UK vows not to agree to alignment on EU rules as negotiating team gears up to resume Brexit talks

The UK has vowed not to agree to any alignment on EU rules as Brexit talks resume in Brussels tomorrow.

A source close to British negotiators said it would not accept any deal that ‘constrains’ the UK to the EU’s rules and infringes sovereignty.

They reiterated that the UK was still seeking a free trade deal with the EU, similar to its agreement with Canada.

The source said: ‘We remain committed to working hard to find the outlines of a balanced agreement.

‘We have been repeatedly clear that we are looking for a deal with, at its core, a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada – that is, an agreement based on existing precedents.

‘But what we cannot have is a form of relationship which requires alignment or one that constrains us to the EU’s rules. 

‘Our priority throughout the process has always been the return of our sovereignty.’ 

It came as former Brexit secretary David Davis said that 50 civil servants going to Brussels to negotiate a Brexit deal was not enough.

The Tory MP for Haltemprice and Howden added: ‘It ought to be a couple of hundred, in truth. Because there are so many things going on in parallel.’

He said: ‘We are also negotiating with Japan, and the New Zealanders and Australians… and the Americans and the New Zealanders are complaining we’re not moving fast enough. 

‘And that is partly because of the capability in Whitehall, and I dare I say it, the enthusiasm in Whitehall.’

Brexiteer Tory MP and former minister Theresa Villiers said: ‘Boris’s negotiators have said alignment is off the table. 

‘That’s the right approach and they should stick to that so we get Brexit done.’