Brussels bigwigs could stop the UK’s divorce from the bloc, unless Britain coughs up a huge sum to settle the country’s “membership bill”.
Although an exact amount has not been announced, the European Commission’s chief negotiator, Michael Barnier, is reported to be working on the basis the UK would pay a fee of £42-£50 billion for its outstanding liabilities.
On Thursday, French Liberal MEP, Sylvie Goulard, claimed it was the “responsibility” of the remaining 27 states to make sure Britain paid the staggering figure.
Speaking on BBC’s Today programme, she said: “We have to give our consent according to the treaties and we will make sure that a country that is leaving the EU is paying the bill.”
Britain’s exit bill is believed to include the UK’s obligation to pay into the Brussels pot until the end of 2020, as the Government has already signed up to the multi-annual financial framework.
The sum will also include Britain’s share of outstanding pension liabilities along with payments associated with loan guarantees.
The French MEP, who sits on the economic and monetary affairs committee, said other EU nations must not be punished for the UK’s decision to quit the union.
“Britain must not get a better deal than the members who stay fully committed – otherwise this is not punishment,” she continued.
“If you are a member of a club, you have rights, you have duties, if you are not members of the club then you do not have the duties but you don’t have the rights – so I hope we can be fair.”
Theresa May has warned Brussels she will walk out of the impending negotiations if EU leaders try to punish Britain.
In her historic speech outlining the course for a truly independent nation, the prime minister spelt out that the UK will break ties with the bloc whatever happens around the negotiating table.
With the bill expected to be at the top of the agenda when Article 50 is triggered ahead of Brexit, Ms Goulard believes Britain will end up paying the billions of pounds.