barnier said. | |
“It’s not political, it’s because we can’t actually calculate exactly the figures concerned. To a certain extent it depends on the growth rate, to what extent credits are taken up, to what extent payments are made. | “It’s not political, it’s because we can’t actually calculate exactly the figures concerned. To a certain extent it depends on the growth rate, to what extent credits are taken up, to what extent payments are made. |
"These are figures that are going to shift.” | "These are figures that are going to shift.” |
If the UK wants a transition period beyond December 31, 2020, when the current seven-year EU budget ends, it will have to pay more. | If the UK wants a transition period beyond December 31, 2020, when the current seven-year EU budget ends, it will have to pay more. |
The EU may seek further payment during the transitional period. | The EU may seek further payment during the transitional period. |
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