A political commentator claims that German car manufacturers are likely to remain loyal to the European Union during the ongoing Brexit negotiations.
They have been lobbying Brussels and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to create a smooth trade deal with the UK once it leaves the trading bloc. But Nina Schick said German car manufacturers will choose to snub Britain despite Brexit Secretary David Davis's attempt to force the EU to discuss trade prior to Ireland, EU citizens' rights and the divorce bill.
Brussels will be more interested in preserving European solidarity
She told CNBC that car manufacturing has dominated the negotiations so far, as many industrialists want a satisfactory trade deal with the UK and clarity on the issue. However, she warned that they will not be the ones who have the final say on the deal and that car manufacturers will be more interested in preserving European solidarity and the Single Market.
Ms Schick refuted arguments that Britain will be able to "cherry-pick" certain aspects of the EU that it likes the most.
The political commentator's arguments come amidst panic in the German car industry that Brexit could have a negative effect on businesses. Martin Wansleben, Chief Executive Officer of the German Industry Group, said the consequences of Britain's EU exit are vague.
There are fears Brussels may fail to strike a trade deal with the UK
Former UKIP leader and LBC presenter Nigel Farage said there are fears Brussels may fail to strike a trade deal with the UK behind the scenes, adding this could have an impact on jobs. He said German car manufacturers are lobbying the European Parliament to ensure there is no disruption to trade.
Theresa May has recently stated her support for Mr. Davis's Brexit position, saying she hopes the trading bloc will be willing to discuss a trading relationship between both sides in October. As the Brexit Secretary and the EU's Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, begin the third round of negotiations this week, the Prime Minister urged Brussels to be more imaginative and pragmatic.
Her spokesperson said the UK is in a strong position to push for trade discussions to begin sooner. She added that she hopes the European Council will agree in October to bring forward trade talks sooner.
No chance of trade discussions beginning
Mr. Barnier said that this week's talks should concentrate on EU citizens' rights and British citizens living in Europe, the final size of the divorce bill and the Irish border. The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said there is no chance of trade discussions beginning until Britain has met its final financial obligations.
The British Government and Brussels are facing a stalemate over the final sum of the divorce bill, which is likely to be £90 billion, and preserving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
Much to the dismay of Mr. Davis's team, Mr. Juncker said that none of Britain's position papers on issues such as citizens' rights and Ireland were satisfactory. He said that whilst he respects the British people's decision last June to leave the trading bloc, the European Commission will not alter its current timetable. EU officials also reiterated the European Commission President's final position.
Mr. Davis said he wants to move forward with the areas which they agree on and resolve any outstanding differences. He said that his aim, a trading relationship which works for both sides, will remain his ultimate goal and that he will roll up his sleeves to complete this job. He added that technical discussions around all outstanding issues need to be resolved.
Ms Merkel announced this week that she wants to proceed with her plans for further European integration. She supports calls to establish a European Monetary Fund and to create an "economics and finance" minister. This would replace the European Stability Mechanism set up in 2012 to tackle the ongoing Eurozone crisis.
