David Davis slams Brussels for acting ‘in bad faith’ in Brexit negotiations David Davis has launched a stinging attack on the European Commission, accusing it of “discourteous language” and acting in bad […]

David Davis has launched a stinging attack on the European Commission, accusing it of “discourteous language” and acting in bad faith in the Brexit negotiations.

He revealed tensions with Brussels ahead of talks over the terms of Britain’s post-Brexit transition deal.

The Brexit Secretary hit out after the Commission released documents warning Britain that it could face tough sanctions if it breached the terms of the transition period.

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It signalled that the EU wants to be able to act against Britain for breaching its rules without having to bring the case to the European Court of Justice.

‘Frankly discourteous language’

Mr Davis said: “I do not think it was in good faith to publish a document with frankly discourteous language, and actually implying that they could arbitrarily terminate, in effect, the implementation period.

“That’s not what the aim of this exercise is, it’s not in good faith, and we think it’s unwise to publish that.”

The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, this week told Britain that it was time to choose between being in the customs union during the transition period and having tariff-free access to the single market.

Britain could be regarded as ‘member state’

A “technical note” published by the government on Thursday suggested that Britain could be regarded as an “EU member state” during the transition in order to maintain trade deal with non-EU countries.

The proposal will anger Brexiteers who have warned of the danger of Britain being a “vassal state” during the transition.

Cabinet ministers struggled on Thursday to make headway in a second round of discussions over Britain’s negotiating strategy.

The two-hour session focused on what sort of trade deal Theresa May should aim for in negotiations with Brussels.

Following a presentation by her chief negotiator, Olly Robbins, ministers discussed the various options but reached no firm conclusions.

Plans are now being drawn up for ministers to hold an “away day” outside London later this month to try to resolve their differences.